Molecular prevalence of , and in dogs and associated ticks in Egypt: Emerging One Health challenging zoonoses.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Tick-borne pathogens pose a significant problem in canines, other animals, and humans worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of , and in dogs and associated ticks in Egypt.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples from 110 tick-infested dogs and 550 whole ticks (divided into 110 pools) were collected and tested for the targeted pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

Of the 110 dog blood samples, DNA was detected in three samples, in six samples, and in one kenneled dog. Among the 110 tick pools, was detected in four pools, in 12 pools, and in three pools from kenneled dogs. The overall prevalence of the three agents in dog and tick samples were 3.18%, 8.18%, and 1.81%, respectively. Simultaneous positive PCR reactions in both dogs and their associated tick pools were observed in four cases. and were simultaneously detected in two dogs and two tick pools, whereas was detected in one dog but not in any tick pools. The three agents were simultaneously detected in one dog, but none were found in the corresponding tick pools. A mixed infection of and was observed in one dog and one tick pool.

CONCLUSION

Molecular diagnosis is the most reliable method for detecting , and in dogs and associated ticks. showed the highest prevalence in both dog and tick samples followed by while showed the lowest prevalence. The potential transmission of these diseases from companion dogs to humans through ticks presents a significant challenge for the One Health concept.