The seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and anaplasma phagocytophilum in clinically healthy dogs from Sinop region of Turkey

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Ixodes ricinus ticks are frequently encountered in the Black Sea Region of Turkey, including the province of Sinop. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in dogs living in eight villages of Sinop and to clarify epidemiological similarities between both infectious agents. Methods. In August 2007, blood samples were collected from 93 dogs, which appeared clinically healthy. Serum samples were tested by the ELISA method for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. and A. phagocytophilum IgG antibodies. Results. B. burgdorferi s.l. IgG antibodies were detected in 26 of 93 dogs (28.0%) and A. phagocytophilum IgG antibodies in 28 of them (30.1%). Only B. burgdorferi s.l antibodies were detected in 7 dogs (7.5%), only A. phagocytophilum antibodies in 9 dogs (9.7%) and co-seroprevalence was seen in 19 dogs (20.4%). Seroprevalence of A. phagocytophilum was higher in the seropositive dogs to B. burgdorferi s.l. than the group of seronegative dogs (X2= 28.90, p= 0.001) and there was a positive correlation between both infectious agent (Phi coefficient= 0.584, p= 0.001). Conclusion. Dogs of Sinop in Turkey are under high risk to get infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. and A. phagocytophilum and most probably in similar climatic regions of the country. Also the seroprevalence rates in dogs are important to be an indicator of endemic status of a given region for humans, too.

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Canine borreliosis , canine anaplasmosis , borrelia burgdorferi s.l. , anaplasma phagocytophilum , tick , borne infections , co , seroprevalence , Turkey

Cumhuriyet Medical Journal

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Cumhuriyet Medical Journal