SEROLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF CANINE VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES CAUSED BY ANAPLASMA SPP., BORRELIA BURGDORFERI, EHRLICHIA CANIS AND DIROFILARIA IMMITIS IN DOGS FROM GOVERNADOR ISLAND, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Abstract

The study aimed to detect the serological positivity rates and spatial distribution of Anaplasma spp, Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, and Ehrlichia spp. among client-owned dogs in Governador Island, Rio de Janeiro, using the in-clinic SNAP® 4Dx® Plus test. Among resident dogs, 48.08% scored positive for one or more of the four pathogens. The specific seroprevalence was highest for Ehrlichia (25.19%), followed by D. immitis (14.5%) and Anaplasma sp. (8.39%), while B. burgdorferi was not detected. Combined infections were detected in almost one-tenth of the positive samples. No sex difference was observed, and infections were more common in dogs aged 3 to 10 years. This study is the first survey of canine vector-borne diseases on the Island. Given the results, client education, treatment of positive cases, and popularization of prophylactic measures are recommended to protect dogs and humans residing in the island region.