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Molecular detection and characterization of tick-borne hemoparasites and Anaplasmataceae in dogs in major cities of Malawi
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in dogs have attracted much attention over the last decade since some are now known to be zoonotic and pose a threat to both animal and human health sectors. Despite the increase in the number of studies on canine TBPs worldwide, only a few studies have been conducted in...
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Published in: | Parasitology research (1987) 2021-01, Vol.120 (1), p.267-276 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in dogs have attracted much attention over the last decade since some are now known to be zoonotic and pose a threat to both animal and human health sectors. Despite the increase in the number of studies on canine TBPs worldwide, only a few studies have been conducted in resource-limited countries where research priority is given to food animals than companion animals. In the present study, the occurrence of TBPs of the genera
Babesia
,
Hepatozoon
,
Anaplasma
, and
Ehrlichia
was investigated in 209 owned and stray dogs in three major cities in Malawi through molecular techniques. Among the examined dogs, 93 (44.5%) were infected with at least one TBP. The detection rates were 23.1% for
Babesia rossi
, 2.9% for
B. vogeli
, 19.1% for
Hepatozoon canis
, 2.4% for
Anaplasma platys
, and 3.8% for
Ehrlichia canis.
This is the first molecular study that has provided evidence that dogs in Malawi are infected with TBPs
.
Sensitization is required for veterinary practitioners, dog handlers, and pet owners as the detected pathogens affect the animals’ wellbeing. Further studies focusing on rural areas with limited or no access to veterinary care are required to ascertain the extent of the TBP infection in dogs. |
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ISSN: | 0932-0113 1432-1955 |
DOI: | 10.1007/s00436-020-06967-y |