Molecular evidence of vector-borne pathogens coinfecting dogs from Poland
Ticks of the genusIxodesare vectors for many pathogens, includingBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato,Anaplasma phagocytophilumandRickettsiaspp., and may also serve as vectors forBartonellaspp. However, the role of ticks inBartonellatransmission requires additional studies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether coinfection with two or more vector-borne pathogens can occur in the following three groups of dogs: I — dogs with suspected borreliosis (N = 92), II — dogs considered healthy (N = 100), and III — dogs with diagnosed babesiosis (N = 50). Polymerase chain reactions were performed to detect DNA ofAnaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsiaspp. andBartonellaspp. in the blood of dogs. In dogs of Group I, the DNA of bothA. phagocytophilumandBartonellasp. was detected (14% and 1%, respectively). In eight dogs, coinfection was indicated:A. phagocytophilumorBartonellasp. withB. burgdorferis.l. (the presence of antibodies against and/or DNAB. burgdorferis.l.). In the case of five dogs positive forA. phagocytophilumDNA, no coinfection withB. burgdorferis.l. was shown. In Group II, the DNA ofA. phagocytophilumwas detected in four dogs. In Group III, no pathogenic agents possibly transmitted by ticks were confirmed. No DNA ofR. helveticawas detected in any of the groups studied.