Abundance and diversity of ectoparasites of wild birds in Pandam Wildlife Park, Plateau State, Nigeria

Birds’ populations are being threatened by parasites that have not received adequate attention by parasitologists. This study aimed at evaluating the abundance and diversity of ectoparasites of the wild birds in Pandam Wildlife Park. A systematic five-month study of ectoparasites was conducted. Sixty-two (62) birds were trapped using mist nets and examined for ectoparasite infestation. Wool soaked with 70% ethanol, using gloved-protected-hand; ectoparasites were carefully extracted, preserved in sampling bottles containing 70% alcohol for morphological identification. A wide spectrum insecticide (0.09% tetrametrin and 0.45 piperronyl) was used to pulverize tiny parasites on the feather over a white paper. Overall, 4,066 ectoparasites belonging to 5 orders, 8 families, and 24 species were identified from the trapped birds. Fiftysix 56(90.3%) birds were found to be infested with ectoparasites, while 6(9.7%) had none. Phthirathera, and Siphonaptera were the most and least abundant respectively. The highest parasites found were lice (96.60%) and the least, fleas (0.02%). Wing predilection site had the highest infestation rate (83%), and the lowest was the leg (0.37%). The most caught and most infested bird species was the West African thrush bird Turdus pelios (14.28%), followed by the Red-checked cuckoo-shrike and Bronze manikin (10.70% and 7.14%) respectively. Least species of bird infested among others, were the African paradise king fisher, Blue-throated brown sunbird, Blue-spotted wood dove, and Blue-breasted fire finch (1.79%). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the rate of infestations among the caught and examined bird species. The study provided useful insight and knowledge on how diverse and abundant ectoparasites of bird species are in this park and possible vector-borne diseases that may have zoonotic potential. Keywords: Abundance; birds; ectoparasites; diversity; park; wildlife.

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Drug Resistance in Filarial Parasites Does Not Affect Mosquito Vectorial Capacity

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10010002 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 2

Author(s):

Erik Neff ◽

Christopher C. Evans ◽

Pablo D. Jimenez Castro ◽

Ray M. Kaplan ◽

Guha Dharmarajan

Keyword(s):

Drug Resistance ◽

Transmission Efficiency ◽

Vectorial Capacity ◽

Vertebrate Host ◽

Mosquito Vector ◽

Drug Resistant ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Asian Tiger ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Vector Borne

Parasite drug resistance presents a major obstacle to controlling and eliminating vector-borne diseases affecting humans and animals. While vector-borne disease dynamics are affected by factors related to parasite, vertebrate host and vector, research on drug resistance in filarial parasites has primarily focused on the parasite and vertebrate host, rather than the mosquito. However, we expect that the physiological costs associated with drug resistance would reduce the fitness of drug-resistant vs. drug-susceptible parasites in the mosquito wherein parasites are not exposed to drugs. Here we test this hypothesis using four isolates of the dog heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)—two drug susceptible and two drug resistant—and two vectors—the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Ae. albopictus)—as our model system. Our data indicated that while vector species had a significant effect on vectorial capacity, there was no significant difference in the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes infected with drug-resistant vs. drug-susceptible parasites. Consequently, contrary to expectations, our data indicate that drug resistance in D. immitis does not appear to reduce the transmission efficiency of these parasites, and thus the spread of drug-resistant parasites in the vertebrate population is unlikely to be mitigated by reduced fitness in the mosquito vector.

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Abundance, diversity and daily activity of terrestrial mammal and bird species in disturbed and undisturbed limestone habitats using camera trapping, Central Thailand

Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity ◽

10.13057/biodiv/d220864 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (8) ◽

Author(s):

MANANYA PLA-ARD ◽

WIPAVEE HOONHEANG ◽

BUNYATHIPORN KAEWDEE ◽

TARAPON PANGANTA ◽

KHWANRUTAI CHARASPET ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Daily Activity ◽

Bird Species ◽

Wild Birds ◽

Camera Trapping ◽

Mountainous Area ◽

Mining Activities ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Terrestrial Mammal ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Central Thailand

Abstract: Pla-ard M, Hoonheang W, Kaewdee B, Panganta T, Charaspet K, Khoiesri N, Paansri P, Kanka P, Chanachai Y, Thongbanthum J, Bangthong P, Sukmasuang R. 2021. Abundance, diversity and daily activity of terrestrial mammal and bird species in disturbed and undisturbed limestone habitats using camera trapping, Central Thailand. Biodiversitas 22: 3620-3631. This study on the abundance, diversity and daily activity of terrestrial mammal and bird species was conducted in the limestone mountainous area of Central Thailand, located on the east of Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai forest complex. Camera traps were placed in both habitats disturbed by limestone mining and undisturbed habitat areas. From the study, a total of 38 species of mammals and birds from 27 families in 13 orders were recorded, including 15 species of mammals from 6 orders, 12 families and 23 species of birds from 14 families in 7 orders. Fifteen species of mammals were recorded in the undisturbed area and 11 were recorded in the disturbed area, with the Malayan Pangolin, Small Indian Civet and Grey-bellied Squirrel found in the undisturbed area. However, the number of bird species in the limestone mining area was larger than in the undisturbed area. It was also found that there was no difference in the overall abundance and diversity of mammalian species between disturbed and undisturbed areas, which is not in accordance with the hypothesis. But in the case of wild birds, the relative abundance of wild birds was found to differ significantly between areas. A high number was found in the areas with mining activities, although there was no difference in the diversity index of the two areas. However, it was found that when the combined data was analyzed, there was a significant difference in the daily activity of both mammals and wild birds in both areas. Many rare wildlife species were recorded during this study, for example, the Malayan Pangolin, Serow, Northern Pig-tailed Macaque, Rufous Limestone-babbler, Golden Jackal, Leopard Cat, Large-toothed Ferret Badger, Small Asian Mongoose, Common Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Malayan Porcupine. The key measure proposed is to preserve some natural habitats within the areas with mining activities, as wildlife remains in the area.

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Molecular Characterization of Some Equine Vector-Borne Pathogens and Identification of Their Vectors in Egypt

10.21203/rs.3.rs-26089/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hend H.A.M. Abdullah ◽

Dina Aboelsoued ◽

Tarek K Farag ◽

Kadria N Abdel Megeed ◽

Sobhy Abdel-Shafy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Techniques ◽

Ixodid Ticks ◽

Morphological Identification ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Maldi Tof ◽

Vector Borne ◽

First Time ◽

Multiple Pathogens ◽

Apparently Healthy

Abstract Background Equine vector borne diseases (EVBD) have been considered emerging and reemerging diseases transmitted by arthropods and most of these diseases have zoonotic concern. This study was designed to screen EVBD in equines and their vectors using molecular analyses and identify vectors by MALDI-TOF and molecular techniques.Methods A total of 335 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy equines (320 from horses and 15 from donkeys) from Cairo and Beni-Suef provinces in Egypt. A total of 166 arthropods (105 sucking flies and 61 ticks) were collected from the same animals. MALDI-TOF and molecular techniques were used to confirm the findings of morphological identification of vector. Quantitative PCR and Standard PCR coupled with sequencing were performed in equines and vectors DNA for screening multiple pathogens.Results MALDI-TOF and molecular techniques confirmed that Hippoposca equina (louse fly), Rhipicephalus annulatus (Rh. annulatus) and Rh. microplus ixodid ticks were found. In vectors, we identified Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale; 1.6%), A. platys-like (1.6%) and a new Ehrlichia sp. (4.9%) in Rh. microplus, while Ehrlichia rustica (E. rustica) was found in Rh. microplus and Rh. annulatus. Likewise, Borrelia theileri was identified in Rh. microplus (3.3%). For H. equina, Anaplasma and Borrelia sp. DNA were detected by qPCR only. In equines, A. marginale (0.6%), A. ovis (0.6%) and Theileria ovis (T. ovis; 0.6%) were found in donkeys. In horses, T. equi (1.2%) and a new Theileria sp. Africa (2.7%) were identified.Conclusions For the first time, we reported here the presence of Rh. microplus as a competent tick for Rh. annulatus in Egypt using MALDI-TOF and molecular identification. To the best of our knowledge, we provided the first detection of different pathogens as A. marginale, A. platys-like, E. rustica, new Ehrlichia sp., B. theileri in Rh. microplus, A. marginale, A. ovis and T. ovis in donkeys and a new Theileria sp. Africa in horses in Egypt.

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Early effects of climate change: do they include changes in vector-borne disease?

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rstb.2001.0894 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 356 (1411) ◽

pp. 1057-1068 ◽

Cited By ~ 180

Author(s):

R. S. Kovats ◽

D. H. Campbell-Lendrum ◽

A. J. McMichel ◽

A. Woodward ◽

J. St H. Cox

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Direct Evidence ◽

Bird Species ◽

Temporal Distribution ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Climate Change Effects ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Early Effects ◽

The Impact

The world's climate appears now to be changing at an unprecedented rate. Shifts in the distribution and behaviour of insect and bird species indicate that biological systems are already responding to this change. It is well established that climate is an important determinant of the spatial and temporal distribution of vectors and pathogens. In theory, a change in climate would be expected to cause changes in the geographical range, seasonality (intra–annual variability), and in the incidence rate (with or without changes in geographical or seasonal patterns). The detection and then attribution of such changes to climate change is an emerging task for scientists. We discuss the evidence required to attribute changes in disease and vectors to the early effects of anthropogenic climate change. The literature to date indicates that there is a lack of strong evidence of the impact of climate change on vector–borne diseases (i.e. malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, tick–borne diseases). New approaches to monitoring, such as frequent and long–term sampling along transects to monitor the full latitudinal and altitudinal range of specific vector species, are necessary in order to provide convincing direct evidence of climate change effects. There is a need to reassess the appropriate levels of evidence, including dealing with the uncertainties attached to detecting the health impacts of global change.

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Young and Old Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa Linn) Leaf Extracts As an Aedes aegypti Larva Insecticide

Medical Laboratory Technology Journal ◽

10.31964/mltj.v0i0.231 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Abdul Khair ◽

Noraida Noraida

Keyword(s):

Aedes Aegypti ◽

Leaf Extract ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Control Group ◽

Leaf Extracts ◽

Control Group Design ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Apple Leaves ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Vector Borne

Vector-borne diseases are still a health problem in some tropical countries. One vector-borne disease is Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). DHF never decreases and even tends to continue to increase, and many cause deaths in children, 90% of them attack children under 15 years. DHF cases in 2018 amounted to 65,602 cases, with 467 deaths (CFR = 0.71%). The behavior of holding water in various places such as tubs and tendons indirectly creates a breeding place for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The use of chemicals as insecticides can cause the death of non-target animals, environmental pollution, and the occurrence of vector resistance to insecticides. Therefore it is necessary to do other methods including the use of vegetable insecticides. Sugar apple leaves can be used to kill Aedes aegypti larvae. Sugar apple leaves will obtain throughout the year. The purpose of this study is to know the ability of young and old sugar apple leaves to kill Aedes aegypti larvae. This type of research is a posttest only control group design. The study sample was part of the Aedes aegypti larvae on the final instar III. The experiment to kill Aedes aegypti larvae use two types of sugar apple leaf extract, namely young and old sugar apple leaves with nine treatments four replications. Each treatment consisted of 25 larvae. The research results show There was no significant difference in the number of dead larvae using either extracts from young sugar apple leaves or old sugar apple leaves. LC90 of sugar apple leaf extract was between 0.05632 to 0.08324% and the effective residual age at LC90 (0.06568%) with the death of Aedes aegypti larvae was 92% over 24 hours (1 day).

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Expression of MicroRNA of Macrophages Infected with Attenuated Leishmania major Parasite

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1724021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (03) ◽

pp. 106-110

Author(s):

Mohammad Hossein Feiz Haddad ◽

Hossein Rezvan ◽

Alireza Nourian ◽

Habib Habibpour

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Leishmania Major ◽

Host Cells ◽

Control Group ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Intracellular Parasites ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Infected Cells ◽

Vector Borne

Abstract Objective Leishmaniasis has been proposed as one of the neglected vector-borne diseases due to an obligate intracellular parasite of the genus Leishmania. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) with a length of 22-nucleotide are known as the noncoding small RNAs. MiRNAs contribute to many biological and cellular approaches. Therefore, the present study evaluated expressing mmu-miR-721, mmu-miR-294–3p, mmu-miR-155–3p, and mmu-miR-30a in murine macrophages infected with attenuated Leishmania major parasites on 3 days after infection. Methods Attenuated promastigotes have been achieved after 20 passages of Leishmania major parasites. Cell line J774A.1 (murine macrophage) has been used for in vitro experiments. The stationary phase of attenuated L. major promastigotes has been chosen to infect the cells, and then their incubation has been performed with 5% CO2 at 37°C for 3 days. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has also been performed with SYBR Green master-mix Kit for measuring the level of mmu-miR-721, mmu-miR-294–3p, mmu-miR-30a, and mmu-miR-155-3p expression. Uninfected macrophages have been considered as a control group. Results Real-time PCR demonstrated overexpression of mmu-miR-155-3p, mmu-miR-294–3p, and, mmu-miR-721 in the infected cells with Leishmania parasites after 3 days. Results showed no statistically significant difference in the mmu-miR-30a expression between infected macrophages and the uninfected control group. Conclusion Our findings suggested the significant contribution of the alterations in the miRNA levels to the regulation of macrophage functions following the creation of intracellular parasites like Leishmania. These data could help to understand better the genes' expression in the host cells in the course of leishmaniasis.

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Detecting transmission areas of malaria parasites in a migratory bird species

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182015000487 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 142 (9) ◽

pp. 1215-1220 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

LUZ GARCIA-LONGORIA ◽

OLOF HELLGREN ◽

STAFFAN BENSCH ◽

FLORENTINO DE LOPE ◽

ALFONSO MARZAL

Keyword(s):

Migratory Birds ◽

Sequence Data ◽

Bird Species ◽

Allelic Diversity ◽

Surface Protein ◽

Merozoite Surface Protein ◽

Migratory Bird ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Different Strains

SUMMARYThe identification of the regions where vector-borne diseases are transmitted is essential to study transmission patterns and to recognize future changes in environmental conditions that may potentially influence the transmission areas. SGS1, one of the lineages of Plasmodium relictum, is known to have active transmission in tropical Africa and temperate regions of Europe. Nuclear sequence data from isolates infected with SGS1 (based on merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) allelic diversity) have provided new insights on the distribution and transmission areas of these allelic variants. For example, MSP1 alleles transmitted in Africa differ from those transmitted in Europe, suggesting the existence of two populations of SGS1 lineages. However, no study has analysed the distribution of African and European transmitted alleles in Afro-Palearctic migratory birds. With this aim, we used a highly variable molecular marker to investigate whether juvenile house martins become infected in Europe before their first migration to Africa. We explored the MSP1 allelic diversity of P. relictum in adult and juvenile house martins. We found that juveniles were infected with SGS1 during their first weeks of life, confirming active transmission of SGS1 to house martins in Europe. Moreover, we found that all the juveniles and most of adults were infected with one European transmitted MSP1 allele, whereas two adult birds were infected with two African transmitted MSP1 alleles. These findings suggest that house martins are exposed to different strains of P. relictum in their winter and breeding quarters.

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Schirmer’s Test I and Determination of Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo)

Acta Scientiae Veterinariae ◽

10.22456/1679-9216.96108 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rahime Yaygingul ◽

Zeynep Bozkan ◽

Osman Bulut ◽

Eser Cakmakci ◽

Ali Belge

Keyword(s):

Intraocular Pressure ◽

Bird Species ◽

Wild Birds ◽

Topical Anesthesia ◽

Rebound Tonometry ◽

Buteo Buteo ◽

Tear Production ◽

Significant Difference ◽

In The Wild ◽

The Right

Background: The structure of the eye in wild birds is 45% larger than that in humans, which provides excellent visual capacity but also makes them vulnerable to eye trauma. Trauma, neoplasia, infectious diseases of the ocular surface, uveitis, glaucoma, and corneal diseases in wild birds, but mainly trauma, can cause a reduction in their tear production; therefore, determining the amount of tear production in the wild birds is very important. Studies have shown that the results of the Schirmer’s tear test (STT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) values differ among wild bird species, and that both anesthesia and sedation affects these parameters. The main objective of the present study was to determined IOP and STT I values in healthy common buzzards (Buteo buteo).Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty healthy common buzzards were selected for the study following clinical and ophthalmic examinations. Following physical and clinical examinations of all subjects, routine ophthalmologic examinations were conducted, including reflex examinations (pupillary, palpebral, menace, dazzle) and direct ophthalmoscopy for the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, lens, and fundus. All examinations were conducted without anesthesia or sedation while the birds were in the dorsal recumbent position, and the results of STT I and IOP were recorded. Both tests were repeated for the right and left eyes. The mean ± SE STT I values for the right and left eyes were 12.63 ± 0.51 and 12.43 ± 0.54 mm/min, respectively. A comparison between STT I values of the right and left eyes revealed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.620). The means and ranges of the TonoVet® IOP results for the right and left eyes were 32.06 ± 1.58 and 32.60 ± 1.51 mmHg, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of the test on the two eyes (P > 0.05).Discussion: Tear production is either increased or decreased in wild birds as a result of several types of eye diseases or trauma (1, 6). The most common method by which to determine tear production is either STT I (3), which is conducted without topical anesthesia, or STT II, which is conducted with topical anesthesia. As in our study, previous studies have used STT I as their method by which to determine tear production of wild birds. In a study conducted on 20 common buzzards, STT I values were 12.47 ± 2.66 mm/min. In our study using 30 common buzzards, the STT I value was 12.63 ± 0.51 mm/min for the right eye and 12.43 ± 0.54 mm/min for the left eye. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of the tests on the two eyes. In previous study with 25 common buzzards, IOP measured rebound tonometry was 5-30 (35-60). In our study, rebound tonometry results for IOP of 30 common buzzards were 32.06 ± 1.58 mmHg (16-47) for the right eye and 32.60 ± 1.51 mmHg (17-50) for the left eye. There was no statistically significant difference in IOP values between right and left eyes. Given that there are few studies on tear production and IOP in common buzzard, we believe that the results of this study will provide valuable new information to the literature.

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Entomological Assessment of the Status and Risk of Mosquito-borne Arboviral Transmission in Ghana

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v12020147 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 147 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Michael Amoa-Bosompem ◽

Daisuke Kobayashi ◽

Katsunori Murota ◽

Astri Nur Faizah ◽

Kentaro Itokawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Techniques ◽

Morphological Identification ◽

Entomological Surveillance ◽

Mosquito Surveillance ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

The Status ◽

Mutualistic Relationship ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Endemic Areas ◽

Arboviral Transmission

Entomological surveillance is one of the tools used in monitoring and controlling vector-borne diseases. However, the use of entomological surveillance for arboviral infection vector control is often dependent on finding infected individuals. Although this method may suffice in highly endemic areas, it is not as effective in controlling the spread of diseases in low endemic and non-endemic areas. In this study, we examined the efficiency of using entomological markers to assess the status and risk of arbovirus infection in Ghana, which is considered a non-endemic country, by combining mosquito surveillance with virus isolation and detection. This study reports the presence of cryptic species of mosquitoes in Ghana, demonstrating the need to combine morphological identification and molecular techniques in mosquito surveillance. Furthermore, although no medically important viruses were detected, the importance of insect-specific viruses in understanding virus evolution and arbovirus transmission is discussed. This study reports the first mutualistic relationship between dengue virus and the double-stranded RNA Aedes aegypti totivirus. Finally, this study discusses the complexity of the virome of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes and its implication for arbovirus transmission.

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Interpretation of Coagulation Tendency Contributing to Thrombosis in Vector-Borne Diseases (Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Leishmaniosis, and Dirofilariasis) among Dogs

Acta Scientiae Veterinariae ◽

10.22456/1679-9216.80033 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 7

Author(s):

Serdar Pasa ◽

Kerem Ural ◽

Mehmet Gultekin

Keyword(s):

Animal Health ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Coagulation Cascade ◽

Lower Sensitivity ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Healthy Control ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Healthy Dogs ◽

D Dimer

Background: Vector-borne infectious and zoonotic diseases are an important health problem that directly affects human and animal health negatively. Results through evaluation of coagulation disorders among vector-borne diseases should be of beneficial for both human and dogs studies. According to the present author’s knowledge reports regarding changes in platelet (PLT) count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer levels in dogs naturally infected with one or more vector-borne pathogens are lacking. Therefore, the present study was aimed to detecting those parameters for relation between diagnosis and prognosis of vector-borne diseases among dogs.Materials, Methods & Results: The material of this study was 46 dogs (36 were naturally infected with vector-borne diseases and 10 were healthy) from different breed, age and of both sexes. Venous blood samples were obtained to detect PLT counts, antibodies of ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, borreliosis, leishmaniosis and antigens of Dirofilaria immitis. The diagnosis of vector-borne diseases was performed by using a commercial ELISA assay kits. PLT count was performed with an automated blood cell counter analyser. In addition, PT, APTT and FIB concentrations were measured using a microcoagulometer. D-dimer concentrations were determined using fluorescence immunoassay rapid quantitave test analyser. Subgroups were formed according to the number of cases and the distribution of vector-borne agent. Statistically significant decreased PLT count was found in dogs mono infected with ehrlichiosis compared to healthy dogs (P < 0.001). Changes in mean PT value in the studied animals did not show statistically significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05). APTT values in the ehrlichiosis mono infection group were significantly higher than that of the healthy control (P < 0.01). A significant increase in FIB levels were detected for ehrlichiosis mono infection and ehrlichiosis - leishmaniosis co infection versus healthy control (P < 0.001). Plasma D-dimer concentrations were found to be higher in all groups infected with vector borne diseases compared to healthy group (P < 0.001) and the differences between infected groups were not statistically significant.Discussion: Bleeding disorders such as epistaxis, haematuria and haemorrhagic diarrhoea has been reported in dogs with vector-borne diseases. These disorders represent the main cause of death in dogs. In the present study, thrombocytopenia was observed in dogs mono infected with ehrlichiosis compared to healthy. This finding is in agreement with those reported in dogs with ehrlichiosis. Plasma FIB is one of the most important factors in the coagulation cascade. In the present study, a significant difference between dogs with ehrlichiosis mono infection and ehrlichiosis - leishmaniosis co infection versus healthy controls group was observed. PT and APTT are commonly used in evaluating dogs with bleeding tendencies. In the present study, a significant difference between dogs with ehrlichiosis and with healthy control was observed in APTT values, however, differences in PT values compared to healthy dogs were insignificant. No statistical difference in PT values might be related to the lower sensitivity of the commercial PT assays. In dogs, D-dimer concentrations can be elevated due to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, infections, metabolic disorders, neoplasia and post-surgically. In the present study, a significant increase in D-dimer concentration was observed in all dogs with vector-borne diseases. This finding points to the activation of the fibrinolysis system in consequence of thrombophilia. In conclusion, elevations presented in coagulation biomarkers such as APTT, FIB and D-dimer in the present study were interpreted as with the effects of vector-borne diseases. It may be briefly suggested that D-dimer levels as a marker of pro-coagulatory activity, as well as fibrinolysis, indicates the highly active and excessive coagulation, and all through are risk factors for thromboembolic disorders. Therefore, these findings should be considered in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the vector-borne diseases in dogs.

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