Abstract
Introduction and Objectives: Ticks act as the vector for transmission of many parasitic pathogens. Several tick-borne haemoparasite infections are widespread among canines in tropical countries. However, information is scarce regarding canine tick-borne infections in Sri Lanka. The present study was therefore carried out to identify the canine tick-borne haemoparasite species and thereby assess their prevalence in three Divisional Secretariat divisions in the Anuradhapura district. Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected from dogs in three Divisional Secretariat (DS) divisions namely, Rambewa, Tirappane, and Galenbindunuwewa in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. From each blood sample, two thin smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa. Stained slides were subsequently examined with a light microscope to detect haemoparasites. Results: Out of 319 blood samples, 139 were positive for haemoparasites. Of the positives, 51.61% were from Rambewa, 40.47% were from Galenbindunuwewa and 38.88% were from Tirappane. Three haemoprotozoan species, Hepatozoon canis, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia canis and one bacterial species, Ehrlichia canis were morphologically identified in the present study. Conclusions: Comparatively, the prevalence of ehrlichiosis (20.06%) and babesiosis (16.29%) were high in three DS divisions compared to the prevalence of H. canis infection (1.56%). The prevalence of the haemoprotozoan infections was significantly different among thee DS divisions (P
Highlights
Introduction and ObjectivesTicks act as the vector for transmission of many parasitic pathogens
Hepatozoon canis, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia canis and one bacterial species, Ehrlichia canis were morphologically identified in the present study
Comparatively, the prevalence of ehrlichiosis (20.06%) and babesiosis (16.29%) were high in three Divisional Secretariat (DS) divisions compared to the prevalence of H. canis infection (1.56%)
Summary
Introduction and ObjectivesTicks act as the vector for transmission of many parasitic pathogens. Ticks have the capability to successfully transmit disease agents such as viruses, bacteria andprotozoa.[1] Babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and hepatozoonosis are some common tick-borne parasitic infections in dogs.[2,3] These infections can occur in dogs due to the transmission of haemoparasites by several tick species or by the same species.[4] For example, the main vector of B. canisvogeli, H. canis, and E. canis is the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).[5]. E. chaffeensis causes infections in both humans and dogs.[9] Canine hepatozoonosis is a systemic disease caused by the protozoan H. canis (Apicomplexa, Hepatozoidae). It is transmitted by the dog tick R. sanguineus. Transstadial transmission from the nymph to the adult stage can occur
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