Serological and Molecular Investigations of Babesia Microti in Dogs from Southern Italy

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Piroplasmosis is now considered emerging tick-borne zoonosis worldwide and domestic animals have been proposed as potential reservoirs for some piroplasm infections. The aim of this research was to identify the frequency of Babesia microti infection in untravelled dogs from Southern Italy (Sicily). Blood samples from 89 dogs were examined for the presence of Babesia microti antibodies and DNA. The dogs were infested with ticks. Among the examined dogs only one (1.16%) had B. microti antibodies, associated to B. canis, A. phagocytophilum and R. conorii infections. In the PCR assay, the dog was also found positive for B. microti and R. conorii DNA, and negative for other microorganisms. The infected dog showed a non-specific flu-like syndrome, with depression, disorexia, hyperthermia (39.6°C), light dehydration, moderate lymphadenopathy and heavy tick infestation (>20). No significant changes were present in the cell blood count. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of serological and molecular identification of B. microti piroplasm in a dog from Southern Italy. Because specific antibodies and DNA were detected in an untraveled dog, babesiosis is probably due to an autochthonous tick infection. However, this study indicates that Babesia microti is not widely distributed in dog populations in Sicily, as demonstrated by low prevalence of infection. So, in Sicily the dog would not appear to represent a reservoir of infection, but rather an accidental host.