This study aimed to investigate the vertical transmission of Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and hemotropic Mycoplasma via molecular detection in 51 blood samples from naturally infected female dogs, 51 placentas, 22 organ pools from stillborn puppies, and 44 blood samples from neonates up to five days of age. As a result, vertical transmission was confirmed for A. platys in seven (31.81%) stillborn organ pool samples, and for hemoplasmas in one (14.28%) organ pool and 12 (63.15%) neonate samples. Furthermore, this study provides the first record of this transmission route for the protozoan B. vogeli in three (13.63%) stillborns and two (25%) neonates and for the hemoplasma Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in one (14.28%) stillborn and 12 (63.15%) neonates. The data contribute to a better elucidation of the epidemiology of these agents in pregnant female dogs and emphasize the need for more in-depth investigations to clarify the detailed mechanisms surrounding the vertical transmission of hemopathogens, considering that this transmission route may play an important role in the maintenance and dissemination of these agents, especially in the absence of vectors.

Anaplasma platys is a causative agent of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Reports of A. platys in Africa remain scarce and fragmented, with most detections occurring as co-infections in broader Anaplasmataceae surveys. A systematic review was conducted from February to May 2025, analyzing all peer-reviewed journal articles, theses, and conference proceedings published in English in three databases-PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus-from database inception up to and including December 2024. Following screening, 103 full-text peer-reviewed records were deemed eligible for data extraction. The outcome of interest was A. platys and A. platys-like detection by various methods and the corresponding sequences (16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and groEL genes) from GenBank for use in phylogenetic analyses. Anaplasma platys and A. platys-like were detected in 80 studies in 25 of the 54 African countries across multiple host species, and there was no detection in the four semi-autonomous or autonomous territories. The pathogen was mostly detected in domestic dogs, with prevalence that ranged from 0.8% to 100%, followed by cattle, with prevalence of 0.2-84%, and sheep with 1.7-100%. Other domestic animals included goats (6.7-55.7%) and camels (0.7-61.1%), while wildlife included impala (9.5-58.3%), African buffalo (3.6-7.7%), sable antelope (4.3%), Grant's gazelle (32.4%), kudu (83.3%), zebra (16.7%), warthog (12.5%), elephant (50%), lion (16.7%), leopard (11.1%), bat-eared fox (88.9%), brown hyena (82.3%), and spotted hyena (100%). Additionally, A. platys DNA was detected in ticks, mainly R. sanguineus s.l. but also Rhipicephalus pulchellus, R. annulatus, R. pravus, R. evertsi evertsi, R. microplus, R. simus, R. humeralis, R. camicasi, Haemaphysalis leachi, and Hyalomma excavatum, as well as in fleas (Pulex irritans, Ctenocephalides felis felis, and Ctenocephalides felis canis). One documented human case involved a veterinarian who had traveled to South Africa, raising concerns about zoonotic potential, though the infection source remains unclear. The 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree demonstrated broad host and vector diversity, while the groEL-based analysis resolved distinct bovine- and canine-associated lineages. These findings highlight a likely broad vertebrate host range of A. platys and possible association with multiple tick vectors. Critical knowledge gaps remain regarding host-specific genotypes and the role of tick species in transmission.

Tick-transmitted diseases in dogs are growing more significant in Türkiye and around the world. In areas with tropical and subtropical climates, Hepatozoon, Babesia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and hemotropic Mycoplasma species are among the pathogens that produce both clinical and subclinical illnesses. In this work, the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp., Mycoplasma haemocanis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum, Anaplasma platys, and Ehrlichia canis species in dogs in the southern part of Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region was examined using molecular techniques. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequence analysis techniques were used to analyze the isolated DNAs in terms of the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and hemotropic Mycoplasma species, as well as the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia and Hepatozoon species. Of the 140 extracted DNA samples, 32 (22.85%) Hepatozoon spp., 36 (25.71%) M. haemocanis, and 12 (8.57%) contained Ca. M. haematoparvum. Following 16 samples that tested positive for the Hepatozoan genus, it was found that all of them were Hepatozoon canis. Two of the samples were 100% comparable to the H. canis sequences found in GenBank, while the remaining samples were between 98.98% and 99.84% similar. Sequencing of two representative M. haemocanis and one Ca. M. haematoparvum sample revealed that the Ca. M. haematoparvum isolates were 99.19–99.60% similar to the Ca. M. haematoparvum isolates listed in GenBank, but the M. haemocanis samples were 100% identical to other M. haemocanis isolates. Dogs older than one year had considerably higher hemoplasma positivity, and both hemoplasma and Ca. M. haematoparvum positivity rose significantly with mean age (p

Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetics of canine haemoprotozoan and rickettsial infections in southern India.

Rural dogs (Canis familiaris) as sentinels to ectoparasites and tick borne pathogens around six Atlantic Forest conservation units in Brazil.

Blood transfusions are indispensable in Veterinary Medicine, providing therapeutic support in cases of hematological disorders. Several pathogens can cause disease and/or exacerbate the condition of immunocompromised dogs or those requiring a transfusion. This study aimed to investigate the molecular occurrence of hemopathogens (Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., piroplasmids, and hemoplasmas) in blood donor and patient dogs using samples from a clinical veterinary laboratory in Brazil. One hundred blood samples were collected from each group. All dogs tested negative for Bartonella spp. in all performed assays. Among the 100 dogs from the clinical veterinary laboratory, 15% (95% CI: 9.3–23.3) tested positive for Ehrlichia spp., 6% (95% CI: 2.8–12.5) for Anaplasma spp., 3% (95% CI: 1.0–8.5) for Babesia spp., and 2% (95% CI: 0.6–7.0) for hemoplasmas. Blood donor dogs tested positive for hemoplasmas (5%) (95% CI: 2.2–11.2). Additional conventional and real-time PCR assays followed by sequencing confirmed the presence of Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Babesia vogeli, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum’, and Mycoplasma haemocanis. The molecular detection of E. canis, A. platys, ‘Ca. M. haematoparvum’, and M. haemocanis in dogs from midwestern Brazil reinforces the relevance of molecular tools in diagnosing hemopathogens. This is the first molecular detection of hemoplasmas in canine blood donors from Brazil. This finding indicates their silent circulation and highlights the importance of molecular screening to prevent the worsening of clinical conditions and the risk of turning recipients into new sources of infection.

Climate change is impacting the global spread of infectious diseases, altering pathogen distribution and transmission, and threatening human and animal health. This study investigates the presence of potential pathogens in blood within unmapped reads obtained from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of various cattle breeds across geographically diverse regions, including South Africa, Uganda, Egypt, Portugal, The Netherlands, and Finland. Unmapped reads were extracted, assembled into contigs, and subjected to taxonomic analysis based on an extensive literature search. The analysis revealed significant geographic variation in pathogen composition, with breeds in the Southern Hemisphere (Uganda, Egypt, and South Africa) showing higher pathogen alignment counts while Northern breeds (particularly from Finland) exhibited lower diversity and counts. Portugal, representing a transition zone, exhibited a higher burden of parasites and tick-borne related pathogens than their Northern counterparts, which were also prevalent in Southern Hemisphere breeds such as Theileria parva, Anaplasma platys, Theileria orientalis, and Babesia bigemina, which is in line with the known capacity of these breeds to cope with local pathogens. Dutch breeds were found to harbor Escherichia coli O157, a known public health concern. The study provided key insights into emerging disease risks influenced by climate change and livestock management practices, but also on the need to investigate possible adaptive responses underlying disease resistance in some breeds. This study highlights the potential for climate-driven variations in disease ecology and transmission, emphasizing the need for integrating genomic and environmental data, and is currently the most comprehensive study to date investigating the microbial diversity present in unmapped reads obtained from WGS data of cattle populations.

Toxicosis in human and domestic hosts caused by ixodid ticks detected with Anaplasma platys and Hepatozoon ayorgbor.

Anaplasma platys, the causative agent of infectious cyclic thrombocytopaenia in dogs, is an obligate intracellular bacterium transmitted primarily by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. The organism invades circulating platelets, forming intracytoplasmic morulae and inducing a cyclic pattern of thrombocytopaenia. The present study was conducted to assess the occurrence and to evaluate the clinical presentations and haemato-biochemical alterations in dogs naturally infected with A. platys. Twelve dogs presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai and Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy, positive for A. platys infection were selected for this study. The more frequent clinical signs observed in the affected dogs included anorexia, lethargy, pyrexia and lymphadenopathy. Epistaxis, icterus and seizures were also observed infrequently. Tick infestation was reported in all the affected dogs. Among the positive cases, more numbers were males and of the age three years or more. Majority of dogs were housed outdoors in cages or kennels and more number of cases was observed in summer months. The major haematological abnormalities observed in infected dogs included normocytic normochromic anaemia and marked thrombocytopaenia. Among the biochemical changes, significant hyperglobulinemia was noticed when compared to the control group. The study indicated the presence of A.platys infection among the dogs in this region. It also highlighted the usefulness of clinical and haemato-biochemical profiling in the diagnosis and clinical management of A. platys infections, enabling timely intervention and improved prognosis in the affected dogs.

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, canine thrombocytic anaplasmosis, and canine babesiosis are diseases caused, respectively, by bioagents Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys e Babesia vogeli, that have gained great relevance due to its zoonotic character. The hot and humid climate in the Amazon region favors the proliferation of hematophagous vectors. The present study investigated the prevalence of E. canis , A. platys, and B. vogeli during the years 2013 to 2017 through the analysis of the database with results of tests carried out on blood samples of 6,593 responsible guard dogs in the Metropolitan Region of Belém-PA, using the Polymerase Chain Reaction method (PCR), developed by the Laboratory of Biomolecular Technology, of the Federal University of Pará. The frequency of infections in all years of study was 29.13% for E. canis, 15.30% for A. platys, and 9% for B. vogeli. In addition, there was an increase in infection by E. canis and A. platys over the years and a reduction in infection by B. vogeli. In the analysis of co-infections, the number of animals infected simultaneously by E. canis, and A. platys indicates an association between these bacteria, different from infection by B. vogeli. The present research developed in the Metropolitan Region of Belém indicates that studies of the population dynamics of the vector tick must be carried out in the city so that control measures can be established to combat hemoparasitosis caused mainly by E. canis and A. platys, which has increased significantly each year and due to its zoonotic character.

Data on vector-borne pathogens infecting dogs from sub-Saharan Africa is limited. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of VBPs, their associated risk factors, and pathogen interactions in domestic dogs. Whole blood samples were obtained for 1202 apparently healthy dogs in Chad from September to October 2021, and nucleic acids were extracted and then subjected to a targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) assay for detection of 15 VBPs. Overall, 88.7% of the dogs were positive for at least one pathogen, and 62.9% were coinfected with two or more VBPs. The most frequent pathogen detected was Hepatozoon canis in 62.4% of the dogs, Mycoplasma haemocanis in 59.2%, Anaplasma platys in 29.2%, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in 21.2%, Ehrlichia canis in 20.3%, Babesia vogeli in 2.0% and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis in 1.5%. While most of the dogs (62.9%) were co-infected with two or more VBPs, having an infection with three pathogens (30.8%) was more common. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis, being a senior dog and residing in Chari Baguirmi south were identified as potential risk factors for infection by most of the pathogens. Network analyses revealed complex interactions suggesting facilitative associations among VBPs. These results are useful in expanding the knowledge of VBPs in Africa and establishing a baseline for downstream studies into hemotropic mycoplasmas.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-13431-3.

Molecular detection and genetic diversity of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in livestock and dogs in Pakistan.

This study presents the first report of the molecular characterization of Anaplasma platys infection in the Bangladesh-India border region, specifically in the state of Tripura, along with its successful treatment. Anaplasma platys is a rickettsial organism transmitted by hard ticks that infest dogs, with marked thrombocytopenia and anemia being among the most important clinical manifestations, related to the formation of morulae in the platelets. A dog with a history of suspected anaplasmosis was presented for clinical investigation. Hematological analysis revealed a hemoglobin level of 6.8 g/dL, a hematocrit of 19.4%, a total red cell count of 3.5 × 10¹²/dL, a total white cell count of 7.8 × 10⁹/dL, and a platelet count of 48 × 10⁹/dL. Upon microscopic and molecular examination, A. platys was identified as the causative organism responsible for the alterations in blood parameters. Treatment involved the intravenous administration of doxycycline at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for five days, followed by oral doxycycline tablets at the same dosage for 15 days. The dog showed gradual improvement and complete recovery within 20 days of treatment. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic inference targeting the 16S rRNA gene revealed low divergence within the species.

Vector-borne pathogens in dogs in Egypt: Molecular and immunological insights.

Exploring tick-borne pathogens in community dogs in Nepal

BackgroundTicks are responsible for the transmission of various viral, bacterial, and protozoal pathogens through their mouthparts while feeding on the blood of the host. Owing to the increasing trend of tick-borne diseases, they are considered major emerging public health issues throughout the globe. In South Asia, the major important canine tick-borne pathogens are Babesia spp., Hepatozoon canis, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, and Borrelia burgdorferi. Among various diagnostic tests, molecular techniques are considered the gold standard for the detection of tick-borne diseases. A total of 341 canine blood samples were collected from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, Nepal. The collected blood samples were subjected to hematological analysis, DNA extraction, and conventional polymerase chain reaction to detect the presence of tick-borne pathogens. Additionally, a total of 219 ticks were collected from the sampled dogs and identified via morphometry.ResultsPCR assays revealed four tick-borne pathogens, Babesia spp., Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, and Anaplasma platys, with prevalence rates of 26.09%, 5.87%, 3.52%, and 2.93%, respectively, and an overall prevalence of 31.09% (95% CI: 26.27–36.34%). However, this study could not identify the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi. During the hematological analysis, anemia and thrombocytopenia in the sampled dogs were significantly associated with the presence of Babesia spp. (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), lymphocytosis was significantly associated with Hepatozoon canis (p < 0.001), and thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with Ehrlichia canis (p < 0.05). Among the ticks infesting dogs at the study sites, the Rhipicephalus genus was the most prevalent, followed by Haemaphysalis and Dermacentor, with an overall tick infestation rate of 27.86%. Geographic location, type of dog (stray or pet), and body condition score were determined as potential risk factors by multiple logistic regression analysis (OR = 0.40, 2.16, 0.73; p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively) for the presence of canine tick-borne pathogens.ConclusionsThis study identified at least four species of canine tick-borne pathogens and three genera in dogs from study area. Findings of this study highlights the importance of robust treatment, control and preventive measures to mitigate the transmission of these pathogens.

The family Anaplasmataceae, reclassified under the order Rickettsiales, represents a highly complex group that poses an increasing global threat. However, their infection risk remains poorly understood. We aimed to map the diversity, distribution, and potential infection risk of Anaplasmataceae members. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, bioRvix, and MedRvix for published articles to extract data on the detection of Anaplasmatacea species in vectors, animals, and humans from 1910 to 2022. We mapped the richness and global distribution of identified Anaplasmatacea species. Machine learning algorithms were applied to determine the ecological and vector-related factors contributing to the occurrence of major Anaplasmatacea members and project their potential risk distributions. A total of 2605 studies meeting our inclusion criteria were used for data extraction. We identified 85 species of Anaplasmataceae family from 134 tick species, 312 wild animals, and 12 domestic animals. Anaplasma phagocytophilum had the widest range of vectors (97 species), followed by Anaplasma marginale (54 species), Anaplasma bovis (46 species), Anaplasma ovis (37 species), and Anaplasma platys (35 species). Aanaplasmaphagocytophilum was also detected in the widest range of wildlife (208 species), followed by Ehrlichia chaffeensis (46 species), Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (36 species), Ehrlichia canis (35 species), and A. bovis (32 species). In total, 52,315 human cases involving 15 Anaplasmataceae species were recorded, A. phagocytophilum and E. chaffeensis accounted for majority of human infections (66·5% and 32·4%, respectively). According to our modelling analysis, the geographic distribution of six major Anaplasmatacea species is primarily influenced by the projected habitat suitability index of tick vectors and climatic conditions. Among these, A. phagocytophilum presents the highest risk, with an estimated 3·97 billion individuals and 8·95 million km2 area potentially affected. The widespread distribution of Anaplasmataceae species emphasizes the need to enhance identification, surveillance, and diagnosis efforts in high-risk areas, particularly within low-income regions. The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFC2605603) and the Natural Science Foundation of China (82330103).

ABSTRACTIntroductionTick‐borne diseases have a significant impact on public and animal health and represent a considerable financial burden on livestock farming. However, in many regions of Latin America, comprehensive epidemiological data, including species identification, geographical distribution and molecular profiling of ticks and their associated pathogens, remain scarce. The aims of the present study were: 1) to establish the distribution of tick species collected from domestic animals and 2) to molecularly characterise the rickettsial bacteria present in ticks from the department of Atlántico, area Caribe, Colombia.MethodsBetween January 2021 and March 2022, ticks were collected from 216 cattle and 72 sympatric domestic animals (38 dogs, 31 equids and 3 goats) on 28 farms. Specimens were identified and grouped into 297 pools. Molecular detection and characterisation of the pathogens were carried out by targeting the partial gltA, ompA, ompB and 16S rRNA genes of Rickettsia and the partial 23S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes of Anaplasmataceae.ResultsA total of 1541 ticks were collected, and four species belonging to the genera Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor and Amblyomma were identified. A total of 137 out of 288 animals (47.6%) were infested with a mean infection rate of 9.7 ± SD 6.8 ticks per animal. Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasmataceae DNA were detected in 2.7% (MIR: 0.5%) and 15.5% (MIR: 0.3%) of the tick pools, respectively. The obtained sequences showed high nucleotide identity (99%–100%) with sequences of Candidatus Rickettsia colombiensis, Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia minasensis.ConclusionOur data represent the first description of Dermacentor nitens and Amblyomma patinoi in the Atlantic region of the Colombian Caribbean. Considering the risk that the tick and rickettsial species represent for public and animal health, monitoring and control programmes are necessary to prevent the spread of tick‐borne pathogenic bacteria to humans.

The emergence of new Anaplasma strains in the Mediterranean region poses a challenge for both veterinary medicine and public health, as it can lead to more complex diagnostic and treatment strategies. Species related to Anaplasma platys and A. phagocytophilum, two important tick-borne pathogens, have been reported in several Mediterranean countries. However, the data on their presence in Sardinia remain limited. This study aimed to identify theAnaplasmaspecies genetically related to zoonotic agents, such as A. phagocytophilum or A. platys, in Sardinian horses, cattle, and swine. Using various molecular approaches targeting the groEL and gltA genes, the results confirm the presence of Candidatus (Ca.) Anaplasma turritanum and reveal the emergence of Candidatus (Ca.) Anaplasma cinensis and an A. phagocytophilum-like strain, designated as A. phagocytophilum-like 2, in Sardinian horses and cattle. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance in Sardinia and similar Mediterranean regions, as well as the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic tools and preventive strategies. Given the zoonotic potential of these emerging strains, these findings emphasize the need for greater vigilance in both veterinary and human health sectors to mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne Anaplasma species transmission. Ongoing research and proactive measures are essential to reduce the public health burden and prevent the spread of these pathogens across animal and human populations.

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are of major concern in veterinary medicine worldwide. Amongst the arthropods transmitting CVBD-causing pathogens, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) is an important vector of agents, such as Babesia vogeli, Cercopithifilaria spp., Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, and Anaplasma platys. While data on CVBDs transmitted by Rh. sanguineus s.l. are limited in Morocco, Leishmania spp., transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, are known to be endemic in several regions of the country. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) (i.e., Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Rickettsia spp.), Leishmania spp. and filarioids in shelter dogs and their ticks in central Morocco. Blood samples were collected from 144 dogs, and 5,363 ticks were removed from 314 dogs of the same population. DNA samples extracted from blood and from 276 ticks (divided into 55 pools) were screened for selected pathogens by PCR and DNA sequencing. Ticks were morphologically identified as Rh. sanguineus s.l., and molecular analysis of 10 representative specimens confirmed them as Rh. sanguineus s.s. Out of 144 dogs tested, 78 (54.1 %) scored positive for at least one pathogen, with 15 (10.4 %) being co-infected. H. canis was the most prevalent pathogen (38.2 %, 55/144), followed by L. infantum (15.3 %; 22/144), A. platys (5.6 %; 8/144), B. vogeli and E. canis (2.8 %; 4/144). Tick DNA pools scored positive for H. canis (36.4 %; n = 20/55). All dogs tested negative for filarioids and Rickettsia spp. Data herein reported demonstrate a high overall prevalence of CVBD-causing pathogens in dogs from central Morocco, with the unprecedented report of H. canis in dogs and ticks in this country.