Canis In Dogs Research Articles

Molecular identification of Hepatozoon canis in dogs from Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Hepatozoon species infecting dogs in the municipality of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil, using blood samples (n = 165) drawn from dogs. The species Hepatozoon canis was identified in 3.63% of the tested animals using molecular tools. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of this infection and the main arthropod vectors involved in its transmission.

Clinical babesiosis and molecular identification of Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni infections in dogs from Serbia

Canine babesiosis is a frequent and clinically significant tick-borne disease. Sixty symptomatic dogs with clinical findings compatible with babesiosis were included in this study conducted in Serbia. After clinical examination, blood samples were taken for microscopic examination, complete blood count (CBC), Canine SNAP 4Dx Test, DNA analyses and sequencing. The main clinical signs included apathy, anorexia, fever, brown/red discoloration of urine, pale mucous membranes, icterus, splenomegaly, and vomiting. The main clinicopathological findings in Babesia infections were a slight to severe thrombocytopenia and a mild to very severe normocytic normochromic anaemia. Microscopic evaluation revealed 58 positive samples with the presence of large and small intraerythrocytic piroplasms in 57 and 1 sample(s), respectively. No co-infections were found using SNAP test. Two Babesia species, B. canis (58/60) and B. gibsoni (2/60), were differentiated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Species identification was further confirmed by sequencing PCR products of B. gibsoni samples and six randomly selected B. canis samples. All dogs were treated with imidocarb dipropionate (6.6 mg/kg of body weight), given intramuscularly twice at an interval of 14 days. This report presents the first molecular evidence of the occurrence of B. gibsoni and B. canis, confirmed by DNA sequencing, in sick dogs from Serbia.

A molecular and parasitological survey of Hepatozoon canis in domestic dogs in Turkey

In this study, asymptomatic dogs in nine provinces of Turkey were surveyed to investigate the prevalence and intensity of Hepatozoon canis infection. DNA obtained from blood samples collected from 694 domestic dogs (243 stray, 288 shelter, and 163 pets) of both genders and varying ages were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, 285 thin blood smears prepared from these blood samples were also evaluated for microscopic examination. Direct microscopy revealed Hepatozoon gamonts in the peripheral blood of three of 285 (1.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21–3.04) tested. Using PCR, 155 of the 694 (22.3%; 95% CI: 19.28–25.61) were found to be positive for the presence of H. canis DNA. The prevalence of infection was higher in adult dogs (26.2%; 95% CI: 22.1–30.7) than young animals (16.4%; 95% CI: 12.2–21.3). Although the prevalence determined by PCR was higher in male dogs (24.5%; 95% CI: 19.6–29.9) than in female dogs (20.8%; 95% CI: 16.9–25.1), gender differences were not significant. Pet dogs had a lower prevalence of infection (10.4%; 95% CI: 6.2–16.2) compared to stray (26.3%; 95% CI: 20.9–32.3) and shelter dogs (25.7%; 95% CI: 20.7–31.1), but no significant association between stray and shelter dogs was found for the presence of the parasite. Partial sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene shared 99–100% similarity with the corresponding H. canis isolates. This epidemiological survey revealed a high prevalence of H. canis in dogs from several provinces in Turkey, and it suggests that the age and origin are associated with the parasite.

Infection of dogs with <i>Babesia canis</i> in Gwagwalada metropolis of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Epidemiological investigation was carried out to determine the prevalence of infection with Babesia canis in dogs in Gwagwalada metropolis of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nigeria, from November 2013 to January 2014. Blood samples were collected from 101 dogs and examined for the parasite. Data obtained were analyzed to determine the prevalence of Babesia canis and the correlation of infection with age, sex, breed, types of management and presence or absence of tick infestation on the animal. Dogs screened were those from randomly selected house holds within the area. Overall results show an infection rate of 9/101 (8.9%). The prevalence was higher (P <0.05) among adults than puppies and also higher (P<0.05) among dogs with tick infestation than those without.Keywords: Babesia, Canine, Epidemiology, Gwagwalada, Prevalence

Diagnóstico de la ehrlichiosis monocítica canina: una revisión actualizada

<p>La ehrlichiosis monocítica canina (EMC) es causada por la infección de una rickettsia denominada Ehrlichia canis; este microorganismo se reproduce solamente en el citoplasma de los monocitos sanguíneos y macrófagos tisulares. La EMC ha sido reportada en todo el mundo, pero las frecuencias más altas se reportan en las regiones tropicales y subtropicales. La EMC no siempre es reconocida clínicamente, pues es difícil de diagnosticar debido a que los signos clínicos son variables, a que se presenta en diferentes fases y a la existencia de coinfecciones con otros patógenos transmitidos por garrapatas y otros agentes infecciosos. Las manifestaciones clínicas y las técnicas de diagnóstico tradicionales, como el diagnóstico hematológico y la demostración típica de mórulas de E. canis en el citoplasma de monocitos en frotis sanguíneos, se han utilizado para el diagnóstico de la EMC; sin embargo, las pruebas de diagnóstico por PCR y la serología mediante el uso de antígenos específicos son las pruebas más sensibles y específicas para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Este artículo presenta una revisión actualizada sobre el diagnóstico de la infección por E. canis en perros.</p>

A Novel Polymerase Chain Reaction to Detect Brucella canis in Dogs

In this study, the specific polymerase chain reaction has been standardized and evaluated for the direct diagnosis of Brucella canis in vaginal swab samples from dogs. The specific primer sets are directed to the 16S-23S rRNA inter-space region of Brucella spp. and the deletion of 351 bp in BMEI1426-BMEI1427 in B. canis. A total of 21 references and field strains and 35 vaginal swab samples were used for the evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction. It found that polymerase chain reaction is positive for B. canis DNA indicated by only amplification of 214 bp product. It detected at least 2.7 x 101 CFU/g of bacteria diluted in vaginal swab samples indicates that the polymerase chain reaction can be used as a practical alternative for bacterial isolation. The novel polymerase chain reaction provides a simple and rapid for the detection of B. canis in clinical and field samples in one step and in short time about 24 h.

Prevention of Babesia canis in dogs: efficacy of a fixed combination of permethrin and fipronil (Effitix®) using an experimental transmission blocking model with infected Dermacentor reticulatus ticks.

BackgroundTwo experimental studies using a transmission blocking model with Dermacentor reticulatus ticks infected with Babesia canis were performed to test the ability of Effitix® to prevent the transmission of babesiosis in dogs.MethodsFour groups of seven dogs (experiment 1) and one group of eight dogs (experiment 2) were treated topically with a novel combination of fipronil and permethrin in a spot-on formulation (Effitix®, Virbac) respectively 28, 21, 14 and 7 days (experiment 1) and 2 days (experiment 2) prior to tick infestation. In each study, a control group of seven dogs (experiment 1) and eight dogs (experiment 2) remained untreated. On day 0, all dogs were infested with adult D.reticulatus ticks harboring B. canis. An efficacy failure (successfully infected) was regarded as a dog in the treated groups that was tested serologically positive for B.canis antibodies, using an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assay and tested positive for B.canis by DNA-assay using PCR analysis.ResultsB.canis was transmitted by D.reticulatus to all untreated dogs (experiment 1) and six untreated dogs out of eight (experiment 2) as confirmed by IFA and PCR assays. The large majority of treated dogs (92.9% in experiment 1 and 100% in experiment 2) remained sero-negative over the challenge period.ConclusionsThe treatment of dogs with Effitix® applied 2 to 28 days prior to infestation with D. reticulatus harboring B.canis, successfully prevented the transmission of canine babesiosis.

Toxocara canis in household dogs: prevalence, risk factors and owners' attitude towards deworming.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and risk factors for shedding of Toxocara eggs were determined for 916 Dutch household dogs older than 6 months. Additionally, the owners answered a questionnaire about their dogs and their attitude towards routine deworming was assessed. Faecal samples were examined using the centrifugal sedimentation flotation method. The overall prevalence of dogs shedding Toxocara eggs was 4.6 %. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk for 1-7-year-old dogs to shed Toxocara eggs was significantly lower (OR 0.38) than that of 6-12-month-old dogs. Compared to dogs walking ≤20 % of the time off-leash, those ranging freely 50-80 % and 80-100 % of the time had a significantly higher risk (OR 10.49 and 13.52, respectively) of shedding Toxocara eggs. Other risk factors were coprophagy (OR 2.44) and recently being kenneled (OR 2.76). Although the applied deworming frequency was not significantly associated with shedding Toxocara eggs, there was a trend towards no shedding in dogs under strict supervision that were dewormed 3-4 times a year. Most dog owners (68 %) recognized 'dog's health' as the main reason for deworming. Only 16 % of dogs were dewormed four times a year. It was concluded that the prevalence of Toxocara egg-shedding household dogs is almost unchanged over recent years and that the knowledge of owners is insufficient to expect sound decisions on routine deworming.

Serological survey of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia canis infections in rural and urban dogs in Central Italy.

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are well known zoonotic pathogens, whereas Ehrlichia canis is usually considered to be of veterinary concern, although on the basis of recent reports it also seems to be able to infect humans. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l., A. phagocytophilum and E. canis in an Italian canine population, and to verify if there are differences between dogs living in urban areas and those from a rural environment. Blood sera of 1,965 dogs, 1,235 from cities and 730 from rural areas, were tested by indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFAT). The overall seroprevalence was highest for E. canis (7.07%), followed by A. phagocytophilum (4.68%), and B. burgdorferi s.l. (1.47%). Rural dogs showed the highest seroprevalence to B. burgdorferi s.l. and A. phagocytophilum. No significant differences were observed between rural and urban E. canis-positive dogs. A low percentage (1.32%) of dogs with dual seropositivity was detected, and no triple positive reactions were observed. No significant differences were detected in the seroprevalence of the three agents in relationship to the age and gender of the dogs. Seroprevalence in the five years considered were not statistically different, except for the lowest rate for E. canis observed in 2012. The results confirm the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l., A. phagocytophilum and E. canis in Italian dogs in both urban and rural areas. Monitoring pet dogs, which share the same environment with their owners, is useful for identifying the presence of tick-borne disease agents of both veterinary and public health significance.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Hepatozoon canis in dogs from urban and rural areas in Southeast Brazil

The objective of this survey was to investigate the prevalence of Hepatozoon infection in dogs in the rural and urban areas of Uberlândia, Brazil by PCR and molecular characterization. DNA was obtained from blood samples collected from 346 local dogs from both genders and various ages. Seventeen PCR products from positive blood samples of urban dogs and 13 from the rural dogs were sequenced. Partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene indicated that all 30 dogs were infected with Hepatozoon canis similar in sequence to H. canis from southern Europe. Four local dog sequences were submitted to GenBank (accessions JN835188; KF692038; KF692039; KF692040). This study indicates that H. canis is the cause of canine hepatozoonosis in Uberlândia and that infection is similarly widespread in rural and urban dogs.

Serological survey of Brucella canis in dogs in urban Harare and selected rural communities in Zimbabwe.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in order to detect antibodies for Brucella canis (B. canis) in dogs from urban Harare and five selected rural communities in Zimbabwe. Sera from randomly selected dogs were tested for antibodies to B. canis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Overall, 17.6% of sera samples tested (57/324, 95% CI: 13.5-21.7) were positive for B. canis antibodies. For rural dogs, seroprevalence varied from 11.7% - 37.9%. Rural dogs recorded a higher seroprevalence (20.7%, 95% CI: 15.0-26.4) compared with Harare urban dogs (12.7%, 95% CI: 6.9-18.5) but the difference was not significant (p = 0.07). Female dogs from both sectors had a higher seroprevalence compared with males, but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Five and two of the positive rural dogs had titres of 1:800 and 1:1600, respectively, whilst none of the positive urban dogs had a titre above 1:400. This study showed that brucellosis was present and could be considered a risk to dogs from the studied areas. Further studies are recommended in order to give insight into the epidemiology of brucellosis in dogs and its possible zoonotic consequences in Zimbabwe. Screening for other Brucella spp. (Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis) other than B. canis is also recommended.

Molecular detection of co-infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and/or Babesia canis canis in Dirofilaria-positive dogs from Slovakia

Recently, several arthropod-borne infections have been introduced into previously non-endemic regions in Europe as the result of various global changes. At the same time, endemic regions are expanding and the risk of co-infections is rising, due to climate change that allows vectors to move and spread infectious diseases into new areas. The aim of the current study was to confirm simultaneous infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and/or Babesia canis canis in Dirofilaria-infected dogs from Slovakia, central Europe. Genomic DNA was isolated from 366 blood samples of microfilaraemic dogs without clinical signs of infection. Samples were further screened for the presence of canine tick-borne pathogens using PCR and sequencing. This survey revealed co-infection with four arthropod-borne pathogens, in particular, Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis, A. phagocytophilum, and B. canis canis. While D. repens, responsible for canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis, is scattered through the whole territory of the country, D. immitis occurs only in endemic areas of southeastern and southwestern Slovakia in mixed infection with D. repens. Co-infection with A. phagocytophilum was reported in 3.27% of the dogs positive for D. repens; mixed infection with D. repens and B. canis canis was detected in 3.55% of the tested blood samples. Eastern Slovak Lowland represents a natural focus of B. canis canis and is a highly endemic area for canine dirofilariosis. The presence of triple infection with D. repens, A. phagocytophilum, and B. canis canis was detected in one dog originating from the eastern lowland region of Slovakia. This study highlights the importance of co-infected, clinically healthy dogs in the spreading of several different arthropod-borne pathogens and the necessity for detailed epidemiological surveys, especially in newly infested areas.

Molecular and histopathological detection of Hepatozoon canis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Portugal

BackgroundHepatozoon canis is a protozoan tick-borne pathogen of dogs and wild canids. Hepatozoon spp. have been reported to infect foxes in different continents and recent studies have mostly used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection and characterization of the infecting species. Surveying red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) may contribute to better understanding the epidemiology of canine vector-borne diseases, including hepatozoonosis caused by H. canis in domestic dogs. The present study investigated the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. by means of histopathology and molecular analysis of different tissues in red foxes from different parts of Portugal.MethodsBlood and tissues including bone marrow, heart, hind leg muscle, jejunum, kidney, liver, lung, popliteal or axillary lymph nodes, spleen and/or tongue were collected from 91 red foxes from eight districts in northern, central and southern Portugal. Tissues were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified a ~650 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. and the DNA products were sequenced.ResultsHepatozoon canis was detected in 68 out of 90 foxes (75.6%) from all the sampled areas by PCR and sequencing. Histopathology revealed H. canis meronts similar in shape to those found in dogs in the bone marrow of 11 (23.4%) and in the spleen of two (4.3%) out of 47 foxes (p = 0.007). All the 11 foxes found positive by histopathology were also positive by PCR of bone marrow and/or blood. Positivity by PCR (83.0%) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than by histopathological examination (23.4%) in paired bone marrow samples from the same 47 foxes. Sequences of the 18S rRNA gene of H. canis were 98–99% identical to those in GenBank.ConclusionsHepatozoon canis was found to be highly prevalent in red fox populations from northern, central and southern Portugal. Detection of the parasite by histopathology was significantly less sensitive than by PCR. Red foxes are a presumptive reservoir of H. canis infection for domestic dogs.

Demodicosis caused by Demodex canis and Demodex cornei in dogs.

Two mongrel dogs aged between 7 and 9months in a same house were presented to the clinics with a history of chronic dermatitis associated with pruritus. Clinical examination revealed presence of primary and secondary skin lesions on the face, around the ears, chin, neck, fore limbs and lateral abdomen. Examination of skin scrapings revealed Demodex cornei (majority) and D. canis (minority) in both the dogs. By using hair pluck examination D. canis were detected and by tape impression smears examination large number of adult short-tail Demodex mites were found. D. cornei was identified by based on the morphological characters including short opisthosoma with blind and round terminal end. Mean length of total body, opisthosoma of both types of the mites were differed statistically significant (P<0.01) but gnathosoma and podosoma did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Dogs were treated with daily oral ivermectin @ 500μg/kg/day, external application of amitraz along with supportive therapy. After completion of 45 days of therapy dogs were recovered completely without any side effects.

Prevalence of &lt;i&gt;Babesia canis&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Hepatozoon canis&lt;/i&gt; in Zaria, Nigeria

The study was carried out to show the prevalence of Babesia canis and Hepatozoon canis in dogs within Zaria. Between the months of May and August 2010, blood samples collected from 150 dogs were processed using Giemsa stained thin blood smear and examined for the presence of B. canis and H. canis. Of the 150 dogs sampled, 84 (56%) were males and 66 (44%) were females. 106 (70.7%) were adults aged 1 year and above while 44 (29.3%) were dogs below the age of 1 year. Local breeds numbered 111 dogs constituting (74%) of the total number sampled, while 20 (13.3%) and 19 (12.7%) were foreign and cross breed respectively. One hundred and five (70%) of all dogs sampled were unconfined while 45 (30%) were confined. B. canis and or H. canis occurred in 26(17.3%) dogs, of which 10(38.5%) and 12(46.2%) had single infection of the former and later respectively, while 4(15.4%) had mixed infections of both parasites. The occurrence of the haemoparasites was significantly higher (X2 = 12.20, p &lt; 0.05, OR= 4.467) in younger dogs than in the adults, but there was no statistically significant association between the occurrence of the parasites and the breed (X2 = 0.3794, p &gt; 0.05) or sex (X2 = 1.237, p &gt; 0.05) of the sampled dogs. All the infected dogs were as well infested by the tick vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus with the non-confined dogs having significantly higher (X2 = 37.93, p &lt; 0.05) tick infestation rates. The infestation rates in both confined and non-confined groups had no statistically significant association to the respective levels of haemo-parasitism.(X2 = 0.1410, p &lt; 0.05, OR= 1.24).Keywords: Babesia canis, Dogs, Hepatozoon canis, Prevalence, Zaria.

SEROLOGICAL SURVEY OF Ehrlichia SPECIES IN DOGS, HORSES AND HUMANS: ZOONOTIC SCENERY IN A RURAL SETTLEMENT FROM SOUTHERN BRAZIL

SUMMARYThe aims of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. and risk factors for exposure in a restricted population of dogs, horses, and humans highly exposed to tick bites in a Brazilian rural settlement using a commercial ELISA rapid test and two indirect immunofluorescent assays (IFA) with E. canis and E. chaffeensis crude antigens. Serum samples from 132 dogs, 16 horses and 100 humans were used. Fifty-six out of 132 (42.4%) dogs were seropositive for E. canis. Dogs > one year were more likely to be seropositive for E. canis than dogs ≤ one year (p = 0.0051). Ten/16 (62.5%) and 8/16 (50%) horses were seropositive by the commercial ELISA and IFA, respectively. Five out of 100 (5%) humans were seropositive for E. canis and E. chaffeensis. Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n = 291, 97.98%) on dogs and Amblyomma cajennense (n = 25, 96.15%) on horses were the most common ticks found. In conclusion, anti-Ehrlichia spp. antibodies were found in horses; however, the lack of a molecular characterization precludes any conclusion regarding the agent involved. Additionally, the higher seroprevalence of E. canis in dogs and the evidence of anti-Ehrlichia spp. antibodies in humans suggest that human cases of ehrlichiosis in Brazil might be caused by E. canis, or other closely related species.

Trichodectes canis in puppy and adult dogs

One cause of pruritus in dogs is pediculosis, a disease transmitted by the high infestation of lice. We report two cases of pediculosis by Trichodectes canis in different stages of life: in a puppy dog and in an adult dog. In the first case, a female Chow Chow puppy dog, 2 months old, was presented showing clinical signs such as incoordination, poor body status, tangled hair in the ventral thoracic and abdominal area, pruritus, intense skin flaking, and seborrhea and sebaceous secretion besides fleas and lice. In the other case, an adult female Cocker Spaniel dog was attended, 8 years old, with severe itching, weight loss, listlessness, erythema in the abdominal area, neck, and ears, and presence of lice. The treatment for pediculosis caused by T. canis is simple, based on the application of fipronil spot-on. Thus, the veterinary practitioner should be aware of diseases that demonstrate seborrhea and pruritus, and include the infestation by T. canis in the differential diagnosis.

Infection with Panola Mountain Ehrlichia sp. in a Dog with Atypical Lymphocytes and Clonal T‐Cell Expansion

Infection with Panola Mountain <i><scp>E</scp>hrlichia</i> sp. in a Dog with Atypical Lymphocytes and Clonal T‐Cell Expansion

An epidemiological survey on intestinal helminths of stray dogs in Mashhad, North-east of Iran.

This research was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in stray dogs in the northeast of Iran, with special attention to those parasites that can be transmitted to human. In this experiment, a total of 72 adult and 18 juvenile stray dogs were collected and necropsied for the presence of helminth parasites from October 2011 to August 2012. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was 86% (95% CI: 79.2-92.8%). The observed helminths of the gastrointestinal tract were listed as follows: Toxocara canis (29%), Toxascaris leonina (7%), Ancylostoma caninum (2%), Taenia hydatigena (43%), Dipylidium caninum (39%), Echinococcus granulosus (38%), Mesocestoides lineatus (16%), Taenia multiceps (11%), Taenia ovis (3%). There were no significant differences for the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths between female (83.6%) and male (89.7%) and between young (89%) and adult (72.2%) animals. However, the prevalence of E. granulosus, T. hydatigena and D. caninum showed an increasing trend with increasing host age, significantly. Based on our data, it is important to point out the presence of zoonotic agents, namely E. granulosus and T. canis in stray dogs in the investigated area. Due to its impact on public health, appropriate control measures should be taken and it is recommended to determine the most appropriate preventive methods.

Babesia infection in urban and rural dogs in Ahvaz district, Southwest of Iran

Canine Babesiosis is an important worldwide, tick-born disease caused by apicomplexan hemoparasitic from genus Babesia. The aim of the present survey was to identify the current state of Babesia infection in urban and rural dogs in Ahvaz district, southwest of Iran. For this reason, 200 rural dogs from 5 village around Ahvaz and 200 urban dogs (stratified random sampling) referred to the veterinary hospital of Shahid Chamran University were examined for the presence of Babesia species within 2 years. The studied dogs were classified based on age, sex, breed and season. Blood samples were taken from cephalic or saphenous vein and then peripheral thin blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa for parasitological examination. Among 400 dogs, 15 samples (3.75%) were infected with Babesia canis. The present study showed that from 200 rural dogs, 11 samples (5.5%) and from 200 urban dogs, 4 samples (2%) were positive for B. canis. Infection rate was higher in adult dogs 3-6 years-old (4.46; 5 out of 112) compared with young's less than 3 years (3.59; 7 out of 195) and above 6 years (3.85; 3 out of 78). The infection was higher in female dogs (4.29%; 6 out of 140) than males (3.46%; 9 out of 260) and in warm season (5.15%; 12 out of 233) compared with cold season (1.8%; 3 out of 167), nevertheless, there was not significant relationship between sex, age and season in urban dogs (P>0.05), but significant difference was revealed between season and infection in rural dogs population (P<0.05). Although the infection rate of this parasite was low, but transmission of the protozoan to dogs should be intentioned. This is the first report indicating the presence of B. canis in dogs of Ahvaz district; however, the sources of infection in these dogs are not clear. The role of dogs in the epizootiology of B. canis infection needs to be further explored.