| dc.description.abstract | Infection with canine vector-borne pathogens was evaluated in dogs from four different
regions of Costa Rica by PCR. Demographic data, clinical signs, packed cell volume values,
and the presence of tick infestation were recorded for each dog. Forty seven percent
(69/146) of the dogs were infected with at least one pathogen and 12% were co-infected
with two pathogens. Ehrlichia canis was detected in 34%, Anaplasma platys in 10%, Babesia
vogeli in 8%, and Hepatozoon canis in 7.5% of the blood samples. No infection was detected
with Leishmania spp. in blood, skin scrapings or conjunctival swabs. Thirty percent of the
dogs presented at least one clinical sign compatible with vector-borne disease, and of those,
66% were infected with a pathogen. Subclinical infections were determined in 58% of the
infected dogs including 82% (9/11), 58% (29/50), 42% (5/12) and 36% (5/14) of the dogs with
H. canis, E. canis, B. vogeli and A. platys infections, respectively. A distinct relationship was
found between infection and anemia. The mean PCV values were 34.4% in dogs with no
infection, 31.5% in those who had a single infection and 23% in those with co-infection.
Co-infected dogs had significantly lower PCV values compared to non-infected and singleinfected
dogs (p < 0.0001). Thirty five percent (51/146) of the dogs were infested with ticks,
82% of them were infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and 18% with Amblyomma
ovale. Dogs infected with A. platys, B. vogeli, or E. canis were significantly associated
with R. sanguineus s.l. infestation (p < 0.029).
This is the first description of infections with B. vogeli and H. canis in Costa Rica as
well as in Central America. The results of this study indicate that multiple vector-borne
pathogens responsible for severe diseases infect dogs in Costa Rica and therefore, increased
owner and veterinarian awareness are needed. Moreover, prevention of tick infe | es_ES |
