| Are ticks of dogs biological vectors for pathogenic Bartonella spp.? |
| Paper ID : 1178-IPCA4 (R1) |
| Authors |
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Alireza Sazmand1, Zahra Bahiraei *2, Zahra Shamshiri2, Ali Goudarztalejerdi2 1Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University 6517658978 Hamedan, IRAN 2Department of pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University 6517658978 Hamedan, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Members of the genus Bartonella are emerging vector-borne pathogens (transmitted by blood-sucking insects) with worldwide distribution. They have been isolated from a wide range of mammalian species, including dogs, cats and humans.Traditionally, transmission of agents of canine and feline bartonellosis was associated with fleas. However, there are increasing evidences of the role of ixodid ticks in the epidemiology of bartonellosis. The aim of this study was to examine ticks of dogs from two western provinces of Iran for DNA of Bartonella spp.. Between October 2018 to January 2020, A total of 100 sheltered dogs (45 in Hamedan, 55 in Kermanshah) were examined for tick infestation. Ticks were removed gently and identified morphologically. Genomic DNA was extracted from individual ticks using a commercial kit. Finally, DNAs were tested for the presence of Bartonella DNA by conventional PCR. Four dogs (4%) were infested with 12 ixodid ticks. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. In PCR, one engorged female R. sanguineus tick scored positive for Bartonella sp.. The host of the positive tick was not diagnosed bacteremic. Although our finding does not allow a clear conclusion as for instance the bacteria could be ingested during the blood feeding. However, further studies are needed to elucidate whether ticks are competent and/or potential vectors of animal and human pathogenic Bartonella species. Experimental infection of female ticks with Bartonella and tracking the bacteria in their eggs, larvae and nymphs will shed light on the path, and collection of the bacteria from ticks salivary glands will answer the question. |
| Keywords |
| canine,dog, Hamedan, Kermanshah, Rhipicephalussanguineus, tick, vector-borne |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |