Investigation of Seroprevalence of Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma spp. in Dogs Living in Shelter in Şanlıurfa Province

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis (E.canis), Anaplasma spp, Borrelia burgdorferi (B.

burgdorferi) and Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) in dogs living in shelters in Şanlıurfa province of Turkey. The study material

consisted of 100 dogs (76 female and 24 male) living in a shelter in Şanlıurfa province. Sera obtained from blood samples were

tested for qualitative detection of D. immitis antigen and antibodies to E. canis, B. burgdorferi, and Anaplasma spp with a rapid test

kit working with the principle of immunochromatographic analysis. D. immitis antigen was not detected in any of the dogs. The

presence of antibodies Anaplasma spp, E. canis, and B. burgdorferi was determined as 65%, 21% and 4%, respectively. The highest

Anaplasma spp seropositivity was determined in the 2>3≤ years old age group, female and mixed dogs. When seropositivity

was compared between age groups, sexes and breeds, the difference was found to be statistically significant (p0.05). The

highest E. canis seropositivity was observed in the 2>3≤ years old age group, in females and crossbred dogs, and the difference

between the sex was statistically significant (p0.05). Similarly, the highest B. burgdorferi seropositivity was detected in the 2>3≤

years old age group, in females and crossbred dogs, and the difference between the sex was statistically significant (p0.05). It

was concluded that some vector-borne disease such as Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Lyme were seen in dogs living in

shelters in Şanlıurfa province and necessary precautions should be taken to combat these diseases.