Prevalence of Borrelia Burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Dirofilaria immitis in Canadian Dogs, 2007-2016

摘要

Vector-borne pathogens are emerging concerns in multiple regions of Canada, for both animals and humans. This has created knowledge gaps in awareness of shifting prevalence, disease risk, and information regarding true geographic distribution of thesepathogens. A dataset of test results for Dirofilaria immitis (HW) antigen (ag) and Borrelia burgdorferi (BB), Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys (AP), and Ehrlichia canis/ewingii (E) serology (SNAP~R 4Dx~R and SNAP~R 4Dx~R Plus) performed on dogs residingin Canada at a diagnostic laboratory or reported by veterinary clinics was analysed. Data were available from March 2007 until July 2016, along with canine signalment and geographic distribution. The objectives were to investigate overall (country-wide)and individual province vector-borne pathogen positive status, determine prevalence of co-infection of BB with other tested pathogens, evaluate factors associated with positivity and assess changes (and emergence) in annual prevalence over time (2008-2015), both overall and within individual provinces in Canada. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests were used.