| Summary: | Several drivers have recently fostered the expansion of <i>Angiostrongylus vasorum</i> throughout Europe, where Vector-Borne Pathogens (VBPs) are also spreading. However, the level of simultaneous risk of infection is still unknown in canine populations. This study evaluated the simultaneous exposure to <i>A. vasorum</i> and major canine VBPs in dogs of Italy. Sera of 294 dogs were subjected to two ELISAs, detecting <i>A. vasorum</i> circulating antigens and antibodies against the parasite, and to the following assays: (i) SNAP® 4DX (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) detecting <i>Dirofilaria immitis</i> antigens, and antibodies vs. <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i>, <i>Anaplasma</i> spp. and <i>Ehrlichia</i> spp. and (ii) IFAT for the detection of antibodies vs. <i>Leishmania infantum</i>, <i>Babesia canis</i> and <i>Rickettsia conorii</i>. Twenty-two (7.5%, CI: 4.8–11.1%) and six (2%, CI: 0.7–4.4%) dogs scored positive for circulating <i>A. vasorum</i> antibodies and antigens, respectively. Seventeen dogs (5.8%, CI: 3.4–9.1%) were positive for <i>A. vasorum</i> antibodies + at least one VBP, three (1%, CI: 0.2–3%) for <i>A. vasorum</i> antigen + at least one VBP, while one dog (0.3%, CI: 0.01–1.88%) was positive for <i>A. vasorum</i> antigen + <i>A. vasorum</i> antibodies + <i>B. canis</i> antibodies. These results show that dogs living in different regions of Italy are at risk of simultaneous infections with both <i>A. vasorum</i> and VBPs. Despite the same scenario being likely in other countries of Europe, the current knowledge is scant. Therefore, further studies are warranted to amplify current epizootiological information and to understand whether control programs should be improved.
|
|---|