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 materialconsisted of 100 dogs (76 female and 24 male) living in a shelter in Şanlıurfa province. Sera obtained from blood samples weretested for qualitative detection of D. immitis antigen and antibodies to E. canis, B. burgdorferi, and Anaplasma spp with a rapid testkit working with the principle of immunochromatographic analysis. D. immitis antigen was not detected in any of the dogs. Thepresence of antibodies Anaplasma spp, E. canis, and B. burgdorferi was determined as 65%, 21% and 4%, respectively. The highestAnaplasma spp seropositivity was determined in the 2>3≤ years old age group, female and mixed dogs. When seropositivitywas compared between age groups, sexes and breeds, the difference was found to be statistically significant (p0.05). Thehighest E. canis seropositivity was observed in the 2>3≤ years old age group, in females and crossbred dogs, and the differencebetween 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). Itwas concluded that some vector-borne disease such as Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Lyme were seen in dogs living inshelters in Şanlıurfa province and necessary precautions should be taken to combat these diseases.