Tick-borne pathogens in dogs and their ticks in France: Molecular and serological evidence from a multicenter participatory study.
This study highlights the presence of tick-borne pathogens in dogs in France, suggesting a need for integrated veterinary and public health surveillance systems.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the snap-8 corpusSummary and findings
This study investigated tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in dogs and their ticks in France over a year-long multicenter participatory pilot survey. A total of 165 ticks were collected from 82 dogs across 41 veterinary practices. Molecular screening identified TBPs in dogs, including Borrelia garinii and Babesia canis canis, with some infected dogs being asymptomatic.
Abstract
Canine tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are expanding globally, representing an increasing concern for both veterinary and public health. Dogs, due to their close contact with humans and frequent exposure to ticks, may serve as valuable sentinels for zoonotic risk. Between December 2022 and December 2023, we conducted a year-long multicenter participatory pilot survey in France involving veterinary clinics, dog owners, and research laboratories. Ticks and blood samples were collected from 82 dogs presented in 41 veterinary practices across 34 departments. Tick species were identified morphologically, and genomic DNA extracted from ticks and canine blood and/or serum samples was screened for selected tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) using PCR and sequencing. Serological analyses were also performed. A total of 165 ticks were collected from enrolled dogs, including <i>Dermacentor reticulatus</i> (29.7%), <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> (18.2%), <i>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</i> s.l. (16.4%), <i>I. hexagonus</i> (6.7%), and <i>D. marginatus</i> (0.6%). Tick submissions were recorded throughout the study period, with temporal variations observed among tick genera. Molecular screening identified several TBPs in dogs, including <i>Borrelia garinii</i> (<i>n</i> = 5) and <i>Babesia canis canis</i> (n = 5). Serological analyses revealed antibodies against <i>Ehrlichia</i> spp. and <i>Anaplasma</i> spp. in one and three dogs, respectively. Several infected dogs were asymptomatic. In ticks, the main TBPs detected included <i>B. garinii</i>, <i>B. canis canis</i>, <i>Rickettsia massiliae</i>, and <i>R. raoultii</i>, as well as several endosymbionts. This multicenter participatory pilot study supports the feasibility of a One Health surveillance approach based on veterinary networks for monitoring tick species and TBPs. Although the study was not designed to assess national prevalence or validate dogs as sentinels through comparison with human surveillance data, the findings provide proof-of-concept for the potential value of integrating veterinary and public health surveillance systems to improve our understanding of TBP circulation in France.
Background
This paper addresses the increasing concern of canine tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and their implications for both veterinary and public health. Previous studies have indicated that dogs can act as sentinels for zoonotic risks due to their close contact with humans and exposure to ticks. This study is significant as it explores the feasibility of a One Health surveillance approach to monitor tick species and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in France.
Methods
The study employed a multicenter participatory pilot survey design involving 82 dogs from 41 veterinary practices across 34 departments in France. Ticks and blood samples were collected over a year, from December 2022 to December 2023. Tick species were identified morphologically, and genomic DNA was extracted from ticks and canine blood/serum samples for screening selected TBPs using PCR and sequencing, alongside serological analyses.
Results
A total of 165 ticks were collected, with Dermacentor reticulatus being the most prevalent at 29.7%. Molecular screening identified Borrelia garinii in 5 dogs and Babesia canis canis in another 5 dogs. Serological analyses revealed antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. in 1 dog and Anaplasma spp. in 3 dogs. Notably, several infected dogs were asymptomatic.
Interpretation
The findings indicate the presence of various TBPs in dogs, which aligns with previous literature suggesting that dogs can harbor these pathogens. However, the effect sizes observed, such as the number of infected dogs, may not be clinically meaningful without further context. Limitations include the study's design not being aimed at assessing national prevalence and the lack of comparison with human surveillance data, which could confound the interpretation of the results.
Key findings
- 165 ticks collected from enrolled dogs, including Dermacentor reticulatus (29.7%) and Ixodes ricinus (18.2%)
- Molecular screening identified Borrelia garinii (n=5) and Babesia canis canis (n=5) in dogs
- Antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. detected in 1 dog and Anaplasma spp. in 3 dogs
- Several infected dogs were asymptomatic
- Main TBPs detected in ticks included B. garinii, B. canis canis, Rickettsia massiliae, and R. raoultii
Limitations
- Not designed to assess national prevalence
- No comparison with human surveillance data
- Small sample size of 82 dogs
- Short study duration of one year