Dogs with exposure to ticks may contract multiple infections simultaneously. Our study aimed (1) to find seroprevalences to Borrelia, Anaplasma and Babesia of the dogs with a suspected history of 'vector-borne diseases' and (2) to evaluate specific seroprevalences in five most common pedigree breeds. Antibodies to Anaplasma were assayed by an IFAT test and antibodies to Babesia and Borrelia were tested using respective ELISA.

During the study period (2015/2016) involving 2948 dogs, overall seropositivity was 44% to = 1 pathogen(s). Single-positivity accounted for 34.4% and was composed of Anaplasma (73.7%), Borrelia (22.1%) and Babesia (4.1%). Double-positivity was 9.2%; Anaplasma/Borrelia (83.8%), Anaplasma/Babesia (11.8%) and Borrelia/Babesia (4.4%).

Triple-positivity (Anaplasma/Borrelia/Babesia) was seen in 11 (0.4%) dogs.

Regarding the 868 dogs belonging to 5 pedigree breeds, overall seropositivity to = 1 pathogen(s) was 49.5%; Bernese Mountain Dogs (68.1% of 113) > Golden Retrievers (54.3% of 151) > Australian Shepherds (50.5% of 105) > German Shepherds (47.7% of 174) > Labradors (41.5% of 325). For all breeds, single-positivities ranged from 32% (Labradors) to 46% (Golden Retrievers). Except for Bernese Mountain Dogs, the seropositivity to Anaplasma accounted for 73–84% while the seropositivity to Borrelia accounted for 14–27%. For Bernese Mountain Dogs, seropositivities to Anaplasma and Borrelia were 36% and 64%, respectively.

Double-positivities were between 7% (Golden Retrievers) and 13% (German Shepherds), whereas they were 28% for Bernese Mountain Dogs. With regard to specific combinations of pathogens, Anaplasma/Borrelia accounted for nearly 100% in Bernese Mountain Dogs, Australian Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, whereas German Shepherds and Labradors exhibited somewhat different susceptibilities: Anaplasma/Borrelia (68% and 80%, respectively) and Anaplasma/Babesia (27% and 20%), respectively.

Within the scope of this study, our data suggested a certain dichotomy of seropositivity patterns depending on dogs of pedigree breeds. Overall, single-positivities were seen in 32–46% of the dogs and Anaplasma was the principal pathogen representing 73–84% cases. Bernese Mountain Dogs were exceptional: Borrelia represented 64% and Anaplasma 36%. While double-positivities were comparatively low (7–13%), Bernese Mountain Dogs were outstanding with 28%. Furthermore, Anaplasma/Borrelia accounted for nearly 100% seropositivities in 3 breeds, whereas Anaplasma/Babesia accounted for 20–27% in 2 other breeds (German Shepherds, Labradors). Under the circumstances where multiple factors - habitats, ectoparasite controls among others - influence the occurrence and prevalence of antibodies, our data showed certain breed-specific patterns of differences in susceptibility/infectivity toward the pathogens.

Disclosures

The authors D. Breu and J. Guthardt are employed at Laboklin GmbH & Co.Kg, Germany. E. Mueller is owner/manager of the Laboklin GmbH & Co.Kg, Germany.