Anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (borreliosis) are the most frequently diagnosed vector (tick)-borne disease (VBD) in humans and dogs. To the authors' knowledge, there are limited data of serum proteomics on these clinical animals and the modifications in their proteome. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify the potential serum biomarkers of diagnosis of anaplasmosis and Lyme disease using a proteomic approach.

Pools of serum samples from dogs naturally infected with A. phagocytophilum, B. burgdorferi, and infected with both agents were collected before treatment, and compared with a control group. Anaplasmosis and Lyme disease were diagnosed based on specific IgG and IgM antibody titers. Serum C-reactive protein and ferritin levels in infected dogs were higher (p<0.05) than those of controls. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) of pooled samples was run in triplicate. 2DE image analysis showed 57 differentially expressed spots between infected animals and controls. Compared to healthy controls, vitamin D-binding protein decreased, while haptoglobin and Ig chains with different spots increased in both diseases. Serum apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) level decreased in dogs with lyme, but this did not express differentially in dogs with anaplasmosis. In dual infections, concentrations of vitamin D-binding protein and albumin decreased, whereas alpha glycoprotein, haptoglobin and Ig chain increased compared to controls.

These study results showed that many proteins might be changed in the VBDs, and they could be useful biomarkers for diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment strategies. Understanding the role of these proteins in many biological processes such as acute phase response, immunological reactions, transport, oxidative stress, apoptosis, calcium, iron and lipid metabolism and blood coagulation cascade provide advantages during diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in clinical settings.

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