Simultaneous Exposure to Angiostrongylus vasorum and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Dogs from Italy

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