(IFAT) using determine the seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis, B. canis IFA IgG antibody kit and B. gibsoni IFA IgG Babesia canis, Babesia gibsoni, Dirofilaria immitis

Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of vector(tick)-borne Babesia canis, Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis and Borrelia burgdorferi and mosquito-borne Dirofilaria immitis in naturally exposed pet, working, and street dogs in Assam, India. Materials and Methods: Seroprevalence of B. canis and B. gibsoni was determined using Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) kit and for D. immitis, E. canis and B. burgdorferi by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in SNAP 3DX kit. The results along with blood microscopy findings were analyzed according to different categories of dogs. Results: The present study revealed the presence of Babesia canis, Babesia gibsoni, Dirofilaria immitis, and Ehrlichia canis usually in mixed infections. Seropositivity against B. gibsoni and B. canis in IFAT was found comparatively higher in hospital dogs (84.0% and 22.0%) than the street dogs (73.3% and 10%), whereas evidence of D. immitis infection in SNAP 3DX ELISA was found higher in street dogs (37.5%) than the hospital group (10%). Antibody to E. canis was detected in hospital dogs (32.0%) only and none of the dogs was found positive for Borrelia burgdorferi in the same ELISA kit. Besides detection of B. canis, B. gibsoni, D. immitis and E. canis in single or mixed infections, Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma platys were also recorded in 2.0% and 8.0% respectively in hospital dogs and 3.33% and 6.66% in street dogs during microscopic examination of blood. Conclusion: High seroprevalence supported by microscopic findings indicate a very strong influence of ticks and mosquitoes as competent vectors in establishing an endemic situation for different species of Babesia, Dirofilaria and Ehrlichia.