and Infections in Shelter Dogs: Seropositivity and Implications for Public Health

Overview

Journal Pathogens

Date 2024 Feb 23

PMID 38392867

Authors

Paulo Afonso

Ana Patricia Lopes

Helder Quintas

Luis Cardoso

Ana Claudia Coelho

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to gain insight into the epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis and rickettsiosis in northern Portugal. Specific IgG antibodies to were analysed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and antibodies to were analysed using a commercial indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). A total of 113 dogs from two different shelters were sampled, and seroprevalence values of 0.9% (95% confidence (CI): 0.2-4.8%) for and 9.7 (95% CI: 5.5-16.6%) for were found. Multiple logistic regression investigated risk factors for seropositivity. The odds ratios (ORs) of seropositivity were higher for female dogs (OR = 6.429; 95% CI: 1.201-34.407). Dogs seropositive for co-infection ( + ) were more frequently observed among females (OR = 7.606; CI 95%: 1.478-39.132) and in Shelter 2 (OR = 18.229; 95% CI: 2.190-151.756). These findings show that shelter dogs in northern Portugal are exposed to and , which can affect both canines and humans. It is imperative to adopt a One Health approach to educate the public about the hazards of canine zoonoses and develop legislation and procedures to control their spread and preserve public health.

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