Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the etiological agent of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis in dogs and causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Tick-borne anaplasmosis has been recognised as an emerging zoonotic health concern worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in ticks collected from dogs in the UK and map its distribution. Routine surveillance of tick-borne disease is essential as part of a "One Health" approach to infectious disease management.
METHODS: Tick DNA samples collected in 2015 as part of a large-scale tick surveillance programme were analysed using a previously validated diagnostic quantitative PCR for A. phagocytophilum.
RESULTS: PCR analysis indicated that 138 out of 2994 tick DNA samples analysed were positive for A. phagocytophilum, a prevalence of 4.6% (95% CI: 3.89-5.42). Among these 138 tick DNA samples, 131 were from Ixodes ricinus, six were from Ixodes hexagonus and one was from Ixodes canisuga. Three of the I. ricinus tick DNA samples positive for A. phagocytophilum DNA were also positive for Borrelia spp. DNA and one was positive for Babesia spp. DNA, indicating co-infection. The ticks positive for the pathogen DNA were found widely distributed throughout the UK.
CONCLUSIONS: These data provide important information on the prevalence and wide distribution of A. phagocytophilum in ticks infesting dogs within the UK.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e12 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-7 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Veterinary Record |
| Volume | 188 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| Early online date | 5 Apr 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Apr 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to thank the Langford Veterinary Services Clinical Research Fund and MSD Animal Health for financial support for this study. SA was supported by a Zutshi‐Smith Studentship.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 British Veterinary Association
Keywords
- canine
- co-infection
- granulocytic anaplasmosis
- Ixodes spp
- tick-borne disease
- vector
- zoonosis
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- Full-text PDF (author’s accepted manuscript)
This is the author accepted manuscript (AAM). The final published version (version of record) is available online via Wiley at https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.12 . Please refer to any applicable terms of use of the publisher.