A Cross Sectional Study on Serological Prevalence of <i>Ehrlichia canis</i> and <i>Rickettsia</i> <i>conorii</i> in Different Canine Population of Sicily (South-Italy) during 2017–2019

• Main Authors: Sergio Migliore, Valeria Gargano, Claudia De Maria, Delia Gambino, Antonino Gentile, Valeria Vitale Badaco, Giorgia Schirò, Francesco Mira, Paola Galluzzo, Domenico Vicari, Santina Di Bella
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-12-01
• Series: Animals
• Subjects: <i>Erlichia canis</i>; <i>Rickettsia conorii</i>; dog
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/12/2444

Vector-borne pathogens such as <i>Erlichia canis</i> and <i>Rickettsia conorii</i> are widespread in the Mediterranean basin. <i>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</i>, is considered the main vector in Mediterranean climatic areas. Seroprevalence in dogs is variable in relation to environmental factors, presence of vectors, and dogs’ management. We investigated the seroprevalence in Sicilian dogs during 2017–2019, considering temporal as well as spatial variations, and different canine population. A total of 11,009 sera were analyzed: 7568 and 3441 sera were tested to detect antibodies to <i>E. canis</i> and to <i>R. conorii</i>, respectively, by immunofluorescence assay. The rainfall average in the sampling sites during the three-year period was also considered. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests for association between two or more variables. We reported a prevalence of 29.6% and 53.6% for <i>E. canis</i> and <i>R. conorii,</i> respectively. Significant temporal variation was found in <i>R. conorii</i>, while significant difference was found considering canine population and spatial variation regarding both pathogens. Our study updates the previous results of <i>E. canis</i> and <i>R. conorii</i> seroprevalence in dogs in Sicily, and confirms the wide distribution of these pathogens. In addition, we considered, for the first time, three different variables to identify the areas and the canine populations most exposed to risk.