PREVALENCE OF BARTONELLA SPP., HAEMOTROPIC MYCOPLASMA SPP. AND OTHERS VECTOR-BORNE PATHOGENS IN PRIVATE-OWNED DOGS AND CATS, EGYPT

Vector-borne pathogens have been increasingly investigated for their impact on dog and cat health and their zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence estimates of selected vector-borne pathogens in client-owned pets from the Giza and Cairo governorates, Egypt. Out of 200 dogs and 100 cats, 94 (47%) and 23 (23%) were positive for at least one of the tested pathogens (P<0.0001). In particular, 84 (42%) dogs and 3 (3%) cats tested PCR-positive for Bartonella spp. (P<0.0001). A significantly higher prevalence of Bartonella spp. was detected in dogs from the rural areas of the Giza governorate (60/77, 79.2%, P<0.0001) compared to those from Cairo governorate. Bartonella henselae was the dominant species infecting dogs (81/200, 40.5%) followed by Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii (3/200, 1.5%), while B. henselae (2/100, 2%) and B. clarridgeiae were rare in cats. Haemoplasma DNA was detected in 17% (34/200) of dogs and 20% (20/100) of cats with increased risk in dogs from Giza rural areas (21/77, 27.27%, P=0.002) and from both dogs (16/63, 25.40%, P=0.03) and cats (7/14, 50%, P<0.002) with anemia. Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (30/200, 15%) and Mycoplasma haemocanis (4/200, 2%) in dogs and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (18/100, 18%) and M. haemofelis (2/100, 2%) in cats were detected. Additionally, 2 dogs were positive for C. burnetii DNA. Coinfections were detected in dogs, with the majority (23/200, 11.5%) including B. henselae and C.M. haematoparvum, followed by Mycoplasma haemocanis and C.M. haematoparvum (2/200, 1%) and B. henselae, CMhp and C. burnetii (2/200, 1%). Haemoplasma infection was high in Egyptian dogs and cats with a high prevalence for zoonotic Bartonella spp. in dogs with anemia, highlighting the need to investigate these agents in the diagnostic algorithm of anemia and to adopt preventive measures to protect both animal and human health.