Seroprevalence of canine babesiosis in Hungary suggesting breed predisposition.
Six hundred fifty-one blood samples were collected from urban and rural dogs in various parts of Hungary to measure antibody levels to Babesia canis with indirect fluorescent antibody test. Thirty-seven (5.7%) of the sera showed positivity with titers between 1:80 and 1:10,240. Seroconverted dogs were found in 13 locations of the country. It is concluded that canine babesiosis is becoming more prevalent in Eastern Hungary. Seropositivity increased then declined with age, reaching a maximum in case of 3.1- to 5-year-old dogs. Prevalence of antibodies to B. canis was significantly higher among german shepherds and komondors. This suggests a genetic predisposition of german shepherd dogs to chronic babesiosis (carrier status) with long-term maintenance of their seropositivity. On the other hand, heavy-coated komondors are phenotypically more suitable for repeated exposure to ticks, potentially infected with B. canis. This is the first report on the seroprevalence of canine babesiosis in Hungary.
Hornok
Sándor
S
Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Szent István University, István u. 2., Budapest 1078, Hungary. Hornok.Sandor@aotk.szie.hu
Edelhofer
R
R
Farkas
R
R
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D001403:Babesia / Q000276:immunology*; D001404:Babesiosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013045:Species Specificity
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan