Med. Weter. 81 (4), 164-172, 2025
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| TALHA TAŞ, MUSTAFA FURKAN PALA, ABDÜLLATİF EMİRİKCİ, |
| Microscopic and PCR survey of Hepatozoon spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in dogs from Antalya city of Türkiye |
| This study was planned and conducted to investigate the presence and prevalence of Hepatozoon spp., the causative agent of canine hepatozoonosis, as well as Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of canine and human granulocytic anaplasmosis (CGA and HGA), in dogs in Antalya city of Türkiye. This region is characterized by intensive human and animal circulation and offers favorable living conditions for vector ticks. Blood samples collected from 120 randomly selected dogs were examined microscopically and molecularly by PCR to detect the presence of Hepatozoon spp. and A. phagocytophilum. As a result, the microscopic and molecular prevalences of Hepatozoon spp. were determined as 2.5% and 22.5%, respectively, while A. phagocytophilum was not detected through microscopic examination, and its molecular prevalence was found to be 3.33%. During the examination of the blood smears, Babesia spp. piroplasms were incidentally detected in two samples. For both Hepatozoon spp. and A. phagocytophilum, no statistically significant difference was found between the presence of infection and the parameters of age, gender, and breed. The literature review reveals that this is the first study investigating the presence and distribution of Hepatozoon spp. in dogs in the Antalya region, making it the first report both microscopically and molecularly. While there is a serological study using a rapid test kit for A. phagocytophilum in dogs in the Antalya region, this study is also the first microscopic and molecular screening, and the first molecular report of A. phagocytophilum in the area. In conclusion, it should not be overlooked that Hepatozoon spp., which is found at a significant prevalence in the region, poses a threat to animal health, while A. phagocytophilum presents a serious threat to both human and animal health. To effectively combat these pathogens, it is once again emphasized that comprehensive and result-oriented control and prevention programs must be established and promptly implemented based on relevant epidemiological data. |
| Keywords: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Antalya, dogs, Hepatozoon spp., prevalence |