Seroprevalence of Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and Bartonella henselae in Urban Stray Dogs in Eskisehir, Turkey

Aims: Bartonella species are significant emerging infectious bacterial pathogens in dogs and humans. They are vector-transmitted, blood-borne, intracellular, gram-negative bacteria that can induce prolonged infection in the host. In this study, the seroprevalence of Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffi (Bvb) and Bartonella henselae (Bh) infections in healthy looking urban stray dogs in Eskisehir, Turkey was determined.
Methodology: One hundred eighty six sera were collected randomly from clinically healthy looking shelter dogs during July 2011 - November 2012. Serological tests were performed using (Bh) and (Bvb) antigens using the Indirect Fluorescein Antibody test (IFAT).
Results: Twenty (10.8%) samples were positive for Bvb IgG and 39 (21.1%) for Bh IgG, showing that Bvb and Bh are significant zoonotic pathogens in dogs in this region. Due to the se zoonotic potency of these pathogens and the close relationship between dogs and humans, further studies are required to understand the mechanism of transmission.
Conclusion: Bh and Bvb infections are common in stray dogs (21.1%-10.8%) in EskiÅŸehir/Turkey. As a result, veterinarians play an important role in advising for the public health of epidemiologic and zoonotic pathogens that indicate a significant risk of artropod born diseases. Eliminating or minimizing of flea and tick exposures is very important for public health.