Serological evidence of selected vector-borne pathogens in owned dogs from Italy and Greece

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are an increasing concern in both veterinary medicine and public health, given their expanding geographic distribution, clinical impact, and zoonotic potential1,2 . Serological monitoring of dogs is a valuable tool for assessing the circulation of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), particularly where epidemiological data are limited3 . This study investigated the seroprevalence of major CVBDs in dogs from Italy and Greece. A total of 423 owned dogs were enrolled (northeastern Italy, 89; central Italy, 145; southern Italy, 119; northern Greece, 70), and individual blood samples were collected from each dog. Serum samples were tested using the SNAP® 4Dx test to detect Dirofilaria immitis antigens and antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis/Ehrlichia ewingii, and Borrelia burgdorferi. In addition, indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFATs) were performed to detect IgG antibodies against Babesia canis and Rickettsia conorii. Overall, 171 dogs (40.4%) tested positive for at least one pathogen; 155 (36.6%) were positive for a single pathogen, while 16 (3.8%) showed co-infections. Antibodies against R. conorii were detected in 118 dogs (27.9%), while 29 (6.8%), 28 (6.6%), 7 (1.6%), 5 (1.2%), and 3 (0.7%) dogs tested positive for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., D. immitis, B. canis, and B. burgdorferi, respectively. Compatible clinical signs were observed in 36 dogs (8.5%), of which 23 (5.4%) showed two or more clinical signs. Binomial logistic regression showed a statistically significant association between age (> 7 years) and presence of at least one clinical sign and positivity to at least one pathogen. These findings highlight the exposure of owned dogs from Italy and Greece to a range of VBPs, confirming their circulation in Mediterranean areas. In this context, continuous epidemiological surveillance is essential to identify and monitor areas at risk and to implement effective preventive strategies within a One Health framework.