Serodetection of Ehrlichia canis amongst dogs in central Namibia

Authors

  • Rutendo Manyarara Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic
  • Ulf Tubbesing Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic
  • Minty Soni Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic
  • Bruce H Noden Polytechnic of Namibia

Abstract

Ehrlichia canis is a major pathogen in dogs throughout Africa, yet it has not been reported in Namibia. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of canine ehrlichiosis in central Namibia using the ImmunoComb assay (Biogal, Galed aboratories). The study included 76 dogs that presented to the Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic in the north-western suburb of Khomasdal, Windhoek, Namibia, as well as 30 stray dogs from the Windhoek branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Of the 106 dogs tested, 53.8% were seropositive at titres > 1:80. Dogs that presented with symptoms of E. canis infection had a significantly higher seroprevalence (86.6%) compared with apparently healthy dogs (41.6%) (P = 0.00). Location of habitation was significant (P < 0.017), with a high percentage of dogs exposed to E. canis living in the northern or north-western part of Windhoek. As the first study to serologically establish E. canis as a major pathogen in dogs in central Namibia, it is notable that the highest proportion of seropositive dogs came from low-income areas. Further investigation is necessary to describe the ecology of this important tick-borne pathogen of companion animals in Namibia.

Author Biographies

  • Rutendo Manyarara, Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic

    Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic, Windhoek, Namibia

  • Ulf Tubbesing, Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic

    Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic, Windhoek, Namibia

  • Minty Soni, Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic

    Rhino Park Veterinary Clinic, Windhoek, Namibia

  • Bruce H Noden, Polytechnic of Namibia

    Department of Health Sciences, Polytechnic of Namibia, Namibia

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Published

2021-12-09

Issue

Section

Short Communications