Unseen Threats: Hidden Protozoa in Italian Dogs

Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they can carry dangerous protozoa that affect both animals and humans. These microscopic invaders belong to a group called Apicomplexan haemoprotozoa. They include Babesia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon. These tiny troublemakers can cause serious health issues in dogs. A recent study in Northern Italy shed light on this hidden problem. A group of researchers decided to take a closer look. They examined 155 dogs that had visited the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Bologna. These dogs had already been tested for common tick-borne infections like Anaplasmataceae and Babesia. The researchers used a more advanced test called an 18S rDNA PCR assay. This test can detect a wider range of protozoa. The results were surprising. The researchers found three different types of Apicomplexan haemoprotozoa in these dogs. Two dogs had Babesia canis, which is a known threat. But they also found Hepatozoon canis in eight dogs and Theileria orientalis in one dog. These were unexpected findings. Hepatozoon canis is particularly concerning. Dogs infected with this protozoa often have other health issues. The study also showed that there is a lot of genetic diversity among the Hepatozoon canis strains found in these dogs. This means that the protozoa might be evolving and adapting in ways that we don't fully understand. The discovery of Theileria orientalis in a dog is especially noteworthy. This is the first time this protozoa has been reported in a canine host in Italy. It raises important questions about how these protozoa are spreading and who is at risk. The study highlights the need for better diagnostic tools. Routine tests might miss these hidden infections. Comprehensive diagnostic techniques can help detect a wider range of protozoan infections. This is crucial, especially when dealing with vector-borne diseases that can have multiple infections at once. There is still a lot we don't know. More research is needed to understand the role of dogs in the spread of Theileria spp. We also need to learn more about how pathogenic Hepatozoon canis strains are in this region. This knowledge can help us protect our pets and ourselves from these unseen threats.