A Case of Concurrent Infection with Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys, and Leishmania infantum in a Dog

Abstract

Vector-borne diseases transmitted by arthropods lead to significant threats to animal and human health worldwide. Arthropods of medical and veterinary importance not only cause harm to their hosts through blood-feeding activities that result in allergies, paralysis, and toxicosis, but also serve as vectors for transmitting multiple bacterial, viral, parasitic, and rickettsial diseases to animals and humans. Among the most important vector-borne blood parasites in dogs are leishmaniosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, dirofilariosis, and babesiosis. This case report focuses on a 3-year-old male Dogo Argentino dog presenting with clinical signs of anorexia, weakness, and lethargy. Based on physical, hematological, and biochemical examinations, as well as rapid diagnostic test results, the dog was found to be positive for Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys, and Leishmania infantum. This case report holds particular significance as it documents the first reported case of concurrent infections with different blood parasites in a dog from the Balıkesir region.