Research Article

Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye

Volume: 15 Number: 3 September 21, 2026
EN TR

Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of tick-, mosquito-, and sand fly-borne pathogens in domestic cat populations across this region and evaluate the role of host-vector interactions. A total of 277 whole blood samples were collected from domestic and stray cats across five provinces (Aydın, İzmir, Manisa, Muğla, and Denizli) in the Western Aegean Region of Türkiye. Samples were screened using specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Leishmania infantum/L. donovani, Dirofilaria immitis, and Hepatozoon spp. Hepatozoon spp. was the sole pathogen detected, with an overall molecular prevalence of 18.1% (50/277). Significant regional variation was observed; the highest positivity rates were recorded in coastal provinces like İzmir (25.4%) and Aydın (24.2%), while the lowest was in inland Manisa (5.6%). A statistically significant correlation was observed between geographic location and infection positivity (p = 0.026). All 277 samples tested negative for Babesia, Ehrlichia, Leishmania, and Dirofilaria immitis. This study revealed a high prevalence of Hepatozoon infection among free-roaming cats in western Türkiye. The dominance of Hepatozoon spp. alongside the complete absence of detectable saliva and vector-transmitted pathogens highlights a behavioral paradox: feline grooming effectively removes vectors but facilitates the ingestion of infected ticks. The high prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. underscores the necessity of incorporating PCR-based molecular diagnostics in routine clinical practice and implementing strict ectoparasite control measures, particularly in shelter environments.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Aydın Adnan Menderes University

Project Number

VTF-20030

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines and approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of Aydın Adnan Menderes University (Protocol No: 64583101/2020/132; Date: 17/12/2020).

Thanks

The authors also gratefully acknowledge Hasan Eren, Tülin Karagenç, Serkan Bakırcı, Hüseyin Bilgin Bilgiç, Selin Hacılarlıoğlu, and Hakan Kanlıoğlu for their valuable administrative and technical support. Furthermore, we extend our sincere appreciation to the participating veterinarians, the technical staff at the animal shelters, and the animal owners, whose collaboration was vital to the successful completion of the fieldwork.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Veterinary Sciences (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 21, 2026

Submission Date

August 13, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 7, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 3

APA
Aydın, H. B., & Pekagirbas, M. (2026). Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye. Animal Health Production and Hygiene, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.53913/aduveterinary.2017494
AMA
1.Aydın HB, Pekagirbas M. Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye. Animal Health, Prod and Hyg. 2026;15(3). doi:10.53913/aduveterinary.2017494
Chicago
Aydın, Heyecan Berk, and Metin Pekagirbas. 2026. “Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-Borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye”. Animal Health Production and Hygiene 15 (3). https://doi.org/10.53913/aduveterinary.2017494.
EndNote
Aydın HB, Pekagirbas M (September 1, 2026) Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye. Animal Health Production and Hygiene 15 3
IEEE
[1]H. B. Aydın and M. Pekagirbas, “Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye”, Animal Health, Prod and Hyg, vol. 15, no. 3, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.53913/aduveterinary.2017494.
ISNAD
Aydın, Heyecan Berk - Pekagirbas, Metin. “Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-Borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye”. Animal Health Production and Hygiene 15/3 (September 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.53913/aduveterinary.2017494.
JAMA
1.Aydın HB, Pekagirbas M. Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye. Animal Health, Prod and Hyg. 2026;15. doi:10.53913/aduveterinary.2017494.
MLA
Aydın, Heyecan Berk, and Metin Pekagirbas. “Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-Borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye”. Animal Health Production and Hygiene, vol. 15, no. 3, Sept. 2026, doi:10.53913/aduveterinary.2017494.
Vancouver
1.Heyecan Berk Aydın, Metin Pekagirbas. Molecular Prevalence of Feline Vector-borne Diseases (FVBD) in Western Türkiye. Animal Health, Prod and Hyg. 2026 Sep. 1;15(3). doi:10.53913/aduveterinary.2017494