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

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Babesia
• Dirofilaria
• Ehrlichia
• Hepatozoon
• Leishmania
• PCR

Destekleyen Kurum

Aydın Adnan Menderes University

Proje Numarası

VTF-20030

Etik Beyan

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).

Teşekkür

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.

Batı Türkiye'de Kedi Vektör Kaynaklı Hastalıklarının (FVBD) Moleküler Yaygınlığı

Öz

Bu çalışma, Ege bölgesindeki evcil kedi popülasyonlarında kene, sivrisinek ve tatarcık kaynaklı patojenlerin moleküler prevalansını belirlemeyi ve konak-vektör etkileşimlerinin rolünü değerlendirmeyi amaçlamıştır. Türkiye'nin Batı Ege Bölgesi'ndeki beş ilden (Aydın, İzmir, Manisa, Muğla ve Denizli) sahipli ve sahipsiz toplam 277 kediden tam kan örnekleri toplanmıştır. Örnekler Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Leishmania infantum/L. donovani, Dirofilaria immitis ve Hepatozoon spp. varlığı açısından spesifik polimeraz zincir reaksiyonu (PZR) yöntemleriyle taranmıştır. İncelenen beş grup arasında tespit edilen tek patojen Hepatozoon spp. olmuş ve genel moleküler prevalans %18,1 (50/277) olarak bulunmuştur. İllere göre belirgin bir bölgesel varyasyon gözlemlenmiş; en yüksek pozitiflik oranları İzmir (%25,4) ve Aydın (%24,2) gibi kıyı illerinde kaydedilirken, en düşük oran karasal iklime sahip Manisa'da (%5,6) görülmüştür. Coğrafi konum ile enfeksiyon pozitifliği arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir korelasyon gözlemlenmiştir (p = 0,026). Taranan 277 örneğin tamamı Babesia, Ehrlichia, Leishmania ve Dirofilaria türlerine ait DNA varlığı yönünden negatif bulunmuştur. Hepatozoon spp.'nin baskınlığı ve kedilerde diğer tükürük-vektör yoluyla bulaşan patojenlerin saptanamaması, kedilerin yalanma davranışına bağlı bir paradoksu işaret etmektedir: Yalanma, vektörleri mekanik olarak uzaklaştırırken enfekte kenelerin yutulmasını kolaylaştırmaktadır. Hepatozoon spp.'nin yüksek prevalansı, rutin klinik uygulamalarda PZR tabanlı teşhis yöntemlerinin kullanılmasının ve özellikle barınak ortamlarında sıkı ektoparazit kontrol programlarının uygulanmasının gerekliliğini vurgulamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Babesia
• Dirofilaria
• Ehrlichia
• Hepatozoon
• Leishmania
• PZR

Destekleyen Kurum

Aydın Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi

Proje Numarası

VTF-20030

Etik Beyan

Bu çalışma, Aydın Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Hayvan Deneyleri Yerel Etik Kurulu'nun onayı ve yönergeleri doğrultusunda yürütülmüştür (Protokol No: 64583101/2020/132; Tarih: 17/12/2020)

Teşekkür

Değerli idari ve teknik desteklerinden dolayı Hasan Eren, Tülin Karagenç, Serkan Bakırcı, Hüseyin Bilgin Bilgiç, Selin Hacılarlıoğlu ve Hakan Kanlıoğlu'na içtenlikle teşekkür eder. Bunun yanı sıra, saha çalışmasının başarıyla tamamlanmasında işbirlikleri hayati önem taşıyan katılımcı veteriner hekimlere, hayvan barınaklarındaki teknik personele ve hayvan sahiplerine en içten teşekkürlerimizi sunarız.

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