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Cited by 97Vector-borne infectious diseasesResearch on Leishmaniasis StudiesVector-Borne Animal Diseases

Seropositivity rates for agents of canine vector-borne diseases in Spain: A multicentre study

Open access
Miró, Guadalupe, Montoya, Ana, Roura, Xavier, Gálvez, Rosa, Sainz, Angel·2013·Parasites & Vectors
DOI 10.1186/1756-3305-6-117PMC PMC3639099
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Controlling canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) is a major concern, since some of these diseases are serious zoonoses. This study was designed to determine seropositivity rates in Spain for agents causing the following five CVBD: leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum: Li), heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis: Di), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis: Ec), anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys: An) and Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi: Bb). METHODS: Anti-An, -Bb, and -Ec antibodies and the Di antigen were determined using the 4DX SNAP® Test (IDEXX Laboratories) and anti-L. infantum (Li) antibodies using the Leishmania SNAP® Test (IDEXX Laboratories) in blood and/or serum samples. RESULTS: Among 1100 dogs examined, overall seropositivity rates were: Li (15.7%), Ec (5%), An (3.1%), Di (1.25%) and Bb (0.4%). While seropositivity towards Bb and Di was similar in all geographic regions, rates were significantly higher in the east of Spain (8.3%) for An, significantly higher in the north (20%) for Ec, and significantly higher in the Southeast (46.6%) and South (27.4%), and significantly lower in the north (0%) for Li.No statistical associations were observed between sex and the CVBD analyzed (p ≥ 0.05) while the following associations with other variables were detected: a higher seropositivity to Ec (40%) and Bb (6.7%) in dogs under one year of age compared with adults (p < 0.05); and a higher seropositivity to An and Li in dogs that lived outdoors versus indoors (p = 0.01; p < 0.001, respectively). Seropositivity rates of 2.1%, 0%, 1.7%, 0.5% and 4.2% were recorded respectively for An, Bb, Ec, Di and Li in dogs with no clinical signs (n = 556) versus 3.8%, 0.6%, 7.5%, 1.8% and 25.9% for those with signs (n = 507) suggestive of a CVBD. CONCLUSION: The data obtained indicate a risk for dogs in Spain of acquiring any of the five CVBD examined. Veterinarians in the different regions should include these diseases in their differential diagnoses and recommend the use of repellents and other prophylactic measures to prevent disease transmission by arthropod vectors. Public health authorities also need to become more involved in the problem, since some of the CVBD examined here also affect humans.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This multicentre serosurvey of 1,100 owned dogs in seven Spanish regions found overall seropositivity rates of 15.7% for *Leishmania infantum*, 5% for *Ehrlichia canis*, 3.1% for *Anaplasma* spp., 1.25% for *Dirofilaria immitis*, and 0.4% for *Borrelia burgdorferi*. The authors conclude that dogs in Spain are at risk of acquiring all five canine vector-borne diseases examined and recommend differential diagnosis, repellents/prophylaxis, and greater public health involvement.

Key findings

  • Among 1,100 dogs, overall seropositivity was Li 15.7%, Ec 5%, An 3.1%, Di 1.25%, and Bb 0.4%; 37.1% were seropositive for at least one of the five agents.
  • Regional rates differed significantly: An was higher in the east (8.3%), Ec was higher in the north (20%), and Li was higher in the southeast (46.6%) and south (27.4%) but 0% in the north; Bb and Di were similar across regions.
  • Ec (40%) and Bb (6.7%) seropositivity was higher in dogs under one year than in adults (p < 0.05); An and Li were higher in dogs living outdoors versus indoors (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively); no sex associations were observed (p ≥ 0.05).
  • In dogs with no clinical signs (n = 556) versus those with signs compatible with CVBD (n = 507), seropositivity was An 2.1% vs 3.8%, Bb 0% vs 0.6%, Ec 1.7% vs 7.5%, Di 0.5% vs 1.8%, and Li 4.2% vs 25.9%.

Methods

  • Cross-sectional multicentre survey of 1,100 owned dogs attending 57 veterinary clinics across seven Spanish regions; a clinical record was compiled by questionnaire and physical examination, and blood/serum samples were collected.
  • Anti-An, anti-Bb, and anti-Ec antibodies and Di antigen were determined with the 4DX SNAP® Test (IDEXX Laboratories); anti-Li antibodies were determined with the Leishmania SNAP® Test (IDEXX Laboratories).
  • Associations with age, sex, abode, and clinical signs were assessed using the chi-squared test in SPSS 19.0, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

Limitations

  • Stated by the authors: travel history was not included, so infection outside the home region cannot be ruled out; only 17 dogs under one year were examined, so age findings need confirmation; the low number of dogs in northern Spain precludes reliable Ec prevalence estimates.
  • Stated by the authors: *Anaplasma* serology cannot distinguish *A. phagocytophilum* from *A. platys* because of cross-reactivity, requiring PCR for species identification; the Bb test detects antibodies only during active infection; and the Di ELISA may produce false negatives in low-burden or male-worm-only infections.
  • Evident from the text: the sample was a convenience sample of owned dogs attending veterinary clinics rather than a random population sample, regional sample sizes were highly uneven (e.g., north n = 15 vs. northeast n = 465), and data on ectoparasiticide protection were not collected, although the authors note such information would be interesting.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1186/1756-3305-6-117

Cites

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 46 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    No link was detected between Bb, Ec or Di seropositivity and place of abode.

    “No link was detected between the seropositivity rate observed for Bb, Ec and Di, and place of abode.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Ec seropositivity was significantly higher in northern Spain (20%).

    “significantly higher in the north (20%) for Ec”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “the rate for Ec was significantly higher in the north (20%)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    No correlation was detected between Bb, An or Di seropositivity and the presence of clinical signs.

    “No correlation was detected, however, between seropositivity for Bb, An and Di and the presence of clinical signs.”
    • Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
      “No significant correlation was detected in our study between the presence of clinical signs in a dog and its positivity for Bb, An or Di.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Clinical signs recorded by veterinarians are compatible with CVBD and correctly identify symptomatic dogs.
  • Findingown data

    Bb seropositivity was higher in dogs under one year of age (6.7%) than in adults (p < 0.05).

    “Seropositivity towards Ec (40%) and Bb (6.7%) was higher in dogs under one year of age compared to adults (p < 0.05)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The seropositivity rate for each CVBD pathogen varied according to the geographic region.

    “the seropositivity rate for each of these CVBD pathogens varying according to the geographic region.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 10
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 3
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 11

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among 1100 dogs examined in Spain, overall seropositivity rates were Li 15.7%, Ec 5%, An 3.1%, Di 1.25% and Bb 0.4%.

    “Among 1100 dogs examined, overall seropositivity rates were: Li (15.7%), Ec (5%), An (3.1%), Di (1.25%) and Bb (0.4%).”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Overall seropositivity rates for the five CVBD agents were: Li (15.7%), Ec (5%), An (3.1%), Di (1.25%) and Bb (0.4%).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs attending the 57 veterinary clinics are representative of the Spanish dog population, so seropositivity rates can be generalised to dogs in Spain.
    • Rests on an assumption: The serological tests used (4DX SNAP and Leishmania SNAP) accurately classify dogs as seropositive for the respective agents.
    • Rests on an assumption: The seven geographic regions studied are representative of the bioclimatic and epidemiological diversity of Spain.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The highest seropositivity rate detected was for Li (15.7%) and the lowest for Bb (0.4%).

    “The highest seropositivity rate detected was that of Li (15.7%) and the lowest Bb (0.4%)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    An seropositivity was significantly higher in dogs living outdoors than in dogs living indoors (p = 0.01).

    “Seropositivity to An and Li was significantly higher for dogs that lived outdoors compared to indoors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Li seropositivity was significantly higher in southern Spain (27.4%).

    “and South (27.4%)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Li seropositivity was significantly higher in dogs living outdoors than in dogs living indoors (p < 0.001).

    “Seropositivity to An and Li was significantly higher for dogs that lived outdoors compared to indoors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Despite good sensitivity and specificity of the Anaplasma test (99.1% and 100%), serological cross-reactivity between A. phagocytophilum and A. platys has been described in experimentally infected dogs.

    “Despite the good sensitivity and specificity of the test used to detect antibodies against Anaplasma (99.1% and 100%, respectively), serological cross-reactivity between A. phagocytophilum and A. platys has been described in experimentally infected dogs [71].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [71] Chandrashekar R, Mainville CA, Beall MJ, O'Connor T, Eberts MD, Alleman AR, Gaunt SD, Breitschwerdt EB: Performance of a commercially available in-clinic ELISA for the detection of antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, and Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis antigen in dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2010, 71 (12): 1443-1450. 10.2460/ajvr.71.12.1443. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The antibodies detected against Anaplasma in this study likely were anti-A. platys antibodies, because higher An seropositivity was observed in areas where R. sanguineus is common.

    “It is likely that the antibodies detected in this study were anti-A. platys antibodies since we noted a higher seropositivity to An in areas where the presence of R. sanguineus is common.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: A. phagocytophilum has not been isolated in Spanish dogs.
    • Rests on an assumption: A. phagocytophilum is transmitted by I. ricinus, whose distribution is limited to areas of high humidity and cold temperatures, while A. platys could be transmitted by R. sanguineus, widely distributed across the Iberian Peninsula.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The higher Ec seropositivity in northern Spain could reflect that E. canis infection is not limited to dogs and that other wild canids may serve as reservoirs.

    “However, the higher seropositivity rate detected in the north could reflect the fact that E. canis infection is not limited to dogs, and that other wild canids (wolves, foxes, coyotes) may serve as reservoirs of infection [80].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [80] Fishman Z, Gonen L, Harrus S, Strauss-Ayali D, King R, Baneth G: A serosurvey of Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis antibodies in wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Israel. Vet Parasitol. 2004, 119 (1): 21-26. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2003.08.012. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: In northern Spain (Asturias), wild canids could live in close contact with domestic canids.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Other authors have reported similar Ec seroprevalence in household dogs (3.13-16.7%) and higher seroprevalence (54.7%) in stray dogs from northwest Spain.

    “Other authors have reported a similar Ec seroprevalence for different areas of the country in household dogs (3.13- 16.7%) [19,20] along with a higher seroprevalence (54.7%) in stray dogs from the northwest of Spain [20].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [19] Solano-Gallego L, Llull J, Osso M, Hegarty B, Breitschwerdt E: A serological study of exposure to arthropod-borne pathogens in dogs from northeastern Spain. Vet Res. 2006, 37 (2): 231-244. 10.1051/vetres:2005054. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [20] Amusategui I, Tesouro MA, Kakoma I, Sainz A: Serological reactivity to Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neorickettsia risticii, Borrelia burgdorferi and Rickettsia conorii in dogs from northwestern Spain. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2008, 8 (6): 797-803. 10.1089/vbz.2007.0277. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In Spain, similar surveys have identified Di in large areas of the country, often in irrigated zones.

    “In Spain, similar surveys have identified Di in large areas of the country, often in irrigated zones [42].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [42] Morchón R, Carretón E, González-Miguel J, Mellado-Hernández I: Heartworm Disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and Their Vectors in Europe - New Distribution Trends. Front Physiol. 2012, 3: 196- source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Evidence indicates that the prevalence of Ec is higher in rural areas or among stray dogs than in urban areas.

    “There is also evidence that the prevalence of Ec is higher in rural areas or among stray dogs [20] than in urban areas [81].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [20] Amusategui I, Tesouro MA, Kakoma I, Sainz A: Serological reactivity to Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neorickettsia risticii, Borrelia burgdorferi and Rickettsia conorii in dogs from northwestern Spain. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2008, 8 (6): 797-803. 10.1089/vbz.2007.0277. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [81] Sainz A, Delgado S, Amusategui I, Tesouro MA, Cármenes P: Seroprevalence of canine erhlichiosis in Castilla-León (north-west Spain). Vet Med. 1996, 29: 1-7.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A high prevalence of Di has been reported in southern regions of Spain (8.5-36.7%).

    “southern regions (8.5-36.7%) [38,39]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [38] Guerrero J, Rojo F, Ródenas A: Estudio de la incidencia de la enfermedad del gusano del corazón en la población canina española. Med Vet. 1989, 6: 217-220.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [39] Ortega-Mora LM, Gómez-Bautista M, Rojo-Vázquez F, Rodenas A, Guerrero J: Survey of the prevalence of canine filariasis in Spain. Prev Vet Med. 1991, 11: 63-68. 10.1016/S0167-5877(05)80045-5. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Other studies conducted in Spain have detected a higher seroprevalence in some northern areas.

    “Other studies conducted in Spain [50,89] have detected a higher seroprevalence in some northern areas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [50] Miró G, Checa R, Montoya A, Hernández L, Dado D, Gálvez R: Current situation of Leishmania infantum infection in shelter dogs in northern Spain. Parasit Vectors. 2012, 5: 60-10.1186/1756-3305-5-60. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [89] Amusátegui I, Sainz A, Aguirre E, Tesouro MA: Seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum in northwestern Spain, an area traditionally considered free of leishmaniasis. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004, 1026: 154-157. 10.1196/annals.1307.022. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In certain areas (e.g. Gran Canaria), Di prevalence is decreasing probably due to preventive measures.

    “At present, while in certain areas (e.g. Gran Canaria) prevalence is decreasing probably due to preventive measures [41,42]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [41] Montoya-Alonso JA, Carretón E, Corbera JA, Juste MC, Mellado I, Morchón R, Simón F: Current prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, cats and humans from the island of Gran Canaria. Spain. Vet Parasitol. 2011, 176 (4): 291-294. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.011. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [42] Morchón R, Carretón E, González-Miguel J, Mellado-Hernández I: Heartworm Disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and Their Vectors in Europe - New Distribution Trends. Front Physiol. 2012, 3: 196- source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A high prevalence of Di has been reported in the Canary Islands (19.2-67.02%).

    “A high prevalence of Di has been reported in the Canary Islands (19.2-67.02%)[38,40,41,83]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [38] Guerrero J, Rojo F, Ródenas A: Estudio de la incidencia de la enfermedad del gusano del corazón en la población canina española. Med Vet. 1989, 6: 217-220.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [40] Montoya JA, Morales M, Ferrer O, Molina JM, Corbera JA: The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain (1994–1996). Vet Parasitol. 1998, 75 (2–3): 221-226. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [41] Montoya-Alonso JA, Carretón E, Corbera JA, Juste MC, Mellado I, Morchón R, Simón F: Current prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, cats and humans from the island of Gran Canaria. Spain. Vet Parasitol. 2011, 176 (4): 291-294. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.011. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [83] Sosa N, Montoya J, Juste M: Situación epidemiológica actual de la dirofilariosis canina en la isla de Gran Canaria. I Congreso Universitario de Ciencias Veterinarias y Afines. 2002, Madrid

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    R. sanguineus is the most common tick found in dogs, which explains the wide distribution of E. canis.

    “The bacterium Ec is transmitted by R. sanguineus. This tick is the most common tick found in dogs which explains the wide distribution of the disease [79].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [79] Nicholson WL, Allen KE, McQuiston JH, Breitschwerdt EB, Little SE: The increasing recognition of rickettsial pathogens in dogs and people. Trends Parasitol. 2010, 26 (4): 205-212. 10.1016/j.pt.2010.01.007. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Dogs from some regions could be infected with A. phagocytophilum because the agent has been isolated from Ixodes ticks and detected in sheep, goats, cows, deer, birds and humans.

    “However, dogs from some regions could be infected with A. phagocytophilum since this agent has been isolated from Ixodes ticks [72,73] and has also been detected in sheep, goats, cows, deer, birds [73-75] and even human beings [76,77].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 6 sources checked
    • cites [72] Oporto B, Gil H, Barral M, Hurtado A, Juste RA, Garcia-Perez AL: A survey on Anaplasma phagocytophila in wild small mammals and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Northern Spain. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003, 990: 98-102. 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2003.tb07344.x. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [73] Portillo A, Pérez-Martínez L, Santibáñez S, Santibáñez P, Palomar AM, Oteo JA: Anaplasma spp. in wild mammals and Ixodes ricinus from the north of Spain. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2011, 11 (1): 3-8. 10.1089/vbz.2009.0214. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [74] Barandika JF, Hurtado A, García-Esteban C, Gil H, Escudero R, Barral M, Jado I, Juste RA, Anda P, García-Pérez AL: Tick-borne zoonotic bacteria in wild and domestic small mammals in northern Spain. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2007, 73 (19): 6166-6171. 10.1128/AEM.00590-07. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [75] Garcia-Perez AL, Barandika J, Oporto B, Povedano I, Juste RA: Anaplasma phagocytophila as an abortifacient agent in sheep farms from northern Spain. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003, 990: 429-432. 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2003.tb07406.x. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [76] García JC, Núñez MJ, Castro B, Fraile FJ, López A, Mella MC, Blanco A, Sieira C, Loureiro E, Portillo A: Human anaplasmosis: the first Spanish case confirmed by PCR. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2006, 1078: 545-547. 10.1196/annals.1374.106. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [77] Oteo JA, Gil H, Barral M, Pérez A, Jimenez S, Blanco JR, Martinez De Artola V, García-Pérez A, Juste RA: Presence of granulocytic ehrlichia in ticks and serological evidence of human infection in La Rioja, Spain. Epidemiol Infect. 2001, 127 (2): 353-358. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    These types of study are difficult to compare due to differences in the diagnostic techniques used, the size and origin of samples, and the study season.

    “Besides, these types of study are difficult to compare due to differences in the diagnostic techniques used (PCR, agglutination test, ELISA, etc.), the size and origin of samples, and the study season.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Such differences between studies could be attributable to the different population analyzed, the sampling season and the diagnostic technique used.

    “Such differences between studies could be attributable to the different population analyzed, the sampling season and the diagnostic technique used.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Climate and environmental factors determine the geographical distribution of the Culicidae vector, allowing it to complete its life cycle and consequently the life cycle of Di.

    “It is known that climate and environmental factors determine the geographical distribution of its vector (Culicidae), allowing it to complete its life cycle and consequently the life cycle of Di [42,82].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [42] Morchón R, Carretón E, González-Miguel J, Mellado-Hernández I: Heartworm Disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and Their Vectors in Europe - New Distribution Trends. Front Physiol. 2012, 3: 196- source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [82] Pou Barreto MC, Melero Alcibar R, Gálvez R, Guerrero I, Morchón García R, Carretón E, González Martín C, Del Castillo Remiro A, Molina R, Valladares B: Environmental factors influencing on mosquito distribution in Canary Islands (Spain). International Workshop of Dirofilaria. 2011, Spain: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 48-49.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    This high proportion of clinical signs can be explained by the fact that CanL is well known to Spanish practitioners despite the wide variety of clinical signs this disease can show.

    “This can be explained by the fact that CanL is well known to Spanish practitioners despite the wide variety of clinical signs this disease can show [53,90].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [53] Ballart C, Alcover MM, Picado A, Nieto J, Castillejo S, Portús M, Gállego M: First survey on canine leishmaniasis in a non classical area of the disease in Spain (Lleida, Catalonia) based on a veterinary questionnaire and a cross-sectional study. Prev Vet Med. 2013, 109 (1-2): 116-127. 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.09.003. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [90] Gálvez R, Miró G, Descalzo MA, Molina R: Questionnaire-based survey on the clinical management of canine leishmaniosis in the Madrid region (central Spain). Prev Vet Med. 2011, 102 (1): 59-65. 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.07.002. source

      Not checked in the free run.

21 of 21

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Information emerging from Spain on some of these vector-borne diseases has been limited.

    “Information emerging from Spain on some of these vector borne diseases has been limited.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The dogs attending the 57 veterinary clinics are representative of the Spanish dog population, so seropositivity rates can be generalised to dogs in Spain.

    “The dogs examined were 1100 owned dogs attending 57 veterinary clinics in central (187 dogs; 7 clinics), eastern (90 dogs; 5 clinics), southern (75 dogs; 5 clinics), southeastern (105 dogs; 5 clinics), northern (15 dogs; 1 clinic), northeastern (465 dogs; 22 clinics) and northwestern (163 dogs; 11 clinics) Spain”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The serological tests used (4DX SNAP and Leishmania SNAP) accurately classify dogs as seropositive for the respective agents.

    “Anti-An, -Bb, and -Ec antibodies and the Di antigen were determined using the 4DX SNAP® Test (IDEXX Laboratories) and anti-L. infantum (Li) antibodies using the Leishmania SNAP® Test (IDEXX Laboratories) in blood and/or serum samples.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The seven geographic regions studied are representative of the bioclimatic and epidemiological diversity of Spain.

    “The survey was carried out in seven different eco-epidemiological regions of Spain.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Clinical signs recorded by veterinarians are compatible with CVBD and correctly identify symptomatic dogs.

    “The data collected were correlated with age, sex, abode (indoors, outdoors or mixed), and the presence of clinical signs compatible with any CVBD.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    CVBD prevalences should be higher in dogs living outdoors due to greater cumulative exposure to the agents transmitted by vectors.

    “CVBD have been correlated with the presence of vectors such that prevalences should be higher in dogs living outdoors due to their greater cumulative exposure to the agents these vectors transmit.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A. phagocytophilum has not been isolated in Spanish dogs.

    “So far, A. phagocytophilum has not been isolated in Spanish dogs.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In northern Spain (Asturias), wild canids could live in close contact with domestic canids.

    “Effectively, in northern Spain (Asturias), wild canids could live in close contact with domestic canids.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A. phagocytophilum is transmitted by I. ricinus, whose distribution is limited to areas of high humidity and cold temperatures, while A. platys could be transmitted by R. sanguineus, widely distributed across the Iberian Peninsula.

    “In Europe, A. phagocytophilum is transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus, whose distribution range is limited to areas of high humidity and cold temperatures, while A. platys could be transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, widely distributed across the Iberian Peninsula.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Some of the CVBD detected can be transmitted to humans.

    “given that some of the CVBD detected can be transmitted to humans.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Seropositivity to the CVBD agents indicates that dogs are at risk of acquiring the corresponding infections.

    “The findings of this study reveal that dogs in Spain are at risk of acquiring any of the five CVBD examined”
11 of 11

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Dogs living indoors showed significantly lower prevalences because they are less exposed to vector mosquitoes.

    “Regarding habitat, dogs living indoors showed significantly lower prevalences, as shown in other similar studies [8,9,11,12,13,19]. As has been pointed out in previous studies, animals that live indoors are less exposed to the presence of vector mosquitoes and, thus, prevalences are lower.”

    From Expansion of canine heartworm in Spain (2022) · cites this paper as [8]

  • The lower prevalence in dogs <1 year is likely due to a minor exposure to vectors.

    “The prevalence was lower in dogs <1 year, likely due to a minor exposure to vectors, as stated in previous research [8,9,19,22].”

    From Expansion of canine heartworm in Spain (2022) · cites this paper as [8]

  • The prevalence of canine heartworm in Madrid has increased compared with previous data.

    “Prevalence of D. immitis in the canine population of Madrid was 3%, showing an increase in comparison to previous data.”

    From Prevalence of heartworm in dogs and cats of Madrid, Spain (2017) · cites this paper as [12]

  • In Spain there are few studies reporting Anaplasma spp. and E. canis as widely distributed in the northeast, center and southwest of the country, with prevalences between 1% and 20%.

    “in Spain there are few studies reporting these diseases being widely distributed in the northeast, center and southwest of the country, with prevalences between 1 and 20% (9, 23).”

    From Current Distribution of Selected Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs in Spain (2020) · cites this paper as [9]

  • The Valencian Community, Murcia, Andalucía, Extremadura, and the Balearic Islands have traditionally been considered endemic areas for L. infantum in Spain.

    “which have been traditionally considered the endemic areas of the disease in Spain (9, 23, 46).”

    From Current Distribution of Selected Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs in Spain (2020) · cites this paper as [9]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Overall positivity of 37.1% exceeds the possible total

    Major

    Table 1 reports 250 positive test results across all five agents. Even if every result belonged to a different dog, no more than 250 of the 1100 dogs (22.7%) could have tested positive for at least one agent.

  • Unknown-abode percentages are incorrect

    Minor

    Table 2 gives 5.2% for both An and Li when one of three dogs tested positive. One of three is 33.3%, not 5.2%.

    Reported 5.2 · recomputed 33.333333

  • Regional clinic counts sum to 56, not 57

    Minor

    The listed numbers of clinics across the seven regions add to 56, one fewer than the stated total.

    Reported 57 · recomputed 56

  • South and southeast Leishmania rates are reversed

    Minor

    The Results assigns 46.6% to the south and 27.4% to the southeast, but Table 1 assigns those rates to the southeast and south, respectively.

  • Northern Ehrlichia-positive count differs from Table 1

    Minor

    The Discussion says six of 15 northern dogs were seropositive for Ec, whereas Table 1 reports three of 15.

  • Li symptomatic denominator exceeds the stated group size

    Minor

    The Results states that 507 dogs had compatible clinical signs, but Table 2 reports Li results for 513 symptomatic dogs.

6 of 6

The citation lists haven’t been fetched yet

References 79 · Cited by 97

Research works printed but not linked: 11

  1. Sainz A: Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis. Enfermedades Vectoriales del Perro y el Gato. 2012, Madrid: Acalanthis Comunicación y Estrategias SLU, 203-226.
  2. Greene CE, Straubinger RK: Borreliosis. Enfermedades Infecciosas del Perro y el Gato. Volume 1. Edited by: Greene C. 2008, Intermedica editorial, 464-484. 3
  3. González JM, Puig V, Collado E, Simeón S: Seroprevalencia de la ehrlichiosis canina en la provincia de Valencia. Consulta de Difusión Veterinaria. 2000, 76: 67-71.
  4. Guerrero J, Rojo F, Ródenas A: Estudio de la incidencia de la enfermedad del gusano del corazón en la población canina española. Med Vet. 1989, 6: 217-220.
  5. Molyneux D, Killick-Hendrick R: The leishmaniasis in Biology and Medicine. Edited by: Killick-Kendrick WPaR. 1987, London: Academic, 121-176.
  6. Miró G, Solano-Gallego L: Enfermedades Vectoriales del Perro y el Gato. 2012, Madrid: Acalanthis Comunicación y Estrategias, SLU
  7. Sainz A, Delgado S, Amusategui I, Tesouro MA, Cármenes P: Seroprevalence of canine erhlichiosis in Castilla-León (north-west Spain). Vet Med. 1996, 29: 1-7.
  8. Pou Barreto MC, Melero Alcibar R, Gálvez R, Guerrero I, Morchón García R, Carretón E, González Martín C, Del Castillo Remiro A, Molina R, Valladares B: Environmental factors influencing on mosquito distribution in Canary Islands (Spain). International Workshop of Dirofilaria. 2011, Spain: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 48-49.
  9. Sosa N, Montoya J, Juste M: Situación epidemiológica actual de la dirofilariosis canina en la isla de Gran Canaria. I Congreso Universitario de Ciencias Veterinarias y Afines. 2002, Madrid
  10. Rodes D: Últimos datos epidemiológicos sobre filariosis canina. Argos. 2006, 79: 52-
  11. Amusátegui I, Sainz A, Aguirre E, Tesouro MA: Seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum in northwestern Spain, an area traditionally considered free of leishmaniasis. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004, 1026: 154-157. 10.1196/annals.1307.022. · DOI

Authors
Miró, G., Montoya, A., Roura, X., Gálvez, R., & Sainz, A.
Affiliations
  • Universidad Complutense de Madrid (ES)
  • Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ES)
Corresponding author
Miró, Guadalupe
ORCID
Venue
Parasites & Vectors
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2013-04-22
Volume
6
Issue
1
Pages
117-117
ISSN
1756-3305 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1186/1756-3305-6-117
PMC
PMC3639099
OpenAlex
W2118670450
Semantic Scholar
3cd0b202c0c747125f82429f75b79c07eaf322a9
Cited by
97
References
79
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 2
FWCI
7.05
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Parasites & Vectors (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • Bayer HealthCare
  • Bayer Animal Health
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Parasitology › Vector-borne infectious diseases
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Research on Leishmaniasis Studies
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics › Vector-Borne Animal Diseases
Keywords
canine vector-borne diseases, seroprevalence, dogs, Leishmania infantum, canine leishmaniasis, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, canine ehrlichiosis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, canine anaplasmosis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease, zoonoses, Spain, regional variation
MeSH terms
Animals, Antibodies, Bacterial, Antibodies, Protozoan, Antigens, Helminth, Bacterial Infections, Dirofilaria immitis, Dog Diseases, Dogs, Female, Male, Parasitic Diseases, Animal, Spain, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Leishmania infantum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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