Prevalance and molecular characterization of anaplasma platys infecting dogs in western uttar pradesh

Abstract

Tick-home diseases arc emerging as major constraints to canine health and carry increasing Zoonotic relevance. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence, diagnostic accuracy, hematological alterations, and molecular epidemiology of Anapasma platys infection in dogs from six districts of western Uttar Pradesh, providing epidemiological insights for disease monitoring and control.A total of 322 blood samples were collected from dogs presented to veterinary hospitals, clinics, and the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, representing urban and peri-urban populations. Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained smears revealed an overall prevalence of 11.49%. In contrast, PCR assays targeting 16S I-RNA, groEL, and gltA genes detected a higher prevalence of 17.39%, highlighting the superior sensitivity of molecular methods in cases of low parasitemia or chronic infection.Breed-wise distribution showed numerically higher infection rates in large purebred dogs such as Rottweilers (25.31%) and German Shepherds (22.53%), while Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and non-descript breeds recorded lower prevalence. Gender analysis revealed slightly higher prevalence in females compared to males, though the difference was not statistically significant.Seasonal analysis demonstrated a significant association, with the highest prevalence observed during the monsoon season (24.36%), followed by pre-monsoon (15.88%) and post-monsoon (10.41%). This trend reflects the influence of climatic conditions on tick activity and transmission risk. District-wise, Meerut and Ghaziabad recorded the highest prevalence, followed by Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, and Bhaghpat, indicating localized ecological or managemental factors.Hematological evaluation of infected dogs revealed significant anemia (decreased RBC count, hemoglobin, and PCV) of normocytic normochromic type, along with marked thrombocytopenia, the hallmark of A. platys infection. Additional findings included mild leucopenia, monocytosis, eosinophilia, and occasional baso