Pathogenic effects of Hepatozoon canis (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) on pet dogs (Canis familiaris) with amplification of immunogenetic biomarkers.

Hepatozoon species (phylum Apicomplexa: Adeleorina, Hepatozooidae) are the cause of canine hepatozoonosis, a vector-borne disease (VBD) spread by ticks (Ixodidae). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatozoon canis (H. canis) infections in different pet dogs admitted to different clinics in Egypt as well as determine the effect of H. canis on dogs through analysis of the immunogenic genes and the oxidative stress markers. One hundred dogs with different clinical signs, fever, fatigue, tick infestation around the ears and neck region, were examined. Thin blood films were performed and stained with Giemsa. Thirty examined dogs (30%) were positive for H. canis by direct observation of the gamonts in circulating leucocytes on blood smears stained with Giemsa. Two hundred ticks were identified morphologically and all ticks were classified as R. sanguineus. Hematological and biochemical results of sampled dogs were recorded. The AST and ALT levels were higher than control-negative healthy dogs. MDA levels in H. canis infected dogs were higher than that of control negative dogs. The transcript levels of the different targeted genes (IL-1β; IL6; TNF-α and IFN-γ) were upregulated in infected dogs with H. canis significantly than control healthy dogs. Canine hepatozoonosis induced tissue reaction evaluated by different immunological genes and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]