Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in dogs using line immunoblot assay

Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorgeri sensu lato (s.l.) complex and transmitted by ticks belonging to the Ixodes genus. The importance of dogs as sentinel species had been previously highlighted because the bogs are the host for vector ticks haring habitats and being in close physical contact with humans. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the exposure of dogs to B. burgdorferi using immunological tests. Our study included a total of 49 dogs aged between 0.8-16 years. The serum of dogs was tested for the presence of antibodies against B. burgdorgeris.l. using immunoblot line assay. The positive results obtained from the screening of all 49 dogs were confirmed using species-specific immunoblot assays. Overall, 20.4% (10/49) of the samples were positive for B. burgdorferis.l. expressing proteins like p41, OmpC, OmpA, p100. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the presence of antibody against B. afzeli in 5 cases (10.2%), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto in one case (2%), and the remaining were more likely infected with other Borrelia species. Our results show that investigation of exposure of dogs to B. burgdorferi can provide valuable information on the potential risk of infection with this pathogen in humans.