Oxidative status and lipid profile in mono- and co-infection with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis

Vector-borne diseases in dogs are a major health problem of zoonotic importance. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is one of the most common vector-borne infections in dogs. Co-infections with vectorborne diseases are reported to cause more severe pathological effects than mono-infections. The current study investigates the effects of mono- and co-infections with CME on oxidative status and lipid profiles in dogs. Dogs with vector-borne diseases were divided into two groups, mono-infected (n = 22) and co-infected (n = 23) with CME, and compared to a healthy group (n = 20). Double and triple co-infections with other vector-borne diseases included A. phagocytophilum, L. infantum, and D. immitis. The serum lipid profile (high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, and triglycerides) and the total and individual markers of oxidative status (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), paraoxonase (PON-1), and arylesterase (ARE)) were evaluated. Significant decreases in PON-1 and ARE enzyme activities and HDL concentration, as well as increases in TOS level, MDA, LDL, and triglyceride concentrations were determined in both mono- and co-infected groups compared to the healthy control group. No significant differences between the groups were found in the TAC level or cholesterol concentration. In conclusion, alterations in lipid profile and increase in oxidative stress were observed in dogs with CME compared to the healthy control group, however, no significant differences were detected between mono- and co-infected dogs.