Increased prevalence of <it>Borrelia burgdorferi </it>infections in Bernese Mountain Dogs: a possible breed predisposition

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Glomerulonephritis in dogs has been associated with <it>B. burgdorferi </it>infections. In Bernese Mountain Dogs with glomerulonephritis antibodies against <it>B. burgdorferi </it>have been found in most dogs, raising the question if the breed is predisposed to infections with <it>B. burgdorferi</it>. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against <it>B. burgdorferi sensu lato </it>in a well defined population of Bernese Mountain Dogs and to compare this prevalence with data from dogs of other breeds.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>160 Bernese Mountain Dogs and 62 control dogs (large breed dogs with long hair) were included. All dogs were considered healthy according to a questionnaire filled out by the owner, complete blood count, chemistry panel, urinalysis and urine culture. Bernese Mountain Dogs and control dogs were kept in similar environments. Seroprevalence of <it>B. burgdorferi </it>was assessed by ELISA and Western blot and was 58% in Bernese Mountain Dogs compared to 15% in control dogs. This difference was significant. Neither antibodies against leptospires nor vaccination or hair coat color influenced the results.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The cause of the considerably higher prevalence of antibodies against <it>B. burgdorferi </it>in Bernese Mountain Dogs and it's consequences are not known. A breed predisposition can be suspected.</p>

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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