Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Parasites and vector-borne diseases in client-owned dogs in Albania: infestation with arthropod ectoparasites

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Parasitology Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

To establish the diversity and seasonality of ectoparasite infestation in client-owned dogs in Albania, 602 dogs visiting four small animal clinics in Tirana from March 2010 to April 2011 inclusive were examined for ectoparasites by full body search and total body comb. In addition, ear swab specimens collected from all dogs and scrapings taken from skin lesions suspicious of mite infestation were examined for parasitic mites. Overall, 93 dogs (15.4 %, 95%CI 12.6–18.6) were demonstrated to be infested, and nine species of ectoparasites were identified: Ixodes ricinus, 0.8 %; Rhipicephalus sanguineus s. l., 8.1 %; Demodex canis, 0.2 %; Sarcoptes scabiei, 0.7 %; Otodectes cynotis, 2.8 %; Ctenocephalides canis, 4.8 %; Ctenocephalides felis, 3.0 %; Pulex irritans, 0.2 %; and Trichodectes canis, 0.2 %. Single and multiple infestations with up to four species of ectoparasites concurrently were recorded in 67 (11.1 %, 95%CI 8.7–13.9) and 26 dogs (4.3 %, 95%CI 2.8–6.3), respectively. On univariate analysis, the category of breed (pure breed dogs vs. mixed-breed dogs), the dog’s purpose (pet, hunting dog, working dog), the housing environment (mainly indoors/indoors with regular outside walking vs. yard plus kennel/run), the history of ectoparasiticide treatment and the season of examination were identified as significant (p < 0.05) factors predisposing dogs to various ectoparasites, while the variables dog’s age, gender, the dog’s habitat (city, suburban, rural) and the presence/absence of other pets were not significant predictors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for factors associated with overall ectoparasitism revealed that dogs treated with ectoparasiticides at least once per year (odds ratio [OR] = 0.24; p < 0.001) had a significantly lower risk of infestation compared with dogs not treated against ectoparasite infestation. Dogs examined during spring, summer and autumn (OR = 7.08, 7.43 and 2.48, respectively; all p < 0.001) had a significantly higher risk of infestation than dogs examined during winter. By providing basic data on the infestation with ectoparasites in client-owned, veterinary-cared-for dogs from Albania for the first time, the results of this survey should emphasize the need of an increase of attention to ectoparasites in dogs by both veterinarians and dog owners.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adhami J (1997) Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Albania: tribe culicini(+), subfamily Culicinae. Rev Mjekësore 1–2:82–95 [in Albanian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Adhami J (2000) Phlebotome sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) caught in inhabited areas in Albania. Rev Mjekësore 1:60–75 [in Albanian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Adhami J, Reiter P (1998) Introduction and establishment of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) in Albania. J Am Mosquito Control Ass 14:340–343

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Babos S (1964) The tick fauna of Central Europe. Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest [in German]

    Google Scholar 

  • Beck W, Boch K, Mackensen H, Wiegand B, Pfister K (2006) Qualitative and quantitative observations on the flea population dynamics of dogs and cats in several areas of Germany. Vet Parasitol 137:130–136

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beck S, Schreiber C, Schein E, Krücken J, Baldermann C, Pachnicke S, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Kohn B (2014) Tick infestation and prophylaxis of dogs in northeastern Germany: a prospective study. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 5:336–342

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bizhga B, Laci D, Dhamo G, Keci R, Belegu K, Bakiasi I, Turmalaj L (2013) Survey for canine leishmaniosis. J Anim Vet Adv 12:442–446

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowman AS, Nuttall P (2008) Ticks. Biology, disease and control. Cambridge Univ Press, Cambridge

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Cani E, Myrseli T, Petrela R, Minarolli P, Pano K (2001) Visceral leishmaniosis, a serious zoonotic disease in Albania. Rev Vet - Inst Kërkimeve Vet 5:81–92 [in Albanian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Danielova V (1960) Bloodsucking flies (Tabanidae, Hippoboscidae, Hypodermatidae) of the collection of the expedition of the ČSAN to Albania. Českoslov Parasitol 7:37–40 [in Russian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Dantas-Torres F (2008) The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae): from taxonomy to control. Vet Parasitol 152:173–185

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dantas-Torres F (2010) Biology and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Parasite Vectors 3:26

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D (2013) Seasonal dynamics of Ixodes ricinus on ground level and higher vegetation in preserved wooded area in southern Europe. Vet Parasitol 192(1-3):253–258

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dantas-Torres F, Latrofa MS, Annoscia G, Gianelli A, Parisis A, Otranto D (2013) Morphological and genetic diversity of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato from the New and Old Worlds. Parasite Vectors 6:213

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dobler G, Pfeffer M (2011) Fleas as parasites of the family Canidae. Parasite Vectors 4:139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duscher GG, Feiler A, Leschnik M, Joachim A (2013) Seasonal and spatial distribution of ixodid tick species feeding on naturally infested dogs from Eastern Austria and the influence of acaricides/repellents on these parameters. Parasite Vectors 6:76

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ENVSEC (2012) Climate Change in the West Balkan. Zoï Environment Network.. ISBN 978-2-940490-06-6

    Google Scholar 

  • Estrada-Peña A, Bouattour A, Camicas J-L, Walzer AR (2004) Ticks of domestic animals in the Mediterranean region. A guide to identification of species. Univ Zaragoza, Zaragoza

    Google Scholar 

  • Gina A (1973) Faunistic study on the ticks of the family Ixodidae in the Tirana region. Buletini i Shkencave te Natyrës 2(3/4):73–86 [in Albanian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Gina A (1977) Role of ticks of the family Ixodidae as potential vectors of pathogens. Shëndetësia Popullore 4:39–44 [in Albanian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Gina A, Kastrati B (1974) Ixodes ricinus (L.), a potential vector of tick-borne encephalitis. Buletini i Shkencave te Natyrës 3(3):63–71 [in Albanian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Gina A, Suta K, Kastrati B, Azemi D (1975) Distribution of ticks (Ixodidae) in Albania and their epidemiologic importance. Buletini i Shkencave Mjekësore 2:63–71 [in Albanian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Gracia MJ, Calvete C, Estrada R, Castillo JA, Peribáñez MA, Lucientes J (2008) Fleas parasitizing domestic dogs in Spain. Vet Parasitol 151:312–319

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gray J, Dantas-Torres P, Estrada-Peña A, Levin M (2013) Systematics and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 4:171–180

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamel D, Shukullari E, Rapti D, Silaghi C, Pfister K, Rehbein S (2016) Parasites and vector-borne diseases in client-owned dogs in Albania. Blood pathogens and seroprevalences of parasitic and other infectious agents. Parasitol Res 115:489–499

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jancke O (1938) Flöhe oder Aphinaptera (Suctoria). In: Dahl F (ed) Die Tierwelt Deutschlands und der angrenzenden Meeresteile nach ihren Merkmalen und nach ihrer Lebensweise, 35. Teil. Verlag G. Fischer, Jena, pp 1–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Kero A, Gina A (1974) Faunistic study on the reservoirs and vectors of focal infections. Buletini i Shkencave të Natyrës 28(4):63–71 [in Albanian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirkova Z, Iliev P, Visser M, Knaus M (2013) Survey of ectoparasites of dogs (Canis familiaris) in Bulgaria. 12th International Symposium on Ectoparasites of Pets (ISEP) joint with EVPC Annual Meeting, Munich, p 68

    Google Scholar 

  • Koutinas AF, Papazahariadou MG, Rallis TS, Tzivara NH, Himonas CA (1995) Flea species from dogs and cats in northern Greece: environmental and clinical implications. Vet Parasitol 58:109–115

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krčmer S, Ferizbegović J, Lonić E, Kamberović J (2014) Hard tick infestation of dogs in the Tuzla area (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Vet Arhiv 84:177–182

    Google Scholar 

  • Lazri T, Duscher G, Edelhofer R, Bytyci B, Gjino P, Joachim A (2008) Arthropod-borne parasites of dogs, especially Leishmania, in the Kosovo and Albania. Wien Klin Wochenschr 120(Suppl 4):54–58 [in German]

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lohse J, Rinder H, Gothe R, Zahler M (2002) Validity of species status of the parasitic mite Otodectes cynotis. Med Vet Entomol 16:133–138

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lorusso V, Dantas-Torres F, Lia RP, Tarallo VD, Mencke N, Capelli G, Otranto D (2010) Seasonal dynamics of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, on a confined dog population in Italy. Med Vet Entomol 24:309–315

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luli M (1963) Ticks of the family Ixodidae parasitizing domestic animals in Albania. Buletini i Shekencave Bujqësore 2(1):108–137 [in Albanian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Marchiondo AA, Holdsworth PA, Green P, Blagburn BL, Jacobs DE (2007) World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.) guidelines for evaluating the effects of parasiticides for the treatment, prevention and control of flea and tick infestation on dogs and cats. Vet Parasitol 145:332–344

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Milutinović M, Pavlović I, Kulisić Z (1997) Fauna of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of south-east Kosovo. Acta Vet (Beograd) 47:167–170

    Google Scholar 

  • MoEFWA (2009) National circumstances. In: Albania’s Second National Communication to the Conference of Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Republic of Albania, Ministry of Environment. Forestry and Water Administration (MoEFWA), Tirana, pp 27–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Omeragic J (2011) Ixodid ticks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Exp Appl Acarol 53:301–309

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F (2010) Canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy: current situation and perspectives. Parasite Vectors 3:2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Tarallo VD, do Nascimento Ramos RA, Stanneck D, Banneth G, de Caprariis D (2012) Apparent tick paralysis by Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) in dogs. Vet Parasitol 188:325–329

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Papadopoulos B, Morel PC, Aeschlimann A (1996) Ticks of domestic animals in the Macedonia region of Greece. Vet Parasitol 63:25–40

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Papazahariadou MG, Saridomichelakis MN, Koutinas AF, Papadopoulos EG, Leontides L (2003) Tick infestation of dogs in Thessaloniki, northern Greece. Med Vet Entomol 17:110–113

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pavlidou V, Gerou S, Kahrimanidou M, Para A (2008) Ticks infesting domestic animals in northern Greece. Exp Appl Acarol 45:195–198

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pavlović I, Petković D, Rogozarski D, Stojanović D, Hadžić I, Terzin V, Stokić-Nikolić S, Rajković M, Anđelić-Buzadžić G (2011) Flea infestation of dogs and cats in Serbia. Lucrări Ştiinţ Med Vet (Timişoara) 44(1):26–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavlović I, Jovčevski S, Jovčevski S, Kukovska V, Dimitrić A (2014) Tick fauna of sheep and cattle at Kumanovo arae [sic] (Macedonia). Lucrări Ştiinţ Med Vet (Timişoara) 47(3):88–95

    Google Scholar 

  • Principato M, Di Guiseppe S, Camerlengo L, Liottier B (1989) Preliminary study on the seasonal occurrence of certain ixodid ticks (Acarina, Ixodoidea) of public health importance from the province of Perugia (central Italy). Bull Soc Franç Parasitol 7:269–276 [in French]

    Google Scholar 

  • R Development Core Team (2010) R : A language and environment for statistical computing. Vienna, Austria. R foundation for Statistical Computing. Retrieved from http://www.R-project.org

  • Rapti D, Rehbein S (2010) Seroprevalence of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in Albania. Parasitol Res 107:481–485

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rinaldi L, Spera G, Musella V, Carbone S, Veneziano V, Iori A, Cringoli G (2007) A survey of fleas on dogs in southern Italy. Vet Parasitol 148:375–378

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rogozi E, Velo E, Bino S (2012) Mosquito species trappability during the summer season in some areas of Albania: a comparison between the techniques used for collecting adult mosquitoes. J Int Environm Appl Sci 7:871–879

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosický B, Gjini N (1960) Fleas (Aphaniptera) collected during the parasitological expedition of the Czechoslovakian Academy of Sciences to Albania and their hosts. Českoslov Parasitol 7:5–16 [in Russian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosický B, Černý V, Luli M (1960) Study on the presence, distribution and ecology of ticks (Ixodoidea) in Albania. Českoslov Parasitol 7:159–188 [in French]

    Google Scholar 

  • Senevira P, Weerasin N, Ariyadas S (1973) Transmission of Haemobartonella canis by the dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Res Vet Sci 14:112–114

    Google Scholar 

  • Shukullari E, Hamel D, Visser M, Winter R, Rapti D, Pfister K, Rehbein S (2015) Parasites and vector-borne diseases in client-owned dogs in Albania. Intestinal and pulmonary endoparasite infections. Parasitol Res 114:4579–4590

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silaghi C, Knaus M, Hamel D, Rapti D, Pfister K, Rehbein S (2013) Molecular detection of pathogens in ticks and fleas infesting dogs in Albania. 12th International Symposium on Ectoparasites of Pets (ISEP) joint with EVPC Annual Meeting, Munich, p 35

    Google Scholar 

  • Stella E, Khoury C, D’Amato FR, Rivosecchi L (1988) New data on the biology of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Ixodidae) from the outskirts of Roma. Riv Parassitol 49:3–12 [in Italian]

    Google Scholar 

  • Velo E, Bino S, Kuli-Lito G, Pano K, Gradoni L, Maroli M (2003) Recrudescence of visceral leishmaniasis in Albania: retrospective analysis of cases during 1997 to 2001 and results of an entomological survey carried out during 2001 in some districts. Trans Roy Soc Trop Med Hyg 97:288–290

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Velo E, Paparisto A, Bongiorno G, Di Muccio T, Khoury C, Bino S, Gramiccia M, Gradoni L, Maroli M (2005) Entomological and parasitological study on phlebotomine sandflies in central and northen Albania. Parasite 12:45–49

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Velo E, Bongiorno G, Bino S, Myrseli T, Alla L, Petrela R, Gradoni L, Maroli M (2010) Distribution of Phlebotominae sand flies and visceral leishmaniasis in Albania. VBORNET Newsletter 8(Spec Issue ‘Sand Flies’):37–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Xhaxhiu D, Kusi I, Rapti D, Visser M, Knaus M, Lindner T, Rehbein S (2009) Ectoparasites of dogs and cats in Albania. Parasitol Res 105:1577–1587

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Xhaxhiu D, Kusi I, Rapti D, Kondi E, Postoli R, Rinaldi L, Dimitrova ZM, Visser M, Knaus M, Rehbein S (2011) Principal intestinal parasites of dogs in Tirana, Albania. Parasitol Res 108:341–353

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zakson M, Gregory LM, Endris RG, Shoop WL (1995) Effect of combing time on cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) recovery from dogs. Vet Parasitol 60:149–153

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fakulteti i Mjekësisë Veterinare, Universiteti Bujqësor, Kodër Kamëz, Tirana, Albania

    Enstela Shukullari & Dhimitër Rapti

  2. Merial GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Walchenseestr. 8-12, 83101, Rohrdorf, Germany

    Martin Visser & Steffen Rehbein

  3. Institute of Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Leopoldstr. 5, 80802, Munich, Germany

    Kurt Pfister

Authors
  1. Enstela Shukullari
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Dhimitër Rapti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Martin Visser
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Kurt Pfister
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Steffen Rehbein
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Steffen Rehbein.

Ethics declarations

Disclaimer

This document is provided for scientific purposes only.

All marks are the property of their respective owners. Any reference to a brand or trademark herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended for a commercial purpose or to dilute the rights of the respective owner(s) or brand(s) or trademark(s).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Shukullari, E., Rapti, D., Visser, M. et al. Parasites and vector-borne diseases in client-owned dogs in Albania: infestation with arthropod ectoparasites. Parasitol Res 116, 399–407 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-5302-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-5302-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation