Prevalence of Ehrlichia canis or Theileria equi co-infections in dogs that are naturally infected and clinically sick due to babesiosis

This study describes the prevalence of Ehrlichia canis or Theileria equi co-infections in dogs that are naturally infected and clinically sick due to babesiosis. Canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are tick-borne diseases of great significance in South Africa. Theileriosis in dogs in South Africa is still poorly understood. Co-infection with multiple tick-borne pathogens has been documented and is perceived as a common occurrence in South Africa. The Mdantsane State Veterinary Clinic in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa was used as the centre where sample collection took place. Limited data on the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne diseases in the Eastern Cape Province are available and thus this population of dogs can be viewed as a novel study population.