A survey of Ixodid ticks in stray dogs and molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis from ticks in central Iran

Ticks are well known as hematophagous ectoparasites, which cause different diseases in humans and animals. This investigation was designed in central Iran to assess the prevalence, intensity, and abundance of tick infestation in stray dogs and detection of Ehrlichia canis. Overall, 962 ticks were collected from 260 stray dogs between April and August 2018. DNA samples with the goal of amplification of pathogen were screened by real-time PCR assay. The prevalence of tick infestation on stray dogs was 60.3%. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) was only species found in stray dogs. Out of 42 tick pools, 4 (9.5%) were positive for E. canis in real-time PCR assay. This study showed the presence of E. canis for the first time in ticks infesting stray dogs in central Iran and proved that these ticks can emerge as a zoonotic disease.