# Case report of a triple vector-borne infection in a dog: co-infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., and Dirofilaria repens in North-Eastern Poland

## TL;DR

A dog in Poland was diagnosed with a rare triple infection involving three vector-borne pathogens, and treatment led to rapid improvement.

## Contribution

This is the first confirmed case of triple co-infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., and Dirofilaria repens in a dog in North-Eastern Poland.

## Key findings

- Triple co-infection was confirmed using blood smear and PCR in a 4-year-old dog.
- Clinical symptoms included apathy, lack of appetite, elevated temperature, and thrombocytopenia.
- Treatment resulted in complete clinical improvement within two days.

## Abstract

This is the first case of triple co-infection with vector-borne diseases confirmed by blood smear results and molecular confirmation of the anaplasmosis and dirofilariosis in a dog from North-Eastern Poland.

A 4-year-old, uncastrated male Central Asian Shepherd Dog with symptoms of apathy and lack of appetite was diagnosed with triple vector disease infection. Microscopic examination of a blood smear revealed the presence of Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and microfilariae. PCR confirmed the presence of A. phagocytophilum and Dirofilaria repens. Clinical examination revealed elevated core body temperature and thrombocytopenia. Treatment for the identified pathogens was initiated. Complete improvement of clinical condition was observed on the second day of treatment.

The detection of three different pathogens in a blood smear is not often reported, but it can significantly speed up the diagnosis and initiation of targeted treatment. It should be confirmed using molecular methods, which are commonly used in companion animals, especially for diagnosing co-infections.