Ticks are important vectors in transmitting various pathogens and they could jeopardize the health and welfare of humans and animals worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of important tick-borne haemopathogens (TBH) in dogs and ticks via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. A total of 220 blood samples and 140 ticks were collected from 10 animal shelters in Peninsular Malaysia. Of 220 blood samples, 77 (35 %) were positive to TBH, of which 20 % were E. canis, 12 % were A. platys, 7 % were B. gibsoni and 7 % were B. vogeli. All ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus with five samples (3.57 %) positive with TBH. Co-infections of TBH (0.45-9.55 %) in dogs were also observed in this study.
Canine haemotrophic mycoplasmosis is caused by mycoplasma haemopathogens, which includes Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp). The Mhc and CMhp pose a health risk to dogs, particularly in immunocompromised and splenectomised dogs, as they lead to haemolytic anaemia. There is scarce information on the detection of Mycoplasma in dogs in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to detect the presence of Mycoplasma in the blood of shelter and pet dogs and identify associated risk factors in Malaysian dog populations. Blood samples from shelter dogs in Selangor (n = 71) and pet dogs in Johor Bahru (n = 169) were collected. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Mycoplasma 16S rRNA. Overall, 21.7% of the tested samples were positive, with a higher prevalence among the shelter dogs (45.1%) than pet dogs (11.8%). The Mhc was the predominant species detected, with only one case of CMhp. Risk factors associated with Mycoplasma infection in shelter dogs included urban areas, and the presence of rodents, and wild animals, but no significant associations with tick infestations were detected. These findings necessitate the importance of Mycoplasma transmission dynamics among Malaysian dog populations to assist in the implementation of control measures.