Identification and pathogen screening of ectoparasites from companion animals in urban Vientiane, Lao PDR.

ABSTRACT: Ticks and fleas are vectors of medically important infectious diseases globally, such as Rickettsiae. These pathogens are frequently reported in Southeast Asia, including Laos; however, there are very few comprehensive reports on their prevalence and vector diversity in urban areas. This study collected ectoparasites from companion animals to assess pathogen prevalence and exposure risk. In five veterinary clinics across Vientiane capital, ectoparasites were collected from dogs and cats and identified to the species level using both morphological and molecular methods. Ectoparasite DNA samples were screened for bacteria (17-kDa and 16S rRNA gene). Ticks were submitted to evaluate the potential of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for species identification. A total of 3,771 arthropod vectors (3,

SUBMITTER: Phommadeechack V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12543278 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature