Molecular Characterization, Haemato-Biochemical Profile and Risk Factor of Hepatozoon Canis Infection in Dogs From, Haryana, India

The present study aimed to genetically characterize Hepatozoon canis, identify associated risk factors, and evaluate the haematological and biochemical profiles of affected dogs to improve its management. One hundred twenty dogs were screened by PCR for various haemoprotozoan disease, of which 24 dogs confirmed positive for H. canis and negative for Ehrlichia canis, Babesia vogeli, and B. gibsoni were included in this study. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18 S rRNA region from four isolates revealed genetic relatedness to H. canis strains reported from Iran, Malaysia, Canada, Israel, Turkey, Iraq, China, and India. Common clinical signs included pyrexia (83.33%), inappetence to anorexia (75.00%), pale (58.33%) to congested (41.66%) mucous membranes, lethargy (37.50%), and weight loss (25.00%). Hematological analysis revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia, normal to elevated leucocyte count with normal to elevated lymphocyte count and thrombocytopenia. The serum biochemical profile revealed normal to decreased total protein, hypoalbuminemia, decreased Albumin-to-Globulin (A: G) ratio, elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and normal to elevated creatinine level in affected dogs. Age (0–6 months) (p = 0.05) and the summer season (p = 0.03) were identified as significant risk factors for infection. These findings provide valuable diagnostic and epidemiological insights to aid in presumptive diagnosis, preventive measures, and therapeutic management of H. canis infection in dogs.