Canine Lymphocytic Response to Borelia burgdorferi

Abstract

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, triggers complex immune responses in canines. This study expands on previous research by analyzing white blood cell (WBC) dynamics in Lyme-positive dogs, using a larger sample size and refined methodologies, including hemocytometer-based WBC counts and detailed granulocyte differentiation. Blood samples from a diverse canine population were screened for B. burgdorferi using the ELISA SNAP 4Dx test. Differential blood smears were prepared and stained using the Diff-Quik method, followed by precise hemocytometer-based cell quantification. The study examined fluctuations in neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils in relation to Lyme-positive and Lyme-negative test results. Results confirmed a significant increase in total WBC counts in Lyme-positive canines, particularly driven by elevated neutrophil and monocyte levels, suggesting an active innate immune response. Lymphocyte counts also showed moderate elevations, consistent with adaptive immune activation. Contrary to initial hypotheses, eosinophil levels did not display a consistent pattern, indicating that Lyme disease does not induce eosinophilia as a hallmark response. Basophil counts remained within normal ranges across all subjects. These findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of the canine immune response to B. burgdorferi infection. The expanded dataset strengthens the correlation between Lyme disease and elevated WBC counts, particularly through neutrophilic and monocytic activity. Future work should explore cytokine profiling and immune modulation over time to better characterize the chronic phase of Lyme disease in canines. This research enhances diagnostic accuracy and contributes to improved veterinary management of Lyme-infected dogs