Ehrlichiosis In Dogs Research Articles

Misdiagnosis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: why do we still risk animal lives?

Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tick-borne disease caused by Ehrlichia canis that manifests as acute, chronic, or subclinical forms without specific clinical symptoms. This disease is diagnosed using clinical and laboratory findings (blood smears, molecular techniques, and serology). This study aimed to demonstrate the occurrence of false-positive results for Ehrlichia spp. in veterinary clinical practice. Seventy dogs with positive blood smears before treatment for Ehrlichia spp. subjected to doxycycline and imidazole treatment were analyzed using hematological examination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and indirect immunofluorescence assay. PCR analysis identified no samples positive for E. canis according to PCR analysis, while serological techniques showed a frequency of 51.4% in dogs with antibodies (IgG) against Ehrlichia spp. There was a correlation between hyperproteinemia and titers > 10,240. Nonspecific changes occurred in 24.3% (17/70) of the patients with CME, such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. The results indicated that the blood count and blood smear analysis were insufficient for diagnosis and that positive serological results associated with hematological changes suggestive of ehrlichiosis in dogs can be incorrectly assigned by a veterinarian, putting animals at risk.

Biometeorological analysis on the molecular incidence of babesiosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs

Biometeorological analysis on the molecular incidence of babesiosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs

Prevalence of Dirofilariasis, Lyme, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis in Dogs in Afyonkarahisar

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dirofilariasis, Lyme, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis in sheltered dogs in Afyonkarahisar. 
 Methods: The data were obtained and evaluated from 400 dogs (female, n = 246; male, n = 154) of different breeds and at different ages that were referred to Afyon Kocatepe University Animal Hospital. Accordingly, ovariohysterectomy (n = 196), castration (n = 113), skin disease (n = 113), diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue and anorexia (n = 37), lameness (n = 13), transmissible venereal tumor (n = 9), ascites (n = 2), pregnancy diagnosis (n = 2), mammary tumor (n = 1) and conjunctivitis (n = 1) were determined in dogs. Blood samples of dogs were taken to hematology and biochemistry after the first clinical examination of dogs. SNAP 4Dx (Idexx) Quick test kit was used to diagnose dirofilariasis, Lyme, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. 
 Result: The prevalence of anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, dirofilariasis, and Lyme was 1.25%, 0.75%, 0.75%, and 0%, respectively. Although the prevalence of anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and dirofilariasis is low, the results of the study suggested that these zoonotic diseases should still be evaluated as a risk factor for both humans and animals which live in this region as the disease spreads through vectors

Prevalence of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs in and around Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, India

Prevalence of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs in and around Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, India

Ehrlichiosis in Dogs: A Comprehensive Review about the Pathogen and Its Vectors with Emphasis on South and East Asian Countries.

Ehrlichiosis in dogs is an emerging vector borne rickettsial zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. In general, three Ehrlichial species (Ehrlichia canis, E. ewingii, and E. chaffeensis) are involved in infecting dogs. Among them, E. canis is the well-known etiological pathogen affecting platelets, monocytes, and granulocytes. Dogs act as a reservoir, while the main vector responsible for disease transmission is Rhipicephalus sanguineus. However, in east Asian countries, Haemaphysalis longicornis is considered the principal vector for disease transmission. This disease affects multiple organs and systems and has three clinical manifestations, including acute, subclinical, and chronic. Definitive diagnosis involves visualization of morulae on cytology, detection of antibodies through an indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT), and DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In canine ehrlichiosis, no predilection of age or sex is observed; however, Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds are more likely to develop severe clinical manifestations. Doxycycline, rifampicin, and minocycline are proven to be effective drugs against canine ehrlichiosis. This review is intended to describe a brief overview of Ehrlichia infection in dogs, its reported prevalence in east and south Asian countries, and the latest knowledge regarding chemotherapy and associated vectors responsible for the disease transmission. This manuscript also identifies the prevailing knowledge gaps which merit further attention by the scientific community.

​Prevalence Risk Factor Analysis and Molecular Characterization of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis in Maharashtra

Background: The research work was undertaken with the aim to investigate the prevalence and influence of associated risk factors on canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), by employing conventional and molecular techniques in naturally occurring ehrlichiosis in dogs from the geographical area of Pune and Satara, Maharashtra, India. Methods: Evaluation of 60 blood samples from dogs exhibiting illness clinically suggestive of CME was performed for the detection of Ehrlichia canis by conventional microscopy and PCR-based assays targeting 16S rRNA gene. The collected blood samples were also utilized immediately for estimation of haemato-biochemical parameters. Descriptive statistics along with chi-square test of association were performed by using SPSS software. Result: Microscopic examination of Geimsa stained thin blood smears revealed Ehrlichia canis morulae in 5.00% (03/60) samples. Processing of purified DNA from blood samples by Genus-specific 16SrRNA PCR, with known primers resulted in amplification of 477 bp product of 6.66% (04/60) samples evident of CME. Further two step nested PCR assay using published species-specific primers yielded 387 bp product in 16.66% (10/60) samples indicative of E. canis. Younger, exotic cross breed females dogs were found more prone compared to adults. Indian non-descript male counterparts and winter season being more favorable for CME. Sequence analysis of randomly selected representative samples from Pune and Satara each when aligned with nine isolates from India and western countries showed complete homology.

Molecular Epidemiology, Hematological Biomarker, Associated Risk Factors and Chemotherapeutic Trials of Ehrlichiosis in Dogs in Pakistan

Molecular Epidemiology, Hematological Biomarker, Associated Risk Factors and Chemotherapeutic Trials of Ehrlichiosis in Dogs in Pakistan

Comparison of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species-specific peptide ELISAs with whole organism-based immunofluorescent assays for serologic diagnosis of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs.

To compare the performance of 5 synthetic peptide-based ELISAs with that of 3 commercially available immunofluorescent assays (IFAs) for serologic diagnosis of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs. A convenience set of 109 serum samples obtained before and at various times after inoculation for 23 dogs that were experimentally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, or Ehrlichia ewingii and 1 uninfected control dog in previous studies. All serum samples were assessed with 5 synthetic peptide-based ELISAs designed to detect antibodies against A phagocytophilum, A platys, E canis, E chaffeensis, and E ewingii and 3 whole organism-based IFAs designed to detect antibodies against A phagocytophilum, E canis, and E chaffeensis. The species-specific seroreactivity, cross-reactivity with the other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each assay and compared among assays. All serum samples obtained from dogs experimentally infected with a TBP yielded positive results on a serologic assay specific for that pathogen. In general, sensitivity was comparable between ELISAs and IFAs and tended to increase with duration after inoculation. Compared with the IFAs, the corresponding ELISAs were highly specific and rarely cross-reacted with antibodies against other TBPs. Results suggested that peptide-based ELISAs had enhanced specificity relative to whole organism-based IFAs for detection of antibodies against Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp, which should facilitate accurate diagnosis and may help detect dogs coinfected with multiple TBPs.

ДІАГНОСТИКА ТА ЛІКУВАННЯ ДЕЯКИХ ТРАНСМІСИВНИХ ХВОРОБ ДОМАШНІХ ТВАРИН

Протягом останніх років у всьому світі спостерігається збільшення кількості захворювань, що переносяться кліщами, особливо бореліозу, рикетсіозів (анаплазмоз, ерліхіоз), кліщового енцефаліту та інших. Кліматичні та екологічні зміни, міграція (переміщення) домашніх тварин призводять до змін епізоотологічної ситуації щодо трансмісивних захворювань. Проведено аналіз епізоотологічних, клінічних, лабораторних досліджень. Узагальнено дані наукових досліджень щодо трансмісивних захворювань, а саме бореліозу, ерліхіозу, вірусного кліщового енцефаліту, вірусного енцефаломієліту овець. Протягом останніх років інфекційні та інвазійні захворювання тварин, викликані вірусами, бактеріями і найпростішими, що передаються кліщами, є новою проблемою охорони здоров’я і ветеринарної практики. Багато таких захворювань є зоонозами і призводять до інвалідності та смертності людей і тварин. Іксодові кліщів часто нападають на тварин і людей та широко поширені по всій території Європи, а також беруть участь у передачі великої кількості трансмісивних захворювань. В даний час однією з найбільших загроз є збудники комплексу Borrelia burgdorferi s. l., які відносяться до спірохет і вражають різноманітні види ссавців та птахів та передаються кліщами (Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus та Ixodes persulcatus). Захворювання має велике епідеміологічне значення для здоров’я людей. Діагностика та лікування недостатньо розроблені. Ehrlichia spp. – це грамнегативні, облігатні внутрішньоклітинні бактерії з родини Anaplasmataceae. В Європі Ehrlichia canis є етіологічним збудником моноцитарного ерліхіозу собак. Основним господарем E. canis є собака (інші собачі можуть служити резервуарними господарями); переносник – кліщ Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Кліщовий енцефаліт, а також вірусний енцефаломієліт овець – захворювання, що передаються іксодовими кліщами і становлять небезпеку для собак, котів та інших тварин, а також людей у Європі. В даний час усі ці захворювання набувають важливого епізоотологічного значення, оскільки діагностика та лікування є комплексними і ускладненими. Основним заходом профілактики захворювань серед собак є ефективний захист тварин від нападу кліщів. Трансмісивні хвороби – це різновид інфекційних та інвазійних хвороб тварин і людей, збудники яких поширюються від одного до іншого сприйнятливого суб'єкту за участі кровосисних членистоногих. З таких хвороб найбільш поширеними і клінічно значимими є: бореліоз, ерліхіоз, кліщовий енцефаліт тощо. В Україні системні дослідження зоонозних захворювань не проводились. Системний моніторинг збудників та ефективний контроль трансмісивних хвороб тварин являються основою покращення епідеміологічної ситуації серед населення.

Deteksi Penyakit Zoonosis Ehrlichiosis pada Pasien Anjing di Klinik Hewan Jogja

Ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic diseases caused by blood parasitic infection that can be transmitted by a ticks. Dogs infected with Ehrlichiosis canis who not treated for long periods of time can cause anemia and result in death. Although many diseases are found in the field but the percentage rate of the incidence of the disease is unknown. This study aims to detect Ehrlichiosis disease in dog patients treated at Jogja Veteinary Clinic by using Ehrlichiosis diagnosis kit available in the field. The material used in this study used dog patients who came to the Jogja Veterinary Clinic during April to September 2017. Dog patients who showed signs of infection of blood parasites with clinical symptoms of appetite and drinking down, weak, lethargic, found the presence of a ticks, or there history of infected ticks was included in the study. Patients who entered the study criteria, then taken the blood through the vena cephalika by using a 3 ml sterile syringe. Furthermore, fresh blood drops on the Ehrlichiosis detection kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Furthermore, the results are positive if found two lines and negative when only seen one line. Data of research result are presented in tabular form and percentage of disease according to result obtained. The results of the research showed that there were 7,63% (15/1,785) positive dogs suffering from Ehrlichiosis. These results can illustrate the incidence of Ehrlichiosis in dogs, especially in dog patients treated at the Jogja Veterinary Clinic, because of the danger of Ehrlichiosis (zoonotic), awarness is needed.

Molecular prevalence and haemato-biochemical profile of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs in and around Hisar, Haryana, India.

The present study was planned to investigate the molecular prevalence of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) in dogs in and around Hisar and to evaluate the haemato-biochemical profile for its better management. A total of 60 dogs presented to Medicine Section, TVCC, LUVAS, Hisar with the history of naturally acquired tick infestation and clinical signs consistent with CME were screened on the basis of blood smear examination, followed by molecular detection by nested PCR assay targeting a portion of 16S rRNA gene of Ehrlichia canis. Nested PCR detected 18 cases positive for E. canis with estimated 30% percent positivity as compared to 8.33% (5 out of 60) by blood smear examination. These 18 dogs confirmed for CME by nested PCR were assessed for clinical and haemato-biochemical profile. Breed-wise prevalence indicated maximum number of cases in Labrador retriever, followed by Pug, Rottweiler and German shepherd dog with more number of cases in male dogs. Age-wise prevalence revealed highest number of cases in more than 1year age group, followed by 6months to 1year age group and least in less than 6months aged dogs. Pyrexia, anorexia and pale to congested mucous membranes were the main clinical signs observed, followed by lethargy, vomiting. Less common clinical signs were epistaxis, lymphadenomegaly, hind limb weakness, malena, ocular discharge, followed by haematuria, corneal opacity, nasal discharge and coughing, icterus, dermal petechiae and ecchymoses. The haematological profile revealed macrocytic hypochromic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, normal leucocyte count with relative lymphocytosis, monocytosis and neutropenia. Serum biochemistry revealed significant rise in values of ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin total, bilirubin indirect, alkaline phosphatase and A/G ratio in affected dogs as compared to healthy control, suggesting the hepatic dysfunction. The lipid metabolites and kidney function parameters were non-significantly altered from those of healthy control. A high positivity for E. canis detected by nested PCR in dogs in and around Hisar suggests the endemicity of the disease in dogs' population in this region and warrants the screening for the disease in suspected dogs by this technique as compared to routine blood smear examination. The presented haemato-biochemical profile may be useful in presumptive diagnosis of the disease in dogs and their better clinical management.

Comparative speed of kill of sarolaner (Simparica) and afoxolaner (NexGard) against induced infestations of Amblyomma americanum on dogs.

BackgroundThe lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, infests dogs and cats in North America and is the vector of the pathogens that cause monocytic and granulocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs and humans. A parasiticide’s speed of kill is important to minimize the direct and deleterious effects of tick infestation and especially to reduce the risk of transmission of tick-borne pathogens. In this study, speed of kill of a novel orally administered isoxazoline parasiticide, sarolaner (Simparica™ chewable tablets), against A. americanum on dogs was evaluated and compared with afoxolaner (NexGard®) for 5 weeks following a single oral dose.MethodsBased on pretreatment tick counts, 24 dogs were randomly allocated to treatment with sarolaner (2 to 4 mg/kg), afoxolaner (2.5 to 6.8 mg/kg) or a placebo. Dogs were examined and live ticks counted at 8, 12, and 24 h after treatment and subsequent re-infestations on Days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Efficacy was determined at each time point relative to counts for placebo dogs.ResultsA single oral dose of sarolaner provided 100 % efficacy within 24 h of treatment, and consistently provided >90 % efficacy against subsequent weekly re-infestations with ticks to Day 28. Significantly more live ticks were recovered from afoxolaner-treated dogs than from sarolaner-treated dogs at 24 h after infestation from Day 7 through Day 35 (P ≤ 0.0247). At 24 h, efficacy of afoxolaner declined to less than 90 % from Day 14 to the end of the study. There were no adverse reactions to treatment.ConclusionsIn this controlled laboratory evaluation, sarolaner had a faster speed of kill against A. americanum ticks than afoxolaner. The rapid and consistent kill of ticks by sarolaner within 24 h after a single oral dose over 28 days, suggests this treatment will provide highly effective and reliable control of ticks over the entire treatment interval, and could help reduce the risk of transmission of tick-borne pathogens by A. americanum.

Therapeutic evaluation of homoeopathic drug Crotalus horridus 200C against Ehrlichiosis-infected dogs in Mizoram

Objective: To study, the effect of a homoeopathic medicine Crotalus horridus 200C on ehrlichiosis in dogs in an endemic area of Aizawl district of Mizoram state of India. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the efficacy of Crotalus horridus 200C against ehrlichiosis dogs. 12 positive cases confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were divided into two groups comprising six dogs in each group. One group was treated with standard therapy (doxycycline) and other group was treated with Crotalus horridus 200C at 4 pills orally for 20 days. Clinical improvement of affected dogs was recorded after therapy. Important haemato-biochemical parameters before and after therapy such as haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count (DLC), platelet count, total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio, total bilirubin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and liver-specific enzymes namely alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed following standard protocol. All the parameters were compared with a control healthy group (T3). All experiment dogs were from different age with different breeds and bloods were collected at forenoon only. Results: PCR test yielded 13 dogs positive out of 67 suspected samples screened (19.40%) with an amplification of 387 bp fragment from 16S rRNA gene of E. Canis. Off total positive, only 8 (61.53%) could be detected in peripheral blood smear. Crotalus horridus-treated group of dogs showed clinical recovery from fever and temperature to normalcy by the 14th day posttreatment. Haemato-biochemical profiles of affected dogs such as Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC, DLC, platelet count, total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio, total bilirubin, serum creatinine, BUN, and liver-specific enzymes namely ALT and ALP were turned to normalcy within 21 days of post-treatment. Conclusion: Nested PCR assay had been shown to be sensitive and specific for detection of Ehrlichia canis. Crotalus horridus 200C may be an effective and choice of drug for control of canine ehrlichiosis.

Vector-Borne Diseases in Stray Dogs in Peninsular Malaysia and Molecular Detection of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. from Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks.

Little data are available on the prevalence and transmission of vector-borne diseases in stray dogs in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was designed to determine the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens in Malaysian stray dogs using serological and molecular approaches. In total, 48 dog blood samples were subjected to serological analysis using SNAP 4Dx kit (IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME). The presence of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma DNA in the dog blood samples and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) ticks was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction assays. Positive serological findings against Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were obtained in 17 (39.5%) and four (9.3%) of 43 dog samples, respectively. None of the dog blood samples were positive for Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis. DNA of E. canis and A. phagocytophilum was detected in 12 (25.5%) and two (4.3%) of 47 dog blood samples, and 17 (51.5%) and one (3.0%) of 33 R. sanguineus ticks, respectively. Additionally, DNA of Ehrlichia spp. closely related to Ehrlichia chaffeensis was detected in two (6.1%) R. sanguineus ticks. This study highlights the prevalence of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs in Malaysia. Due to the zoonotic potential of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp., appropriate measures should be instituted for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases in dogs.

Hematobiochemical changes in ehrlichiosis in dogs of Anand region, Gujarat.

Aim:The present research work was undertaken to study the diagnostic importance of hematobiochemical changes in naturally occurring ehrlichiosis in dogs of Anand region, Gujarat irrespective of their age, breed, and sex.Materials and Methods:Blood samples from a total of 29 dogs of Anand region of Gujarat state were screened for detection of anti-Ehrlichia canis antibodies using Immunocomb® rapid diagnostic kit (Biogal Galed Laboratories, Israel) and subjected to estimation of hematobiochemical parameters by auto hematology analyzers at College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand. Statistical analysis, interpretation and comparison of hematobiochemical changes with scientific literature was carried out in order to understand the pathophysiology of the disease.Results:Of 29 dogs, 18 were positive for naturally occurring ehrlichiosis based on the presence of anti-E. canis antibodies while 11 were negative. Haematology evinced that the mean values of hemoglobin, total erythrocyte counts, platelet count and packed cell volume in dogs with ehrlichiosis decreased significantly (p<0.01) in comparison to healthy dogs. Among differential leucocyte count, mean values of lymphocytes decreased, neutrophils increased, eosinophils decreased and basophils decreased significantly (p<0.05) in dogs with ehrlichiosis in comparison to healthy dogs while statistically non-significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in values of monocytes in dogs with ehrlichiosis and healthy dogs. Among various red blood cells indices, the mean values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration increased significantly (p<0.01) in dogs with ehrlichiosis in comparison to healthy dogs. Serum biochemistry revealed significant (p<0.01) increase in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and creatinine levels as well as decrease in total protein levels in dogs with ehrlichiosis as compared to healthy dogs.Conclusion:Clinical importance of hematobiochemical changes in 18 natural cases of ehrlichiosis in dogs of Anand region, Gujarat irrespective of their age, breed and sex is discussed, which would aid new insights in diagnosis and therapeutic management.

Serum DHEA-S increases in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis

Adrenocortical disturbances are expected in canine ehrlichiosis due to the immunological challenges caused by infection and consequent inflammation. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of adrenocortical hormonal alterations in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis (n = 21) as positively confirmed by the presence of anti-E. canis antibodies (Dot-ELISA) and nested PCR (nPCR). Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) concentrations were assessed via ELISA before and one hour after ACTH stimulation. Another 10 healthy dogs were subjected to the same stimulation protocol and used as controls. The results revealed that baseline and post-ACTH DHEA-S concentrations were significantly greater in sick dogs, regardless of gender, and this finding illustrates the stress induced by naturally acquired ehrlichiosis in dogs.

Use of an automated system for detection of canine serum antibodies against Ehrlichia canis glycoprotein 36.

Ehrlichia canis is the most common cause of monocytotropic ehrlichiosis in dogs around the world. The purpose of the present study was to validate a new automated fluorescence system (Accuplex4™ BioCD system; Antech Diagnostics, Lake Success, New York) to detect antibodies against the E. canis immunodominant glycoprotein 36 (gp36). Sera and blood samples (ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid) were collected from mixed sex beagles ( n = 8) on days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 28, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, and 98 after intravenous inoculation with culture-derived E. canis. Sera were assayed using the Accuplex4 BioCD system (Accuplex4), an E. canis indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and a commercially available kit. A complete blood cell count and a proprietary E. canis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed on each blood sample. On the day thrombocytopenia was first detected for each dog, E. canis DNA was amplified from blood of all dogs. At those times, E. canis antibodies were detected in 7 of 8 dogs by the Accuplex4, 1 of 8 dogs by the commercial kit, and 4 of 8 dogs by IFAT. Ehrlichia canis DNA was amplified from blood before seroconversion in any antibody assay for 6 dogs. Antibodies against gp36 were detected by Accuplex4 within 3 days of PCR-positive test results and were detected up to 25 days sooner than the commercial kit. After starting doxycycline treatment, E. canis DNA was no longer amplified by PCR assay, but serum antibodies remained detectable by all assays.

Frequency and Clinical Epidemiology of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis in Dogs Infested with Ticks from Sinaloa, Mexico.

Ehrlichia canis is a rickettsial intracellular obligate bacterial pathogen and agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. The prevalence of this disease in veterinary medicine can vary depending on the diagnostic method used and the geographic location. One hundred and fifty-two canine blood samples from six veterinary clinics and two shelters from Sinaloa State (Mexico) were analyzed in this study. All animals were suspected of having Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME). The diagnostic methods used were the ELISA (Snap4Dx, IDEXX) together with blood smear and platelet count. From all dogs blood samples analyzed, 74.3% were positive to E. canis by ELISA and 40.1% were positive by blood smear. The sensitivity and specificity observed in the ELISA test were 78.8% and 86.7%. In addition, thrombocytopenia was presented in 87.6% of positive dogs. The predominant clinical manifestations observed were fever, anorexia, depression, lethargy, and petechiae. Consequently, this is the first report in which the morulae were visualized in the blood samples, and E. canis-specific antibodies were detected in dogs from Sinaloa, Northwest of Mexico.

Clinical and hematological study of canine Ehrlichiosis with other hemoprotozoan parasites in Kolkata, West Bengal, India

ObjectiveTo observe other hemoprotozoan diseases with canine ehrlichiosis and to evaluate the clinical and hematological aspects of dogs naturally infected with ehrlichiosis with other hemoprotozoan diseases. MethodsBlood was collected for hematological value and Giemsa stained blood smear was made for diagnosis of Ehrlichia sp. and other hemoprotozoan parasites from naturally infected dogs. Case history was taken from the owner and clinical signs and symptoms were noted. ResultsA total of 47 cases of ehrlichiosis in dogs were reported with babesiosis (8.51%) and hepatozoonosis (6.38%) hemoprotozoan diseases. Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Brucella canis, Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis were observed under oil immersion lense of microscope in Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears. Marked anaemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis were observed. ConclusionsThe results of this study stated that clinical and haematological changes occurred in canine ehrlichiosis with babesiosis and hepatozoonosis due to parasitemia. In mixed infection, the disease more severe, and also it depended on immunity of animals. Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis with Ehrlichia sp. were first reported from West Bengal state of India by this study.

ESTUDIO RETROSPECTIVO DE CASO-CONTROL DE EHRLICHIOSIS CANINA EN LA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL MAYOR DE SAN MARCOS: PERIODO 2002-2005

Canine ehrlichiosis is a worldwide well known infectious disease and potentially lethal to dogs and other members of the Canidae family. It is caused by Ehrlichia canis and transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The aim of this work was to carry out a retrospective case-control study in order to evaluate the risk factors associated with the presence of canine ehrlichiosis in dogs that have been patients at the Clinic of Small Animals and at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory of the Veterinary Faculty, San Marcos University, Lima. For this purpose, cases (dogs with ehrlichiosis: n=50) as well as controls (dogs without ehrlichiosis: n=100) from clinical records in the period of 2002-2005 were used. Data was grouped by breed, sex, age, history of tick presence, and home location. Chi square, odds ratio (OR), and logistic regressions were performed. Among the cases, 50% were of large breeds, 72% were males, 64% were ³2 years old, and 82% had ticks. The risk factors associated with the disease were large breeds (OR=12.8, p=0.024), German Shepherd dog (OR=12.2, p&lt;0.01), age (³2-4 years: OR= 4.0, p=0.008) and tick history [82% (48/50) for the cases and 1% (1/100) for the controls].