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Offei Addo S, Essah Bentil R, Olivia Ama Baako B, Ansah-Owusu J, Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah C, Behene E, Asoala V, Dunford JC, Asiedu Larbi J, Kweku Baidoo P, David Wilson M, Diclaro JW, Dadzie SK. Spatial and Seasonal Patterns of Tick Infestations in Kassena-Nankana Livestock. Vet Med Int 2024; 2024:8889907. [PMID: 38234318 PMCID: PMC10791324 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8889907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of ticks to adapt to different ecological zones, coupled with the spread of infectious pathogens negatively affects livestock production and thus, there is a need for better control strategies. However, control measures within a geographical region can only be effective if there is available information on tick population dynamics and ecology. This study focused on ticks infesting livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The ticks were morphologically identified, variables such as season, animal host, and predilection sites were recorded, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 13. Out of 448 livestock examined, tick infestation in cattle was (78.60%), followed by sheep (25%) and goats (5.88%). A total of 1,550 ticks including nymphs (303) and adults (1,247) were collected. Adult ticks were found to be significantly associated with season (p < 0.001), with a high burden in the wet season. The nymph burden and body parts of livestock hosts were significantly associated with more nymphs collected from male animals than females (p < 0.001). Three genera of ticks, Amblyomma (62.97%), Hyalomma (18.71%), and Rhipicephalus (18.32%) were morphologically identified with the most predominant tick species recorded as Amblyomma variegatum (62.97%). Matured A. variegatum was sampled primarily in the wet season with their predilection site as the udder/scrotum (p < 0.001). However, adult Hyalomma truncatum was observed to have a significant association with the anal region (p < 0.001). Findings from this study are essential for formulating tick control measures to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ronald Essah Bentil
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Jane Ansah-Owusu
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Eric Behene
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana
| | - James C. Dunford
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Asiedu Larbi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip Kweku Baidoo
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael David Wilson
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph W. Diclaro
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Detachment, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Samuel K. Dadzie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Ansah-Owusu J, Addo SO, Tawiah-Mensah CNL, Obuam PK, Malm ROT, Yartey KN, Yanney JN, Torto FA, Accorlor SK, Dadzie SK. Tick-borne pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance in cattle ticks in Ghana. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:44. [PMID: 38095712 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08071-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors involved in the transmission of pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance. In this study, ticks were collected from cattle in Navrongo, Kintampo, and Kumasi and screened for pathogen DNA using PCR and Sanger sequencing. A total of 454 ticks were collected, morphologically identified and confirmed using primers that target the 660-bp segment of the mitochondrial COI gene. The predominant tick species was Amblyomma variegatum (70.26%). DNA was extracted from 85 tick pools and screened for the presence of Rickettsia DNA based on the 639 bp of the outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma DNA based on the 345 bp fragment of the 16SrRNA gene and Babesia/ Theileria DNA based on the 560 bp fragment of the ssrRNA gene. From the 85 tick pools, the DNA of pathogens detected were Rickettsia africae (36.47%), Rickettsia aeschlimannii (16.47%), Ehrlichia canis (2.35%), Babesia occultans (1.18%), Theileria velifera (1.18%) and a symbiont Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii (8.24%). This study reports the first molecular detection of Candidatus Cryptoplasma californiense (1.18%) in Ghana. Coinfections were recorded in 8.24% of the tick pools. The findings of this study highlight the importance of tick species in Ghana and the need to adopt effective control measures to prevent pathogen spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Ansah-Owusu
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | | | - Patrick Kwasi Obuam
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Odoi-Teye Malm
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kevin Nii Yartey
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jennifer Nyamekye Yanney
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Francisca Adai Torto
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephen Kwabena Accorlor
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel K Dadzie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Zhang J, Wang J, Kelly PJ, Zhang Y, Li M, Li J, Zhang R, Wang Y, Huang K, You J, Qiu H, Zheng X, Wang X, Li J, Dong J, Yang Y, Wang C. Experimental infection and co-infection with Chinese strains of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli in intact and splenectomized dogs: Insights on clinical, hematologic and treatment responses. Vet Parasitol 2023; 323:110032. [PMID: 37783174 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Animal infection models are crucial for studying various aspects of Ehrlichia canis infections. To understand the pathogenesis of the first Chinese isolate of E. canis and simulate the natural progression of canine ehrlichiosis, we developed a model with 18 Beagle dogs that consisted of E. canis initial infection (days 0-17), treatment with doxycycline or rifampicin (days 18-32), recovery (days 33-66), E. canis reinfection (days 67-91), and Babesia vogeli superinfection (days 92-116). We measured body weight and rectal temperature every other day, drew blood every 4 days for routine hematology and biochemistry tests, and for quantification of E. canis and B. vogeli by quantitative PCRs. In this study, the first isolate of E. canis from China was used to experimentally infect dogs, and the infected dogs exhibited clinical signs of acute severe ehrlichiosis, including high fever, loss of appetite, dehydration, and body weight loss, confirming the similar pathogenicity of E. canis in China as compared to isolates from other regions. Infection with E. canis and B. vogeli led to reduced body weight and fever in dogs. Doxycycline treatment led to absence of E. canis DNA in infected dogs, while rifampicin treatment lowered the blood E. canis copy number up to 1.5 folds. E. canis-free infected dogs after doxycycline treatment were successfully re-infected with E. canis, indicating dogs with antibodies are still at risk of re-infection. Super-infection with B. vogeli resulted in higher fever, more severe anemia, and a reduced number of platelets. Splenectomized dogs showed significantly higher E. canis numbers during recovery and re-infection than intact dogs. The histological changes were observed in brain, lung, kidney, liver and spleen of the infected dogs. The findings in this study provide insights into clinical and hematologic responses, as well as effective treatment options, for dogs infected with the first Chinese isolate of E. canis, and may contribute to our understanding of the diagnosis and prevention of tick-borne diseases in dogs, including canine monocytic ehrlichiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilei Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Huang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinfeng You
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haixiang Qiu
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianji Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junsheng Dong
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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Addo SO, Bentil RE, Baako BOA, Addae CA, Larbi JA, Baidoo PK, Wilson MD, Asoala V, Oduro D, Mate S, Diclaro Ii JW, Dadzie SK. First record of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Ghana, a potential risk to livestock production. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:475-483. [PMID: 37052725 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00793-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are a public health threat due to their tendency to spread pathogens that affect humans and animals. With reports of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus invasion in neighbouring countries, there is the risk of this species invading Ghana through livestock trade. Previous identification of tick species in Ghana has been based on morphological identification, which can be ineffective, especially with damaged tick specimens or engorged nymphs. This study focused on the Kassena-Nankana District, which serves as a trade route for cattle into Ghana, to determine the presence of R. microplus. Three genera of ticks were identified as Amblyomma (70.9%), Hyalomma (21.3%) and Rhipicephalus (7.8%). The engorged nymphs that could not be identified morphologically were analyzed using primers that target the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. This study reports the first record of R. (B.) microplus in Ghana. Furthermore, R. microplus constituted 54.8% of the Boophilus species collected in this study. This finding is an addition to the diverse tick species previously collected in Ghana, most of which are of veterinary and public health importance. With reports of acaricide resistance in R. microplus and its role in spreading infectious pathogens, the detection of this species in Ghana cannot be overlooked. Nationwide surveillance will be essential to ascertain its distribution, its effects on cattle production, and the control measures adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Ronald Essah Bentil
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Charlotte Adwoa Addae
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - John Asiedu Larbi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip Kweku Baidoo
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael David Wilson
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Upper East Region, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Daniel Oduro
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Suzanne Mate
- U.S. Army Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Joseph W Diclaro Ii
- Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center; Center for Disease Control and Prevention Detachment, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samuel K Dadzie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Bonilla-Aldana DK, Gutiérrez-Grajales EJ, Osorio-Navia D, Chacón-Peña M, Trejos-Mendoza AE, Pérez-Vargas S, Valencia-Mejía L, Marín-Arboleda LF, Martínez-Hidalgo JP, Reina-Mora MA, González-Colonia LV, Cardona-Ospina JA, Jiménez-Posada EV, Diaz-Guio DA, Salazar JC, Sierra M, Muñoz-Lara F, Zambrano LI, Ramírez-Vallejo E, Álvarez JC, Jaramillo-Delgado IL, Pecho-Silva S, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Rodríguez-Morales AJ. Haematological Alterations Associated with Selected Vector-Borne Infections and Exposure in Dogs from Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243460. [PMID: 36552379 PMCID: PMC9774455 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections due to Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Dirofilaria, Mycoplasma, Babesia and Hepatozoon continue to be highly prevalent in dogs, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, where vectors of many of them are present. However, many clinical aspects of dogs have not been characterized in detail, including assessing the haematological alterations associated with them, particularly in Colombia and Latin America. A group of 100 dogs with Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Dirofilaria, Mycoplasma, Babesia and Hepatozoon infections/exposure were assessed by blood smear serology (SNAP4DX) and PCR in Pereira, Colombia. We performed blood counts to evaluate anaemia, leukopenia/leukocytosis, neutropenia, neutrophilia, lymphopenia/lymphocytosis, monocytosis, eosinophilia, and thrombocytopenia, among other alterations. Bivariate analyses were performed on Stata®14, with significant p < 0.05. From the total, 85% presented ≥1 infection (past or present), 66% with coinfections (≥2 pathogens) (Ehrlichia 75%), and 89% presented clinical alterations. A total of 100% showed anaemia, 70% thrombocytopenia, 61% monocytosis, and 47% neutropenia, among other alterations. Additionally, 11% presented pancytopenia and 59% bicytopenia. The median platelet count was lower in infected dogs (126,000 cells/μL) versus non-infected (221,000 cells/μL) (p = 0.003). Thrombocytopenia was higher among infected dogs (75%) versus non-infected (40%) (p = 0.006), with a 91% positive predictive value for infection. Median neutrophil count was lower in infected dogs (6591 cells/μL) versus non-infected (8804 cells/μL) (p = 0.013). Lymphocytosis occurred only among those infected (27%) (p = 0.022). Leukopenia was only observed among infected dogs (13%). Pancytopenia was only observed among infected dogs. Ehrlichiosis and other hematic infections have led to a significant burden of haematological alterations on infected dogs, including pancytopenia in a tenth of them, most with thrombocytopenia and all anemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erwin J. Gutiérrez-Grajales
- Red Colombiana de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Garrapatas en Pequeños Animales (RECEPA)–Colombian Network of Tick-Borne Diseases in Small Animals (RECEPA), Pereira 660003, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jaime A. Cardona-Ospina
- Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas, Pereira 660003, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira 660003, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Infecciones Emergentes y Medicina Tropical, Instituto para la Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, SCI-HELP, Pereira 660003, Colombia
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Erika Vanessa Jiménez-Posada
- Grupo de Investigación en Infecciones Emergentes y Medicina Tropical, Instituto para la Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, SCI-HELP, Pereira 660003, Colombia
| | | | | | - Manuel Sierra
- Unit of Scientific Research, School of Medical, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras
| | - Fausto Muñoz-Lara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras; Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras
| | - Lysien I. Zambrano
- Unit of Scientific Research, School of Medical, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras
| | | | - Juan Camilo Álvarez
- Grupo de Investigación One-Health, Departamento de Investigación de Enfermedades Infecciosas en Animales, Centro de Diagnóstico Especializado Testmol, Medellín, Antioquia 050001, Colombia
| | - Ingrid Lorena Jaramillo-Delgado
- Red Colombiana de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Garrapatas en Pequeños Animales (RECEPA)–Colombian Network of Tick-Borne Diseases in Small Animals (RECEPA), Pereira 660003, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación One-Health, Departamento de Investigación de Enfermedades Infecciosas en Animales, Centro de Diagnóstico Especializado Testmol, Medellín, Antioquia 050001, Colombia
| | - Samuel Pecho-Silva
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima 15046, Peru
- Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, Lima 15072, Peru
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital-Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
| | - Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez
- Research Institute, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud-FUCS, Bogotá 11011, Colombia
- Servicios y Asesorías en Infectología-SAI, Bogotá 11010, Colombia
| | - Alfonso J. Rodríguez-Morales
- Red Colombiana de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Garrapatas en Pequeños Animales (RECEPA)–Colombian Network of Tick-Borne Diseases in Small Animals (RECEPA), Pereira 660003, Colombia
- Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas, Pereira 660003, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira 660003, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Infecciones Emergentes y Medicina Tropical, Instituto para la Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, SCI-HELP, Pereira 660003, Colombia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima 15046, Peru
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
- Correspondence: or
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Ranatunga RAS, Dangolla A, Sooriyapathirana SDSS, Rajakaruna RS. High Asymptomatic Cases of Babesiosis in Dogs and Comparison of Diagnostic Performance of Conventional PCR vs Blood Smears. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1217-1223. [PMID: 35612719 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00549-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Babesiosis is one of the most important globally extended and quickly spreading tick-borne infections of dogs. Diagnosis of babesiosis in Sri Lanka is based on clinical signs followed by thin blood smears which could be error-prone due to undetected early infections, absence of clinical signs or low parasitemia. The present study investigated the prevalence of babesiosis in dogs presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, for treatments, vaccinations, and regular check-ups, and compared the diagnosis methods of microscopy and molecular analysis. METHODS Blood samples from dogs were collected from January to June 2019. First, Giemsa stained blood smears were prepared, and then the blood samples were subjected to PCR using genus-specific primers to amplify a 411-450 bp region in the 18S rRNA gene. Twenty samples from PCR amplified products were sequenced for species identification and phylogenetic analysis. Clinical signs of the dogs were noted down, and ticks were also collected from dogs if any. RESULTS Results show a very high prevalence of canine babesiosis (78.6%) among the dogs brought to the VTH. The parasite was identified microscopically and genetically as Babesia gibsoni. A large percentage (66.7%) of infections was asymptomatic. Out of 42 blood samples, 19 (45.2%) were microscopically positive for babesiosis while 33 (78.6%) were PCR positive, showing a significant difference in the two methods of diagnosis (chi-square test, χ2 = 9.462, p = 0.002). Three tick species: Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were found attached to the dogs. CONCLUSION This study shows a very high prevalence of canine babesiosis among dogs in the Kandy area. Most of these infections might go undetected if only microscopy was used to diagnose. An improved, rapid diagnostic method such as the novel, PCR-based point-of-care diagnostic method that detects very low parasitemia within 30 min is needed. Moreover, as most infected dogs did not show clinical signs, they may act as reservoirs of infection. The ability of asymptomatic dogs to spread babesiosis should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A S Ranatunga
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - A Dangolla
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - S D S S Sooriyapathirana
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - R S Rajakaruna
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
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Mitpasa T, Sarker BR, Macotpet A, Bupata PA, Sangmaneedet S, Taweenan W. First report on molecular characteristics and risk factor analysis of Ehrlichia canis in dogs in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:232-238. [PMID: 35369593 PMCID: PMC8924376 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.232-238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Ehrlichia canis is a well-known cause of both anemia and thrombocytopenia in dogs. There are insufficient epidemiological data on this blood parasite in Thailand and the association of infections with hematological abnormalities. This study aimed to analyze the molecular characteristics and to identify E. canis as well as the risk factors associated with E. canis infection in dogs in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 126 dogs that visited animal clinics were subjected to molecular detection using nested polymerase chain reaction for E. canis16S rRNA gene. The risk factors and hematological profiles associated with the infection were analyzed using the logistic regression test in program SPSS version 19. Results: Forty-one dogs were infected, indicating a 32.5% molecular infection rate of E. canis. The factors significantly associated with E. canis infection include animal housing status, low packed cell volume, low red blood cell count, and low platelets (p<0.05). Ten positive samples were amplified, sequenced, and phylogenetically analyzed. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the current ten samples as E. canis compared with reference sequences in GenBank, using the BLAST program hosted by NCBI, which showed 99.74-100% similarity. Conclusion: This study provided the first data of infection rate of E. canis using nested PCR and molecular characteristics of E. canis in randomly selected domestic dogs in Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thongphet Mitpasa
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Biethee Rani Sarker
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Arayaporn Macotpet
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Pattara-Anong Bupata
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Somboon Sangmaneedet
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Weerapol Taweenan
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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Castro MBD, Szabó MPJ, Aquino LPCTD, Dagnoni AS, Alessi AC, Costa MT, Nakaghi ACH, Santi MD, Calchi AC, André MR, Machado RZ. Immunophenotypical and pathological changes in dogs experimentally infected with Ehrlichia canis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e021621. [PMID: 35416862 PMCID: PMC9901872 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is one of the most important tick-borne diseases worldwide, with multisystemic presentations. Immune dysregulation has been proposed as the primary mechanism involved in its pathogenesis and in tissue injury in dogs with CME. Experimental infection of German Shepherd dogs in the present study demonstrated that CME caused marked pathological changes in their lymph nodes and spleen, and also gave rise to mononuclear infiltration in organs and tissues. Immunophenotyping of cells in lymph nodes, spleen and injured tissues highlighted differences in lymphocyte subsets, local expression of immunoglobulin subclasses and MHCII molecules between infected and control dogs. These findings suggest that the immunophenotypic and immunopathological changes in dogs with acute experimental CME are related to Th1 bias and compartmentalized immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia - UFU, Uberlândia, MG, Brasil
| | | | | | - Antonio Carlos Alessi
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Mirela Tinucci Costa
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Faculdade Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Mariele De Santi
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Ana Claúdia Calchi
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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9
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Crespo-Szabo SM, Stafford JR. Diagnosis, treatment, and outcome in a dog with systemic Mycoleptodiscus indicus infection. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1972-1976. [PMID: 34048620 PMCID: PMC8295661 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Describe the diagnosis, clinical course, and management of a dog with systemic Mycoleptodiscus indicus infection. Case Summary A 5‐year‐old male neutered Giant Schnauzer presented with left eye anterior uveitis, peripheral lymphadenopathy, hyperglobulinemia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A diagnosis of M. indicus infection was made based on histopathology and PCR. Treatment with itraconazole and terbinafine resulted in resolution of the hyperglobulinemia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and peripheral lymphadenopathy. No evidence of fungal organisms was identified on lymph node, liver, or ocular histopathology after 7 months of treatment. New or Unique Information Provided This case is the first report of a systemic M. indicus infection in an apparently immunocompetent dog. Clinical resolution was achieved with systemic itraconazole and terbinafine.
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10
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Meyers AC, Auckland L, Meyers HF, Rodriguez CA, Kontowicz E, Petersen CA, Travi BL, Sanders JP, Hamer SA. Epidemiology of Vector-Borne Pathogens Among U.S. Government Working Dogs. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:358-368. [PMID: 33601954 PMCID: PMC8086402 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of U.S. domestic dogs for exposure to vector-borne pathogens can identify regions of transmission that are relevant for human and animal health. Working dogs with high levels of outdoor exposure may be sensitive indicators of local risk, owing to increased contact with vectors. We randomly selected 476 high-value government working dogs from 40 states to determine the prevalence of infection with Dirofilaria immitis and Rickettsia spp., and exposure to Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi, and identify risk factors for positivity. Additionally, we tested 100 of these dogs from Texas for Leishmania spp. where sand fly vectors occur. Previously published Trypanosoma cruzi infection data on these dogs were used to identify coinfection or co-exposures. Infection prevalence was 0.84% for D. immitis, and all dogs were negative for Rickettsia spp. DNA. Seroprevalence of each pathogen was: B. burgdorferi 0.84%, Ehrlichia spp. 1.3%, Anaplasma spp. 1.5%, Leishmania spp. 2.0%, and T. cruzi 12.2%. Coinfection or co-exposure took place in four (0.84%) dogs. In bivariable analysis, we found that D. immitis-positive and Ehrlichia-seropositive dogs were significantly older than negative dogs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. was significantly higher among dogs in the Northeast United States relative to other areas of the country (4.7% vs. ≤1.4%; p = 0.041). Although autochthonous Leishmania infections have been described in the United States, the cases reported herein may represent imported Leishmania infection. Most federal working dogs are bred in Europe, where the parasite is endemic and congenitally transmitted. Serological cross-reaction between T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. complicates diagnosis. In this study, the use of multiple testing strategies in a comparative complementary manner provided evidence for these dogs' true exposures. Comprehensive surveillance for vector-borne pathogens in dogs can improve clinician awareness and target prevention and treatment in a One Health manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C. Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Hannah F. Meyers
- Department of Chemistry, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Carlos A. Rodriguez
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Eric Kontowicz
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Christine A. Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bruno L. Travi
- Department of Internal Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - John P. Sanders
- Office of Workforce Health and Safety, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.,Address correspondence to: Sarah A. Hamer, Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA
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11
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Taques IIGG, Koiyama MFG, Campos ANS, Costa JS, Hongyu K, Aguiar DM. Canonical correlative analyses among an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using synthetic peptides, an indirect fluorescent antibody test, and hematologic measurements in dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis. Vet Clin Pathol 2020; 49:574-582. [PMID: 33135177 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoreactive tandem repeat proteins (TRPs) in amino acid sequences were identified and employed in the serologic diagnosis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). OBJECTIVES This study evaluated using TRP19 and TRP36 synthetic protein antigens with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and compared the results with an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to diagnose CME in the serum of dogs with suspected CME. METHODS The sera of 243 dogs that exhibited clinical and hematologic signs suggestive of CME had IFATs performed. An ELISA with synthetic TRP19 and TRP36 antigens from two E canis genotypes (USTRP36 and BrTRP36) that circulate in Brazil were also performed. Canonical correlations and chi-square tests were evaluated on the results of these tests. RESULTS Among the 243 dogs, 179 (73.6%) were reactive at an IFAT ≥ 40, 167 (68.72%) reacted at the cut-off ≥160, and 149 (61.31%) reacted at ≥640. The ELISA revealed that 172 (70.8%) dogs reacted to TRP19 peptide, 163 (67.1%) reacted to USTRP36, and 114 (46.9%) reacted to BrTRP36. The canonical correlation analyses showed that the TRP19 ELISA was the most effective diagnostic method. Serum total protein levels showed strong positive correlations with the USTRP36 peptide. Qualitative analyses revealed an association between the TRP19 peptide and the presence of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hyperproteinemia. The IFAT results at titers of ≥160 and ≥640 were associated with thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicated that the TRP19 peptide was an excellent antigen and that the IFAT was diagnostically important in confirming the diagnosis of CME in serum samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isis I G G Taques
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Maíra F G Koiyama
- Small Animal Medical Clinic, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Amanda N S Campos
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Jackeliny S Costa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Kuang Hongyu
- Statistic Department, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Aguiar
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
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12
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Choo SW, Zhou J, Tian X, Zhang S, Qiang S, O'Brien SJ, Tan KY, Platto S, Koepfli K, Antunes A, Sitam FT. Are pangolins scapegoats of the COVID‐19 outbreak‐CoV transmission and pathology evidence? Conserv Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Siew Woh Choo
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology Wenzhou‐Kean University Wenzhou Zhejiang Province China
| | - Jinfeng Zhou
- China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Beijing China
| | - Xuechen Tian
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology Wenzhou‐Kean University Wenzhou Zhejiang Province China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Beijing China
| | - Shen Qiang
- Suzhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control Suzhou Jiangsu Province China
| | - Stephen J. O'Brien
- Laboratory of Genomics Diversity‐Center for Computer Technologies ITMO University St. Petersburg Russia
- Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography Nova Southeastern University Ft. Lauderdale Florida
| | - Ka Yun Tan
- Faculty of Science Institute of Biological Sciences University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Sara Platto
- China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Beijing China
- Department of Biotechnology College of Life Sciences Jianghan University Wuhan China
| | - Klaus‐Peter Koepfli
- National Zoological Park Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Washington District of Columbia
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- Department of Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Porto Porto Portugal
- CIIMAR/CIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Frankie Thomas Sitam
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks Ex‐Situ Conservation Division Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
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13
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Lukács RM, Peters IR, Eminaga S, Buckeridge DM. Ehrlichia canis
infection in the cerebrospinal fluid of a dog characterized by morulae within monocytes and neutrophils. Vet Clin Pathol 2020; 49:470-475. [DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Lukács
- VPG Exeter (former TDDS 2015 Ltd), part of VPG Synlab Group Exeter UK
| | - Iain R. Peters
- VPG Exeter (former TDDS 2015 Ltd), part of VPG Synlab Group Exeter UK
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14
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Jenkins S, Ketzis JK, Dundas J, Scorpio D. Efficacy of Minocycline in Naturally Occurring Nonacute Ehrlichia canis Infection in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2017; 32:217-221. [PMID: 29197122 PMCID: PMC5787154 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minocycline has been used in the treatment of Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs as an alternative to doxycycline, the recommended treatment. However, efficacy of this alternative therapy is unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of minocycline in the treatment of natural occurring E. canis infection in dogs. ANIMALS Ten privately owned dogs of mixed breed positive for E. canis by blood PCR. METHODS Prospective, randomized clinical study. Dogs positive for E. canis by PCR were housed in a kennel environment and randomly allocated to receive doxycycline 10 mg/kg bodyweight PO once daily ("gold standard" control group) or minocycline (extralabel) 10 mg/kg bodyweight PO twice daily (treatment test group) for 28 days. Blood, analyzed by PCR to determine the presence or absence of E. canisDNA, was collected weekly during treatment starting on the first day of treatment and including through day 35, 7 days after the last treatment. RESULTS In both groups, one dog tested negative after 7 days of treatment. For the doxycycline group, the latest time to a negative PCR test was after 3 weeks of treatment. For the minocycline group, the latest time was on day 28 of treatment. All dogs tested negative 7 days after the end of treatment. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Minocycline can be an effective alternative to doxycycline for clearing E. canis from the blood in nonacute infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jenkins
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - J K Ketzis
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - J Dundas
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - D Scorpio
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies.,Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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15
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Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Ehrlichia canis in a Philippine dog. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:266-269. [PMID: 28943246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by a rickettsial bacterium, Ehrlichia canis, is distributed worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Transmission of E. canis is primarily mediated by the vector tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and the bacteria then infect and replicate in monocytes and macrophages. Many cases are seen in veterinary hospitals and treated routinely; however, the genetic variation of E. canis strains found in the Philippines has been poorly investigated to date. In this study, the 16S rRNA gene and the gp200 gene of E. canis were detected by polymerase chain reaction from an infected dog in the Philippines, and the deduced amino acid sequence of the gp200 gene was subjected to a phylogenetic analysis. The Philippine genotype formed a cluster with the Taiwan genotype, and was somewhat divergent from the USA and Brazil strains. This suggested that E. canis underwent evolution in East and Southeast Asia, confirming the utility of the gp200 gene for the assessment of genetic relationships among strains.
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16
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Bai L, Goel P, Jhambh R, Kumar P, Joshi VG. Molecular prevalence and haemato-biochemical profile of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs in and around Hisar, Haryana, India. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:647-654. [PMID: 28848253 PMCID: PMC5555906 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-016-0860-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
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 1 year age group, followed by 6 months to 1 year age group and least in less than 6 months 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxmi Bai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004 India
| | - Parveen Goel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004 India
| | - Ricky Jhambh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004 India
| | - Pawan Kumar
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004 India
| | - V. G. Joshi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004 India
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17
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Garc Ía-Baena C, Cárdenas MF, Ramón JF. Cerebral haemorrhage as a clinical manifestation of human ehrlichiosis. BMJ Case Rep 2017; 2017:bcr-2016-219054. [PMID: 28751428 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-219054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A 16-year-old young man presented to the emergency room with new-onset generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Examination showed a Glasgow score of 13 and predominantly crural left hemiparesis. Imaging demonstrated a right frontoparietal haemorrhage of non-vascular origin with perilesional oedema. Surgical drainage was carried out, but rebleeding occurred within 24 hours following surgery, and again 1 week after discharge. On reinterrogation and examination, Ehrlichia canis infection was suspected and empirical management with doxycycline was begun. Improvement was evident 72 hours after antibiotic initiation, and PCR confirmed the diagnosis; thus, doxycycline was continued for 6 months. After 2 years, seizures recurred and treatment was reinstated with good clinical response. However, seizures reappeared whenever treatment discontinuation was attempted. Lacking alternatives, doxycycline was maintained up to the third year following the initial episode. Subsequently, the patient showed complete resolution without neurological sequelae up to his last follow-up visit, 12 months following treatment cessation.
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18
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Geromichalou A, Faixová Z. Haematopathological Changes in Dogs Affected with Ehrlichia Canis in Lesvos. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/fv-2017-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Canine Ehrlichiosis is an important immunosuppressive tick borne disease in dogs. The geographical distribution and transmission is mostly related with Rhipicephalus sanguineus which acts as a vector. There is no predilection of age or sex; all breeds may be infected with Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME). The primary targets are monocytic cells. Platelet disorders and serum protein alterations are the principal hematological and biochemical consequences of infections. Clinical signs are almost non-specific. A definitive diagnosis requires: visualization of morulae within monocytes on cytology, detection of serum antibodies with E. canis, the IFA test, or the PCR. The objective of this study was to present information about haematological and biochemical tests of E. canis infected dogs in Lesvos island in Greece, which is an endemic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Geromichalou
- Institute of pathological physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice , Slovakia
| | - Z. Faixová
- Institute of pathological physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice , Slovakia
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19
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Kaewmongkol G, Lukkana N, Yangtara S, Kaewmongkol S, Thengchaisri N, Sirinarumitr T, Jittapalapong S, Fenwick SG. Association of Ehrlichia canis, Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Anaplasma platys and severe anemia in dogs in Thailand. Vet Microbiol 2017; 201:195-200. [PMID: 28284610 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Canine tick-borne bacteria; Ehrlichia canis, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Anaplasma spp., are organisms transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. However, only a few clinical studies evaluating dogs infected with these organisms and anemia condition have been published. In this study, the potential tick-borne bacteria linked to anemia were investigated in eighty-one blood samples selected from anemic dogs using a broad range nested-PCR of the 16S rRNA gene. Positive results were shown in 12/81 blood specimens (14.81%). Nucleotide sequences from the PCR products were analyzed using BLAST and resulted in identification of Ehrlichia canis (8), Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (1) and Anaplasma platys (3). Two other PCR assays were used to detect and identify the positive results of these pathogens including a specific PCR for Ehrlichia canis (gp36) and a specific nested-PCR for hemoplasma species (16S rRNA) and the phylogenetic analyses of E. canis and canine hemoplasmas were performed using these two loci. These specific PCRs revealed co-infection of E. canis and Mycoplasma haemocanis in two cases. These two male dogs had presented with jaundice, severe hemolytic anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, mild azotemia and hepatitis. Ehrlichia canis was detected in a significantly greater number of severe anemia cases (PCV<15%) than moderate or mild anemia cases (PCV 16-29%) (P<0.05) and these severe anemia cases were 7-fold more at risk of having E. canis infections (odds ratio: 7.11, p=0.020). However, no statistical differences were detected between E. canis detection and degrees of thrombocytopenia or leukopenia. From the results of this study, we conclude that the severity of anemia is associated with E. canis infections rather than the severity of thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunn Kaewmongkol
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Nicha Lukkana
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sarawut Yangtara
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | - Stanley G Fenwick
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, USA
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20
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Associated Factors to Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. in Dogs of Quintana Roo, Mexico. J Trop Med 2016; 2016:4109467. [PMID: 28096818 PMCID: PMC5209617 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4109467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence to Ehrlichia spp. in dogs from Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and the associated factors. Serum samples were obtained from 118 dogs and used in an indirect immunofluorescent assay test for the detection of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about possible variables associated with seroprevalence. These variables were analyzed through Chi2 test and logistic regression. Dog seroprevalence of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. was 64% (75/118). Fifty-two percent (61/118) of dogs had tick infestation which was identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Anemia was observed in 36% of dogs. Leucopenia (2.5%), thrombocytopenia (70%), and hemorrhage (14%) were also observed. Thirty-one percent (23/75) of dogs with anemia, 4% (3/75) of dogs with leucopenia, 80% (60/75) of dogs with thrombocytopenia, 17% (13/75) of dogs with hemorrhages, and 59% (44/75) of dogs with ticks were positive for Ehrlichia spp. antibodies. The factors associated with seroprevalence were age (1–3 and >3 years old, OR = 7.77 and OR = 15.39, resp.), tick infestation (OR = 3.13), and thrombocytopenia (OR = 3.36). In conclusion, seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. was high in the community of Xcalak and its associated factors were age, tick infestation, and thrombocytopenia.
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Bottari NB, Crivellenti LZ, Borin-Crivellenti S, Oliveira JR, Coelho SB, Contin CM, Tatsch E, Moresco RN, Santana AE, Tonin AA, Tinucci-Costa M, Da Silva AS. Iron metabolism and oxidative profile of dogs naturally infected by Ehrlichia canis: Acute and subclinical disease. Microb Pathog 2015; 92:26-29. [PMID: 26724737 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidant profile and iron metabolism in serum of dogs infected by Ehrlichia canis. Banked sera samples of dogs were divided into two groups: negative control (n = 17) and infected by E. canis on acute (n = 24), and subclinical (n = 18) phases of the disease. The eritrogram, leucogram, and platelet counts were evaluate as well as iron, ferritin, and transferrin levels, latent iron binding capacity (LIBC), and transferrin saturation index (TSI) concentration. In addition, the advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in sera were also analyzed. Blood samples were examined for the presence of E. canis by PCR techniques. History and clinical signals were recorded for each dog. During the acute phase of the disease, infected animals showed thrombocytopenia and anemia when compared to healthy animals (P < 0.05) as a consequence of lower iron levels. Ferritin and transferrin levels were higher in both phases (acute and subclinical) of the disease. The AOPP and FRAP levels increased in infected animals on the acute phase; however, the opposite occurred in the subclinical phase. We concluded that dogs naturally infected by E. canis showed changes in the iron metabolism and developed an oxidant status in consequence of disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathieli B Bottari
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Santa Maria Federal University (UFSM), Brazil
| | - Leandro Z Crivellenti
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Franca University (UNIFRAN), Franca, Brazil.
| | - Sofia Borin-Crivellenti
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Jéssica R Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Stefanie B Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Catarina M Contin
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Etiane Tatsch
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Santa Maria Federal University (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael N Moresco
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Santa Maria Federal University (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Aureo E Santana
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Alexandre A Tonin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Santa Catarina West University (UNOESC), Xanxerê, SC, Brazil
| | - Mirela Tinucci-Costa
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Aleksandro S Da Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
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22
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Parashar R, Sudan V, Jaiswal AK, Srivastava A, Shanker D. Evaluation of clinical, biochemical and haematological markers in natural infection of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. J Parasit Dis 2015; 40:1351-1354. [PMID: 27876946 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-015-0688-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Caanine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis has gained wider significance owing to its potential to inflict significant deleterious effect on the health of companion animals. In the present study, 46 confirmed ehrlichiosis positive dogs were evaluated for the alterations in clinical, haematological and biochemical attributes. Depression, anorexia, pyrexia, anaemia, weakness, jaundice, melana, vomition and diarrhoea were the main clinical symptoms onserved. Haematological alterations included pancytopenia especially thrombocytopenia. Significant changes were noticed in WBC, RBC, Hgb, McHc, Platelets, ALT values while rest all the studied haematological and biochemical parameters showed non-significant alterations within normal range in comparison to normal healthy controls. The findings substantiate that ehrlichiosis cause significant clinical, haematological and biochemical alterations of the varied intensity in dogs, even with lower grades of parasitaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Parashar
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, U. P. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, 281001 India
| | - Vikrant Sudan
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, U. P. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, 281001 India
| | - Amit Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, U. P. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, 281001 India
| | - Ashish Srivastava
- Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, U. P. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, 281001 India
| | - Daya Shanker
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, U. P. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, 281001 India
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Pat-Nah H, Rodriguez-Vivas RI, Bolio-Gonzalez ME, Villegas-Perez SL, Reyes-Novelo E. Molecular Diagnosis of Ehrlichia canis in Dogs and Ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Yucatan, Mexico. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:101-104. [PMID: 26336286 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tju010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is the etiological agent behind canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, and the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) is its main vector. Blood smear and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to identify E. canis infection in dogs and R. sanguineus, and explore factors possibly associated with infection in dogs in Yucatan, Mexico. Blood samples were taken and ticks R. sanguineus collected from 50 dogs (10 house dogs and 40 in an animal control center). Data were collected on dog age, sex, body condition, and signs associated with platelet deficiencies (epistaxis). Blood smears were analyzed to identify E. canis morulae and generate platelet counts. Nested PCR analysis was done on blood samples and 200 ticks. A χ(2) test was done to identify factors associated with the E. canis infection in the tested dogs. The overall prevalence for infection, as determined by PCR, was 36% (18 out of 50). All positive dogs were from samples collected from the animal shelter, representing prevalence, for this sampling site, of 45% (18 out of 40). Morulae in monocytes were identified in only 4% of samples. Dog origin (i.e. animal control center) was the only variable associated with E. canis infection (P < 0.01). Male ticks had a higher (P < 0.05) infection rate than female ticks (24.5 vs 13.5%). It is concluded that E. canis infection is present in both dogs and the brown dog ticks R. sanguineus in Yucatan, Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Pat-Nah
- Cuerpo Académico de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97100, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Roger Ivan Rodriguez-Vivas
- Cuerpo Académico de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97100, Mérida, Yucatán, México.
| | - Manuel Emilio Bolio-Gonzalez
- Cuerpo Académico de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97100, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Sandra Luz Villegas-Perez
- Cuerpo Académico de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97100, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Enrique Reyes-Novelo
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales ''Dr. Hideyo Noguchi. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Av. Itzaes por 59 Col. Centro, C.P. 97000, Mérida, Yucatán, México
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De Tommasi AS, Otranto D, Furlanello T, Tasca S, Cantacessi C, Breitschwerdt EB, Stanneck D, Dantas-Torres F, Baneth G, Capelli G, de Caprariis D. Evaluation of blood and bone marrow in selected canine vector-borne diseases. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:534. [PMID: 25441458 PMCID: PMC4261574 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0534-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone marrow (BM) is a major hematopoietic organ that can harbour a variety of vector-borne pathogens; however, knowledge of BM pathological changes in dogs infected with vector-borne pathogens is limited. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the pathological changes in canine BM associated with natural infections by four vector-borne pathogens, as well as to determine the relationships between such changes and abnormalities of the peripheral blood. METHODS Cytological disorders and pathological changes of the BM of 83 dogs naturally-infected with one or more of four vector-borne pathogens (i.e., Anaplasma platys, Leishmania infantum, Babesia vogeli and Hepatozoon canis) were evaluated and compared with the corresponding hematological findings. RESULTS Dysgranulopoiesis and dysmegakaryocytopoiesis were the most frequently observed BM abnormalities in infected dogs. Erythroid suppression, and lymphocytic, monocytic and macrophage hyperplasia were also observed. Interestingly, associations between suppression and hyperplasia of specific cell lines in the marrow and corresponding changes in numbers of circulating peripheral blood cells were not observed. CONCLUSIONS Infections with one or more of the vector-borne pathogens examined in this study should be considered as differential diagnoses for secondary dysmyelopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S De Tommasi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | | | - Silvia Tasca
- Laboratorio d'Analisi Veterinarie "San Marco", Padova, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalãhes Research Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Laboratory of Parasitology, Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Donato de Caprariis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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25
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Braga ÍA, Santos LGFD, Melo ALT, Jaune FW, Ziliani TF, Girardi ÂF, Aguiar DMD. Hematological values associated to the serological and molecular diagnostic in cats suspected of Ehrlichia canisinfection. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2013; 22:470-4. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612013000400005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The literature contains several studies on feline ehrlichiosis. However, information about the characteristics of Ehrlichiainfection in cats is still scanty. This study evaluated the association between Ehrlichia spp. infection and the hematologic data of 93 cats treated at the Federal University of Mato Grosso Veterinary Hospital in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The presence of or exposure to Ehrlichia spp. infection was evaluated by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the dsb and 16S rRNA gene of Ehrlichia, and by detection of anti-Ehrlichia canis IgG antibodies in Indirect Fluorescence Assay (IFA), respectively. Eight (8.6%) cats tested positive by PCR and the partial DNA sequence obtained from PCR products was a 100% match to E. canis. Forty-two (45.1%) cats showed antibody reactivity against Ehrlichia spp. Hematological alterations such as low erythrocyte count, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and monocytosis were observed in PCR positive cats. Among them, low erythrocyte counts were associated with IgG antibody titers of 40 to 640 and five cats also tested positive by PCR. Furthermore, PCR-positive cats showed a tendency to be lymphopenic. No correlation was found between age and sex, and no ticks were observed in any of the examined cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- ísis Assis Braga
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Brasil; Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Brasil
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26
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Fourie JJ, Stanneck D, Luus HG, Beugnet F, Wijnveld M, Jongejan F. Transmission of Ehrlichia canis by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks feeding on dogs and on artificial membranes. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:595-603. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Fourie JJ, Ollagnier C, Beugnet F, Luus HG, Jongejan F. Prevention of transmission of Ehrlichia canis by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks to dogs treated with a combination of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene (CERTIFECT®). Vet Parasitol 2013; 193:223-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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28
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Serum proteinogram, acute phase proteins and immunoglobulins in dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii. Vet Parasitol 2013; 192:137-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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29
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Villaescusa A, Tesouro MA, García-Sancho M, Ayllón T, Rodríguez-Franco F, Sainz A. Evaluation of lymphocyte populations in dogs naturally infected by Ehrlichia canis with and without clinical signs. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 3:279-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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30
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Rudoler N, Baneth G, Eyal O, van Straten M, Harrus S. Evaluation of an attenuated strain of Ehrlichia canis as a vaccine for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Vaccine 2012; 31:226-33. [PMID: 23072894 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is an important tick-borne disease worldwide. No commercial vaccine for the disease is currently available and tick control is the main preventive measure against the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a multi-passaged attenuated strain of Ehrlichia canis to serve as a vaccine for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, and to assess the use of azithromycin in the treatment of acute ehrlichiosis. Twelve beagle dogs were divided into 3 groups of 4 dogs. Groups 1 and 2 were inoculated (vaccinated) with an attenuated strain of E. canis (#611A) twice or once, respectively. The third group consisted of naïve dogs which served as controls. All 3 groups were challenged with a wild virulent strain of E. canis by administering infected dog-blood intravenously. Transient thrombocytopenia was the only hematological abnormality observed following inoculation of dogs with the attenuated strain. Challenge with the virulent strain resulted in severe disease in all 4 control dogs while only 3 of 8 vaccinated dogs presented mild transient fever. Furthermore, the mean blood rickettsial load was significantly higher in the control group (27-92-folds higher during days 14-19 post challenge with the wild the strain) as compared to the vaccinated dogs. The use of azithromycin was assessed as a therapeutic agent for the acute disease. Four days treatment resulted in further deterioration of the clinical condition of the dogs. Molecular comparison of 4 genes known to express immunoreactive proteins and virulence factors (p30, gp19, VirB4 and VirB9) between the attenuated strain and the challenge wild strain revealed no genetic differences between the strains. The results of this study indicate that the attenuated E. canis strain may serve as an effective and secure future vaccine for canine ehrlichiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Rudoler
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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31
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Evaluation of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in family-owned dogs naturally infected by Ehrlichia canis. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 35:391-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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32
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Asgarali Z, Pargass I, Adam J, Mutani A, Ezeokoli C. Haematological parameters in stray dogs seropositive and seronegative to Ehrlichia canis in North Trinidad. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 3:207-11. [PMID: 22658916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In view of the fact that stray dogs are a reservoir for many diseases, this study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Ehrlichia canis in stray dogs in North Trinidad and to evaluate the diagnostic implications of haematological alterations associated with seropositivity. Overall, 41 (44.6%) of 92 stray dogs were seropositive to E. canis by the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. Dogs, one year of age and older (59.7%) were more likely to be seropositive than dogs less than one year old (13.3%) (p<0.001). No significant differences in seropositivity between females and males were found. The odds ratios showed that seropositive dogs were 3.34 (CI 95%; 1.33-8.59) and 5.17 (CI 95%; 0.19-1.26) times more likely to have low platelet counts and elevated total serum protein concentrations (p=0.014 and p<0.001, respectively) than seronegative dogs. Lower mean platelet counts and a higher mean total protein concentration were associated with seropositivity (p<0.01). Mean eosinophil and segmented neutrophil counts were elevated in dogs that tested negative for E. canis antibodies (p=0.002 and p<0.005, respectively). Other haematological parameters were not different between the 2 groups. The high percentage of stray dogs infected with E. canis should alert veterinarians to the potential risk of transmission of the disease. A comprehensive study possibly using molecular methods such as nested PCR should be undertaken to determine how co-infection with other pathogens may alter haematological profiles. In general, control of ticks and stray dog populations may help to control the spread of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinora Asgarali
- Department of Basic Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago.
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Huang CC, Hsieh YC, Tsang CL, Chung YT. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the gp200 protein of Ehrlichia canis from dogs in Taiwan. J Vet Sci 2011; 11:333-40. [PMID: 21113103 PMCID: PMC2998745 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2010.11.4.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia (E.) canis is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium responsible for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Currently, the genetic diversity of E. canis strains worldwide is poorly defined. In the present study, sequence analysis of the nearly full-length 16S rDNA (1,620 bp) and the complete coding region (4,269 bp) of the gp200 gene, which encodes the largest major immunoreactive protein in E. canis, from 17 Taiwanese samples was conducted. The resultant 16S rDNA sequences were found to be identical to each other and have very high homology (99.4~100%) with previously reported E. canis sequences. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of gp200 demonstrated that the E. canis Taiwanese genotype was genetically distinct from other reported isolates obtained from the United States, Brazil, and Israel, and that it formed a separate clade. Remarkable variations unique to the Taiwanese genotype were found throughout the deduced amino acid sequence of gp200, including 15 substitutions occurring in two of five known species-specific epitopes. The gp200 amino acid sequences of the Taiwanese genotype bore 94.4~94.6 identities with those of the isolates from the United States and Brazil, and 93.7% homology with that of the Israeli isolate. Taken together, these results suggest that the Taiwanese genotype represents a novel strain of E. canis that has not yet been characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chia Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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34
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Faria JLM, Munhoz TD, João CF, Vargas-Hernández G, André MR, Pereira WAB, Machado RZ, Tinucci-Costa M. Ehrlichia canis (Jaboticabal strain) induces the expression of TNF-α in leukocytes and splenocytes of experimentally infected dogs. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2011; 20:71-4. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612011000100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Canine ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and is characterized by a systemic febrile disease of unknown pathogenesis. This study evaluated the expression of cytokines TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ, in splenic cells and blood leukocytes during the acute phase of ehrlichiosis and after treatment with doxycycline hyclate in dogs experimentally infected with the E. canis Jaboticabal strain. The study results showed a significant expression of TNF-α 18 days post-inoculation, reducing by approximately 70% after treatment. There was a unique peak of expression of IL-10 and IFN-γ 18 and 30 days post-inoculation, respectively. This study suggests that TNF-α plays a role in the pathogenesis of the acute phase of canine ehrlichiosis and that treatment with doxycycline hyclate reduces the systemic effects of this cytokine, possibly by reducing or eliminating parasitemia.
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35
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Mylonakis ME, Borjesson DL, Leontides L, Siarkou VI, Theodorou K, Koutinas AF. Cytologic patterns of lymphadenopathy in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Vet Clin Pathol 2011; 40:78-83. [PMID: 21291487 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-165x.2011.00293.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognition of different cytologic patterns in lymph nodes (LNs) from dogs with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) and noninfectious causes of lymphoid reactivity may have diagnostic utility. OBJECTIVES The aims of the present study were to compare cytologic patterns in LNs of dogs with different phases of CME, to investigate the association of cytologic pattern and presence of Ehrlichia spp. morulae, and to compare patterns of lymphoid reactivity between dogs with CME and those with noninfectious causes of lymphoid hyperplasia. METHODS Cytologic preparations of LNs from 35 dogs with nonmyelosuppressive CME (group A), 16 dogs with myelosuppressive CME (group B), 26 dogs with noninfectious diseases (group C), and 15 healthy dogs (group D) were evaluated. Percentages of lymphocyte types, plasma cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils were determined. Samples from dogs in groups A and B were evaluated for the presence of morulae. RESULTS Cytologic abnormalities in LNs were recorded in 54% of dogs in group A, 88% in group B, 39% in group C, and 0% in group D and were more frequent (P=.02) in dogs with myelosuppressive CME than those with nonmyelosuppressive CME. Plasma cell hyperplasia was more frequent in CME than in noninfectious diseases (P=.03). An association between the presence of cytologic abnormalities and morulae in group A dogs was not found. CONCLUSIONS Dogs with myelosuppressive CME have more lymphoid cytologic abnormalities than dogs with nonmyelosuppressive CME. LN plasmacytosis is the major pattern of lymphadenopathy in dogs with CME and is found more frequently in dogs with CME than in dogs with noninfectious causes of lymphadenopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathios E Mylonakis
- Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Fighera RA, Souza TM, Kommers GG, Irigoyen LF, Barros CS. Patogênese e achados clínicos, hematológicos e anatomopatológicos da infecção por Rangelia vitalii em 35 cães (1985-2009). PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2010001100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A patogênese e os achados clínicos, hematológicos e anatomopatológicos da infecção natural pelo protozoário Rangelia vitalii (rangeliose canina) foram estudados em 35 cães que morreram em consequência dessa condição. Os resultados obtidos permitem o seguinte conjunto de conclusões: (1) causa doença hemolítica exclusivamente extravascular e de origem imunomediada; (2) cursa invariavelmente com algum grau de hemorragia à necropsia, mas nem sempre clinicamente perceptível; (3) os principais sinais que devem chamar a atenção para a suspeita clínica são anemia, icterícia e esplenomegalia; (4) o principal achado hematológico e que deve chamar a atenção para a suspeita clínica é a ocorrência de anemia com sinais de intensa regeneração eritroide; (5) os três principais diagnósticos diferenciais são leptospirose, babesiose e erliquiose monocitotrópica aguda; (6) a principal lesão observada é uma associação de hiperplasia linfoide com inflamação mononuclear, predominantemente plasmocitária, mas por vezes granulomatosa; (7) outras lesões frequentes são secundárias à marcada anemia regenerativa; (8) o agente etiológico pode ser facilmente encontrado, pois ocorre em grande quantidade na maioria dos tecidos, principalmente nos linfonodos, no baço, na medula óssea, no coração e nas tonsilas.
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Hsieh YC, Lee CC, Tsang CL, Chung YT. Detection and characterization of four novel genotypes of Ehrlichia canis from dogs. Vet Microbiol 2010; 146:70-5. [PMID: 20451333 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2010] [Revised: 04/04/2010] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canis strains worldwide is currently poorly defined. The present study aimed to characterize E. canis strains in naturally infected dogs in Taiwan, using a combination of PCR and sequence analysis of the 16S rDNA and two antigen-encoding genes, gp19 and gp36. Genomic DNA was extracted from 34 parasitemic dogs and the genes of the pathogen were separately amplified, sequenced, and aligned with corresponding sequences available in GenBank. All 16S rDNA sequences (1623 bp) amplified from the Taiwanese isolates were identical and had very high similarity (99.4-100%) with previously reported E. canis sequences. Nevertheless, most of the gp19 gene sequences (414 bp) from the Taiwanese isolates had three specific nucleotide substitutions at positions 9, 323 and 371 that resulted in three amino acid changes. The gp36 gene of the Taiwanese isolates consists of three regions: a 5' end pre-repeat region (426 bp), a tandem repeat region with variable numbers of the 27-bp repeat unit depending on the isolate, and a 3' end region (87 bp). The nucleotide sequences of the 5' end region of gp36 from Taiwanese isolates were identical to each other, but unexpectedly, quite distinct from the sequences of eleven other E. canis strains previously published, with 86.7-87.2% identities only. A phylogenetic tree of E. canis strains based on the gp36 amino acid sequences showed that the Taiwanese isolates fell into a separate clade, indicating the presence of a novel strain that had not yet been characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Hsieh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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Experimental infection and co-infection of dogs with Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis: hematologic, serologic and molecular findings. Parasit Vectors 2010; 3:33. [PMID: 20377870 PMCID: PMC2859368 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a ubiquitous tick responsible for transmitting Ehrlichia canis and most likely Anaplasma platys to dogs, as either single or co-infections. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of either simultaneous or sequential experimental infections with E. canis and A. platys on hematological and serological parameters, duration of infection, and efficacy of doxycycline therapy in dogs infected with one or both organisms. Six dogs per group were either uninfected, A. platys infected, E. canis infected, A. platys and E. canis co-infected, A. platys infected and E. canis challenged or E. canis infected and A. platys challenged at day 112 post-infection (PI). Doxycycline treatment was initiated at 211 days PI, followed by dexamethasone immunosuppression beginning 410 days PI. RESULTS Initially, transient decreases in hematocrit occurred in all groups infected with E. canis, but the mean hematocrit was significantly lower in the A. platys and E. canis co-infected group. All dogs except the controls developed marked thrombocytopenia after initial infection followed by gradually increased platelet counts by 112 days PI in groups with the single infections, while platelet counts remained significantly lower in the A. platys and E. canis co-infected group. Both sequential and simultaneous infections of A. platys and E. canis produced an enhanced humoral immune response to A. platys when compared to infection with A. platys alone. Likewise, co-infection with E. canis and A. platys resulted in a more persistent A. platys infection compared to dogs infected with A. platys only, but nearly all A. platys infected dogs became A. platys PCR negative prior to doxycycline treatment. E. canis infected dogs, whether single or co-infected, remained thrombocytopenic and E. canis PCR positive in blood for 420 days. When treated with doxycycline, all E. canis infected dogs became E. canis PCR negative and the thrombocytopenia resolved. Despite immunosuppression, neither A. platys nor E. canis DNA was PCR amplified from doxycycline-treated dogs. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate that simultaneous or sequential infection with A. platys and E. canis can alter various pathophysiological parameters in experimentally infected dogs, and because natural exposure to multiple tick-borne pathogens occurs frequently in dogs, awareness of co-infection is important in clinical practice.
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Unver A, Rikihisa Y, Karaman M, Ozen H. An acute severe ehrlichiosis in a dog experimentally infected with a new virulent strain of Ehrlichia canis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 15 Suppl 2:59-61. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02634.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Xavier M, Almosny N, Nascimento M, Silva G, Botelho G. Avaliação da coagulação plasmática e plaquetometria em cães não infectados e infectados experimentalmente com Ehrlichia spp. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2009. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09352009000500006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Avaliou-se a ocorrência de distúrbios na coagulação plasmática e na plaquetometria de cães infectados por Ehrlichia spp., durante 15 semanas após o contágio. Doze cães, entre machos e fêmeas, nascidos em estação experimental e com idades entre um e dois anos, foram usados no experimento. Nove cães foram infectados experimentalmente com sangue de cão naturalmente portador de Ehrlichia spp. e três foram mantidos como controle. As alterações na coagulação plasmática não diferiram entre cães infectados e não infectados. A plaquetometria oscilou durante as 15 semanas entre 61x10³/μL e 830x10³/μL, e o menor valor médio foi de 113x10³/μL na sexta semana após a infecção. Concluiu-se que a coagulação plasmática não apresentou alterações significativas nas 15 semanas após infecção e que a contagem plaquetária oscilou entre valores normais, elevados e reduzidos durante esse período.
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Chen HW, Zhang Z, Huber E, Chao CC, Wang H, Dasch GA, Ching WM. Identification of cross-reactive epitopes on the conserved 47-kilodalton antigen of Orientia tsutsugamushi and human serine protease. Infect Immun 2009; 77:2311-9. [PMID: 19289508 PMCID: PMC2687351 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01298-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2008] [Revised: 11/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Orientia tsutsugamushi is the causative agent of scrub typhus. One of the protein antigens of this species, the conserved 47-kDa protein (HtrA), has been shown to induce an antibody response in patients and can provide protective immunity against live challenge by Orientia in mice. Pepscan experiments identified many peptide epitope clusters in different parts of this protein. The majority of the most reactive epitopes are located at the C terminus of the protein (from amino acid 333 to amino acid 430). Protein sequence analysis revealed that the 47-kDa protein contains a trypsin domain and has sequence homology to human serine protease HtrA1 (hHtrA1). As the 47-kDa protein is a potential vaccine candidate and its ability to induce autoimmunity is a concern, the reactivity of scrub typhus patient sera with purified recombinant 47-kDa and hHtrA1 proteins was tested. A significant percentage (>20%) of scrub typhus patient sera reacted strongly with recombinant hHTRA1 and two of the antigenic polypeptide epitopes in hHtrA1. These findings suggest that the safety of the full-length 47-kDa antigen as a vaccine candidate is a significant issue due to its cross-reactivity with a human protein, which may also contribute to autoimmune responses or enhanced pathology in some scrub typhus patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Wei Chen
- Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
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Sasanelli M, Paradies P, Lubas G, Otranto D, de Caprariis D. Atypical clinical presentation of coinfection with Ehrlichia, Babesia and Hepatozoon species in a dog. Vet Rec 2009; 164:22-3. [PMID: 19122221 DOI: 10.1136/vr.164.1.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Sasanelli
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Managing canine vector-borne diseases of zoonotic concern: part one. Trends Parasitol 2009; 25:157-63. [PMID: 19269898 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2009.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2008] [Revised: 01/07/2009] [Accepted: 01/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) comprise a group of globally distributed and rapidly spreading illnesses that are caused by a range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods including ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and phlebotomine sandflies. In addition to their veterinary importance, some CVBD-causing pathogens are of major zoonotic concern. Recent studies using sophisticated and advanced methodologies and technologies have provided new insights into the epidemiology of many CVBDs. This review is the first of two articles and focuses on the zoonotic relevance of CVBDs, the significance of co-infection and the role of infected but clinically healthy dogs in spreading different pathogens among human and canine populations.
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Lorente C, Sainz A, Tesouro MA. Immunophenotype of dogs with subclinical ehrlichiosis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1149:114-7. [PMID: 19120187 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1428.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was the characterization of the different subsets of lymphocyte cells in dogs with subclinical ehrlichiosis in order to contribute to the knowledge of the immune response developed in the course of this disease. Thirty-eight dogs with subclinical ehrlichiosis and 15 unaffected dogs from two shelters in the area of Valencia (eastern Spain) were included in the study. The study of lymphocyte populations was made by flow cytometry. Monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD21 were used. Based on our results, the most common findings of the subclinical phase of canine ehrlichiosis were lymphocytosis, relative neutropenia, and a decrease in the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. Lymphocytosis in these dogs was from an increase of T lymphocyte counts. Tc cell counts in dogs with subclinical ehrlichiosis were higher than in healthy dogs. This rise in the number of Tc lymphocytes resulted in a reduced percentage of Th lymphocytes and in a decrease in the CD4/CD8 ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Lorente
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia and ADERVET, Madrid, Spain
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Stich RW, Schaefer JJ, Bremer WG, Needham GR, Jittapalapong S. Host surveys, ixodid tick biology and transmission scenarios as related to the tick-borne pathogen, Ehrlichia canis. Vet Parasitol 2008; 158:256-73. [PMID: 18963493 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2008] [Revised: 08/20/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The ehrlichioses have been subject to increasing interest from veterinary and public health perspectives, but experimental studies of these diseases and their etiologic agents can be challenging. Ehrlichia canis, the primary etiologic agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, is relatively well characterized and offers unique advantages and opportunities to study interactions between a monocytotropic pathogen and both its vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Historically, advances in tick-borne disease control strategies have typically followed explication of tick-pathogen-vertebrate interactions, thus it is reasonable to expect novel, more sustainable approaches to control of these diseases as the transmission of their associated infections are investigated at the molecular through ecological levels. Better understanding of the interactions between E. canis and its canine and tick hosts would also elucidate similar interactions for other Ehrlichia species as well as the potential roles of canine sentinels, reservoirs and models of tick-borne zoonoses. This article summarizes natural exposure studies and experimental investigations of E. canis in the context of what is understood about biological vectors of tick-borne Anaplasmataceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Stich
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Scorpio DG, Wachtman LM, Tunin RS, Barat NC, Garyu JW, Dumler JS. Retrospective clinical and molecular analysis of conditioned laboratory dogs (Canis familiaris) with serologic reactions to Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Rickettsia rickettsii. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2008; 47:23-28. [PMID: 18947166 PMCID: PMC2691535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2007] [Revised: 01/29/2008] [Accepted: 04/22/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Dogs are susceptible to different tickborne infections, including members of the Anaplasmataceae (Ehrlichia canis, E. ewingii, E. chaffeensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys), Borrelia burgdorferi, and Rickettsia rickettsii. These diseases can manifest with clinical signs including fever, anorexia, malaise, lameness, rash, and bleeding episodes; however, these signs are nonpathognomonic, and infections can occur in the absence of clinical signs. Hematologic abnormalities can include leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hyperproteinemia and hypergammaglobulinemia. In biomedical research, diseases such as canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever may cause morbidity among exposed dogs and confound research results. Random-source dogs are susceptible to these diseases because of their increased risk of arthropod exposure. Nonpurpose bred, randomly selected conditioned dogs (n = 21) were examined; blood samples were taken for hematology, biochemistry analysis, tickborne pathogen serology, and PCR. Of these, 2 dogs (10% of the population) presented with illness characterized by fever, malaise, lameness, or hemostatic abnormalities, and 15 (71%) had antibodies to one or more tickborne pathogens. No specific hematologic or biochemical differences were apparent between seronegative dogs and seropositive dogs reactive to all 3 pathogens. E. canis and B. burgdorferi PCR of tissues and blood were negative for all dogs. PCR amplification of several Ehrlichia and Anaplasma genes yielded no positive samples. From this cohort of dogs, serologic and molecular results indicate prior exposure without active infection or clinical disease. Exposure to and potential for infection with these bacteria and other pathogens may contribute to blood and tissue alterations that could confound experiments and lead to misinterpretation of data in canine models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana G Scorpio
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Diniz PPVP, de Morais HSA, Breitschwerdt EB, Schwartz DS. Serum cardiac troponin I concentration in dogs with ehrlichiosis. J Vet Intern Med 2008; 22:1136-43. [PMID: 18638021 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0145.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ehrlichiosis is a multisystemic disease with the potential to cause cardiomyocyte injury in naturally infected dogs. HYPOTHESIS Myocardial injury occurs in dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis. ANIMALS One-hundred and ninety-four dogs from Brazil with clinical and laboratory abnormalities indicative of ehrlichiosis. Sixteen healthy dogs served as controls. METHODS Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, noninvasive blood pressure measurement, and serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were evaluated. Serologic assays and PCR determined the exposure and infection status for E. canis, Anaplasma spp., Babesia canis vogeli, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Leishmania chagasi, and spotted-fever group Rickettsia. Dogs were assigned to groups according to PCR status: E. canis infected, infected with other vector-borne organisms, sick dogs lacking PCR evidence for infection, and healthy controls. RESULTS E. canis-infected dogs had higher serum cTnI concentrations than controls (median: 0.04 ng/dL; range 0.04-9.12 ng/dL; control median: 0.04 ng/dL; range: 0.04-0.10 ng/dL; P= .012), and acute E. canis infection was associated with myocardial injury (odds ratio [OR]: 2.67, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.12-6.40, P= .027). Severity of anemia was correlated with increased risk of cardiomyocyte damage (r= 0.84, P< .001). Dogs with clinical signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were at higher risk for myocardial injury than were other sick dogs (OR: 2.55, CI 95%: 1.31-4.95, P= .005). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Acute infection with E. canis is a risk factor for myocardial injury in naturally infected Brazilian dogs. Severity of anemia and SIRS might contribute to the pathophysiology of myocardial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P V P Diniz
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Santos F, Coppede JS, Pereira ALA, Oliveira LP, Roberto PG, Benedetti RBR, Zucoloto LB, Lucas F, Sobreira L, Marins M. Molecular evaluation of the incidence of Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys and Babesia spp. in dogs from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Vet J 2007; 179:145-8. [PMID: 17920967 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2007] [Revised: 08/16/2007] [Accepted: 08/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichiacanis is endemic in many regions of Brazil. Since thrombocytopenia is a common finding in infected dogs, many clinicians tend to use it as an indication for antibiotic treatment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR were used to study the presence of E. canis, Anaplasma platys and Babesia spp. in thrombocytopenic and non-thrombocytopenic dogs from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Despite the high prevalence of E. canis infection among thrombocytopenic dogs, 46.7% of the thrombocytopenic dogs studied were either infected with Babesia spp. or A.platys or not infected with any of the three pathogens. There was a high incidence (25.4%) of E. canis infection in non-thrombocytopenic dogs. Although infection with E. canis should be considered in thrombocytopenic dogs, the final diagnosis needs to be confirmed by complementary tests such as blood smears and PCR to avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Santos
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Mylonakis ME, Koutinas AF, Breitschwerdt EB, Hegarty BC, Billinis CD, Leontides LS, Kontos VS. Chronic canine ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis): a retrospective study of 19 natural cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2007; 40:174-84. [PMID: 15131097 DOI: 10.5326/0400174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nineteen dogs from Greece with chronic ehrlichiosis were studied. The dogs exhibited bicytopenia or pancytopenia, bone marrow hypoplasia, seroreactivity to Ehrlichia canis (E. canis) antigens, and had no history of drug or radiation exposure. Anorexia, depression, severe bleeding tendencies, hypoalbuminemia, and increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity were also hallmarks of the disease. All these animals eventually died, irrespective of the treatment applied. Some dogs were also serologically positive for Rickettsia conorii, Leishmania infantum (L. infantum), and Bartonella vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii. Polymerase chain reaction testing of bone marrow samples revealed E. canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilia, Anaplasma platys, and L. infantum in some dogs. Concurrent infections did not appear to substantially influence the clinical course and final outcome of the chronic canine ehrlichiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathios E Mylonakis
- Clinic of Companion Animal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle's University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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