1
|
Oliveira VDC, Junior AAVM, Ferreira LC, Calvet TMQ, dos Santos SA, Figueiredo FB, Campos MP, Rodrigues FDCDC, de Oliveira RDVC, de Lemos ERS, Rozental T, da Silva RG, Amendoeira MRR, Teles-de-Freitas R, Bruno RV, Morgado FN, Miranda LDFC, Menezes RC. Frequency of co-seropositivities for certain pathogens and their relationship with clinical and histopathological changes and parasite load in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247560. [PMID: 33705437 PMCID: PMC7951870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In canine leishmaniosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, little is known about how co-infections with or co-seropositivities for other pathogens can influence aggravation of this disease. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency of co-infections with or co-seropositivities for certain pathogens in dogs seropositive for L. infantum and their relationship with clinical signs, histological changes and L. infantum load. Sixty-six L. infantum-seropositive dogs were submitted to clinical examination, collection of blood and bone marrow, culling, and necropsy. Antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia spp. and Toxoplasma gondii and Dirofilaria immitis antigens were investigated in serum. Samples from different tissues were submitted to histopathology and immunohistochemistry for the detection of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess the L. infantum load in spleen samples. For detection of Coxiella burnetii, conventional PCR and nested PCR were performed using bone marrow samples. All 66 dogs tested positive for L. infantum by qPCR and/or culture. Fifty dogs (76%) were co-seropositive for at least one pathogen: T. gondii (59%), Ehrlichia spp., (41%), and Anaplasma spp. (18%). Clinical signs were observed in 15 (94%) dogs monoinfected with L. infantum and in 45 (90%) dogs co-seropositive for certain pathogens. The L. infantum load in spleen and skin did not differ significantly between monoinfected and co-seropositive dogs. The number of inflammatory cells was higher in the spleen, lung and mammary gland of co-seropositive dogs and in the mitral valve of monoinfected dogs. These results suggest that dogs infected with L. infantum and co-seropositive for certain pathogens are common in the region studied. However, co-seropositivities for certain pathogens did not aggravate clinical signs or L. infantum load, although they were associated with a more intense inflammatory reaction in some organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luiz Claudio Ferreira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Shanna Araujo dos Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tatiana Rozental
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rafaela Vieira Bruno
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM)/CNPq, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rodrigo Caldas Menezes
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Little S, Braff J, Place J, Buch J, Dewage BG, Knupp A, Beall M. Canine infection with Dirofilaria immitis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp. in the United States, 2013-2019. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:10. [PMID: 33407758 PMCID: PMC7789229 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs in the US are commonly infected with vector-borne pathogens, including heartworm and tick-borne disease agents. The geographic distribution of both arthropod vectors and the pathogens they transmit continues to expand. METHODS To describe the current geographic distribution and prevalence of antigen of Dirofilaria immitis and antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia spp., and Anaplasma spp. in dogs, we summarized over 144 million test results from 2013 to 2019, inclusive, by county, state, and region. Canine seroprevalence by state was compared to population-adjusted human reports of tick-borne diseases. RESULTS Results varied regionally, with D. immitis antigen and Ehrlichia spp. antibodies more frequently detected in the Southeast (2.6% and 5.2%, respectively) and antibody to B. burgdorferi and Anaplasma spp. most common in the Northeast (12.1% and 7.3%, respectively). Overall, percent positive test results to D. immitis decreased in the Southeast by 33.3% when compared to earlier summaries using the same strategy (from 3.9 to 2.6%). Geographic expansion of areas where dogs commonly test positive for Ehrlichia spp. was evident, likely because of a change in the test made in 2012 to allow detection of antibodies to E. ewingii concomitant with expansion of vector tick populations. Percent positive test results to Ehrlichia spp. increased in every region; this shift was particularly pronounced in the Southeast, where percent positive test results increased fourfold (from 1.3 to 5.2%). Continued geographic expansion of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum was apparent in the Northeast, Midwest, and Upper South, although canine seroprevalence of antibody to B. burgdorferi was much lower than prior surveys in many Lyme-endemic areas. Annual reports of human cases of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis were associated with percent positive canine results by state for the three tick-borne disease agents (R2 = 0.812, 0.521, and 0.546, respectively). Within endemic areas, percent positive test results for all three tick-borne agents demonstrated evidence of geographic expansion. CONCLUSIONS Large scale analysis of results from screening dogs in practice for evidence of vector-borne infections, including those with zoonotic importance, continues to be a valuable strategy for understanding geographic trends in infection risk over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
| | | | - Joshua Place
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
| | - Jesse Buch
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME USA
| | - Bhagya Galkissa Dewage
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gaunt MC, Carr AP, Taylor SM. Serological survey of canine vector-borne diseases in Saskatchewan, Canada. Can Vet J 2018; 59:1109-1111. [PMID: 30510318 PMCID: PMC6135302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Whole blood samples were collected from 515 dogs in the practice region surrounding Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada between 2008 and 2010 and evaluated for seroprevalence of vector-borne diseases. Of 515 samples, 12 (2.3%) were positive, with 7 (1.4%) positive for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. These prevalences are higher than those previously reported for this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Casey Gaunt
- 615, 5th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 1G4 (Gaunt); Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4 (Carr, Taylor)
| | - Anthony P Carr
- 615, 5th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 1G4 (Gaunt); Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4 (Carr, Taylor)
| | - Susan M Taylor
- 615, 5th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 1G4 (Gaunt); Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4 (Carr, Taylor)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang J, Kelly P, Zhang J, Shi Z, Song C, Zheng X, Zhang Y, Hao Y, Dong H, El-Mahallawy HS, Xiong W, Wang H, Li J, Zhang X, Wang C. Detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlichia canis in dogs from ten provinces of China. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:412-415. [PMID: 29654675 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fact vector-borne diseases (VBDs) have been increasingly reported in dogs worldwide, there are only limited reports on VBDs in dogs in China with most being based on molecular detection of active infections. To provide further data on the exposure of dogs in China to VBD agents, we used commercial immunochromatographic assays to test plasma from 637 apparently healthy indoor and breeding colony dogs from 21 veterinary clinics in 10 provinces in China and a commercial dog breeding facility for circulating antigen of Dirofilaria immitis, and for circulating antibodies against Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi. Overall, we found only low levels of exposure to Ehrlichia spp. (4.7%; 30/637), Anaplasma spp. (1.4%; 9/637), B. burgdorferi (0.9%; 6/637) and D. immitis (0.2%; 1/637) with most of the positive animals coming from the commercial breeding colony (26/103; 25.2%) where ectoparasites were most commonly noted. At least one vector-borne agent was found in dogs from 6 of the 10 provinces investigated. Our results confirm exposure of dogs from around China to a variety of VBDs, even indoor pets seldom observed to harbor ectoparasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis, West Indies
| | - Jilei Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengsheng Shi
- China Agricultural University College of Veterinary Medicine, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlian Song
- Yunnan Agricultural University College of Animal Science & Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Xinjiang Agricultural University College of Veterinary Medicine, Urumchi, Xinjiang, 830052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqing Hao
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University College of Veterinary Medicine, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010018, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiju Dong
- Henan Agricultural University College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 45002, People's Republic of China
| | - Heba S El-Mahallawy
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Wenbin Xiong
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianji Li
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinjun Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Movilla R, García C, Siebert S, Roura X. Countrywide serological evaluation of canine prevalence for Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato), Dirofilaria immitis and Ehrlichia canis in Mexico. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:421. [PMID: 27474020 PMCID: PMC4966591 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1686-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) have become a major concern for canine and human public health. The aim of the study described here is to add epidemiological data regarding four pathogens responsible for CVBD, namely anaplasmosis, borreliosis, dirofilariosis and ehrlichiosis in a national survey conducted in Mexico. METHODS Seventy-four veterinary centres located in 21 federal Mexican states were asked to test dogs with clinical signs suspect for CVBD and healthy dogs, for detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) and Ehrlichia canis using the SNAP® 4DX® from IDEXX® Laboratories. RESULTS A total of 1706 dogs were tested, including 943 apparently healthy and 722 CVBD-suspect dogs. Infected dogs were 36.7 %. The highest percentages of infection with E. canis (51.0 %) and Anaplasma spp. (16.4 %) were obtained in the northwestern region, while D. immitis was most frequently found in the northeastern region of the country (8.9 %). Four dogs from the northwestern, northeastern, eastern and southeastern regions, respectively, were positive for B. burgdorferi (sensu lato). Northcentral regions showed lowest overall prevalence of infection (2.4 %). Co-infections were detected in 8.8 % of the dogs tested. Statistically significant lower positivity was found among dogs aged less than one year (23.2 %) and small-sized dogs (27.6 %), while higher prevalence of infection was found in dogs living outdoors (42.0 %), dogs with detectable tick infestation (43.3 %) and dogs that received treatment for tick-transmitted infections (58.8 %). Seropositivity was a risk factor for the presence of clinical signs as follows: Anaplasma spp. (OR = 2.63; 95 % CI: 1.88-3.67; P < 0.0001), D. immitis (OR = 2.52; 95 % CI: 1.61-3.95; P < 0.0001), E. canis (OR = 3.58; 95 % CI: 2.88-4.45; P < 0.0001), mixed infections (OR = 4.08; 95 % CI: 2.79-5.96; P < 0.0001), one or more agents (OR = 3.58; 95 % CI: 2.91-4.42; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Canine serological evidence supports that dogs from Mexico are at risk of acquiring Anaplasma spp., D. immitis and/or E. canis, while B. burgdorferi (sensu lato) transmission is minimal in the country. Practitioners play a fundamental role in the detection and control of these diseases to protect dogs and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Movilla
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carrer de l’Hospital, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos García
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuatitlán UNAM, Mexico Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico City D.F., Mexico
| | - Susanne Siebert
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, 40789 Monheim and Marketing Companion Animal Products (CAP), InternationalBuilding 6210, 2.56, 51368 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carrer de l’Hospital, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Beatriz Silva A, Pina Canseco S, Gabriel de la Torre MDP, Mayoral Silva A, Mayoral MÁ, Pérez-Campos Mayoral L, López Martínez J, Pérez-Campos E. [Asymptomatic human infection from contact with dogs: a case of human ehrlichiosis]. GAC MED MEX 2014; 150:171-174. [PMID: 24603998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Living with dogs leads one to consider the necessity of identifying canine infections found in the people with whom the dogs live. OBJECTIVE Dogs which were clinically and serologically positive with the infections Ehirlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Dirofilaria Immitis were sought. People with the same infections were also identified. MATERIAL AND METHODS From a population of 80 dogs identified in the villages of San Bartolo Coyotepec and San Agustín Etla (suburbs peripheral to the city of Oaxaca, Mexico), 27 dogs were selected for study, all of which had adenomegaly, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and fevers of at least 43° C. Using enzyme immunoassay in this population of dogs and their closest human contacts, antibodies for Ehirlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and the antigen for Dirofilaria immitis were sought. Positive results in humans were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Ten dogs with the clinical signs mentioned above tested positive for antibodies to Ehrlichia canis; two cases tested positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum; one case tested positive for Dirofilaria Immitis. From human contact, one person tested positive for Ehirlichia canis; this case was confirmed by DNA amplification by means of PCR. CONCLUSION It is necessary to identify the population of sick dogs in order to reduce related infections in people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Beatriz Silva
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Médicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca (UABJO), Oax.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bell DR, Berghaus RD, Patel S, Beavers S, Fernandez I, Sanchez S. Seroprevalence of tick-borne infections in military working dogs in the Republic of Korea. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:1023-30. [PMID: 23167501 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we endeavored to determine the seroprevalence of tick-borne infections in the military working dog (MWD) population in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Our sample population consisted of 182 serum samples from MWDs for 3 different years (1996, 2002, and 2007). In addition, 63 whole blood samples from 2007 were available for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum samples were evaluated by a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and by ELISA only for Borrelia burgdorferi. PCR amplification of DNA was performed to screen for Ehrlichia canis, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Rickettsia rickettsii, as well as Babesia and Theileria species using previously published primers and probes. A total of 56 (30.8%) MWDs were positive by at least one serologic test. Seroprevalences for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia were 4.4% and 0.6% based on the ELISA, and 24.7% and 22.5% based on the IFA, respectively. ELISA testing for Borrelia yielded 2 (1.1%) positive results. In parallel testing using both the ELISA and IFA tests, the percentages of dogs with one or more positive results were 34.1%, 25.9%, and 28.4%, for 1996, 2002, and 2007, respectively. There was no significant differences in seroprevalence based on location, year, breed, or sex of the MWD. There was poor agreement between IFA and ELISA test results. No MWD sample had a positive PCR result. MWDs stationed in Korea had serologic evidence of exposure to several tick-borne pathogens, but PCR testing did not identify any active infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis R Bell
- Department of Small Animal Medicine, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine , University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Beall MJ, Alleman AR, Breitschwerdt EB, Cohn LA, Couto CG, Dryden MW, Guptill LC, Iazbik C, Kania SA, Lathan P, Little SE, Roy A, Sayler KA, Stillman BA, Welles EG, Wolfson W, Yabsley MJ. Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii in dogs in North America. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:29. [PMID: 22316160 PMCID: PMC3298699 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated the exposure of dogs to three different Ehrlichia spp. in the south and central regions of the United States where vector-borne disease prevalence has been previously difficult to ascertain, particularly beyond the metropolitan areas. METHODS Dog blood samples (n = 8,662) were submitted from 14 veterinary colleges, 6 private veterinary practices and 4 diagnostic laboratories across this region. Samples were tested for E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii specific antibodies using peptide microtiter ELISAs. RESULTS Overall, E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii seroprevalence was 0.8%, 2.8%, and 5.1%, respectively. The highest E. canis seroprevalence (2.3%) was found in a region encompassing Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. E. chaffeensis seroreactivity was 6.6% in the central region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma) and 4.6% in the southeast region (Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia). Seroreactivity to E. ewingii was also highest in the central region (14.6%) followed by the southeast region (5.9%). The geospatial pattern derived from E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii seropositive samples was similar to previous reports based on E. chaffeensis seroreactivity in white-tailed deer and the distribution of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) cases reported by the CDC. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide the first large scale regional documentation of exposure to E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii in pet dogs, highlighting regional differences in seroprevalence and providing the basis for heightened awareness of these emerging vector-borne pathogens by veterinarians and public health agencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - A Rick Alleman
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ed B Breitschwerdt
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - C Guillermo Couto
- The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael W Dryden
- Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Lynn C Guptill
- Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Cristina Iazbik
- The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen A Kania
- University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Patty Lathan
- Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Susan E Little
- Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Alma Roy
- Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Katherine A Sayler
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Wendy Wolfson
- Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Villeneuve A, Goring J, Marcotte L, Overvelde S. Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, and Dirofilaria immitis among dogs in Canada. Can Vet J 2011; 52:527-530. [PMID: 22043075 PMCID: PMC3078009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The seropositivity of dogs to Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia canis antibodies, and Dirofilaria immitis antigen was assessed in Canada. Borrelia burgdorferi had the highest seroprevalence, while that of Dirofilaria immitis has not changed significantly in the past 20 y. The risk for these vector-borne infectious agents in Canadian dogs is low but widespread with foci of higher prevalence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonas Goring
- Address all correspondence to Dr. Jonas Goring; e-mail:
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abarca V K, López Del P J, González A P, Dabanch P J, Torres H M, Solari G V, Perret P C. [Seroepidemiological evidence of human exposure to Anaplasma sp in Santiago, Chile]. Rev Chilena Infectol 2008; 25:358-361. [PMID: 18949148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES AND METHODS To find more evidence of human exposure to Anaplasma sp in Chile, we studied 108 contacts of dogs with canine ehrlichiosis (CE) (risk group) and 61 persons without tick or CE cases contact (control group). A survey including risk factors and history of diseases compatible with ehrlichiosis/ anaplasmosis was applied to the risk group. Serum IgG anti-Anaplasma sp antibodies were determined in both groups. RESULTS A significant difference was found in the prevalence of anti-Anaplasma sp antibodies in the risk group compared with the control group (18,5 versus 3,3%), p < 0,005. No risk factors associated to seropositivity were found, nor persons with history suggesting ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis. Ninety four percent of the houses of the risk group had tick infestation. DISCUSSION A greater risk of exposition to Anaplasma sp is documented in people living in close contact with CE cases and in houses with tick infestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katia Abarca V
- Laboratorio de Infectología y Virología Molecular, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
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. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 2008; 47:23-28. [PMID: 18947166 PMCID: PMC2691535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana G Scorpio
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hoff B, McEwen B, Peregrine AS. A survey for infection with Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Babesia canis in feral and client-owned dogs in the Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies. Can Vet J 2008; 49:593-594. [PMID: 18624070 PMCID: PMC2387267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The frequency of infection with Dirofilaria immitis and Babesia canis and seropositivity to Ehrlichia canis and Borrelia burgdorferi in feral and client-owned dogs was determined. Feral dogs were 14.8 and 11.2 times more likely to be seropositive to D. immitis and E. canis, respectively, than were client-owned dogs. None of the dogs tested positive for B. burgdorferi or B. canis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brent Hoff
- Animal Health Laboratory, Laboratory Services Division, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathios E Mylonakis
- Clinic of Companion Animal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle's University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nethery KA, Doyle CK, Zhang X, McBride JW. Ehrlichia canis gp200 contains dominant species-specific antibody epitopes in terminal acidic domains. Infect Immun 2007; 75:4900-8. [PMID: 17682040 PMCID: PMC2044547 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00041-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Species-specific antibody epitopes within several major immunoreactive protein orthologs of Ehrlichia species have recently been identified and molecularly characterized. In this study, dominant B-cell epitopes within the acidic (pI 5.35) ankyrin repeat-containing 200-kDa major immunoreactive protein (gp200) of Ehrlichia canis were defined. The E. canis gp200 gene (4,263 bp; 1,421 amino acids) was cloned and expressed as four (N-terminal, 1,107 bp; N-internal, 910 bp; C-internal, 1,000 bp; and C-terminal, 1,280 bp) overlapping recombinant proteins. The N-terminal, C-internal, and C-terminal polypeptides (369, 332, and 426 amino acids, respectively) were strongly recognized by antibody, and the major epitope(s) in these polypeptides was mapped to four polypeptide regions (40 to 70 amino acids). Smaller overlapping recombinant polypeptides (14 to 15 amino acids) spanning these regions identified five strongly immunoreactive species-specific epitopes that exhibited conformational dependence. The majority of the epitopes (four) were located in two strongly acidic (pI 4 to 4.9) domains in the distal N- and C-terminal regions of the protein flanking the centralized ankyrin domain-containing region. The amino acid content of the epitope-containing domains included a high proportion of strongly acidic amino acids (glutamate and aspartate), and these domains appear to have important biophysical properties that influence the antibody response to gp200.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Nethery
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cárdenas AM, Doyle CK, Zhang X, Nethery K, Corstvet RE, Walker DH, McBride JW. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with conserved immunoreactive glycoproteins gp36 and gp19 has enhanced sensitivity and provides species-specific immunodiagnosis of Ehrlichia canis infection. Clin Vaccine Immunol 2006; 14:123-8. [PMID: 17151186 PMCID: PMC1797795 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00361-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is the primary etiologic agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, a globally distributed and potentially fatal disease of dogs. We previously reported on the identification of two conserved major immunoreactive antigens, gp36 and gp19, which are the first proteins to elicit an E. canis-specific antibody response, and gp200 and p28, which elicit strong antibody responses later in the acute phase of the infection. In this report, the sensitivities and specificities of five recombinant E. canis proteins for the immunodiagnosis of E. canis infection by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were evaluated. Recombinant polypeptides gp36, gp19, and gp200 (N and C termini) exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity for immunodiagnosis by the recombinant glycoprotein ELISA compared with the results obtained by an indirect fluorescent-antibody assay (IFA) for the detection of antibodies in dogs that were naturally infected with E. canis. Moreover, the enhanced sensitivities of gp36 and gp19 for immunodiagnosis by the recombinant glycoprotein ELISA compared to those obtained by IFA were demonstrated with dogs experimentally infected with E. canis, in which antibodies were detected as much as 2 weeks earlier, on day 14 postinoculation. gp36 and gp19 were not cross-reactive with antibodies in sera from E. chaffeensis-infected dogs and thus provided species-specific serologic discrimination between E. canis and E. chaffeensis infections. This is the first demonstration of the improved detection capability of the recombinant protein technology compared to the capability of the "gold standard" IFA and may eliminate the remaining obstacles associated with the immunodiagnosis of E. canis infections, including species-specific identification and the lack of sensitivity associated with low antibody titers early in the acute phase of the infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Cárdenas
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
McBride JW, Doyle CK, Zhang X, Cardenas AM, Popov VL, Nethery KA, Woods ME. Identification of a glycosylated Ehrlichia canis 19-kilodalton major immunoreactive protein with a species-specific serine-rich glycopeptide epitope. Infect Immun 2006; 75:74-82. [PMID: 17088359 PMCID: PMC1828430 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01494-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis has a small subset of major immunoreactive proteins that includes a 19-kDa protein that elicits an early Ehrlichia-specific antibody response in infected dogs. We report herein the identification and molecular characterization of this highly conserved 19-kDa major immunoreactive glycoprotein (gp19) ortholog of the Ehrlichia chaffeensis variable-length PCR target (VLPT) protein. E. canis gp19 has substantial carboxyl-terminal amino acid homology (59%) with E. chaffeensis VLPT and the same chromosomal location; however, the E. chaffeensis VLPT gene (594 bp) has tandem repeats that are not present in the E. canis gp19 gene (414 bp). Consistent with other ehrlichial glycoproteins, the gp19 protein exhibited a larger-than-predicted mass (approximately 3 kDa), O-linked glycosylation sites were predicted in an amino-terminal serine/threonine/glutamate (STE)-rich patch (26 amino acids), carbohydrate was detected on the recombinant gp19 protein, and the neutral sugars glucose and galactose were detected on the recombinant amino-terminal polypeptide. E. canis gp19 composition consists of five predominant amino acids, cysteine, glutamate, tyrosine, serine, and threonine, concentrated in the STE-rich patch and a carboxyl-terminal domain predominated by cysteine and tyrosine (55%). The amino-terminal STE-rich patch contained a major species-specific antibody epitope strongly recognized by serum from an E. canis-infected dog. The recombinant glycopeptide epitope was substantially more reactive with antibody than the synthetic (nonglycosylated) peptide, and periodate treatment of the recombinant glycopeptide epitope reduced its immunoreactivity, demonstrating the importance of a carbohydrate immunodeterminant(s). The gp19 protein was present on reticulate and dense-cored cells, and it was found extracellularly in the fibrillar matrix and associated with the morula membrane, the host cell cytoplasm, and the nucleus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jere W McBride
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Solano-Gallego L, Hegarty B, Espada Y, Llull J, Breitschwerdt E. Serological and molecular evidence of exposure to arthropod-borne organisms in cats from northeastern Spain. Vet Microbiol 2006; 118:274-7. [PMID: 16919405 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2006.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2006] [Revised: 07/07/2006] [Accepted: 07/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
One hundred sixty-eight cat sera from Spain were tested for IgG antibodies to Rickettsia conorii (Rc), Ehrlichia canis (Ec), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap) and Bartonella henselae (Bh) antigens using IFA and for FeLV antigen and FIV antibody by ELISA. For 47 whole blood samples, PCR testing was performed for Rickettsia, Ehrlichia and Bartonella. Seroprevalences were: Bh (71.4%), Rc (44%), Ec (11.3%), FeLV (8.5%), FIV (7.4%) and Ap (1.8%). Bh antibodies were associated with seroreactivity to both Ec and Rc antigens. FIV antibodies were associated with illness and cats older than 2 years. Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae (Bcl) DNA was amplified from seven and one sample, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laia Solano-Gallego
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mavromatis K, Doyle CK, Lykidis A, Ivanova N, Francino MP, Chain P, Shin M, Malfatti S, Larimer F, Copeland A, Detter JC, Land M, Richardson PM, Yu XJ, Walker DH, McBride JW, Kyrpides NC. The genome of the obligately intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia canis reveals themes of complex membrane structure and immune evasion strategies. J Bacteriol 2006; 188:4015-23. [PMID: 16707693 PMCID: PMC1482910 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01837-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis, a small obligately intracellular, tick-transmitted, gram-negative, alpha-proteobacterium, is the primary etiologic agent of globally distributed canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Complete genome sequencing revealed that the E. canis genome consists of a single circular chromosome of 1,315,030 bp predicted to encode 925 proteins, 40 stable RNA species, 17 putative pseudogenes, and a substantial proportion of noncoding sequence (27%). Interesting genome features include a large set of proteins with transmembrane helices and/or signal sequences and a unique serine-threonine bias associated with the potential for O glycosylation that was prominent in proteins associated with pathogen-host interactions. Furthermore, two paralogous protein families associated with immune evasion were identified, one of which contains poly(G-C) tracts, suggesting that they may play a role in phase variation and facilitation of persistent infections. Genes associated with pathogen-host interactions were identified, including a small group encoding proteins (n = 12) with tandem repeats and another group encoding proteins with eukaryote-like ankyrin domains (n = 7).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Mavromatis
- Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Trapp SM, Dagnone AS, Vidotto O, Freire RL, Amude AM, de Morais HSA. Seroepidemiology of canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis in a hospital population. Vet Parasitol 2006; 140:223-30. [PMID: 16647817 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2006] [Revised: 03/23/2006] [Accepted: 03/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis have a worldwide distribution with geographic variation in prevalence and main clinical manifestations. We prospectively determined seroprevalence of canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, and risk factors for seropositivity. Three hundred and eighty-one dogs were randomly selected to represent the canine population at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in south Brazil (latitude 23 degrees S). Dogs were tested with a point-of-care ELISA for Ehrlichia canis antibodies and IFA to confirm previous exposure to Babesia vogeli. Multiple logistic regression analysis was then used to estimate adjusted odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals. One hundred and thirty-six (36%) dogs were seropositive for B. vogeli antibodies, whereas 87 (23%) dogs were seropositive to E. canis antibodies. Fifty-four (14%) dogs seroreacted to both agents. Adult dogs previously infested with ticks were more likely to seroreact to B. vogeli or E. canis. Superficial bleeding (OR = 12.4) was more common in dogs exposed to B. vogeli, whereas neurological signs (OR = 7.7) were more common in dogs seropositive to E. canis. Neurological signs (OR = 12.0) and lameness (OR = 12.8) were more prevalent in dogs that seroreacted to both organisms. Owners of dogs with ticks were more likely to have been exposed to ticks themselves (OR = 3.2). Canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis appear to be highly prevalent in this hospital population. Clinical signs differed from the most common signs in other regions with bleeding occurring more in dogs seropositive to babesiosis, but not ehrlichiosis; neurologic signs in dogs with E. canis antibodies; and lameness in dogs that seroreacted to both organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia M Trapp
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, 86.051-970 Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Watanabe M, Oikawa T, Hiraoka H, Kaneko N, Itamoto K, Mizuno T, Okuda M, Inokuma H. Experimental inoculation of beagle dogs with Ehrlichia species detected from Ixodes ovatus. Vet Parasitol 2006; 136:147-54. [PMID: 16309840 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2005] [Revised: 10/17/2005] [Accepted: 10/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Three beagle dogs were inoculated with mice spleen/liver homogenate infected with Ehrlichia species detected from Ixodes ovatus (EIO) and one dog was used as a control. All three infected dogs did not show clinical signs of disease except for mild pyrexia throughout the 41-day study period. Splenomegaly was observed from Day 7 post-inoculation (p.i.) in two of the dogs. Hematological and biochemical abnormalities included mild thrombocytopenia, hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and increased C-reactive protein values. One of the dogs' splenic aspirate sample was PCR-positive for Ehrlichia Day 7 p.i. and another dogs' blood and bone marrow aspirate sample was PCR-positive Day 41 p.i. Sequence analysis of the PCR products showed 100% homology with the 16SrRNA partial gene sequence of Ehrlichia sp. HF565. Antibody titers to EIO were observed in all three experimentally infected dogs starting from the first week p.i. and cross-reactivity with Ehrlichia canis was detectable in one of the dogs starting Day 7 p.i. These data suggest that infection of dogs with EIO is possible, though is probably of low pathogenic importance. Cross-reactivity of EIO infected dog serum with E. canis raises the likelihood of false E. canis seropositive dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malaika Watanabe
- Faculty of Agriculture, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Doyle CK, Nethery KA, Popov VL, McBride JW. Differentially expressed and secreted major immunoreactive protein orthologs of Ehrlichia canis and E. chaffeensis elicit early antibody responses to epitopes on glycosylated tandem repeats. Infect Immun 2006; 74:711-20. [PMID: 16369028 PMCID: PMC1346619 DOI: 10.1128/iai.74.1.711-720.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis major immunoreactive proteins of 36 and 19 kDa elicit the earliest detectable antibody responses during the acute phase of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Genes encoding the major immunoreactive 36-kDa protein of E. canis and the corresponding ortholog of E. chaffeensis (47 kDa) were identified and the proteins characterized. The molecular masses of the strongly immunoreactive recombinant proteins were larger than predicted (26.7 and 32.9 kDa, respectively) but were consistent with those of the corresponding native proteins (36 and 47 kDa). Similar to other reported ehrlichial immunoreactive glycoproteins, carbohydrate was detected on the recombinant expressed proteins, indicating that they were glycoproteins. Both glycoproteins (gp36 and gp47) have carboxy-terminal serine/threonine-rich tandem repeat regions containing repeats that vary in number (4 to 16 repeats) and amino acid sequence among different isolates of each species. E. canis gp36 was recognized by early acute-phase antibodies (day 14), and species-specific antibody epitopes were mapped to C-terminal nonhomologous repeat units of gp36 and gp47. Periodate treatment of recombinant gp36 reduced the antibody reactivity, and nonglycosylated synthetic peptide repeat units from E. canis gp36 and E. chaffeensis gp47 were substantially less immunoreactive than corresponding recombinant peptides, demonstrating that glycans are important epitope determinants that are structurally conserved on the recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli. E. canis gp36 and E. chaffeensis gp47 were differentially expressed only on the surface of dense-cored ehrlichiae and detected in the Ehrlichia-free supernatants, indicating that these proteins are released extracellularly during infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Kuyler Doyle
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
O'Connor TP, Hanscom JL, Hegarty BC, Groat RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Comparison of an indirect immunofluorescence assay, western blot analysis, and a commercially available ELISA for detection ofEhrlichia canisantibodies in canine sera. Am J Vet Res 2006; 67:206-10. [PMID: 16454622 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.67.2.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the correlation between results for an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) that uses Ehrlichia canis antigen as a substrate (ie, E canis-IFA), 2 western blot (WB) analyses, and a commercially available ELISA in the detection of E canis antibody in dog sera. SAMPLE POPULATION 54 canine serum samples that were reactive on E canis-IFA and 16 canine serum samples that were E canis-IFA nonreactive. PROCEDURE Serum samples were evaluated by use of 2 WB analyses and a commercially available ELISA. Correlation between results of the 3 testing modalities (ie, IFA, WB analyses, and the ELISA) was examined by use of nonreactive (E canis-IFA reciprocal titer, < 20), low-titer (reciprocal titer, 80 to 160), medium-titer (reciprocal titer, 320 to 2,560), and high-titer (reciprocal titer, 5,120 to > 20,480) serum samples. RESULTS For all serum samples in the nonreactive (n = 16), medium-titer (17), and high-titer (18) groups, correlation of results among IFA, WB analyses, and the commercially available ELISA was excellent. A poor correlation was found between IFA results and those of WB analyses and the ELISA for serum samples in the low-titer group (19), with only 4 of the 19 serum samples having positive results on both WB analyses and the commercially available ELISA. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The discrepancy between E canis-IFA, WB analyses, and the commercially available ELISA results for the low-titer serum samples may be related to a high IFA sensitivity or, more likely, a lack of specificity associated with cross-reactivity among Ehrlichia spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P O'Connor
- Department of Research and Development, IDEXX Laboratories Inc, 1 IDEXX Dr, Westbrook, ME 04092, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hess PR, English RV, Hegarty BC, Brown GD, Breitschwerdt EB. Experimental Ehrlichia canis infection in the dog does not cause immunosuppression. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2006; 109:117-25. [PMID: 16169601 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2005.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2004] [Revised: 07/26/2005] [Accepted: 07/27/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A carrier state develops in some Ehrlichia canis-infected dogs due to ineffective host defenses. The subsequent development of immune-mediated diseases or opportunistic infections in chronic ehrlichiosis suggests dysregulation of immunity; however, the immunobiology of this infection has not been well characterized. In this study, eight dogs were infected with E. canis, and changes in seroreactivity, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations, peripheral blood T cell subsets, lymphocyte blastogenesis (LBT), and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activity were evaluated over 4 months. Infection, which was documented by seroconversion, polymerase chain reaction, and blood culture, caused self-limiting fever and thrombocytopenia. Infected dogs developed an anti-E. canis antibody response but were not immune to re-infection. Serum IgM, IgG, and IgA concentrations were unaffected by E. canis. The percentage of circulating CD4(+) T cells was similar in uninfected and infected dogs at all points. Infected dogs developed a CD8(+) lymphocytosis 6 weeks after inoculation that subsequently subsided, despite organism persistence. Functional defects of cell-mediated immunity, measured as suppression of LAK activity or mitogen-driven LBT, were not observed. These results suggest that immune responses are not grossly impaired in young dogs during the first several months following experimental E. canis infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Hess
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Box 8401, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis causes persistent infection of monocytes/macrophages and causes canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Other than antibody development, very little is known how the dog immune system responds to this pathogen. In the present study, we examined the temporal expression of cytokine mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from dogs inoculated with E. canis Oklahoma strain. We also examined production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by canine PBMCs infected with E. canis in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Tajima
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan.
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ndip LM, Ndip RN, Esemu SN, Dickmu VL, Fokam EB, Walker DH, McBride JW. Ehrlichial infection in Cameroonian canines by Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia ewingii. Vet Microbiol 2005; 111:59-66. [PMID: 16181750 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2005.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2005] [Revised: 08/02/2005] [Accepted: 08/08/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii are agents of emerging human ehrlichioses in North America and are transmitted primarily by Amblyomma americanum ticks, while Ehrlichia canis is the globally distributed cause of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) and is transmitted by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Although E. canis and Ehrlichia ruminantium are endemic in Africa, the presence of ehrlichial agents in dogs and ticks in Cameroon has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of ehrlichial infections in Cameronian dogs using a combination of serologic and molecular methods. Peripheral blood was collected, clinical signs and the presence or absence of ticks on dogs (n=104) presenting for various reasons at local veterinary clinics around the Mount Cameroon region were noted. IFA identified 33 dogs (32%) with antibodies reactive with E. canis, and reactivity of these sera with all major E. canis antigens (200, 140, 95, 75, 47, 36, 28, and 19-kDa) was confirmed by immunoblotting. Multicolor real-time PCR detected ehrlichial DNA (E. canis (15) and E. ewingii (2)) in 17 dogs (16.3%), all of which had attached ticks at time of presentation. The dsb amplicons (378 bp) from E. canis and E. ewingii were identical to gene sequences from North American isolates. This study identifies canine ehrlichiosis as a prevalent unrecognized cause of disease in Cameroonian canines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M Ndip
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tick-borne disease caused by the rickettsia Ehrlichia canis. Ocular lesions are a common feature of the disease and can be present in all stages. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence, type and response to treatment of ocular lesions associated with monocytic ehrlichiosis in 46 affected dogs presented to the Autonomous University of Barcelona-Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UAB-VTH) from January 2000 to December 2002. Dogs were included in the study only if they had a positive serologic test for E. canis and information about the clinical outcome was available. Eighteen breeds were represented, with the German Shepherd dog (n = 6) being the most common. There were 25 intact and three castrated males, and 16 intact and two neutered females. Twenty dogs (43.4%) were between 5 and 10 years old. Seventeen dogs (37% of all cases of monocytic ehrlichiosis diagnosed during the study period) had ocular signs, and 11 dogs (64.7% of the ocular cases) had only ocular lesions without apparent systemic signs. Exudative retinal detachment was the most common ocular manifestation; other prevalent findings included anterior exudative uveitis and optic neuritis. Five of the 17 cases with ocular lesions (29.4%) had ocular bleeding disorders (hyphema or retinal hemorrhages). All the dogs with ocular disease presented with bilateral signs. Dogs with posterior segment disease had titers against E. canis that were > or = 1 : 320, while lower titers were noted in dogs with anterior exudative uveitis. Two dogs presented with chronic autoimmune panuveitis after ehrlichiosis treatment. Canine ehrlichiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of exudative retinal detachment and anterior uveal inflammatory lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Leiva
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mahan S, Kelly PJ, Mahan SM. A preliminary study to evaluate the immune responses induced by immunization of dogs with inactivated Ehrlichia canis organisms. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2005; 72:119-28. [PMID: 16137129 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v72i2.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is an intracellular pathogen that causes canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Although the role of antibody responses cannot be discounted, control of this intracellular pathogen is expected to be by cell mediated immune responses. The immune responses in dogs immunized with inactivated E. canis organisms in combination with Quil A were evaluated. Immunization provoked strong humoral and cellular immune responses, which were demonstrable by Western blotting and lymphocyte proliferation assays. By Western blotting antibodies to several immunodominant E. canis proteins were detected in serum from immunized dogs and antibody titres increased after each immunization. The complement of immunogenic proteins recognized by the antisera were similar to those recognized in serum from infected dogs. Upon challenge with live E. canis, rapid anamnestic humoral responses were detected in the serum of immunized dogs and primary antibody responses were detected in the serum from control dogs. Following immunization, a lymphocyte proliferative response (cellular immunity) was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNs) of immunized dogs upon stimulation with E. canis antigens. These responses were absent from non-immunized control dogs until after infection with live E. canis, when antigen specific-lymphocyte proliferation responses were also detected in the PBMNs of the control dogs. It can be thus concluded that immunization against canine monocytic ehrlichiosis may be feasible. However, the immunization regimen needs to be optimized and a detailed investigation needs to be done to determine if this regimen can prevent development of acute and chronic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunita Mahan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kelly PJ, Eoghain GN, Raoult D. Antibodies reactive with Bartonella henselae and Ehrlichia canis in dogs from the communal lands of Zimbabwe. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2005; 75:116-20. [PMID: 15628802 DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v75i3.465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalences of antibodies against Bartonella henselae and Ehrlichia canis were determined in sera from 228 dogs in 5 communal lands of Zimbabwe, areas where traditional subsistence agro-pastoralism is practised. The sera were collected from apparently healthy dogs during routine rabies vaccination programmes and tested with indirect fluorescent antibody assays using B. henselae (Houston-I) and E. canis (Oklahoma) as antigens. We found reactive antibodies (> or =1:80) against B. henselae in 14% of the dogs tested. Seropositive animals were found in Bikita (41%; 17/42), Omay (13%; 6/48), Chinamora (5%; 2/38) and Matusadona (15%; 7/48). No seropositive dogs were found in Chiredzi (0%; 0/52). Antibodies reactive with E. canis (> or =1:80) were found in 34% of the dogs tested, from Bikita (88%; 37/42), Chiredzi (31%; 16/52), Omay (17%; 8/48), Chinamora (26%; 10/38) and Matusadona (15%; 7/48). Our survey shows dogs in the communal lands of Zimbabwe are frequently exposed to E. canis and B. henselae or closely related species. Further studies are indicated to determine the pathogenicity of the organisms infecting these dogs and their clinical significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P J Kelly
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. p.kelly @massey.ac.nz
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Capuano F, Parisi A, Cafiero MA, Pitaro L, Fenizia D. [Coxiella burnetii: what is the reality?]. Parassitologia 2004; 46:131-4. [PMID: 15305702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
After the Second World War, in Italy Q Fever or Coxiellosis has been shown a significant relevance, a recrudescence with an epidemic state for over ten years. Later, the infectious disease occurred as endemic since the 80s, the outbreaks were just isolated. Workflows analysis of some authors has demonstrated the spread out of the infection throughout Italian herds with a prevalence ranging from 1.2 per cent to 10 per cent. Our survey carried out throughout Campania area in cattle has shown a real positivity over 14 per cent performing the IFAT for the detection of IgG antibodies for Coxiella burnetii. Therefore, it has been so important to stress the influence of cattle farming management in stables as a real risk of Coxiellosis. For example, the Relative Risk (RR) has been registrated about 6.84 (2.18<RR<21.4) in comparison with some herds permanently housed than those kept unhoused and about 8.4 (1.8<RR<38.6) in housed herds and those permanently kept at pasture. Therefore, we have detected a seroprevalence of Q Fever about 11.8 per cent within sheep and about 6.3 per cent within goats. The investigations have focused buffaloes too, tested by several authors, especially from India, but in Italy, only Galiero has recorded significant results: the overall seroprevalence (1.2 per cent) was observed within 1012 buffaloes. Other studies have demonstrated that dogs may transmit Q Fever to humans by infected birth fluids and membranes and by urine. Because of this observation, addressed some of our search projects to assess possible relation among other pathogens, such as Leishmania infantum, Rickettsia conori and Ehrlichia canis. The results have confirmed the presence of C. burnetii (seroprevalence about 7 per cent) within tested dogs in southern Italy. There was no direct estimated relationship between C. burnetii and E. canis and R. conori, instead of significant relation has been shown for L. infantum. The investigation focused on the direct interaction between seropositivity and the age of ruminants. For example, the highest prevalence has been observed in cows and sheep ranging from 3-5 years in which the infection risk was higher than in younger herds. In accordance with the workflows serological analysis, C. burnetii is widespread in Italy among housed ruminants. PCR assay was, therefore performed to test cows with clinical signs of abortion and neonatal mortality. All the survey involved 305 animals (267 foeti and 38 stillborn) with 77 positive herds showing DNA of C. burnetii. To detect C. burnetii pathogen in milk samples, two methods have been combined: the immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and PCR assay, obtaining an increasing of sensitivity (10(-17)) more than only PCR technique (10(-8)). The overall analysis of serological and biomolecular results has demonstrated that C. burnetii is really widespread and may have detrimental effects on farm management system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Capuano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiomo, Portici
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Fishman Z, Gonen L, Harrus S, Strauss-Ayali D, King R, Baneth G. A serosurvey of Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis antibodies in wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Israel. Vet Parasitol 2004; 119:21-6. [PMID: 15036573 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2003.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2003] [Accepted: 08/26/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A seroepidemiological survey was conducted to investigate the prevalence of antibodies reactive with Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis antigens in free-ranging red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Israel. Of 84 fox sera assayed, 36% were seropositive for E. canis by the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test and 24% were positive for H. canis using an enzyme-linked immunosrbent assay (ELISA). Canine ehrlichiosis and hepatozoonosis appear to be endemic in the wild red fox populations in Israel, and foxes may serve as a reservoir for infection of domestic dogs and other wild canine species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Fishman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
de Castro MB, Machado RZ, de Aquino LPCT, Alessi AC, Costa MT. Experimental acute canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: clinicopathological and immunopathological findings. Vet Parasitol 2004; 119:73-86. [PMID: 15036578 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2003.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2002] [Revised: 09/25/2003] [Accepted: 10/16/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Clinical signs, humoral and cellular immune responses, and microscopic and gross tissue alterations resulting from acute experimental Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs were studied. Four dogs were inoculated with E. canis and four were used as uninfected controls. After a 10-14-day incubation period, infected dogs developed pyrexia up to 41 degrees C for 6-8 days. Antibody titers to E. canis antigen were demonstrable in all inoculated dogs at 30 days post-infection. Necropsy of infected animals revealed pale mucous membranes, generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, edema and ascites. Microcopically, the main lesions were: lymphoreticular hyperplasia in cortical areas of lymph nodes and spleenic white pulp, periportal accumulation of mononuclear cells and centrolobular fatty degeneration of the liver. Kidneys presented with glomerulonephritis characterized by interstitial mononuclear infiltration. Immunophenotyping of lymphocytes from lymph nodes and spleen sections displayed alterations in IgG, IgM, CD3+ and CD8+ cells population in infected dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Márcio Botelho de Castro
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellani, sem no. CEP 14870-000 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Smith BE, Tompkins MB, Breitschwerdt EB. Antinuclear antibodies can be detected in dog sera reactive to Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Ehrlichia canis, or Leishmania infantum antigens. J Vet Intern Med 2004; 18:47-51. [PMID: 14765731 DOI: 10.1892/0891-6640(2004)18<47:aacbdi>2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) is used to support a clinical diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in dogs. However, clinicians must interpret the detection of ANAs with caution, particularly in light of increasing evidence that dogs with known bacterial and protozoal infections can have high ANA titers. Retrospectively, medical records were reviewed for all dogs that were concurrently tested for antinuclear antigens and Bartonella vinsonii (berkhoffii), Ehrlichia canis, or Rickettsia rickettsii antigens between 1990 and 2000. When analyzed on the basis of reactivity to a specific infectious agent, 75% of the B vinsonii (berkhoffii) seroreactors, 16.7% of the E canis seroreactors, and 0% of the R rickettsii seroreactors had concurrent ANAs. Subsequent prospective testing did not detect ANAs in convalescent sera from dogs experimentally infected with B vinsonii (berkhoffii), E canis, or R rickettsii. However, 10-20% B vinsonii (berkhoffii), E canis, or Leishmania infantum reactive sera from naturally infected dogs contained ANAs. In addition, 45% of sera from dogs that are reactive to multiple vectorborne organisms were more likely to contain ANAs when compared to sera from dogs reactive to only 1 test antigen. When interpreting the relevance of seroreactivity to nuclear antigens, clinicians should recognize that dogs with seroreactivity to B vinsonii (berkhoffii), E canis, or L infantum antigens (especially those with seroreactivity to more than one of these pathogens) may produce ANAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian E Smith
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Harrus S, Waner T, Friedmann-Morvinski D, Fishman Z, Bark H, Harmelin A. Down-regulation of MHC class II receptors of DH82 cells, following infection with Ehrlichia canis. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2004; 96:239-43. [PMID: 14592737 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2003.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In order to evaluate whether infection with E. canis alters the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and/or MHC class II receptors, and by doing so alters the immune response to the organism, flow cytometry was performed on DH82 cells infected with Ehrlichia canis (90% infection) and on uninfected DH82 cells of the same passage, using anti-canine MHC class I and II antibodies. MHC class II expression was evident in 47.6 and 46.2% (mean 46.9%) of uninfected DH82 cells using two different anti-MHC class II antibodies, while no MHC class II expression was evident in DH82 cells infected with E. canis. The present results indicate that infection of DH82 macrophages with E. canis down-regulates their MHC class II receptors. These results suggest a possible mechanism by which E. canis evades the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shimon Harrus
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
An 8 year old, intact female, Old English Sheepdog was presented with lethargy and chronic weight loss of one year duration. The dog suffered from recurrent fever and a mild peripheral lymphadenopathy. Mild thrombocytopenia, monoclonal hyperglobulinemia and positive Ehrlichia canis antibody titer were indicative of Ehrlichiosis. The patient developed proteinuria and renal failure, which suggested the presence of glomerulopathy. Immunohistochemical staining of renal biopsy specimen demonstrated AA amyloidosis. Chronic ehrlichiosis was suspected to be the cause of the dog's renal amyloidosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Luckschander
- Abteilung Innere Medizin der Kleintiere, Departement für Klinische Veterinärmedizin, Universität Bern.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Felek S, Huang H, Rikihisa Y. Sequence and expression analysis of virB9 of the type IV secretion system of Ehrlichia canis strains in ticks, dogs, and cultured cells. Infect Immun 2003; 71:6063-7. [PMID: 14500531 PMCID: PMC201090 DOI: 10.1128/iai.71.10.6063-6067.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis virB9 was cloned and expressed. The sequences of virB9 from six geographic locations were identical. virB9 was transcribed by E. canis in dogs, ticks, and cell culture. Infected dogs had antibodies to recombinant VirB9, indicating that VirB9 was produced by E. canis in dogs and was antigenic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suleyman Felek
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1925 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1093, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Knowles TT, Alleman AR, Sorenson HL, Marciano DC, Breitschwerdt EB, Harrus S, Barbet AF, Bélanger M. Characterization of the major antigenic protein 2 of Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis and its application for serodiagnosis of ehrlichiosis. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 2003; 10:520-4. [PMID: 12853379 PMCID: PMC164268 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.10.4.520-524.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia canis or Ehrlichia chaffeensis, can result in clinical disease in naturally infected animals. Coinfections with these agents may be common in certain areas of endemicity. Currently, a species-specific method for serological diagnosis of monocytic ehrlichiosis is not available. Previously, we developed two indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using the major antigenic protein 2 (MAP2) of E. chaffeensis and E. canis. In this study, we further characterized the conservation of MAP2 among various geographic isolates of each organism and determined if the recombinant MAP2 (rMAP2) of E. chaffeensis would cross-react with E. canis-infected dog sera. Genomic Southern blot analysis using digoxigenin-labeled species-specific probes suggested that map2 is a single-copy gene in both Ehrlichia species. Sequences of the single map2 genes of seven geographically different isolates of E. chaffeensis and five isolates of E. canis are highly conserved among the various isolates of each respective ehrlichial species. ELISA and Western blot analysis confirmed that the E. chaffeensis rMAP2 failed to serologically differentiate between E. canis and E. chaffeensis infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamece T Knowles
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Heeb HL, Wilkerson MJ, Chun R, Ganta RR. Large granular lymphocytosis, lymphocyte subset inversion, thrombocytopenia, dysproteinemia, and positive Ehrlichia serology in a dog. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2003; 39:379-84. [PMID: 12873028 DOI: 10.5326/0390379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A 7-year-old, mixed-breed dog was presented for evaluation of a possible lymphocytic leukemia. Results of laboratory testing included thrombocytopenia, large granular lymphocytosis, inverted CD4:CD8 ratio, hyperglobulinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Results of a tick-borne disease panel indicated a positive immunoglobulin G serum titer (1:2,048) to Ehrlichia canis, supporting exposure to this organism. The dog responded to a combination treatment of doxycycline and prednisone. A review of the literature and novel diagnostic methods that aided in the diagnosis of this case are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Heeb
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, 106A Mosier Hall, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Labarthe N, de Campos Pereira M, Barbarini O, McKee W, Coimbra CA, Hoskins J. Serologic prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, and Borrelia burgdorferi infections in Brazil. Vet Ther 2003; 4:67-75. [PMID: 12756637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, or Borrelia burgdorferi may show nonspecific clinical signs or may be asymptomatic. In Brazil, E. canis and D. immitis infections are frequently diagnosed based on the presence of classical signs; however, serologic tests are seldom performed to confirm the presence of infection. To estimate the seroprevalence of these three canine diseases in Brazil, 2,553 dogs presented at veterinary practices for various tests, routine treatments, or examinations were evaluated by an in-office commercial ELISA test kit (SNAP 3Dx, IDEXX Laboratories). Each dog was examined by the veterinarian, and a whole-blood sample was collected and immediately tested for the simultaneous detection of B. burgdorferi and E. canis antibodies and D. immitis antigen. D. immitis infection was detected in 51 dogs (2.0%) and E. canis antibodies were present in 505 dogs 19.8%). Only one dog tested positive for B. burgdorferi antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norma Labarthe
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Vital Brazil Filho 64, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
López J, Rivera M, Concha JC, Gatica S, Loeffeholz M, Barriga O. [Serologic evidence for human Ehrlichiosis in Chile]. Rev Med Chil 2003; 131:67-70. [PMID: 12643221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ehrlichiosis is a non contagious infectious disease, mainly transmitted by thick bites. In 1998, this infection was detected in dogs, for the first time, in Chile. AIM To establish if there is human exposure to Ehrlichia sp in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS Blood samples from 17 dogs with ehrlichiosis and 19 humans who had contact with them were studied to determine human exposure to Ehrlichia equi and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in Chile. Samples were analyzed by indirect immunofluorecence and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Six dogs had positive titers against both species of ehrlichia; 2 with titers of 1/256; 3 with titers over 1/512 to Ehrlichia equi and titers of 1/256, 1/128 and 1/64 to Ehrlichia chaffeensis respectively, and 1 with titers of 1/256 to Ehrlichia equi and titers of 1/128 to Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Two of the 19 humans, had positive titers against both antigens (1/128). PCR reactions were negative in both human and canine sera. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm that human exposure to Ehrlichia sp. Epidemiological surveillance for human ehrlichiosis should be implemented in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier López
- Clinica Veterinaria Alcántara, Puente Alto, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Guillén Llera JL, López García ML, Martín Reinoso E, De Vivar González R. Differential serological testing by simultaneous indirect immunofluorescent antibody test in canine leishmaniosis and ehrlichiosis. Vet Parasitol 2002; 109:185-90. [PMID: 12423931 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00306-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A mixed indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), based on cultured promastigotes Leishmania infantum and formol-inactivated suspension of cells infected with the bacteria Ehrlichia canis, was applied to make a differential diagnosis between canine ehrlichiosis and leishmaniosis. A titre greater than 80 was considered positive for antibodies to E. canis and suggestive of antibodies to L. infantum. Positive sera were titrated subsequently by serial dilutions to confirm antibodies positive to Leishmania and establishing the antibody titre of both pathogens. Fluorescence was absent with negative control sera and background staining was minimal. No serological cross-reactions between positive sera for L. infantum or E. canis were detected. Results obtained by mixed IFAT did not differ when the same serum IFAT standard was compared. The test showed equivalent sensitivity (100%). The specifities were 100% for L. infantum and 98.5% for E. canis. The equivalence in sensitivity was confirmed by calculating the correlation coefficient between IFAT standards and mixed IFAT (r>or=0.99 for both pathogens). The results of our investigations demonstrated that mixed IFAT is a specific means of establishing serological differential diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis and ehrlichiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J L Guillén Llera
- Escuela de Especialización, Profesional de Análisis Clínicos, Dpto Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Legendre AM. Ehrlichiosis in cats. J Vet Intern Med 2002; 16:641. [PMID: 12465758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
|
42
|
Breitschwerdt EB, Abrams-Ogg ACG, Lappin MR, Bienzle D, Hancock SI, Cowan SM, Clooten JK, Hegarty BC, Hawkins EC. Molecular Evidence SupportingEhrlichia canis-Like Infection in Cats. J Vet Intern Med 2002. [PMID: 12465759 PMCID: PMC7199470 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2002.tb02402.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the pathogenic role of Ehrlichia canis in cats has been proposed predominantly on the basis of the serologic evidence of natural infection and the infrequent detection of morulae‐like structures within the cytoplasm of leukocytes in cats. The purpose of this report was to provide molecular evidence supporting E cams‐like infection in 3 cats that had clinical manifestations consistent with canine ehrlichiosis but lacked antibodies to E canis antigens. Serum from all 3 cats contained antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). The predominant disease manifestation was polyarthritis in 1 cat and bone marrow hypoplasia or dysplasia, accompanied by pancytopenia or anemia and thrombocytopenia, in 1 cat each. The alignment of E canis partial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA; 382 nucleotide positions), amplified from EDTA blood samples from each cat, was identical to each other and was identical to a canine isolate of E canis (GenBank accession number AF373613). In 1 cat, concurrent treatment with corticosteroids may have interfered with the therapeutic effectiveness of doxycycline for the elimination of E canis‐like infection. To further define the spectrum of ehrlichiosis in cats, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing may be necessary until serologic testing is thoroughly validated in experimentally or naturally infected cats. In addition, until E canis has been isolated from cats and several tissue culture isolates are available from disparate geographic regions for detailed comparative genetic study, the molecular evidence presented in this study supporting E canis‐like infection in cats must be interpreted with caution.
Collapse
|
43
|
Breitschwerdt EB, Abrams-Ogg ACG, Lappin MR, Bienzle D, Hancock SI, Cowan SM, Clooten JK, Hegarty BC, Hawkins EC. Molecular evidence supporting Ehrlichia canis-like infection in cats. J Vet Intern Med 2002; 16:642-9. [PMID: 12465759 PMCID: PMC7199470 DOI: 10.1892/0891-6640(2002)016<0642:mescii>2.3.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the pathogenic role of Ehrlichia canis in cats has been proposed predominantly on the basis of the serologic evidence of natural infection and the infrequent detection of morulae-like structures within the cytoplasm of leukocytes in cats. The purpose of this report was to provide molecular evidence supporting E. canis-like infection in 3 cats that had clinical manifestations consistent with canine ehrlichiosis but lacked antibodies to E. canis antigens. Serum from all 3 cats contained antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). The predominant disease manifestation was polyarthritis in 1 cat and bone marrow hypoplasia or dysplasia. accompanied by pancytopenia or anemia and thrombocytopenia, in 1 cat each. The alignment of E. canis partial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA: 382 nucleotide positions), amplified from EDTA blood samples from each cat, was identical to each other and was identical to a canine isolate of E. canis (GenBank accession number AF373613). In 1 cat, concurrent treatment with corticosteroids may have interfered with the therapeutic effectiveness of doxycycline for the elimination of E. canis-like infection. To further define the spectrum of ehrlichiosis in cats, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing may be necessary until serologic testing is thoroughly validated in experimentally or naturally infected cats. In addition, until E. canis has been isolated from cats and several tissue culture isolates are available from disparate geographic regions for detailed comparative genetic study, the molecular evidence presented in this study supporting E. canis-like infection in cats must be interpreted with caution.
Collapse
|
44
|
Ghorbel A, Ben Ayed M, Diwani E, Ghram A, Landolsi F, Messaadi L, Zrelli S, Chabchoub A. [Incidence and seroprevalence of canine ehrlichiosis in the Medjez El Bab region (northwestern Tunisia during 1994, 1995 and 1996]. Arch Inst Pasteur Tunis 2001; 78:41-7. [PMID: 14658238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
A sero-epidemiological survey, realized in the Medjez El Bab region (North-West of Tunisia), has concerned 180 dogs which status has been determined during the study. The animals were identified, then underwent an annual blood sampling during three successive years, in order to search for antibodies against E. canis and E. chaffeensis by indirect immunofluorescence. The results show that, in all sero-positive dogs, the levels of antibodies against E. canis were higher than those against E. chaffeensis. The sero-prevalence of E. canis was 42.8%, 50% and 48.9%, in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and was higher than that against E. chaffeensis during the three year studies. The incidence of E. canis infection was 12.6% during the three years whereas E. chaffeensis infection did not exceed 4.7%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Ghorbel
- Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|