Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ehrlichiosis infection rates in dogs in northeast Brazil
By Guedes, Paula Elisa Brandão et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2015·Hospital Veteriná·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Canine ehrlichiosis: prevalence and epidemiology in northeast Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that 12.4% of dogs tested in Ituberá, Brazil, had a disease called ehrlichiosis, which is caused by bacteria spread by ticks. The researchers used different tests to check for the bacteria in the dogs' blood, and they found that younger dogs and those living in rural areas were less likely to be infected. However, dogs that had contact with other dogs or were exposed to ticks were at higher risk. The findings suggest that ehrlichiosis is common in this area, and using multiple testing methods can help diagnose it effectively.
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Abstract
Ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia. The aims of this study were to detect the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in the blood of dogs in Ituberá, Bahia, and to compare the sensitivities and specificities of blood smear, serological, and molecular examinations. Furthermore, this study identified factors associated with exposure to the agent in dogs in this locality. Blood samples were collected from 379 dogs and submitted for indirect immunofluorescent assay and polymerase chain reaction testing for the detection of Ehrlichia spp. antibodies and DNA, respectively. Additionally, a peripheral blood smear was obtained from the ear tip for parasite identification. Of the 379 animals, 12.4%, 32.7%, and 25.6% were identified as positive on the blood smear, serological, and molecular tests, respectively. The dogs positive in one of the three techniques were considered exposed (46.9%). Younger dogs and rural habitat were protective factors and presence of ticks and contact with other dogs were the risk factors associated with exposure to the agent. It was concluded that dogs of Ituberá have high positivity for Ehrlichia spp. and that the diagnostic methods used for detection are complementary.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26083691/