Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How common are Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys infections
By Lucilene Santos Silva et al.·Published in Revista Brasileira de Saúde e Produção Animal·2025·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Canine infection by Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in the semiarid region of Brazil: frequency and molecular characterization
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in northeastern Brazil showed signs of illness due to infections from Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys, which are diseases spread by ticks. Out of 224 dogs tested, about 18% had Ehrlichia and 31% had Anaplasma, with many showing symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, anemia, and low platelet counts. The presence of ticks was noted in many of the infected dogs. This study highlights the importance of testing for these infections in areas where they are common, especially if your dog shows any unusual symptoms.
People also search for: dog swollen lymph nodes Brazil · Ehrlichia canis symptoms in dogs · Anaplasma platys treatment for dogs
Abstract
ABSTRACT Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and canine thrombocytic anaplasmosis, caused by Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys, are endemic diseases in Brazil. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of these pathogens in 224 dogs at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Piauí, northeastern Brazil. DNA samples were analyzed using PCR assays for E. canis and A. platys, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Clinical data were collected from medical records. A total of 17.9% of the dogs (40/224) were positive for E. canis, 30.8% (69/224) for A. platys, and 16.5% (37/224) for both. Ticks were present in 50% of the dogs infected with E. canis, 59.4% with A. platys, and 62.2% with both bacteria. Common clinical and laboratory changes included lymphadenopathy, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperglobulinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. The partial 16S rDNA gene sequences of E. canis and A. platys from dogs in Piauí showed 99% to 100% and 99.74% identity to reference sequences from different regions of Brazil and other countries in GenBank, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences were grouped into their respective clades. This study represents the first molecular survey and phylogenetic characterization of these bacteria in dogs in the semiarid region of Piauí.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1590/20250002