Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dogs infected with both Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis
By Baneth, Gad et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2015·Koret School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Canine vector-borne co-infections: Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis in the same host monocytes.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three dogs were found to have both Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis infections, which are diseases spread by ticks. Blood tests showed that many of their white blood cells were infected with both parasites. This co-infection might make it easier for one parasite to survive in the dog's body. It's important for pet owners to be aware of these tick-borne diseases, as they can affect their dog's health. Treatment typically involves medications to target both infections, and early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes.
People also search for: dog tick-borne disease symptoms · Hepatozoon canis treatment · Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs
Abstract
The protozoon Hepatozoon canis and the rickettsia Ehrlichia canis are tick-borne pathogens, transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, which cause canine hepatozoonosis and canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, respectively. Co-infection of the same host monocytes with H. canis and E. canis confirmed by molecular characterization of the infecting agents and quantitative assessment of co-infected cells is described for the first time in three naturally-infected dogs. Blood smear evaluation indicated that at least 50% of the leukocytes infected with H. canis gamonts contained E. canis morulae. Co-infection of the same host cell demonstrated in this report suggests that infection with one pathogen may permit or enhance invasion or prolonged cellular survival of the other.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25560923/