Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with fever and weight loss diagnosed with Anaplasma infection
By Dondi, Francesco et al.·Published in TheScientificWorldJournal·2014·Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinicopathological and molecular findings in a case of canine Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Northern Italy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog in Northern Italy was brought to the vet with fever and weight loss. Tests showed low platelet levels and signs of kidney issues, leading to a diagnosis of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis, an infection caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The vet confirmed the diagnosis through blood tests and molecular analysis. Treatment for this infection typically involves antibiotics, and monitoring for ectoparasites is recommended to prevent future infections.
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Abstract
A documented case of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis coupled with the molecular characterization of the etiological agent is reported for the first time in Northern Italy. The patient showed nonspecific clinical signs such as fever and weight loss. The most relevant clinicopathological findings were thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and normal azotemic proteinuria consistent with glomerular diseases. Blood smear examination revealed the presence of intracytoplasmatic inclusions in neutrophils associated with high positive serology for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. PCR analysis and sequencing of the amplicon confirm serological diagnosis of A. phagocytophilum. Phylogenetic analysis evidenced that the detected bacterial strain belongs to the A. phagocytophilum Europe 1 lineage. Data indicates that A. phagocytophilum circulates in natural environments of Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy) and its prevalence in dogs could be underestimated because the clinical signs are frequently nonspecific and a certain diagnosis requires the combination of clinicopathological and molecular assays. Pets living in this area should be regularly monitored and treated for ectoparasites to minimize health risks for humans and pets. Also, surveillance of A. phagocytophilum should be improved in Northern Italy and canine anaplasmosis should be considered in differential diagnosis of persistent proteinuria.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25003154/