Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ehrlichia canis infection rates in dogs from Yucatan Mexico
By Rodriguez-Vivas, R I et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2005·Departamento de Parasitologí·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ehrlichia canis in dogs in Yucatan, Mexico: seroprevalence, prevalence of infection and associated factors.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In Yucatan, Mexico, a study found that 44% of dogs tested positive for Ehrlichia canis, a tick-borne infection that can cause bleeding problems. Symptoms in affected dogs included low platelet counts and signs of bleeding. The researchers noted that younger dogs (ages 2-4) and older dogs (over 4 years) were more likely to be infected. If your dog shows symptoms like unusual bleeding or bruising, it's important to consult your veterinarian for testing and treatment options.
People also search for: dog bleeding problems · Ehrlichia canis symptoms in dogs · tick-borne disease treatment for dogs
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection, seroprevalence, and factors associated with antibody response to Ehrlichia canis in dogs of Yucatan, Mexico. The study was carried out in four veterinary clinics located in Merida, the capital city of Yucatan, Mexico. Blood samples were obtained from a total of 120 dogs, and each animal was physically examined to determine age and sex, as well as to record any clinical signs of platelet-related bleeding. Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies to E. canis using an ELISA test, and thrombocyte counts were calculated. Blood smears were prepared to detect typical morulae in leukocytes. The prevalence of infection, seroprevalence and associated factors were calculated. A primary screening was performed using 2 x K contingency tables of exposure variables. All variables with P< or =0.20 were analyzed by a logistic-binomial regression. Fifty-three (44.1%) of the 120 dogs were found to be seropositive to E. canis. In six dogs (5.0%) typical morulae of E. canis were observed in monocytes. These six cases were positive for antibodies and were thrombocytopenic. The following factors associated with seropositive animals were: platelet-related bleeding (Yes: OR=10.26, CI=2.50-42.16, P=0.001), thrombocytopenia (Yes: OR=18.91, CI=4.47-80.03, P=0.000) and age (2-4 years: OR=6.77, CI=1.76-25.97, P=0.005; >4 years: OR=4.24, CI=1.04-17.21, P=0.043).
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15619376/