Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ehrlichiosis tick disease in pet dogs in Bangladesh study
By Kabir, Ajran et al.·Published in PloS one·2024·Department of Microbiology & Hygiene·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis and molecular characterization of Erhlichia canis in Bangladeshi pet dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that 6.9% of pet dogs in Bangladesh were infected with Ehrlichia canis, a tick-borne disease that can be serious, with a high case fatality rate of 47.1%. Dogs living in rural areas and those that had access to other dogs were at greater risk of infection, especially if they weren't regularly treated with tick prevention medications. The research suggests that pet owners should be proactive about tick prevention and limit their dogs' interactions with other dogs in high-risk areas. Regular use of tick treatments can significantly lower the chances of dogs getting this disease.
People also search for: dog tick disease symptoms · how to prevent ehrlichiosis in dogs · tick prevention for dogs in rural areas
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ehrlichia canis, a rickettsial organism, is responsible for causing ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease affecting dogs. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate ehrlichiosis prevalence and identify associated risk factors in pet dogs. METHODS: A total of 246 peripheral blood samples were purposively collected from pet dogs in Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts between December 2018 and December 2020. Risk factor data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with dog owners using a pre-structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified risk factors. Polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene confirmed Ehrlichia spp. PCR results were further validated by sequencing. RESULTS: The prevalence and case fatality of ehrlichiosis were 6.9% and 47.1%, respectively. Dogs in rural areas had 5.8 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (odd ratio, OR: 5.84; 95% CI: 1.72-19.89) compared to urban areas. Dogs with access to other dogs had 5.14 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (OR: 5.14; 95% CI: 1.63-16.27) than those without such access. Similarly, irregularly treated dogs with ectoparasitic drugs had 4.01 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.17-14.14) compared to regularly treated dogs. The presence of ticks on dogs increased ehrlichiosis odds nearly by 3 times (OR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.02-8.97). Phylogenetic analysis, based on 17 commercially sequenced isolates, showed different clusters of aggregation, however, BAUMAH-13 (PP321265) perfectly settled with a China isolate (OK667945), similarly, BAUMAH-05 (PP321257) with Greece isolate (MN922610), BAUMAH-16 (PP321268) with Italian isolate (KX180945), and BAUMAH-07 (PP321259) with Thailand isolate (OP164610). CONCLUSIONS: Pet owners and veterinarians in rural areas should be vigilant in monitoring dogs for ticks and ensuring proper preventive care. Limiting access to other dogs in high-risk areas can help mitigate disease spread. Tick prevention measures and regular treatment with ectoparasitic drugs will reduce the risk of ehrlichiosis in dogs. The observed genetic similarity of the Bangladeshi Ehrlichia canis strain highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and research to develop effective control and prevention strategies, both within Bangladesh and globally.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39637034/