Molecular epidemiology of Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli in stray dogs in Paraná, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Hemoparasitic infections are tick-borne diseases, which affect animals and humans. Considering the importance of canine hemoparasitic infections in veterinary clinics, this study aimed to determine the occurrence of Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli in blood samples from 182 dogs not domiciled in the city of Pato Branco, southwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence of A. platys and B. vogeli was 32.9% and 10.9% respectively, and A. platys infection prevailed (p<0.001). The number of dogs positive for A. platys was larger in Winter (p<0.05). All blood samples were negative for E. canis. In the dogs, infestation by Amblyomma cajennense predominated over that by Rhipicephalus sanguineus (p<0.001); but there was no significant association between PCR and the variables presence of ticks, sex and age. Dogs infected by A. platys and B. vogeli showed thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and leukocytosis; but there was no correlation between such hematological changes and infection by hemoparasites. This appears to be the first molecular study that demonstrates the existence of A. platys and B. vogeli in dogs from the southwestern region of Paraná.

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Survey of Ehrlichia canis, Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in dogs from a semiarid region of Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612015011 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 52-58 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Tereza Emmanuelle de Farias Rotondano ◽

Herta Karyanne Araújo Almeida ◽

Felipe da Silva Krawczak ◽

Vanessa Lira Santana ◽

Ivana Fernandes Vidal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Smear ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

Immunofluorescence Assay ◽

Ehrlichia Canis ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Semiarid Region ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Babesia Vogeli ◽

Blood Smear Examination ◽

Babesia Spp

This study assessed the occurrence of Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. infections in 100 tick-harboring dogs from a semiarid region of the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. Blood samples and ticks were collected from the animals, and a questionnaire was submitted to dog owners to obtain general data. Blood samples were used to perform hemogram, direct blood smear and immunological and molecular hemoparasite detection. The 1,151 ticks collected were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus; direct smears revealed E. canis-like morulae in the monocytes of 4% (4/100) of the non-vaccinated female dogs, and 34% and 25% of the dogs tested positive for Ehrlichia canis by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. Blood smear examination revealed Babesia-suggestive merozoites in the erythrocytes of 2% (2/100) of the animals. Babesia vogeli was detected by PCR in ten animals (10%) and was correlated with young age (p = 0.007) and thrombocytopenia (p = 0.01). None of the animals showed Hepatozoon spp. positivity. These results indicate that E. canis is the main tick-borne canine pathogen in the study area and provide the first report of B. vogeli infection in dogs from Paraiba State.

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Molecular detection of Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in a hospital population of dogs clinically diagnosed with hemoparasitosis

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2020v41n5supl1p2143 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 2143-2152

Author(s):

Aline Ticiani Pereira Paschoal ◽

Ana Clécia dos Santos Silva ◽

Juliana Correa Bernardes ◽

Eloiza Teles Caldart ◽

Fernanda Pinto-Ferreira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Ehrlichia Canis ◽

Anaplasma Platys ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Babesia Vogeli ◽

Urban And Rural Areas ◽

Etiological Agents

There is an increase in tick-borne diseases in dogs in urban and rural areas in Brazil and some of these are of public health importance. Rhipicephalus sanguineus-transmitted hemoparasitoses are the main causes of mortality in dogs. The present study investigated the molecular occurrence of Ehrlichia canis, Babesia vogeli and Anaplasma platys in dogs with clinical sings and hematological abnormalities suggestive of tick-borne diseases. These dogs were seen at a Veterinary Hospital of a Public University between January 2014 and December 2016, and were evaluated through anamnesis, clinical examination and complementary exams. The polymerase chain reaction technique was used to detect the presence of hemoparasites DNA. From the 461 dogs that were tested for B. vogeli, 10.6% (49/461) were positive, the associated variable was age. Regarding the 730 animals screened for E. canis, 15.1% (110/730) were positive, and the infection was associated with hematocrit and number of platelets. Relative to the 86 samples evaluated for A. platys, 15.1% (13/86) were positive, and no variable presented statistical significance. From the animals positive for B. vogeli, no of these showed positivity by qPCR for Rangelia vitalii. It is concluded that the occurrence of hemoparasitosis in dogs from the Londrina region is common. Therefore, it is emphasized that molecular techniques should be used as an auxiliary tool for the differential diagnosis of the different etiological agents causing hemoparasitosis. Additionally, these molecular tools are essential for better investigation and preventive assertiveness because it allows to detect parasite DNA.

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Molecular detection of Cercopithifilaria bainae and other tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. isolated from dogs in Midwest Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612019109 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rodrigo Leite Soares ◽

Angélica Oliveira da Silva ◽

Mateus Lotério Coelho ◽

Jessica Teles Echeverria ◽

Michelli Lopes de Souza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

Ehrlichia Canis ◽

Hepatozoon Canis ◽

Anaplasma Platys ◽

16S Rrna Analysis ◽

Mato Grosso ◽

Babesia Vogeli ◽

Cercopithifilaria Bainae ◽

Definition Of ◽

Mato Grosso Do Sul

Abstract The aim of the present study was to detect Cercopithifilaria bainae and other tick-borne pathogens and to perform molecular characterization of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. collected from dogs. Ticks (n = 432, including 8 larvae, 59 nymphs, and 365 adults) were sampled from domiciled dogs (n = 73) living in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (Midwest Brazil). All ticks were morphologically identified as R. sanguineus. Genomic DNA was extracted in pools (three to five ticks per animal) and was used for definition of R. sanguineus haplotypes (based on 16S rRNA analysis) and pathogen identification (Cercopithifilaria sp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Hepatozoon canis, Babesia vogeli and Rickettsia spp.). Rhipicephal us sanguineus specimens were identified as haplotypes A and B. DNA of Cercopithifilaria bainae (43.83%; 32/73), Ehrlichia canis (24.65%; 18/73), Anaplasma platys (19.17%; 14/73), and Hepatozoon canis (5.47%; 4/73) was detected. The identity of pathogens was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. The present study confirms the presence of haplotypes A and B of R. sanguineus in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and its importance as a vector of several pathogens of veterinary concern. Finally, this is the first report to identify C. bainae in ticks in the Midwestern region of Brazil.

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Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in dogs from municipality of Belém, State of Pará, Brazil

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20190414 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 49 (12) ◽

Author(s):

Verucia Maria Dias Brandão ◽

Pedro Henrique Marques Barrozo ◽

Luciane Oeiras Sousa ◽

Rafaelle Cunha dos Santos ◽

Katiane Schwanke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nested Pcr ◽

Molecular Detection ◽

Ehrlichia Canis ◽

Anaplasma Platys ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Stray Dogs ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The City

ABSTRACT: The occurrence of diseases transmitted by ticks in dogs is very frequent in Brazil, among these diseases we can highlight the ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis, which are caused by Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys, respectively. The objective of this study was to survey the occurrence of these pathogens in blood samples from domiciled and stray dogs from the city of Belém, Pará. Two hundred and seventy six dogs were sampled for convenience, and the DNA extracted from the blood of these animals was submitted to nested-PCR for research of E. canis and A. platys. E. canis DNA was detected in 39.4% (109/276) and A. platys DNA in 23.1% (64/276) of the samples, there was a statistically significant difference between the frequency of these agents (P<0.0001), and there was coinfection in 13.4% (37/276) of animals. The frequency of detection of these parasites was higher in stray dogs than in those domiciled for both E. canis (OR=2.84) and A. platys (OR=10.5). Considering the results, it was possible to conclude that E. canis and A. platys are present in the studied population, with stray dogs being more affected by these parasites.

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High throughput pyrosequencing technology for molecular differential detection of Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in canine blood samples

Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases ◽

10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.01.004 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 381-385 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Worasak Kaewkong ◽

Pewpan M. Intapan ◽

Oranuch Sanpool ◽

Penchom Janwan ◽

Tongjit Thanchomnang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Throughput ◽

Ehrlichia Canis ◽

Hepatozoon Canis ◽

Differential Detection ◽

Anaplasma Platys ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Babesia Vogeli ◽

Pyrosequencing Technology

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Occurrence of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in household dogs from northern Parana

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612012005000009 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 379-385 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Gislaine Cristina Ferreira da Silva ◽

Aline do Nascimento Benitez ◽

Aline Girotto ◽

Alessandra Taroda ◽

Marilda Carlos Vidotto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ehrlichia Canis ◽

Differential Diagnoses ◽

Laboratory Evaluation ◽

Blood Collection ◽

Routine Laboratory ◽

Anaplasma Platys ◽

Pcr Assay ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis ◽

Hematological Alterations

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused primarily by Ehrlichia canis and canine thrombocytic anaplasmosis induced by Anaplasma platys are important emerging zoonotic tick-borne diseases of dogs. There is evidence that these pathogens can also affect humans. This study evaluated the presence of E. canis and A. platys in blood samples collected from 256 domiciled dogs in the municipality of Jataizinho, located in north region of the State of Parana, Brazil, by PCR assay. The occurrence of E. canis and A. platys was 16.4% (42/256) and 19.4% (49/256), respectively; while 5.47% (14/256) of the dogs evaluated were co-infected by these two organisms. The presence of E. canis and A. platys was not significantly associated with the variables evaluated (sex, age, outdoor access, and presence of ticks during blood collection). Infection of dogs by E. canis was associated with anemia and thrombocytopenia, while infection induced by A. platys was related only to thrombocytopenia. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and canine thrombocytic anaplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnoses when these hematological alterations are observed during routine laboratory evaluation of dogs.

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Efficacy of a Doxycycline Treatment Regimen Initiated during Three Different Phases of Experimental Ehrlichiosis

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.01622-09 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 54 (12) ◽

pp. 5012-5020 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Jennifer C. McClure ◽

Michelle L. Crothers ◽

John J. Schaefer ◽

Patrick D. Stanley ◽

Glen R. Needham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Therapy ◽

Treatment Regimen ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

Ehrlichia Canis ◽

Clinical Parameters ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Persistently Infected ◽

Doxycycline Treatment ◽

Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis ◽

Three Phases

ABSTRACT Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), a well-characterized disease and valuable model for tick-borne zoonoses. Conflicting reports of clearance of Ehrlichia canis after treatment with doxycycline suggested that the disease phase during which treatment is initiated influences outcomes of these treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 28-day doxycycline regimen for clearance of experimental E. canis infections from dogs treated during three phases of the disease. Ten dogs were inoculated with blood from E. canis carriers and treated with doxycycline during acute, subclinical, or chronic phases of CME. Daily rectal temperatures and semiweekly blood samples were monitored from each dog, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were acquisition fed on each dog for xenodiagnosis. Blood collected from dogs treated during acute or subclinical CME became PCR negative for E. canis as clinical parameters improved, but blood samples collected from dogs treated during chronic CME remained intermittently PCR positive. R. sanguineus ticks fed on dogs after doxycycline treatments became PCR positive for E. canis, regardless of when treatment was initiated. However, fewer ticks became PCR positive after feeding on two persistently infected dogs treated with doxycycline followed by rifampin, suggesting that antibiotic therapy can reduce tick acquisition of E. canis.

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Detection and molecular characterisation of Ehrlichia canis in naturally infected dogs in South West Nigeria

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica ◽

10.1556/004.2018.008 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 66 (1) ◽

pp. 85-95 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Olukayode Olugbenga Daramola ◽

Michael Irewole Takeet ◽

Ibironke Kofoworola Oyewusi ◽

Mufutau Atanda Oyekunle ◽

Adewale Oladele Talabi

Keyword(s):

Ehrlichia Canis ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Rickettsial Disease ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Canine Ehrlichiosis ◽

South West ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Reference Sequences ◽

The 16S Rrna Gene

Canine ehrlichiosis is an important tick-borne rickettsial disease mainly caused by Ehrlichia canis. This study aimed to detect and characterise E. canis in dogs in Abeokuta, Nigeria by microscopy and nested PCR. Blood samples were collected from 205 dogs, thin smears were made, field-stained, and DNA was extracted from the blood samples. A partial region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced unidirectionally. Ehrlichial morulae were detected in three dogs (1.5%). The PCR test revealed that 47 dogs (22.9%) were positive for E. canis. The lengths of the sequences obtained range from 374 bp to 376 bp with an average G-C content of 37% and 98–99% homology with the reference sequences in GenBank. The aligned autochthonous sequences were less polymorphic. The phylogenetic analysis separated sequences reported previously in Nigeria from the autochthonous sequences. The present work shows that the strain of E. canis detected in the study area is genetically different from those reported in the northern part of Nigeria and more closely related to sequences from Brazil and India.

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Clinicopathological and molecular profiles of Babesia vogeli infection and Ehrlichia canis coinfection

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2020.1294-1302 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 1294-1302

Author(s):

Thanakorn Rawangchue ◽

Sivapong Sungpradit

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Geographic Origin ◽

Ehrlichia Canis ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Canine Babesiosis ◽

Pcr Assay ◽

Distribution Width ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Babesia Vogeli ◽

Molecular Profiles

Background and Aim: Canine babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, is caused by the hemoprotozoa, Babesia vogeli, and Babesia gibsoni. Infection with these parasites, which is endemic globally, leads to life-threatening immunosuppression in dogs. The merozoites invade the red blood cells (RBCs) of infected dogs. Ehrlichia canis, an intracellular bacterium that infects monocytes, is transmitted by the same tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) during blood consumption and coinfection with B. vogeli and E. canis has been reported. Although the hematology and biochemistry of canine babesiosis have been studied, more studies are needed to develop a better understanding of the hematobiochemical and molecular profiles associated with cases of single infection and coinfection of canine babesiosis in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the hematological, biochemical, and molecular profiles of B. vogeli infection and E. canis coinfection. Materials and Methods: The study included 33 B. vogeli–positive blood samples and 11 E. canis–coinfected blood samples. To exclude coinfection with Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma platys, only dogs with B. vogeli infection and B. vogeli–E. canis coinfection were included in the study. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was conducted to detect B. vogeli, E. canis, and H. canis, and a conventional PCR assay was conducted for the detection of A. platys. Besides, the PCR assay and sequencing, comprehensive data analysis was conducted, including a microscopic blood parasite examination and hematological and biochemical data analysis. Results: The comparison of the hematobiochemical data between the B. vogeli–positive and E. canis coinfection groups identified that there were statistically significant differences in the RBC parameters, including RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and RBC distribution width (p=0.001). Neither B. vogeli infection nor coinfection with E. canis was associated with the sex, breed, recorded clinical signs, geographic origin of the dog and also B. vogeli 18S rRNA gene sequencing results. Conclusion: Coinfection with E. canis increased the severity of babesiosis. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying this infection, such as destruction of RBCs, require further investigation. This study may enhance diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of canine babesiosis.

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