Prevalence, risk factors, and hematologic changes in dogs from Baja California with presence of Ehrlichiaspp., and coinfection with Anaplasma spp.

• Autores: Gilberto López Valencia, Katya Monserrat Meza-Silva, Ana Paulina Haro Álvarez, Enrique Trasviña Muñoz, Issa C. García-Reynoso, José Carlomán Herrera Ramírez, Sergio Daniel Gómez Gómez
• Localización: Austral journal of veterinary sciences, ISSN 0719-8000, ISSN-e 0719-8132, Vol. 56, Nº. 2, 2024, págs. 75-84
• Idioma: inglés
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  • ABSTRACT Ehrlichia and Anaplasmaare obligate intracellular, gram-negative bacteria with tropism for hematopoietic cells, especially leukocytes and platelets. There are several Ehrlichia species that infect dogs. Ehrlichia canis is transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineusand replicates within monocytes and macrophages, leading to canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, a disease of worldwide distribution. The clinical signs are varied and non-specific. Anaplasma has two species that infect dogs, Anaplasmaphagocytophilumand Anaplasma platys, the second also transmitted by Rhipicephalussanguineus.This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiologyand hematologic changes associated with the presence of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp.coinfection in dogs from Baja California. Complete hematological analysis, examination of buffy coat smears, and ELISA tests were performed on blood samples from three veterinary diagnostic laboratories from Mexicali and Tijuana cities in Baja California, Mexico. A total of5,469 dog samples were analyzed. The overall prevalence of Ehrlichia spp., was 4.79%, with a distribution of 6.3% in Mexicali(OR: 2.39 CI: 1.69-3.17) and 2.5% in Tijuana.The peak of infection was found in September. Contact with other dogs and tick infestation were the risk factors associated with infection (P<0.05).There was 96% co-infection onlyin Tijuanaand 0% in Mexicali. Anemia, thrombocytopenia,and hyperproteinemia are associated with Ehrlichia spp.,and Ehrlichia/Anaplasmainfection. In view of the foregoing, we have to maintain epidemiologic vigilance, as well as look further into the ticks present in the state and the possibility of transmission of unusual pathogens.