Resumen

MANSILLA, S.L. et al. Hematological alterations in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) diagnosed with Ehrlichia spp. by PCR in veterinary clinics in Northeastern Argentina. Rev. vet. [online]. 2023, vol.34, n.2, pp.91-95. ISSN 1669-6840.  http://dx.doi.org/10.30972/vet.3427049.

Ehrlichiosis is a vector-borne disease that affects numerous species. It is caused by Ehrlichia spp. gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacteria with a coccoid or pleomorphic appearance that infects monocytes. Diagnosis, through clinical symptoms, is difficult given the similarity of presentation with other vector-borne disease. The evaluation of hematological parameters (hemogram and blood smear) is the first indication of the clinical veterinarian, since it is possible to find intracytoplasmic inclusions (morulae) in monocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate hematological alterations in dogs diagnosed with Ehrlichia spp. by peripheral blood smear, and to confirm it by molecular technique (PCR). From June/2021 to July/2022 dog samples were analyzed and intracytoplasmic inclusions were identified in seven samples. The presence of anemia and thrombocytopenia without alterations in the number of leukocytes was observed in 6 of 7 blood samples. The PCR technique confirmed the initial diagnosis in 2/7 samples, amplifying the dsb 330/728 gene segment. The usefulness of hematological parameters together with the diagnostic confirmation by PCR technique is emphasized, the latter being a highly sensitive and specific method, which offers up to 100% diagnostic confidence in detecting and amplifying the DNA of Ehrlichia spp.

Palabras clave : Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato; hematologic diagnosis; domestic canines.

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