Erliquiose Monicítica Canina

Abstract

Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (EMC) is a ubiquitous infectious disease caused by small obligate intramonocytic bacteria (Ehrlichia canis) transmitted by ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). The infection is manifested by non-specific clinical signs (hyperthermia, anorexia, etc.) that can only direct the veterinarian to a presumptive diagnosis. The main indirect biological signs of infection are thrombocytopenia, leukopenia or leukocytosis, anemia, increased activity of liver enzymes, hypoalbuminemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and perivascular infiltration of many organs by lymphocytes and plasma cells. The contribution of the laboratory to the definitive diagnosis of ehrlichiosis is essential. Direct highlighting of E. canis in a may-Grünwald-Giemsa colored bloodstain is difficult and random. On the other hand, serological diagnosis by indirect immunofluorescence remains the reference method characterized by its high sensitivity and specificity. It allows to detect asymptomatic carrier dogs. The rapid diagnosis based on the Elisa technique seems to be a reliable method of simple use by the veterinarian. Culture is not routinely practiced, even with newer techniques (DNA amplification, western staining)