Canine Ehrlichiosis and Its Diagnostic Techniques: Review

Abstract

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia canis is one of the important immuno-suppressive infectious vector-borne diseases of dogs. Importantly, canine ehrlichiosis can be caused by different Ehrlichia species, which are intracellular rickettsial organisms belonging to the order Rickettsiales and included in the family Rickettsiaceae. Ehrlichias are the obligate intracellular organisms that affects the host immunologic response. It is typically a disease of leukocyte and platelet manifested by an acute reduction in cellular blood elements, most often, pancytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Thus, Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) is potentially a fatal disease that requires rapid and accurate diagnosis in order to initiate appropriate therapy leading to favorable prognosis. Among the diagnostic techniques, hematology, cytology and serological techniques are valuable and as a diagnostic tool. However, a definitive diagnosis of Ehrlichial species infection requires molecular techniques. Unfortunately, this method is associated with economic constraints i.e. limited resources. So, in general, even though there are various types of diagnostic techniques, clinicians must appreciate the limitations of each test in detecting different pathogens so that a best test method is to be used. Finally, this is to highlight on Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis and different method of diagnostic techniques.

Keywords: Canine ehrlichiosis, diagnostic techniques, Ehrlichial species, ELISA, immune response

Cite this Article

Haben Fesseha, Goitom Weldeyohanes. Canine Ehrlichiosis and its Diagnostic Techniques: Review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Immunology. 2020; 10(1): 1–11p.