Seroprevalence of <it>Ehrlichia canis</it>, <it>Ehrlichia chaffeensis </it>and <it>Ehrlichia ewingii </it>in dogs in North America

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study evaluated the exposure of dogs to three different <it>Ehrlichia </it>spp. in the south and central regions of the United States where vector-borne disease prevalence has been previously difficult to ascertain, particularly beyond the metropolitan areas.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Dog blood samples (n = 8,662) were submitted from 14 veterinary colleges, 6 private veterinary practices and 4 diagnostic laboratories across this region. Samples were tested for <it>E. canis</it>, <it>E. chaffeensis </it>and <it>E. ewingii </it>specific antibodies using peptide microtiter ELISAs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overall, <it>E. canis</it>, <it>E. chaffeensis </it>and <it>E. ewingii </it>seroprevalence was 0.8%, 2.8%, and 5.1%, respectively. The highest <it>E. canis </it>seroprevalence (2.3%) was found in a region encompassing Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. <it>E. chaffeensis </it>seroreactivity was 6.6% in the central region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma) and 4.6% in the southeast region (Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia). Seroreactivity to <it>E. ewingii </it>was also highest in the central region (14.6%) followed by the southeast region (5.9%). The geospatial pattern derived from <it>E. chaffeensis </it>and <it>E. ewingii </it>seropositive samples was similar to previous reports based on <it>E. chaffeensis </it>seroreactivity in white-tailed deer and the distribution of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) cases reported by the CDC.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results of this study provide the first large scale regional documentation of exposure to <it>E. canis</it>, <it>E. chaffeensis </it>and <it>E. ewingii </it>in pet dogs, highlighting regional differences in seroprevalence and providing the basis for heightened awareness of these emerging vector-borne pathogens by veterinarians and public health agencies.</p>

Abstract licence: CC BY

• Guideline for veterinary practitioners on canine ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis in Europe · 2015

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