Infecção por Anaplasma platys em um canino da raça poodle: relato de caso / Anaplasma platys infection in a poodle canine: case report / Infección por Anaplasma platys en un canino de raza caniche: reporte de caso

Um canino da raça Poodle, 15 anos, macho, inteiro, foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Luterana do Brasil apresentando: hiporexia há cinco dias e anorexia nos dois últimos dias, hipodipsia, prostração, hipertermia, uveíte e um episódio de vômito. Ao exame físico, constatou-se 8% de desidratação, mucosas secas e hipocoradas, tempo de preenchimento capilar maior que dois segundos e presença de carrapatos (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Devido à presença dos carrapatos, foi administrado afoxolaner. Realizou-se o exame parasitológico de sangue (EPS), colhido da ponta da orelha e o teste rápido (4Dx® IDEXX). Com o resultado positivo do teste rápido e visualização de mórula no interior das plaquetas compatíveis com Anaplasma platys, definiu-se o diagnóstico de anaplasmose trombocítica canina. A partir do diagnóstico, instituiu-se o tratamento com doxiciclina a cada 12 horas por via oral e, após 48 horas de tratamento, o cão recebeu alta e seguiu com tratamento em domicílio. Após 21 dias de antibioticoterapia, o paciente apresentou melhora clínica satisfatória. Realizou-se nova coleta para EPS, que apresentou resultado negativo.

A 15-year-old male Poodle canine was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Lutheran University of Brazil presenting: hyporexia of five days and anorexia for the last two days, hypodipsia, prostration, hyperthermia, uveitis and one episode of vomiting. Physical examination revealed 8% dehydration, dry and pale mucous membranes, capillary refill time greater than two seconds and the presence of ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Due to the presence of ticks, afoxolaner was administered. The parasitological blood test (EPS) was performed, collected from the ear vein, and a snap test (4Dx® - IDEXX). The positive result of the snap test and visualization of the morulae inside the platelets compatible with Anaplasma platys, the diagnosis of canine thrombocytic anaplasmosis was reached. The treatment with doxycycline was instituted every 12 hours orally and after 48 hours the dog was discharged and continued with treatment at home. After 21 days of antibiotic therapy, the patient showed satisfactory clinical improvement. A new collection for EPS was performed, which showed a negative result.

Un canino macho de 15 años, entero, fue atendido en el Hospital Veterinario de la Universidade Luterana do Brasil por presentar: hiporexia durante cinco días y anorexia durante los dos últimos días, hipodipsia, postración, hipertermia, uveitis y un episodio de vómitos. Al examen físico se encontró un 8% de deshidratación, mucosas secas y pálidas, tiempo de llenado capilar superior a dos segundos y presencia de garrapatas (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Debido a la presencia de garrapatas, se administró afoxolaner. Se realizó el examen parasitológico de sangre (EPS), recogida de la punta de la oreja y la prueba rápida (4DX - IDEXX). Con el resultado positivo de la prueba rápida y visualización de mórula en el interior de las plaquetas compatible con Anaplasma platys, se definió el diagnóstico de anaplasmosis trombocítica canina. Tras el diagnóstico, se instauró tratamiento con doxiciclina cada 12 horas por vía oral y, a las 48 horas de tratamiento, se dio de alta al perro y se continuó con el tratamiento en casa. Después de 21 días de antibioticoterapia, la paciente mostró una mejoría clínica satisfactoria. Se realizó un nuevo cobro de EPS, que arrojó un resultado negativo.

Síndrome do eutireoideo doente e alterações nos hormônios tireoidianos em cães com hemoparasitoses / Euthyroid sick syndrome and changes in thyroid hormones in dogs with hemoparasitosis

Background: Hemoparasitoses are extremely important in the clinical routine because they affect a large number of dogs. In spite ofthe abundance of studies on this topic, hormonal alterations caused by infection with these agents are still poorly known. Therefore,the goal of this work was to assess the serum levels of thyroid hormones of dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis (E. canis) alone, anddogs infected with E. canis and Babesia canis vogeli (B. vogeli) and/or Anaplasma platys (A. platys) before and after treatment withdoxycycline chlorohydrate. This study also aimed at checking for presence of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) in these animals.Materials, Methods & Results: The concentrations of the thyroid hormones total triiodothyronine (TT3), total tetraiodothyronine (TT4),free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), and canine thyroid-stimulating hormone (cTSH) were assessed by chemiluminescence in 12 dogs. Nestedpolymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was used to confirm diagnoses. The dogs were divided into 2 groups: G1, which comprised animalsinfected by E. canis alone, and G2, which included animals simultaneously infected by E. canis and B. vogeli and/or A. platys. Theserum concentrations of the thyroid hormones were measured at two time points: before (D1) and after (D2) the 28-day treatment withgeneric doxycycline chlorohydrate (DC) at a dose of 10 mg/kg SID. On D2, another nPCR was carried out to check the efficacy of thetreatment. On D2, in both groups, all dogs became negative for E. canis; however, 8 animals remained infected or were reinfected byother hemoparasites. On D1, 4 dogs in G1 exhibited low TT3 in conjunction with low TT4; one of the dogs had increased TT3 alone,and another dog had an increased TT3 accompanied by decreased TT4. In G2, on D1, one dog exhibited high TT3 accompanied by adecreased concentration of TT4; 2 dogs had decreased TT4; 2 dogs had increased TT3; and one dog had both TT3 and TT4 decreased...

Síndrome do eutireoideo doente e alterações nos hormônios tireoidianos em cães com hemoparasitoses / Euthyroid sick syndrome and changes in thyroid hormones in dogs with hemoparasitosis

Background: Hemoparasitoses are extremely important in the clinical routine because they affect a large number of dogs. In spite ofthe abundance of studies on this topic, hormonal alterations caused by infection with these agents are still poorly known. Therefore,the goal of this work was to assess the serum levels of thyroid hormones of dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis (E. canis) alone, anddogs infected with E. canis and Babesia canis vogeli (B. vogeli) and/or Anaplasma platys (A. platys) before and after treatment withdoxycycline chlorohydrate. This study also aimed at checking for presence of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) in these animals.Materials, Methods & Results: The concentrations of the thyroid hormones total triiodothyronine (TT3), total tetraiodothyronine (TT4),free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), and canine thyroid-stimulating hormone (cTSH) were assessed by chemiluminescence in 12 dogs. Nestedpolymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was used to confirm diagnoses. The dogs were divided into 2 groups: G1, which comprised animalsinfected by E. canis alone, and G2, which included animals simultaneously infected by E. canis and B. vogeli and/or A. platys. Theserum concentrations of the thyroid hormones were measured at two time points: before (D1) and after (D2) the 28-day treatment withgeneric doxycycline chlorohydrate (DC) at a dose of 10 mg/kg SID. On D2, another nPCR was carried out to check the efficacy of thetreatment. On D2, in both groups, all dogs became negative for E. canis; however, 8 animals remained infected or were reinfected byother hemoparasites. On D1, 4 dogs in G1 exhibited low TT3 in conjunction with low TT4; one of the dogs had increased TT3 alone,and another dog had an increased TT3 accompanied by decreased TT4. In G2, on D1, one dog exhibited high TT3 accompanied by adecreased concentration of TT4; 2 dogs had decreased TT4; 2 dogs had increased TT3; and one dog had both TT3 and TT4 decreased...(AU)

Granuloma lepróide canino em Mineiros região Centro-Oeste do Brasil / Canine leproid granuloma in mineiros city Mid-West region of Brazil

Background: Among the bacterial dermopathy the canine leproid granuloma (CLG) is a nodular pyogranulomatous disorder that affects the skin or subcutaneous tissue mainly in the dorsal face of ear pinna, head, and extremity of memberscaused by Mycobacterium spp. The pathogenicity is still not well clarified regarding the causative agent, which has notyet been completely typified, but phylogenetically, it is related to Mycobacterium tilburgii, M. simiae, and M. genavense,in Brazil, by the species M. murphy. The objective of this study is to report a case of canine leproid granuloma, throughcytology and histopathology, and present the therapeutic procedures until the regression of cutaneous lesion.Case: A 5-year-old Boxer breed, intac male weighing 32 kg, was assisted at the Veterinary Clinic of UNIFIMES, in MineirosCity, Mid-West Region of Brazil, GO, Brazil. The animal had 4 nodules in the ears with evolution of 30 days, with nopruritus and without previous treatment. During the physical exam, the animal had normal physiological parameters. Thecutaneous lesions were characterised by papules and alopecic nodules of firm to fibroelastic consistency, with progressiveincrease, located in the convex face of the ears. The fine needle aspiration puncture technique (FNAP) and histopathologyfor a definitive diagnosis was used, allowing the differentiation between inflammatory processes, infectious and neoplastic. Furthermore, blood was collected for hemogram and biochemical analysis for the assessment of renal and hepaticfunctions. In cytology, the stained blades by the Diff-quick stain in the microscopic exam had elevated cellularity, withseveral macrophages, and bacilliform structures in the negative image. Staining was also conducted....

Granuloma lepróide canino em Mineiros região Centro-Oeste do Brasil / Canine leproid granuloma in mineiros city Mid-West region of Brazil

Background: Among the bacterial dermopathy the canine leproid granuloma (CLG) is a nodular pyogranulomatous disorder that affects the skin or subcutaneous tissue mainly in the dorsal face of ear pinna, head, and extremity of memberscaused by Mycobacterium spp. The pathogenicity is still not well clarified regarding the causative agent, which has notyet been completely typified, but phylogenetically, it is related to Mycobacterium tilburgii, M. simiae, and M. genavense,in Brazil, by the species M. murphy. The objective of this study is to report a case of canine leproid granuloma, throughcytology and histopathology, and present the therapeutic procedures until the regression of cutaneous lesion.Case: A 5-year-old Boxer breed, intac male weighing 32 kg, was assisted at the Veterinary Clinic of UNIFIMES, in MineirosCity, Mid-West Region of Brazil, GO, Brazil. The animal had 4 nodules in the ears with evolution of 30 days, with nopruritus and without previous treatment. During the physical exam, the animal had normal physiological parameters. Thecutaneous lesions were characterised by papules and alopecic nodules of firm to fibroelastic consistency, with progressiveincrease, located in the convex face of the ears. The fine needle aspiration puncture technique (FNAP) and histopathologyfor a definitive diagnosis was used, allowing the differentiation between inflammatory processes, infectious and neoplastic. Furthermore, blood was collected for hemogram and biochemical analysis for the assessment of renal and hepaticfunctions. In cytology, the stained blades by the Diff-quick stain in the microscopic exam had elevated cellularity, withseveral macrophages, and bacilliform structures in the negative image. Staining was also conducted....(AU)

Prednisolone associated with doxycycline on the hematological parameters and serum proteinogram of dogs with ehrlichiosis / Efeitos da influência da prednisolona associada à doxiciclina nos parâmetros hematológicos e proteinograma sérico de cães com erliquiose

The objective of the present study was to assess the treatment of dogs with ehrlichiosis (tropical canine pancytopenia (TCP)) with doxycycline hydrochloride associated or not with prednisolone on the hematological profile and serum proteins. Ten dogs with TCP were selected in the Small Animal Medical Clinic Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Campina Grande-UFCG-PB, Brazil. The diagnosis was obtained by clinical examination, hemogram and immunochromatographic test (with anti Ehrlichia canis antibodies). Samples were distributed randomly in two experimental groups of five animals each (n = 5), named GD and GDP. The GD group was treated with doxycycline (5 mg/kg, VO, BID for 28 days) and the GDP group was treated with doxycycline at the same dose and duration and prednisolone (2 mg/kg, VO, BID, for five days). Four blood collections were made during the treatment period: a base collection (M0), one at 10 days (M10), a second at 21 days (M21) and another at the end of the treatment (M28). These samples were used for the tests erythrogram, leucogram, plateletgram and proteinogram (dose of total proteins, pre-albumin, albumin, albumin, -1 globulin, -2 globulin, ß-globulin, -globulin and C- reactive protein) in the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Veterinary Hospital-UFCG-PB. Results, that presented normal distribution, was submitted to the Tukey test (P 0.05). Comparison of treatments GD and GDP showed that both promoted discreet and similar response in the hematological parameters at different times. Results obtained allowed the conclusion that both therapeutic protocols resulted in clinical, hematological parameter and proteinogram improvement, but the use of prednisolone at the dose administered during the first five days of treatment did not show more beneficial effects than isolated administration of doxycycline.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os efeitos do tratamento de cães com erliquiose monocítica canina (EMC) com cloridrato de doxiciclina associada ou não à prednisolona sobre o perfil hematológico e de proteínas séricas. Foram selecionados, na Clínica Médica de Pequenos Animais do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), 10 cães com EMC. O diagnóstico foi obtido através de exame clínico, hemograma e teste de imunoensaio imunocromatográfico (com anticorpos anti Ehrlichia canis). As amostras foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos experimentais, com cinco animais cada (n=5), denominados GD e GDP. O grupo GD foi tratado com doxiciclina (5 mg/kg, VO, BID durante 28 dias) e o grupo GDP, tratado com doxiciclina na mesma dose e duração e prednisolona (2 mg/kg, VO, BID, durante 5 dias). Durante o período de tratamento, foram realizadas quatro coletas de sangue; uma coleta basal (M0), uma com 10 dias (M10), uma aos 21 dias (M21) e outra ao final do tratamento (M28). Dessas amostras foram realizados eritrograma, leucograma, plaquetograma e proteinograma (dosagem de proteínas totais, pré-albumina, albumina, -1 globulina, -2 globulina, ß-globulina, -globulina e proteína C-reativa) no Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do Hospital Veterinário da UFCG. Os resultados que apresentaram distribuição normal foram submetidos ao teste de Tukey (P 0,05). Ao comparar os tratamentos GD e GDP, observou-se que os dois promoveram resposta discreta e semelhante dos parâmetros hematológicos nos diferentes momentos. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que ambos os protocolos terapêuticos resultaram em melhora clínica e dos parâmetros hematológicos e do proteinograma. Porém, o uso da prednisolona na dose empregada durante os primeiros cinco dias de tratamento não demonstrou efeitos mais benéficos do que a administração isolada da doxiciclina.(AU)

Anti-Ehrlichia properties of the dichloromethane fraction of Ageratum conyzoides associated with doxycycline: In vitro study / Propriedades anti-Ehrlichia da fração diclorometânica de Ageratum conyzoides associada com doxiciclina: estudo in vitro

The increasing number of cases of canine ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis in hospitals and veterinary clinics has demonstrated the need for a new drug protocol for this disease. Doxycycline is used to treat ehrlichiosis, but the resistance of the microorganism to this treatment protocol, as well as the various side effects to the animals, has become a concern. Several studies have shown a positive interaction with extracts of plants and drugs, which allow for the reduction of the concentration necessary to produce the desired effect, minimizing adverse effects. This study determined the efficiency of the combination of the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of Ageratum conyzoides L. with anti-Ehrlichia activity and doxycycline by using the checkerboard assay. Plant material was collected in São Luís, northeastern Brazil, followed by extraction in MeOH: H2O (8:2) and partitioning of the DCM fraction. After determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the fraction under study against DH82 cells infected with Ehrlichia canis, it was combined with doxycycline to derive the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (CIF Index). A reduction of 5.83 times the doxycycline minimum inhibitory concentration was observed, showing that this fraction of A. conyzoides composed predominantly by the class of lignans, identified by mass spectrometry notably intensified the activity of doxycycline against E. canis, resulting in a synergistic effect.

O crescente número de casos de erliquiose canina por Ehrlichia canis em hospitais e clínicas veterinárias tem demonstrado a necessidade de um novo protocolo de medicamentos para essa doença. A doxiciclina é usada para tratar a erliquiose, mas a resistência do microrganismo a esse protocolo de tratamento, bem como os diversos efeitos colaterais para os animais, tornou-se uma preocupação. Vários estudos têm demonstrado interação positiva com extratos de plantas e fármacos, que permitem a redução da concentração necessária para produzir o efeito desejado, minimizando os efeitos adversos. Este estudo determinou a eficiência da combinação da fração diclorometânica (DCM) de Ageratum conyzoides L. com atividade anti-Ehrlichia canis associada com doxiciclina por meio do ensaio de Checkerboard. O material vegetal foi coletado em São Luís, Maranhão, nordeste do Brasil, seguido pela extração em MeOH:H2O (8:2) e partição da fração diclorometânica. Após a determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) da fração em estudo frente às células DH82 infectadas com Ehrlichia canis, a mesma foi combinada com a doxiciclina para derivação do Índice de Concentração Inibitória da Fração (Índice CIF). Observou-se uma redução de 5,83 vezes a concentração inibitória mínima da doxiciclina mostrando que esta fração de A. conyzoides, composta predominantemente por lignanas identificadas por espectrometria de massas, notavelmente intensificou a atividade desse fármaco contra E. canis, resultando em um efeito sinérgico.

Anti-Ehrlichia properties of the dichloromethane fraction of Ageratum conyzoides associated with doxycycline: In vitro study / Propriedades anti-Ehrlichia da fração diclorometânica de Ageratum conyzoides associada com doxiciclina: estudo in vitro

The increasing number of cases of canine ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis in hospitals and veterinary clinics has demonstrated the need for a new drug protocol for this disease. Doxycycline is used to treat ehrlichiosis, but the resistance of the microorganism to this treatment protocol, as well as the various side effects to the animals, has become a concern. Several studies have shown a positive interaction with extracts of plants and drugs, which allow for the reduction of the concentration necessary to produce the desired effect, minimizing adverse effects. This study determined the efficiency of the combination of the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of Ageratum conyzoides L. with anti-Ehrlichia activity and doxycycline by using the checkerboard assay. Plant material was collected in São Luís, northeastern Brazil, followed by extraction in MeOH: H2O (8:2) and partitioning of the DCM fraction. After determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the fraction under study against DH82 cells infected with Ehrlichia canis, it was combined with doxycycline to derive the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (CIF Index). A reduction of 5.83 times the doxycycline minimum inhibitory concentration was observed, showing that this fraction of A. conyzoides composed predominantly by the class of lignans, identified by mass spectrometry notably intensified the activity of doxycycline against E. canis, resulting in a synergistic effect.(AU)

O crescente número de casos de erliquiose canina por Ehrlichia canis em hospitais e clínicas veterinárias tem demonstrado a necessidade de um novo protocolo de medicamentos para essa doença. A doxiciclina é usada para tratar a erliquiose, mas a resistência do microrganismo a esse protocolo de tratamento, bem como os diversos efeitos colaterais para os animais, tornou-se uma preocupação. Vários estudos têm demonstrado interação positiva com extratos de plantas e fármacos, que permitem a redução da concentração necessária para produzir o efeito desejado, minimizando os efeitos adversos. Este estudo determinou a eficiência da combinação da fração diclorometânica (DCM) de Ageratum conyzoides L. com atividade anti-Ehrlichia canis associada com doxiciclina por meio do ensaio de Checkerboard. O material vegetal foi coletado em São Luís, Maranhão, nordeste do Brasil, seguido pela extração em MeOH:H2O (8:2) e partição da fração diclorometânica. Após a determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) da fração em estudo frente às células DH82 infectadas com Ehrlichia canis, a mesma foi combinada com a doxiciclina para derivação do Índice de Concentração Inibitória da Fração (Índice CIF). Observou-se uma redução de 5,83 vezes a concentração inibitória mínima da doxiciclina mostrando que esta fração de A. conyzoides, composta predominantemente por lignanas identificadas por espectrometria de massas, notavelmente intensificou a atividade desse fármaco contra E. canis, resultando em um efeito sinérgico.(AU)

Ocorrência de infecção concomitante natural por Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. e Babesia sp. em cão assistido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia / Occurrence of concomitant natural infection by Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. and Babesia sp. in a dog assisted at the Hospital of the Veterinary University of Uberlândia

Foi atendido no ambulatório do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia um canino sem raça definida de quatro anos de idade, domiciliado. Na anamnese o proprietário relatou que o cão estava apático, inapetente, com prurido e dificuldade respiratória. Durante o exame clínico específico observou-se hipertrofia dos linfonodos poplíteos, esplenomegalia, além de uma discreta hipertermia. O hemograma revelou trombocitopenia e leucopenia com eosinopenia e monocitopenia. No esfregaço sanguíneo periférico foram encontradas mórulas de Ehrlichiasp. em monócitos, mórulas de Anaplasma sp. em plaquetas e inclusões intraeritrocitárias de Babesia sp. O animal foi tratado com doxiciclina e imizol, tendo seu retorno após quinze dias do início do tratamento, e ao realizar novos exames hematológicos os resultados se mostraram normais sem nenhum achado na pesquisa de hemoparasitos, o que indica o sucesso do tratamento proposto. (AU)

It was treated at the Hospital of the Veterinary University of Uberlândia a mixed breed dog with four years old, domiciled. In the interview the owner reported that the canine was lethargic, inapetente with itching and difficulty breathing. During the specific clinical examination there was hypertrophy of popliteal lymph nodes, splenomegaly, and a slight hyperthermia. The blood count revealed a thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and with eosinopeniamonocytopenia. In peripheral blood smear was found morulae of Ehrlichia sp. into monocytes, morulaof Anaplasma sp. into platelets and inclusions intraerytrocytic Babesia sp. The animal was treated with doxycycline and imizol and hashis return after fifteen days of starting treatment, and after making new blood tests the results were normal with no finding in hemoparasite research, which indicates the success of the proposed treatment. (AU)

Ocorrência de infecção concomitante natural por Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. e Babesia sp. em cão assistido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia / Occurrence of concomitant natural infection by Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. and Babesia sp. in a dog assisted at the Hospital of the Veterinary University of Uberlândia

Foi atendido no ambulatório do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia um canino sem raça definida de quatro anos de idade, domiciliado. Na anamnese o proprietário relatou que o cão estava apático, inapetente, com prurido e dificuldade respiratória. Durante o exame clínico específico observou-se hipertrofia dos linfonodos poplíteos, esplenomegalia, além de uma discreta hipertermia. O hemograma revelou trombocitopenia e leucopenia com eosinopenia e monocitopenia. No esfregaço sanguíneo periférico foram encontradas mórulas de Ehrlichiasp. em monócitos, mórulas de Anaplasma sp. em plaquetas e inclusões intraeritrocitárias de Babesia sp. O animal foi tratado com doxiciclina e imizol, tendo seu retorno após quinze dias do início do tratamento, e ao realizar novos exames hematológicos os resultados se mostraram normais sem nenhum achado na pesquisa de hemoparasitos, o que indica o sucesso do tratamento proposto.

It was treated at the Hospital of the Veterinary University of Uberlândia a mixed breed dog with four years old, domiciled. In the interview the owner reported that the canine was lethargic, inapetente with itching and difficulty breathing. During the specific clinical examination there was hypertrophy of popliteal lymph nodes, splenomegaly, and a slight hyperthermia. The blood count revealed a thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and with eosinopeniamonocytopenia. In peripheral blood smear was found morulae of Ehrlichia sp. into monocytes, morulaof Anaplasma sp. into platelets and inclusions intraerytrocytic Babesia sp. The animal was treated with doxycycline and imizol and hashis return after fifteen days of starting treatment, and after making new blood tests the results were normal with no finding in hemoparasite research, which indicates the success of the proposed treatment.

Erliquiose canina revisão de literatura / Ehrlichiosis canine - literature review

A Erliquiose é uma das principais doenças infecto-contagiosas, causada por um hemoparasita da ordem Rickettsiales e do gênero Ehrlichia spp., são parasitas intracelulares obrigatórios de células hematopoiéticas maduras ou imaturas. A principal espécie que acomete os cães é a Ehrlichia canis. Sua transmissão pode ocorrer pela participação de um vetor, o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus, ou por transfusão sanguínea. Os cães infectados com E. canis podem desenvolver sinais brandos a intensos ou mesmo não apresentar sinais, dependendo da fase da doença em que se encontram. O diagnóstico clínico geralmente não é o suficiente para confirmação da doença, devido aos sinais clínicos inespecíficos, portanto há a necessidade de diagnóstico complementar. Apesar de ser uma doença que pode ser bem severa, o tratamento é simples, e consiste na administração de antibióticos; sendo a doxiciclina o antibiótico de escolha. Sua incidência vem aumentando significativamente nos últimos anos, em todas as regiões do Brasil, por isso a necessidade de maior estudo e entendimento sobre esta enfermidade. (AU)

Ehrlichiosis is one of the major infectious diseases, caused by a hemoparasite of Rickettsiales order and genus Ehrlichia spp., Are obligate intracellular parasites of immature and mature hematopoietic cells. The main species that affects dogs is Ehrlichia canis. Transmission can occur through the participation of a vector, the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus, or by blood transfusion. Infected with E. canis dogs may develop mild to intense signs or no signs, depending on the stage of the disease in which they are. Clinical diagnosis is usually not enough to confirm the disease, due to nonspecific clinical signs, so there is the need for additional diagnostic. Although a disease which can be very severe, treatment is simple and consists in the administration of antibiotics; Doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice. Its incidence has increased during the recent years in all regions of Brazil, so the need for more study and understanding of this disease. (AU)

Erliquiose canina – revisão de literatura / Ehrlichiosis canine - literature review

A Erliquiose é uma das principais doenças infecto-contagiosas, causada por um hemoparasita da ordem Rickettsiales e do gênero Ehrlichia spp., são parasitas intracelulares obrigatórios de células hematopoiéticas maduras ou imaturas. A principal espécie que acomete os cães é a Ehrlichia canis. Sua transmissão pode ocorrer pela participação de um vetor, o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus, ou por transfusão sanguínea. Os cães infectados com E. canis podem desenvolver sinais brandos a intensos ou mesmo não apresentar sinais, dependendo da fase da doença em que se encontram. O diagnóstico clínico geralmente não é o suficiente para confirmação da doença, devido aos sinais clínicos inespecíficos, portanto há a necessidade de diagnóstico complementar. Apesar de ser uma doença que pode ser bem severa, o tratamento é simples, e consiste na administração de antibióticos; sendo a doxiciclina o antibiótico de escolha. Sua incidência vem aumentando significativamente nos últimos anos, em todas as regiões do Brasil, por isso a necessidade de maior estudo e entendimento sobre esta enfermidade.

Ehrlichiosis is one of the major infectious diseases, caused by a hemoparasite of Rickettsiales order and genus Ehrlichia spp., Are obligate intracellular parasites of immature and mature hematopoietic cells. The main species that affects dogs is Ehrlichia canis. Transmission can occur through the participation of a vector, the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus, or by blood transfusion. Infected with E. canis dogs may develop mild to intense signs or no signs, depending on the stage of the disease in which they are. Clinical diagnosis is usually not enough to confirm the disease, due to nonspecific clinical signs, so there is the need for additional diagnostic. Although a disease which can be very severe, treatment is simple and consists in the administration of antibiotics; Doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice. Its incidence has increased during the recent years in all regions of Brazil, so the need for more study and understanding of this disease.

Doxycycline-Chloroquine combination for the treatment of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis

Background: Ehrlichiosis in dogs is a vector borne disease caused by Ehrlichia canis, from the Anaplasmataceae family, capable of causing multisystemic disorders. Following an incubation period of 8-20 days, acute, subclinical and chronic forms of the disease may develop and affected dogs frequently showed hemorrhage, lymphadenopahty, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, along with cardiac/renal disorders and myelosupression. Most of the untreated dogs spontaneously recover form the acute phase and enters the subclinical phase, in which some of them may develop chronic phase characterized by bone marrow aplasia. Ehrlichial organisms are commonly susceptible to tetracycline derivatives, and doxycycline is probably most commonly used for treatment of the infection. Doxycycline may be quite effective for clearing parasitemia in acute E. canis infection. Clinical recovery may be observed within 2-3 days, besides treatment should be continued for 3 weeks, as some cases may remain carriers even if short treatment protocole is administered. Most dogs infected with CME usually recover from the acute and subclinical phases when treated with doxycycline or other tetracyclines. Some dogs enter the chronic phase of the disease for which the prognosis is grave. The purpose of the present study was to report the presence of E. canis infection in dogs in Aydin, with a special reference to the efficacy of combined doxycycline and chloroquine therapy. Materials, Methods & Results: A propective study was carried out on dogs referred and 12 dogs were diagnosed as canine monocytic ehrlichiosis within traditional buffy coat smear within giemsa staining, Snap 4dx test and nested PCR applications. Data on rectal temperature, clinical haematology and serum biochemistry (involving vbALT, AST and BUN) were registered before and after treatment in both groups. A total of 6 dogs with a diagnosis of CME were enrolled in each group. Group CD (n = 6) received doxycycline (10 mg/kg perorally twice a day for 2 weeks) and chloroquine (2.5 mg/kg perorally twice a day for 2 weeks) and group D received solely doxycycline (10 mg/kg perorally twice a day for 2 weeks). The clinical haematology and biochemistry results of canine ehrlichiosis before (day 0) and after treatment (day 30) for both gorups were compared. Among relevant parameters of aforementioned groups, no statistically significant differences were detected (P > 0.05). Following treatment in both groups the clinical signs were dinished, body temperature of the dogs returned to physiological levels in both groups. Lymphadenopathy was regressed in 1 week, and 1 month later the clinical examination was repeated in which all dogs in combined treated group showed complete clinical recovery, whereas lymphadenopathy was stil evident in some of the dogs in chloroquine group. Discussion: Doxycycline has still been the first line-drug option for the treatment of acute canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, however for the subclinical and chronic phases of the diseases its effectiveness is controversial. Further research are warranted to investigate any adjuvant or combined therapy may be an alternatives. In this clinical trial combined doxycycline and chloroquine therapy were used for dogs with active Ehrlichia canis infection (PCR + and E. canis seroactive). Although there were no statistically significant hematological and serum biochemical differences among dogs treated with doxycycline and chloroquine in contrast to dogs treated alone with doxycycline, clinical recovery was impressive in dogs with combined treatment. These observations demonstrate that chloroquine may have helped hastening the relevant clinical signs of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and clinical improvement.

Ehrlichia canis (Jaboticabal strain) induces the expression of TNF-α in leukocytes and splenocytes of experimentally infected dogs / Amostra Ehrlichia canis (Jaboticabal) induz a expressão de TNF- α em leucócitos e esplenócitos de cães experimentalmente infectados

Canine ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and is characterized by a systemic febrile disease of unknown pathogenesis. This study evaluated the expression of cytokines TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ, in splenic cells and blood leukocytes during the acute phase of ehrlichiosis and after treatment with doxycycline hyclate in dogs experimentally infected with the E. canis Jaboticabal strain. The study results showed a significant expression of TNF-α 18 days post-inoculation, reducing by approximately 70% after treatment. There was a unique peak of expression of IL-10 and IFN-γ 18 and 30 days post-inoculation, respectively. This study suggests that TNF-α plays a role in the pathogenesis of the acute phase of canine ehrlichiosis and that treatment with doxycycline hyclate reduces the systemic effects of this cytokine, possibly by reducing or eliminating parasitemia. (AU)

A erliquiose canina é causada pela bactéria Ehrlichia canis, que desencadeia no hospedeiro uma doença febril e sistêmica, de patogênese pouco conhecida. O presente estudo avaliou a expressão das citocinas TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ, em células esplênicas e em leucócitos sanguíneos, durante a fase aguda da erliquiose e após o tratamento com hiclato de doxiciclina, em cães experimentalmente infectados com a amostra E. canis Jaboticabal. Os resultados mostraram expressão significativa de TNF-α 18 dias após a inoculação, reduzindo aproximadante 70% após o tratamento. Houve um único pico de expressão de IL-10 e de IFN-γ entre 18 e 30 dias após a inoculação, respectivamente. Este estudo sugere que o TNF-α participa da patogenia da fase aguda da erliquiose canina, e que o tratamento com hiclato de doxiciclina reduz os efeitos sistêmicos dessa citocina, possivelmente por reduzir ou eliminar a parasitemia. (AU)

Ehrlichia canis em gato doméstico no Brasil - Relato de caso / Ehrlichia canisin a domestic catin Brazil - case report

A erlichiose felina já havia sido citada em diversos países do mundo e inclusive no Brasil. Contudo, faltava no país relato que confirmasse geneticamente o envolvimento destas bactérias como agentes de doença nos gatos. Com este objetivo, apresenta-se um caso clínico de um gato apático, inapetente e febril, que após a realização do hemograma, no qual foram observadas inclusões intraplaquetárias, optou-sepor realizar exames moleculares e tratá-lo com doxiciclina. O animal respondeu ao tratamento e os exames moleculares, neste PCR e sequenciamento levara mà constatação do DNA de Ehrlichia canis no sangue do felino(AU)

Feline ehrlichiosis has already been described in many countries, including Brazil. However, a genetic confirmation of Ehrlichia canis as the causative agent of disease in cats in Brazil was lacking.The aim of this paper is to present a report of a domestic cat showing fever, depression and lack of appetitis,whose blood was collected in order to perform complete blood count. Surprisingly, it was observed platelet inclusions, and after that, the clinician submitted a blood sample to further molecular tests and decided to treat her with doxycycline. The animal recovered well and the nested PCR test and sequencing led to the confirmation of Ehrlichia canis DNA presence in the feline blood(AU)

Ehrlichia canis em gato doméstico no Brasil - Relato de caso / Ehrlichia canisin a domestic catin Brazil - case report

A erlichiose felina já havia sido citada em diversos países do mundo e inclusive no Brasil. Contudo, faltava no país relato que confirmasse geneticamente o envolvimento destas bactérias como agentes de doença nos gatos. Com este objetivo, apresenta-se um caso clínico de um gato apático, inapetente e febril, que após a realização do hemograma, no qual foram observadas inclusões intraplaquetárias, optou-sepor realizar exames moleculares e tratá-lo com doxiciclina. O animal respondeu ao tratamento e os exames moleculares, neste PCR e sequenciamento levara mà constatação do DNA de Ehrlichia canis no sangue do felino

Feline ehrlichiosis has already been described in many countries, including Brazil. However, a genetic confirmation of Ehrlichia canis as the causative agent of disease in cats in Brazil was lacking.The aim of this paper is to present a report of a domestic cat showing fever, depression and lack of appetitis,whose blood was collected in order to perform complete blood count. Surprisingly, it was observed platelet inclusions, and after that, the clinician submitted a blood sample to further molecular tests and decided to treat her with doxycycline. The animal recovered well and the nested PCR test and sequencing led to the confirmation of Ehrlichia canis DNA presence in the feline blood