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

• Main Authors: Beall Melissa J, Alleman A Rick, Breitschwerdt Ed B, Cohn Leah A, Couto C Guillermo, Dryden Michael W, Guptill Lynn C, Iazbik Cristina, Kania Stephen A, Lathan Patty, Little Susan E, Roy Alma, Sayler Katherine A, Stillman Brett A, Welles Elizabeth G, Wolfson Wendy, Yabsley Michael J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-02-01
• Series: Parasites & Vectors
• Subjects: <it>Ehrlichia</it>; <it>E. canis</it>; <it>E. chaffeensis</it>; <it>E. ewingii</it>; dog; tick; prevalence
• Online Access: http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/5/1/29

<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>