Clinical relevance of annual screening using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SNAP 3Dx) for canine ehrlichiosis

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2009 May-Jun;45(3):118-24. doi: 10.5326/0450118.

Abstract

Eighty-six dogs were selected based upon Ehrlichia (E.) canis SNAP 3Dx positive results to determine clinical relevance of annual E. canis screening. Immunofluorescence assay showed 72 (84%) of 86 dogs were seroreactive for E. canis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed that 12 (14%) of 86 dogs had Ehrlichia deoxyribonucleic acid; seven had E. canis, four had E. ewingii, and one was coinfected with E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii. Thrombocytopenia (<164,000 platelets/microL) was found in 28 (39%) of 72 dogs. In this study, thrombocytopenia was frequently detected in healthy Ehrlichia SNAP 3Dx-positive dogs, whereas active infection was infrequently confirmed by PCR. Therefore, treatment based upon screening results alone is not recommended.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / standards
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / veterinary
  • Dog Diseases / blood
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dogs
  • Ehrlichia / genetics
  • Ehrlichia / immunology
  • Ehrlichia / isolation & purification
  • Ehrlichiosis / blood
  • Ehrlichiosis / diagnosis
  • Ehrlichiosis / veterinary*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / standards
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / standards
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / veterinary*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary*
  • Thrombocytopenia / blood
  • United States