Vol. 11, Special Issue 2 (2022)

Author(s):
Kamlesh K Sahoo, DK Gupta, Kabita Roy, Amita Tiwari, Arpana Raikwar, Shashi Pradhan, Sonali Namdeo, Govind P Choudhary, Ayushi Sawhney, Shruti Bhatt and Mitali Singh

Abstract:
Canine ehrlichiosis is a tick borne disease of canines caused by the intracellular, gram-negative bacteria and clinically characterized by pyrexia, anorexia, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, anaemia, peripheral edema, haemorrhagic tendencies, ocular and neurological signs. It affects dogs, other domestic, wild animal species and humans. E. canis and E. ewingii are commonly found in dogs and E. chaffeensis is commonly known as human monocytic ehrlichiosis. With global warming, expanding tick habitats and increasing international travel the spread of disease to former non-endemic areas is of great concern. Diagnosis is performed on the basis of history of tick infestation, clinical manifestations, parasitological examination, haematobiochemical examination, serological and molecular diagnosis. The drug of choice is doxycycline and other effective drugs like imidocarb dipropionate, Crotalus horridus, rifampicin etc. may be used along with symptomatic and supportive therapy. Prevention involves avoidance of tick exposure and use of tick preventive measures as there is no successful vaccine currently available.