Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi (Aug 2022)

Molecular epidemiology, hematological biomarker, associated risk factors and chemotherapeutic trials of ehrlichiosis in dogs in pakistan

  • Shoaib AHMAD,
  • Farhan Ahmad ATIF,
  • Arfan ZAMAN,
  • Syed Nazar ABBAS,
  • Yasir Razzaq KHAN,
  • Ameer Hamza RABBANI,
  • Muhammad SHAHID,
  • Omar NASEER,
  • Ahmad ALI,
  • Kashif HUSSAIN

DOI
https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2022.27559
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 5
pp. 561 – 569

Abstract

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Th e study was a prospective trial, planned to determine the molecular epidemiology of ehrlichiosis in dogs through blood smear microscopy and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 384 cephalic blood samples were collected from domestic (n=288) and stray dogs (n=96) belonging to varied demographics. Molecular detection of Ehrlichia spp. was conducted through PCR by targeting 16S rRNA gene using the genus specific primers. Final logistic regression analysis revealed that previous history of tick infestation and housing hygiene were significant (P<0.001) risk factors associated with molecular prevalence of canine Ehrlichiosis. Th e animals of Group-1 (n=7) received only Minocycline at the rate of 12 mg per kg PO 21 days. Th e dogs of Group-2 (n=7) received Minocycline at the rate of 12 mg per kg PO with Imidocarb dipropionate at the dose rate of 6.6 mg per kg once. Group-3 (n=7) received Ciprofl oxacin 10 mg per kg PO only. Group 4 (n=7) received Ciprofl oxacin 10 mg per kg along with Prednisolone 1 mg for 8 days. Success of treatment was evaluated based on PCR tests. Th e results of the treatment trials revealed 71.42%, 85.71%, 57.14% and 71.42 % recovery rate for Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4, respectively. Th e treatment trial concluded that minocycline along with Imidocarb dipropionate produced highest recovery rates.

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