Seroprevalence of anti-Ehrlichia sp. and Anaplasma sp. antibodies in dogs sheltered in 2022 in Maceió, Alagoas

Abstract

Hemoparasitoses are diseases that have many cases in the medical-veterinary routine, mainly affecting dogs. Main hemoparasitoses include canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) and canine thrombocytic anaplasmosis (CTA). The present study aimed to carry out an analysis regarding cases of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis and the presence of antibodies against Ehrlichia sp. and Anaplasma sp. in dogs treated by the Integra Animal Project, observing epidemiological data, such as age group, sex, and presence of ticks. Blood count, epidemiological profile, and 4DXs plus test were analyzed from 102 dogs taken in by the project. A descriptive analysis was carried out regarding the collected data, focusing on data such as age group (in months), presence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, erythrogram, leukogram, and animals positive and negative for ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. Out of the 102 dogs, 48 (47%) of the animals had antibodies to Ehrlichia canis., and 23 (22.5%) had antibodies to Anaplasma platys. With these results, it was possible to analyze the hematological evidence in positive and negative dogs and draw conclusions from the study’s findings. Notably, among the positive animals, only 4 (4%) had the presence of ticks and no clinical manifestations, while 32 (31.7%) showed normocytic normochromic anemia and no significant changes in leukogram variables. There was no statistical difference between genders and the presence of ticks, with substantial change only being noticeable in elderly dogs due to the prevalence of antibodies in the animal’s body. It is concluded that the 4DX plus test effectively detects antibodies for these infections. However, it requires direct correlation with laboratory tests, contributing significantly to the diagnosis and treatment of canine ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.