Beskrivning
Ehrlichia canis
The tamaVet® Ehrlichia canis Test is intended for the rapid detection of specific antibodies against Ehrlichia canis in the whole blood, serum or plasma of dogs. The bacterium Ehrlichia canis belongs to the Rickettsiales order, and is transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) caused by this pathogen can be acute, subclinical or chronic. A monocyte infestation suppresses immune function and can cause mild to life-threatening symptoms such as leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, dyspnoea, fever, vomiting, epistaxis, haemorrhagic diathesis, lymphadenopathy, weight loss and apathy. Symptoms
affecting the central nervous system have also been documented. The subsequent subclinical phase can last for weeks or years, and in the chronic stage bleeding, oedema, pancytopenia, hyperglobulinaemia, splenomegaly and immune complex diseases can also occur. The detection of antibodies is possible from the 7th day after infection, but seroconversion can also take up to four weeks. The test is suitable for the early detection of suspected infection with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis or in the case of clinical symptoms. If necessary, repeating the test is recommended.