Infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum in dogs in Germany.

Publication type: 

Authors: 

Kohn B, Silaghi C, Galke D, Arndt G, Pfister K.

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Journal: 

Status: 

Year: 

2010

Reference: 

Res Vet Sci. 2011 Aug;91(1):71-6. Epub 2010 Sep 15. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.08.008

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Pathogen: 

Data description: 

The mean prevalence of A. phagocytophilum seropositivity of 522 dogs (258 suspected to have anaplasmosis, 264 healthy) was 43%

Keywords: 

Anaplasmosis; Ixodes ricinus; IFAT; Real-time PCR; Prevalence

Abstract: 

The main objectives of this prospective study were to establish prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in dogs from Northeast Germany; and to evaluate the hematological parameters of sero- or real-time PCR-positive clinically healthy dogs. The mean prevalence of A. phagocytophilum seropositivity of 522 dogs (258 suspected to have anaplasmosis, 264 healthy) was 43%. There was no difference between sick (46.9%) and healthy dogs (39.8%) (p = 0.100). The PCR test was positive in 30 dogs (20 sick, 10 healthy); morulae were found in 12 of them. Twenty-six of 30 dogs tested PCR-positive between May and September (p < 0.05). There was no difference with regard to abnormal CBC parameters between seropositive and seronegative clinically healthy dogs. The CBC was within reference range in 10 PCR-positive clinically healthy dogs suggesting a routine examination of blood donors for A. phagocytophilum in endemic areas to minimize the risk of transmission.