Susceptibility of dogs to infection with Ehrlichia chaffeensis, causative agent of human ehrlichiosis
Dawson, J.E.; Ewing, S.A.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 53(8): 1322-1327
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 1510307 Document Number: 404921
Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the newly recognized agent of human ehrlichiosis, is closely related to E. canis, the causative agent of canine ehrlichiosis. Eight pups were inoculated IV with E. chaffeensis-, or with E. canis-infected DH82 cells, or organisms released from these host cells. Two additional pups served as nonexposed controls. Marked thrombocytopenia was observed in the E. canis-infected pups, but not in those infected with E. chaffeensis. Homologous serologic response was observed in the D. chaffeensis-exposed pups by postinoculation day (PID) 14 and in the C. canis-exposed pups by PID 21. Ehrlichia chaffeensis and E. canis were reisolated from the respective inoculated pups on each of 8 attempts from PID 7 to 26. One E. chaffeensis-exposed pup that was challenge exposed with E. canis via blood transfusion, developed fever, anorexia, and thrombocytopenia, sugesting lack of cross protein against E. canis.