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Ehrlichia canis PCR testing detects the causative agent of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME), an important tick-borne disease with worldwide distribution. This rickettsial pathogen infects monocytes and macrophages, causing a disease that can progress through acute, subclinical, and chronic phases, each with distinct clinical presentations requiring prompt diagnosis for successful management.
Early Acute Phase DetectionSubclinical Carrier IdentificationChronic Disease DiagnosisTreatment Response MonitoringMulti-organ System Evaluation.png)
Ehrlichia canis, transmitted primarily by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), causes Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis, a multisystemic disease that progresses through distinct phases. The acute phase (1-3 weeks post-infection) presents with fever, depression, anorexia, lymphadenopathy, and mild thrombocytopenia. The subclinical phase may last months to years with no clinical signs but persistent infection. The chronic phase can develop with severe pancytopenia, bleeding tendencies, neurological signs, and potential fatality. PCR testing is particularly valuable during acute and subclinical phases when antibody tests may be negative.
Clinical Significance of E. canis Testing
Phase-Dependent Diagnosis: Different diagnostic approaches based on disease phase.
Platelets Impact: Critical monitoring for thrombocytopenia and bleeding risk.
Bone Marrow Suppression: Risk of pancytopenia in chronic cases.
Treatment Timing: Early detection enables more successful therapeutic outcomes.
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