Molecular and Epidemiological Investigation with Haematobiochemical Profiling of Ehrlichia canis Infection in Dogs from Haryana, India

Background: The study aimed to perform the molecular investigation, clinical observations and haemato-biochemical abnormalities associated with dogs naturally affected with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) from Haryana, India. Methods: The study included 120 dogs suspected of haemoparasitic infection. History and clinical profiles were noted for each dog. PCR tested for four haemoparasites: H. canis, E. canis, B. vogeli and B. gibsoni. Seventeen dogs positive for E. canis underwent clinical investigation, haematological and biochemical analyses. Two 16s rRNA PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetic trees were prepared using MEGA X software. Data were analysed using SPSS 23.1. Parameters in CME-detected animals were compared with those in healthy animals. Result: Most common clinical manifestations associated with CME were pyrexia, anorexia, a congested to pale mucous membrane and lethargy. Epistaxis, lymphadenomegaly, hindlimb weakness, melena and ocular discharge were among the less frequent clinical signs. Haematological findings revealed microcytic hypochromic to normochromic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and normal to raised leucocyte count with absolute neutrophilia and normal to raised lymphocyte count as the main observation. In affected dogs, serum biochemical profiles revealed normal to low protein levels with hypoalbuminemia, reduced A:G ratio, higher GGT activity and an elevated creatinine level. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the partial 16s rRNA sequences of E. canis in the current study were similar to those of E. canis isolates from various regions of India and the world. The current study emphassis the significance of clinical, haematological and biochemical characteristics in the detection and treatment of dogs with CME.