Clinical and laboratory Features of Canine Anaplasma platys Infection in 32 Naturally Infected Dogs in the Mediterranean Basin

Publication date: Available online 5 July 2016 Source:Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Author(s): Tarek Bouzouraa, Magalie René-Martellet, Jeanne Chêne, Charalampos Attipa, Isabelle Lebert, Karine Chalvet-Monfray, Jean-Luc Cadoré, Lenaig Halos, Luc Chabanne Since the first description of Anaplasma platys Infection (ApI), the disease has been sporadically reported worldwide. Whereas it is considered a subclinical disease in the United States or in Australia, severe cases are reported in Europe. Thus far, little information is available regarding the clinical and laboratory findings associated with the disease and the implication of co-infections with other vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in Southern Europe. The purpose of the study was to describe clinical and laboratory findings in PCR-confirmed naturally infected dogs in the Mediterranean Basin, and to assess the potential impact of co-infections with other VBPs. This is a retrospective analysis of medical records from 32 client-owned dogs diagnosed with ApI using PCR-based assays. Anorexia (62.5%) and weight loss (43.8%) were the major changes, whereas lethargy was less frequent (34.4%). Lymphadenomegaly (43.8%), hyperthermia (40.6%) and hemorrhage (37.5%) were frequent clinical abnormalities, whereas cutaneous signs (31.3%), musculoskeletal disorders (21.9%), splenomegaly (15.6%), dehydration and ocular inflammation (12.5%) were less common. Hematological abnormalities included thrombocytopenia (81.0%),...
Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases - Category: Zoology Source Type: research