Molecular Detection of Ehrlichia Canis from guard Dogs in Isfahan City, Iran

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is one of the most important infectious diseases of domestic and stray dogs, which is caused by Gram-negative intracellular bacteria and infects monocytes. Dogs are the main reservoir, and Rhipicephalus sanguineous tick is the vector of this disease. This disease has a global geographic distribution, but there is little information about the percentage of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) infection in Iran. The present study was conducted to investigate the presence of E.ثاق in guard dogs in Isfahan city. 110 blood samples from guard dogs in the areas of Isfahan city with an average age of 3.5 years were randomly selected and analyzed by direct blood smear and molecular methods. 13 samples (12.14%) were molecularly positive, including seven male dogs (53.84%) and six female dogs (46.15%). Hematological changes were not detectable in infected samples. In examining the percentage of E.canis infection with the help of SPSS version 24 software, no significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between the tested age groups. The results show the prevalence of the disease in the guard dogs of Isfahan and considering that some species of Ehrlichiosis are consider potential zoonoses. Therefore, the role of infected dogs as potential sources of infection for humans is important due to the common aspects between humans and animals.