Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and its occurence, diagnosis, treatment and prevention in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Ehrlichia canis is an obligate, intracellular organism and besides the other ehrlichial pathogens, it is the primary causative agent, which is involved in causing Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME). CME is a multisystemic, vector-borne disease of dogs, which is by now distributed worldwide, however it can mostly be found in tropical and subtropical climates. Since Sri Lanka provides the typical tropical conditions, CME is one of the most common tick borne diseases of Sri Lankan dogs. E. canis is mainly transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), hence the disease is more prevalent in warmer countries (2).