2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Results of these studies demonstrate that partial 26S rDNA genotypes of C. guttulatus amplified from fecal DNA of dogs are similar to those observed in domestic pet rabbits but are genetically distinct to sequences amplified from fecal DNA of laboratory rabbits. As such these studies identify a significant genetic diversity of C. guttulatus between different populations of rabbits and suggest the possibility of transmission of C. guttulatus genotypes between dogs and domestic pet rabbits. Ehrlichia canis, E. chaffeensis, and E. ewingii are vector borne pathogens of dogs and people. Amplification of specific DNA is commonly used in the diagnosis of Ehrlichia spp., PCR assays for these agents are commonly available commercially, and positive PCR assay results often occur prior to detection of specific antibodies against Ehrlichia spp.. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of two different commercially available (USA) PCR assays for the amplification of Ehrlichia spp. DNA using samples from naturally exposed dogs in an endemic area.