Combined Simultaneous In-Clinic, Serology and Molecular Analysis for the Diagnosis of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis)

This article intends to assist the veterinary clinician in the diagnosis of Canine Monocytic Ehrichiois (CME) caused by Ehrlichia canis by combining serological and molecular diagnostic test results. Based on suggestive historical, clinical and hematological findings Point-of-Care diagnostic kits can be used for serological tests for anti-E. canis IgG antibodies and molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to verify the genetic identification for the presence of Ehrlichia canis DNA. The different phases of CME are reviewed and discussed in relation to results obtained from these two diagnostic methods. After assessment of the anarnnesis, the clinical picture and hematological results and followed by preliminary suspicion of CME, a number of scenarios are presented which may be considered using a combination of serological and PCR tests in order to achieve an accurate diagnosis. Further circumstances which are recommended for the simultaneous use of serology and PCR such as thrombocytopenia, well-differentiated lymphocytosis and in the course of monitoring the treatment for CME, are discussed.