Canine Ehrlichiosis in Africa

Abstract

Canine ehrlichiosis is an infection of canids causing a clinical disease in domestic dogs and asymptomatic infections in wild canids. Currently, the disease assumes a cosmopolitan distribution. This chapter summarises published information on the disease from across Africa. Some studies were able to demonstrate experimental infections in these canids. Different diagnostic methods, cell culture, direct microscopy, serology, hematology, and molecular methods were employed in different studies for detection of ehrlichiosis. Treatment of the disease mainly involved use of oxytetracycline, doxycycline, imidocarb disproportionate, and levamisole. In severe cases, management has involved administration of supportive therapy such as blood transfusion. Generally, though available, the information on different aspects of the disease in the Africa is scant and fragmented. There is still a need to generate more information on the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical aspects, and treatment of the disease.