Muhammad Umair Aziz - Canine Ehrlichiosis: A neglected vector borne zoonotic disease in Asia
Channel: Vector-Borne Pathogens in Greater Bay Area
Date: 2022-04-06

Abstract

Ehrlichiosis in dogs is an emerging vector borne rickettsial zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. In general, three Ehrlichial species (Ehrlichia canis, E. ewingii and E. chaffeensis) are involved in infecting dogs. Among them E. canis is the well-known etiological pathogen affectings platelets, monocytes and granulocytes. Dogs act as a reservoir while the main vector responsible for disease transmission is Rhipicephalus sanguineus. However, in East Asian countries, Haemaphysalis longicornis is considered the principal vector for disease transmission. This disease affects multiple organs and systems and has three clinical manifestations including acute, subclinical and chronic. Definitive diagnosis involves visualization of morulae on cytology, detection of antibodies through indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT) and DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In canine ehrlichiosis, no predilection of age or sex is observed; however, Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds are more likely to develop severe clinical manifestations. Doxycycline, rifampicin and minocycline are proven to be effective drugs against canine ehrlichiosis. This review is intended to describe a brief overview of Ehrlichia infection in dogs, its reported prevalence in East and South Asian countries, latest knowledge regarding chemotherapy and associated vectors responsible for the disease transmission. This manuscript also identifies the prevailing knowledge gaps which need further attention of scientific community. 

Speaker Bio

Muhammad Umair Aziz is currently a first year PhD student working under the supervision of Professor Olivier Andre Sparagano in the department of infectious diseases and public health, City university of Hong Kong. He is recipient of Hong Kong PhD fellowship (HKPFS) and Belt and Road award. Broadly conceived his research work is related to vector borne infectious diseases of zoonotic significance. Before coming to Hong Kong he completed his MPhil in clinical veterinary medicine and Doctor of Veterinary medicine (DVM) from the University of veterinary and animal sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan. During his Mphil he also worked as teaching assistant and later Research assistant in the department of veterinary medicine UVAS.

Session Chair: Esa Karalliu and Maryam Fanian