Method : Membrane Immunochromatography

Analysis : Detection of anti-Ehrlichia canis antibodies

Sample : Whole blood with anticoagulant, serum or plasma

Preparation : 2 minutes

Reading : 15 minutes

Storage : 24 months at room temperature
(2°C to 30°C)

Presentation : 6 tests

Reliability : Compared with the reference method, Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFAT):

Sensitivity: 87%
Specificity: 95% ⁽¹⁾

Canine ehrlichiosis is caused by a bacterial infection of white blood cells: Ehrlichia canis

The vector of the disease is the brown tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Ehrlichia is present throughout Europe.

In endemic areas (the Mediterranean basin), the seroprevalence may be as high as 20% depending on the region ⁽²⁾. In these zones, Leishmaniosis is high prevalent. Co infections and differential diagnosis is difficult.

After an acute clinical phase of 1 to 4 weeks, the infection becomes chronic, with hematological and biochemical abnormalities: anemia, hypoproteinemia, clotting disorders ⁽³⁾.
Serological diagnosis is vital in the face of such a polymorphic clinical presentation.

Speed Ehrli can be used to detect recent infection with Ehrlichia canis but also animals that are chronic carriers of the bacteria. Speed Ehrli is ideally suited to a regular monitoring.

In the event of indicative clinical signs, Speed Ehrli can be used to help the practionner to the differential diagnosis.

In group housing situations, Speed Ehrli can be used to detect carrier animals prior to their introduction, thus enabling the instigation of appropriate sanitary measures. Speed Ehrli can be used to minimize the risks of contamination during blood transfusion.