SABER. Revista Multidisciplinaria del Consejo de Investigación de la Universidad de Oriente ISSN: 1315-0162 [email protected] Universidad de Oriente Venezuela Gutiérrez, Clara Nancy; Pérez-Ybarra, Luis; Agrela, Irma Fátima EHRLICHIOSIS CANINA SABER. Revista Multidisciplinaria del Consejo de Investigación de la Universidad de Oriente, vol. 28, núm. 4, octubre-diciembre, 2016, pp. 641-665 Universidad de Oriente Cumaná, Venezuela Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=427751143001 Abstract Canine ehrlichiosis is an emerging infectious disease transmitted by ticks, caused by Ehrlichia spp. (Proteobacteria: Ricketsiales), which affects members of the family Canidae. The etiological agents are Gram-negative, obligate intracellular, rounded, and pleomorphic bacteria, the latter especially in cell cultures. These bacteria are localized in vacuoles surrounded by membranes (morulae) in the blood cells cytoplasm, and depending on the species, have a tropism for lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes. Historically the disease is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, but is reported increasingly in temperate climate regions. This can be attributed to several factors, which include the improvement in diagnostic tools, environmental and climate change (global warming) that directly influence the distribution of ticks, and the large number of travels with pets from one place to another in the planet, which has contributed to the establishment of this disease in non-endemic areas. Co-infection with other tick-borne pathogens is common and this complicates the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. Often, the pathogen cannot be completely eliminated despite antibiotic therapy and resolution of clinical signs. Currently, there is no vaccine available, making the use of ectoparaticide to be a good choice for the prevention of the disease. This disease is a problem in veterinary medicine and zoonotic potential of these agents is a consideration of great importance to human health. Keywords Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, dog, ehrlichia, zoonosis, rickettsia How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative.