Ehrlichia canis (Jaboticabal strain) induces the expression of TNF-α in leukocytes and splenocytes of experimentally infected dogs.

Abstract

Canine ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and is characterized by a systemic febrile disease of unknown pathogenesis. This study evaluated the expression of cytokines TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ, in splenic cells and blood leukocytes during the acute phase of ehrlichiosis and after treatment with doxycycline hyclate in dogs experimentally infected with the E. canis Jaboticabal strain. The study results showed a significant expression of TNF-α 18 days post-inoculation, reducing by approximately 70% after treatment. There was a unique peak of expression of IL-10 and IFN-γ 18 and 30 days post-inoculation, respectively. This study suggests that TNF-α plays a role in the pathogenesis of the acute phase of canine ehrlichiosis and that treatment with doxycycline hyclate reduces the systemic effects of this cytokine, possibly by reducing or eliminating parasitemia.

• Authors: Joice Lara Maia Faria, Thiago Demarchi Munhoz, Carolina Franchi João, Giovanny Vargas-Hernández, Marcos Rogério André, Wanderson Adriano Biscola Pereira, Rosângela Zacarias Machado, Mirela Tinucci-Costa
• Journal: Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria (Rev Bras Parasitol Vet) 2011 Jan-Mar Vol. 20 Issue 1 Pg. 71-4 ISSN: 1984-2961 [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 21439237 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Topics

• Animals
• Dog Diseases (immunology, microbiology)
• Dogs
• Ehrlichia canis (classification, physiology)
• Ehrlichiosis (immunology, veterinary)
• Leukocytes (immunology)
• Spleen (cytology, immunology)
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (biosynthesis)