Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis in dogs from Monterrey, Mexico

Infection by Ehrlichia canis in dogs causes the worldwide tick-borne disease called canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), and the presence of E. canis has been serologically demonstrated in all continents, with prevalence ranging from 0.2 to 80%. In southern Mexico, a prevalence of 44% was found, whereas in the northwest part of the country it varies from 21 to 49%. In the present study, a commercial kit for the detection of antibodies against E. canis was used in 391 dogs from the city of Monterrey, which is located at northeast of Mexico. A total of 54 samples were positive, giving a prevalence of 13%. According to sex, prevalence was 14% for males and 13% for females. Positive animals varied in age from 21 to 132 months old and only 10 of them presented ticks. As in the southern and northwest parts of Mexico, CME is present in northeast region, although with a lower prevalence. Key words: Ehrlichia canis, dogs, serology, Mexico.