In Germany, parasites of the species Babesia canis and, more rarely, Babesia gibsoni are detected.
Characteristic are the pear-shaped merozoites in the erythrocytes.
Diagnostic options: Antibody detection or direct detection (PCR)
Anaplasma spp.
Brief characterization:
An important representative of these intracellular bacteria is Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
Characteristic are morulae in the cytoplasm of neutrophilic granulocytes.
Diagnostic options: Antibody detection or direct detection (PCR)
Ehrlichia spp.
Brief characterization:
The most important etiological agent of this genus is Ehrlichia canis.
Diagnostic options: Antibody detection or direct detection (PCR).
Microscopically, morulae can be detected in the cytoplasm of monocytes.
The most important hematological change during the course of infection is thrombocytopenia.
The incubation period is 1 to 3 weeks, followed by an acute phase of illness that usually lasts about 2–4 weeks. Afterward, the disease may either resolve spontaneously or progress to a subclinical or chronic phase.
Borrelia spp.
Brief characterization:
Borrelia are bacteria of the class Spirochaetia.
Diagnostic options: Antibody detection (IgM and IgG) or direct detection (PCR).
It is recommended to verify positive ELISA results with an immunoblot test. This allows differentiation of a Borrelia infection from other spirochetes, as well as from post-infectious and vaccine-induced antibodies.
Dirofilaria spp.
Brief characterization:
Clinically relevant are two species: Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens.
Microscopically, microfilariae can be detected in a blood smear.
Diagnostic options: Antibody detection or direct detection (PCR).
Haemotrophic mycoplasmas
Brief characterization:
These intracellular bacteria are transmitted between animals by blood-sucking insects, and vertical transmission is also possible.
Characteristic are dot-like, chain-like, or ring-shaped structures observable on the surface of erythrocytes in cats (and very rarely in dogs).
Diagnostic options: Direct detection (PCR).
Any suspected presence of hemotropic Mycoplasma in a blood smear should be confirmed by PCR testing.
Hepatozoon canis
Brief characterization:
Hepatozoon is a genus of parasitic single-celled organisms.
Characteristic is the detection of brick-shaped gamonts in neutrophilic granulocytes and monocytes.
