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Published on: August 31, 2013
BARTONELLA BODIES IN THE BLOOD OF A NON-SPLENECTOMIZED DOG
J B McNaught1, F M Woods, V Scott
1Department of Pathology, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, N. Y.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
A dog developed Bartonella canis anemia during plasmapheresis due to low plasma proteins. Splenectomy exacerbated infection, suggesting the spleen produces a protective substance against Bartonella.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Plasmapheresis experiments can induce physiological changes affecting disease susceptibility.
- Bartonella canis is an erythrocyte-associated bacterium in dogs.
- The role of the spleen in latent Bartonella infections is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of Bartonella canis infection in a non-splenectomized dog undergoing plasmapheresis.
- To determine the effect of reduced plasma proteins and splenectomy on Bartonella infection.
- To evaluate the efficacy of neoarsphenamine in treating Bartonella canis infection.
Main Methods:
- A non-splenectomized dog on a vitamin-adequate diet underwent plasmapheresis, leading to reduced plasma proteins and anemia.
- Bartonella canis-like bodies were observed on erythrocytes.
- Infection was transferred to a splenectomized dog via whole blood injection.
- Both dogs were treated with neoarsphenamine.
Main Results:
- The non-splenectomized dog developed severe anemia with Bartonella canis-like organisms.
- Plasma protein levels decreased significantly (7.3% to 4.1%) due to diet and blood removal.
- The splenectomized dog contracted the infection after blood transfusion.
- Neoarsphenamine successfully sterilized the infection in both animals.
Conclusions:
- Reduced plasma proteins, potentially exacerbated by plasmapheresis and splenectomy, may facilitate latent Bartonella canis activation.
- The spleen might produce a substance that inhibits Bartonella infection.
- Neoarsphenamine is an effective treatment for Bartonella canis infection in dogs.
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