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Serologic diagnosis of human ehrlichiosis using two Ehrlichia canis isolates
J E Dawson1, Y Rikihisa, S A Ewing
1Viral and Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|March 1, 1991
Summary
A new canine cell line, DH82, effectively grows Ehrlichia canis, a bacterium causing ehrlichiosis. This advance provides a better source for diagnostic antigens compared to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary microbiology
- Cell biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ehrlichia canis is a rickettsial organism implicated in human ehrlichiosis in the U.S.
- Current methods for propagating E. canis in canine monocytes yield limited antigen quantities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and evaluate a continuous canine macrophage cell line (DH82) for improved propagation of Ehrlichia canis.
- To assess the utility of the DH82 cell line for generating diagnostic antigens.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of a new Ehrlichia canis strain from a carrier dog's blood.
- Propagation of the E. canis isolate in the DH82 continuous canine macrophage cell line.
- Serologic comparison of the Oklahoma E. canis isolate (grown in DH82) with a Florida isolate using commercial antigen slides.
Main Results:
- The DH82 cell line successfully supported the growth of the new E. canis isolate.
- Serologic comparison demonstrated 100% specificity and 87.5% sensitivity for the Oklahoma isolate cultured in DH82.
- This method offers a more efficient way to obtain E. canis antigens.
Conclusions:
- The DH82 continuous canine macrophage cell line is a viable and effective system for culturing Ehrlichia canis.
- This cell line facilitates the production of sufficient quantities of E. canis antigen for diagnostic purposes.
- The findings suggest improved diagnostic capabilities for ehrlichiosis.