An Eperythrozoon-like parasite in llamas

An Eperythrozoon-like RBC parasite was found in a herd of llamas in western Kentucky. The light microscopic and electron microscopic features of the organism were similar to those of E suis. Results of an indirect hemagglutination test for E suis were positive with sera from some parasitemic and nonparasitemic llamas. Parasitemic llamas were usually less than 1 year old and had more severe clinical signs of disease than did older llamas. Poor weight gain and growth, anorexia, and prolonged recumbency were the principal signs of disease. Anemia was usually mild and not accompanied by icterus. Hypoglycemia was associated with parasitemia. Some response to oral or parenteral treatment with tetracycline was noticed, but recrudescence of the infection in some treated llamas was observed. Llamas in nearly every region of the United States have had titers in approximately 12% of samples tested, suggesting that infection with the organism may be widespread. Parasitemic llamas have been recognized in at least 8 states.