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Experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila in cattle
H Brun-Hansen1, H Grønstøl, F Hardeng
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine, Oslo, Norway.
Summary
Norwegian Red cattle inoculated with Ehrlichia (Cytoecetes) phagocytophila developed fever, hematological changes, and antibodies. This study details the clinical and hematological effects of bovine anaplasmosis in young cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Ehrlichia (Cytoecetes) phagocytophila causes bovine anaplasmosis, an important tick-borne disease affecting cattle.
- Understanding the clinical manifestations and hematological changes is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical signs, hematological alterations, and antibody response in Norwegian Red cattle experimentally infected with Ehrlichia (Cytoecetes) phagocytophila.
Main Methods:
- Twenty Norwegian Red cattle (8-10 months old) were used, with ten inoculated intravenously with E. phagocytophila.
- Daily monitoring for clinical symptoms, temperature recording, and regular collection of blood and serum samples for 36 days post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- All infected cattle exhibited fever, with some experiencing secondary temperature rises.
- Hematological changes included decreased hematocrit, leukopenia (lymphopenia followed by neutropenia), monocytosis, and thrombocytopenia.
- Granulocytic inclusions were detected for 18-32 days, and all infected animals developed high antibody titers (> or = 1:4096) to E. phagocytophila within 14 days.
Conclusions:
- Experimental infection with Ehrlichia (Cytoecetes) phagocytophila induces significant clinical and hematological changes in young Norwegian Red cattle.
- The study confirms the pathogenicity of this bovine strain and highlights the development of a robust antibody response.