Serum DHEA-S increases in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis

Res Vet Sci. 2015 Jun:100:18-20. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.04.010. Epub 2015 Apr 17.

Abstract

Adrenocortical disturbances are expected in canine ehrlichiosis due to the immunological challenges caused by infection and consequent inflammation. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of adrenocortical hormonal alterations in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis (n = 21) as positively confirmed by the presence of anti-E. canis antibodies (Dot-ELISA) and nested PCR (nPCR). Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) concentrations were assessed via ELISA before and one hour after ACTH stimulation. Another 10 healthy dogs were subjected to the same stimulation protocol and used as controls. The results revealed that baseline and post-ACTH DHEA-S concentrations were significantly greater in sick dogs, regardless of gender, and this finding illustrates the stress induced by naturally acquired ehrlichiosis in dogs.

Keywords: Adrenal; DHEA-S; Dogs; Ehrlichia canis; Stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / administration & dosage
  • Animals
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / blood*
  • Dog Diseases / metabolism
  • Dog Diseases / microbiology*
  • Dogs
  • Ehrlichia canis / physiology*
  • Ehrlichiosis / metabolism
  • Ehrlichiosis / microbiology
  • Ehrlichiosis / veterinary*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
  • Female
  • Male
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary

Substances

  • Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone