Doença renal na infecção natural por Ehrlichia canis em cães

Abstract

The canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, caused by intracellular bacteria Ehrlichia canis, can affect different organs including the kidney, in different stages of infection, and is considered one of the main causes of death related to the disease. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of kidney disease in dogs naturally infected with E. canis correlating with severity of renal disease. The evaluated 79 dogs for E. canis infection by Polymerase chain reaction and serology (dot ELISA), and the detection of kidney disease by serum concentration of urea, creatinine, urinalysis, urinary gamma glutamyl transferase and proteinuria and severity of kidney disease the classification of international renal interest society. Dogs surveyed, 60 (75.9%) were positive by PCR and 70 (88.6%) had anti- E. canis. It was observed laboratory test abnormalities consistent with renal disease in infected dogs, but no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05). According to international renal interest society, 43.3% positive dogs were in stage I of kidney disease, although not statistically significant, in 10% of these dogs the azotemia was considered moderate to severe renal impairment indicating intense. The finding of a high immune stimulation and renal commitment in E. canis infection, reinforce the need for monitoring of renal function.