Bulla, C.Takahira, R. K.Araujo, J. P.Trinca, L. A.Lopes, R. S.Wiedmeyer, C. E.2014-05-202014-05-202004-01-01Veterinary Research. Les Ulis Cedexa: E D P Sciences, v. 35, n. 1, p. 141-146, 2004.0928-4249http://hdl.handle.net/11449/12707Ehrlichia canis is the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. In order to evaluate platelet counts as a screening test for E. canis in an endemic area, 217 whole blood samples from dogs were divided into three groups: 71 non-thrombocytopenic samples (group A, platelet counts greater than 200000/muL) and 146 thrombocytopenic samples (less than 200000/muL). The thrombocytopenic group was further divided into 62 with platelet counts between 100000-200000/muL (Group B) and 84 samples with less than 100000 platelets/muL (Group C). All samples were examined for the presence of a segment of the Ehrlichia canis 16S rRNA gene using a nested polymerase chain reaction. Sixty-seven of the 217 samples (30.9%) were positive for the presence of the E. canis 16S rRNA gene; 53 (63.1%) of the group C samples and 13 (21%) of group B. Only one (1.4%) of the non-thrombocytopenic samples (Group A) was positive. These data support the concept that platelet counts may be a good screening test for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, and that the magnitude of thrombocytopenia may increase the reliability of diagnosis.141-146engEhrlichia canisthrombocytopeniaplatelet countsscreeningPCRArtigo10.1051/vetres:2003038WOS:000220751200011Acesso abertoWOS000220751200011.pdf37204893664279550000-0003-3323-4199