A Novel Neorickettsial Infection in 3 Dogs in the Pacific Northwest

3Citations
Citations of this article
17Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

The genus Neorickettsia includes obligate, intracellular bacteria responsible for diseases including Potomac horse fever caused by Neorickettsia risticii and salmon poisoning disease (SPD) caused by Neorickettsia helminthoeca. The Stellanchasmus falcatus (SF) agent is a member of this genus previously associated only with mild clinical signs in dogs. Between 2013 and 2016, 3 dogs in Washington State (USA) presented with disease suggestive of SPD, but N. helminthoeca was not detected by molecular techniques. Clinical signs included depression, anorexia, and diarrhea. Cytologic examination of aspirates supported a diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis with organisms suggestive of Neorickettsia. Dogs either died or were humanely euthanized due to poor response to therapy. Necropsy findings included lymphadenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Histopathology identified granulomatous and lymphoplasmacytic splenitis, lymphadenitis, enteritis, and hepatitis with extensive necrosis. Neorickettsia DNA was detected using genus-specific primers and direct sequencing showed 100% sequence identity to the SF agent in all 3 dogs. This is the first clinicopathologic description of severe disease in dogs attributed to the SF agent. These findings may suggest the emergence of a novel neorickettsial disease in the Pacific Northwest.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Pastenkos, G., Snekvik, K., Bradway, D., Cerchiaro, I., Mehain, S., Krytenberg, D., & Eckstrand, C. (2020). A Novel Neorickettsial Infection in 3 Dogs in the Pacific Northwest. Veterinary Pathology, 57(2), 286–289. https://doi.org/10.1177/0300985820901331

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free