Results of study over Ehrlichia canis appearing in ticks infesting dogs in Lower Silesian Region

Ehrichia canis is an etiologic agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis — usually asymptomatic in early stage of disease. It is a tick−borne disease. The aim our study was to estimate the prevalence of ricketsia in the tick population, that infested dogs in Lower Silesia region during season 2005 by PCR. The study took to consideration of identification of ticks species and possibility of season−influence on appear of infections. Among collected ticks (n=102), 97% represented Ixodes ricinus. Other species infesting dogs were Ixodes hexagonus (n=1) and Hemaphysalis punctata (n=2). All examined ticks were negative in the PCR reaction of Ehrlichia canis. Because of negative results there was no possibility to establish season−influence of appearing ricketsia infections.