Also known as: Demam kutu
Ehrlichiosis adalah penyakit yang ditularkan kutu, disebabkan oleh bakteri Ehrlichia yang menginfeksi sel darah putih. Pada anjing, Ehrlichia canis yang ditularkan oleh kutu anjing cokelat menyebabkan demam akut dan kecenderungan perdarahan yang dapat berkembang menjadi fase kronis dengan penekanan sumsum tulang. Sebagian spesies Ehrlichia juga menginfeksi manusia melalui gigitan kutu, menjadikannya perhatian zoonosis.
Ehrlichiosis is a rickettsial disease caused by Ehrlichia species, most notably Ehrlichia canis in dogs. It is transmitted by ticks and has zoonotic relatives that infect people.
Infection follows the bite of an infected tick, chiefly the brown dog tick. The bacteria invade white blood cells and disseminate through the body.
Acute disease causes fever, lethargy, weight loss, and bleeding tendencies with low platelets; chronic disease can cause severe bone-marrow suppression and pancytopenia.
Diagnosis uses antibody tests, PCR, and blood smears showing morulae, alongside complete blood counts revealing thrombocytopenia.
Doxycycline is highly effective, especially in the acute phase; transfusions and supportive care may be needed in severe chronic cases.
Use year-round tick control, perform regular tick checks, and manage the environment to reduce brown dog tick infestations.
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.
