First molecular detection of Ehrlichia canisand Anaplasma platysin ticks from dogs in Cebu, Philippines

Ehrlichia canisinfection of dogs in the Philippines has been detected by serological and peripheral blood smear examination methods, but not by molecular means. Anaplasma platysinfection in dogs has not yet been officially reported, although it is suspected to occur in the country. Thus, sensitive and specific molecular techniques were used in this study to demonstrate the presence of both E. canisand A. platysin the Philippines. A total of 164 Rhipicephalus sanguineusticks was collected from 36 dogs. Seven tick samples were found positive with E. canisand one sample with A. platys. To further characterize these pathogens, molecular analyses based on citrate synthase and heat-shock operon genes were also performed. Philippine strains were found to be not divergent from strains from other countries. The present results are the first molecular detection and analyses of E. canisand A. platysin ticks from dogs in the Philippines.