Granulocytic anaplasmosis is caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
Thrombocytic anaplasmosis (also known as canine cyclic thrombopaenia) is due to Anaplasma platys.
Transmitted by Ixodes spp. (for granulocytic anaplasmosis) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (for thrombocytic anaplasmosis).
Learn more about the vectors: Ticks
Granulocytic anaplasmosis has the same distribution as Lyme disease. It is found in the Northern hemisphere and cold temperature areas.
Thrombocytic anaplasmosis has the same worldwide distribution as ehrlichiosis.
Fever, haemorrhagic tendencies, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia
In dogs, expression of the infection of granulocytic anaplasmosis is generally mild. The signs of cyclic thrombopaenia are similar to those of canine ehrlichiosis. The disease is poorly described outside the USA.
Clinical
Epidemiological elements + Clinical signs
Laboratory
Direct
Using light microscopy on peripheral stained blood smears, the diagnosis relies on the observation of a typical morula of Anaplasma platys in the platelets for thrombocytic anaplasmosis and the observation of a typical morula of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in the neutrophils for granulocytic anaplasmosis.
Infection is confirmed by PCR detection of bacterial DNA on tissues or blood.
Indirect
Indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assays to determine serum antibody against Anaplasma spp. available in veterinary laboratories.
Fast diagnosis at patient-side, based on an multivalent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is available for the detection of antibodies to E. canis, E. ewingii, A. phagocytophilum and A. platys.
Differential
Other tick-borne pathogens: Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp.
Co-infection with other vector-borne pathogens is reported, especially co-infection with B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum.
Serologic cross-reactivity exists among the different Anaplasma species.
Specific treatment: Doxycycline (10 mg/kg/day for 1 month)
Protecting animals against ticks through the use of acaricides.
Few reports exist on anaplasmosis in cats, and little is known about the prevalence of infection and disease manifestations.
Treatment is the same as for dogs.
