Molecular diagnosis for Ehrlichia canis in cats in the southern zone of the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

This study investigated the molecular presence of Ehrlichia canis in cats from the southern zone of the city of São Paulo, São Paulo State, in an area of environmental fragmentation within the Atlantic Forest Biome. A total of 144 blood samples were collected from cats participating in surgical sterilization campaigns, with no specific selection criteria.  Molecular detection was performed using real-time PCR. The results revealed a frequency of 7.64% (11/144) for the bacterium. The detection of E. canis in cats is significant, considering that this pathogen is traditionally associated with canine infections. These findings indicate molecular evidence of E. canis DNA in cats from the studied area and support the need for further studies including clinical, hematological, and vector-related data.