Molecular prevalence and factors associated with Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs from the North Pantanal wetland, Brazil

Background and Aim: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the obligatory intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia canis, which distributed across tropical subtropical regions worldwide. Its prevalence within dog populations high in municipalities located Pantanal biome, but it remains unknown Barão de Melgaço, Mato Grosso, Brazil. This study aimed to determine molecular factors associated with E. canis infection dogs domiciled Melgaço. Materials Methods: A cross-sectional was carried out investigate of 369 from urban rural areas North wetland, Initially, were examined, and, through questionnaire, risk investigated. Blood samples subjected DNA extraction PCR performed estimate infection. Results: The 42.5% none studied variables significantly polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity (p > 0.05). Conclusion: demonstrates an increased transmission agent city. also indicates that attention needs be paid control measures should introduced prevent its transmission. demographic clinical commonly this not positivity. Keywords: bacterium, DNA, dog, ehrlichiosis, Pantanal.