Magnus Larruscaim Dalmolin

Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in dogs in Southern Brazil

The aims of this study were to determine the occurrence of Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil; and to investigate their association with hematological abnormalities. Serum samples from 196 dogs were first tested using dot-ELISA for antibodies against Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia canis. Peripheral blood samples from 199 dogs were subjected to 16S rRNA nested PCR (nPCR) for A. platys and E. canis, followed by DNA sequencing to ensure pathogen identity. A total of 19/196 samples (9.69%) were positive for Anaplasma spp. using ELISA and 28/199 (14.07%) samples were positive for A. platys by nested PCR. All the dog samples were negative for E. canis, both in anti-E. canis antibody tests and in nested PCR. There were no significant differences in hematological parameters between A. platys-PCR positive and negative dogs and Anaplasma spp. serologically positive dogs, except for basophil counts, which were higher in nPCR-positive dogs. This is the first report showing A. platys presence in dogs in Southern Brazil. In conclusion, hematological parameters may not be sufficient to diagnose A. platys infection in dogs in Southern Brazil, probably due either to low pathogenicity or to chronic infection. On the other hand, E. canis may either have very low occurrence or be absent in dogs in Porto Alegre.

Comparison of JC-1 and MitoTracker probes for mitochondrial viability assessment in stored canine platelet concentrates: A flow cytometry study: Mitochondrial Viability in Stored Platelets

Mitochondria perform crucial roles in many biochemical processes, and mitochondrial depolarization is an early sign of platelet apoptosis. The mitochondrial membrane potential is usually evaluated through JC‐1 probe, but it can also be assessed with MitoTracker probes. Our aim was to evaluate mitochondrial viability in stored canine platelet concentrates (PCs) with the fluorescent probes JC‐1 and MitoTracker. Platelets from 22 canine PCs were stained with JC‐1 and MitoTracker probes on days 1, 3, and 5 of storage. Data on metabolic parameters were also collected for correlation studies. Results of JC‐1 and MitoTracker revealed a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential in day 5 of storage compared to days 1 and 3, providing evidence of mitochondrial depolarization, a finding that was confirmed by the data on metabolic parameters. MitoTracker probes also added information regarding platelet swelling. In conclusion, MitoTracker probes offered a more complete mitochondrial analysis in the evaluation of stored canine PCs.