STUDIES ON PATHOGENESIS OF RICKETTSIA-RICKETTSII IN DOG - CLINICAL AND CLINICOPATHOLOGIC CHANGES OF EXPERIMENTAL-INFECTION

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 38  (6) , 851-856
Abstract
Beagle dogs inoculated with the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, R. rickettsii, developed a clinical syndrome that extended from febrile exanthema to death and appeared to be dose related. Infected dogs were anorectic and lethargic and developed cutaneous lesions characteristic of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, including petechia, ecchymosis, edema and necrosis. Hematologic changes after inoculation included anemia, leukopenia proceeding to leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. Changes in blood chemistry values included increases in serum alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol, and hyponatremia and hypochloremia. The prominent histopathologic change was necrotizing vasculitis. The canine disease is comparable with human Rocky Mountain spotted fever on a clinical, hematologic, biochemical and pathologic basis, and may provide a model system for this disease in man. The results suggest the dog may be involved in the epidemiology of R. rickettsii infections.