Ehrlichiosis, a vector-borne disease primarily transmitted by ticks, is caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae. Our multidisciplinary team of scientists and technical experts leverages the latest advancements in genomics, immunology, and drug discovery to drive innovative solutions for the prevention and therapeutics of Ehrlichiosis.
Introduction to Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is a serious tick-borne infectious disease caused by bacteria belonging to the Anaplasmataceae family, specifically the genera Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. These obligate intracellular pathogens target and destroy white blood cells, posing significant health risks to humans, livestock, and companion animals.
The Ehrlichia species known to cause human infections include A. phagocytophilum, E. ewingii, E. chaffeensis, E. canis, Neorickettsia sennetsu, and the newly discovered E. muris eauclairensis. These bacteria are transmitted by various tick vectors and exhibit diverse host cell tropisms, infecting monocytes, granulocytes, and endothelial cells.
Fig. 1 Blood smear from a dog with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). (Mylonakis M. E., et al., 2017)
Vaccine Development for Ehrlichiosis
The development of effective vaccines against Ehrlichia species has been a significant challenge, primarily due to the genetic and antigenic heterogeneity exhibited by these pathogens. The most well-studied Ehrlichia species in this context is E. ruminantium, the causative agent of the economically important heartwater disease in livestock.
E. ruminantium has demonstrated substantial genetic diversity, with at least eight distinct 16S rRNA genotypes identified and evidence of active recombination and genome plasticity. This heterogeneity has contributed to the inconsistent efficacy of various experimental vaccines, as the relevant antigens and protective immune responses can vary significantly across different strains.
Similarly, while E. chaffeensis exhibits less genetic diversity compared to E. ruminantium, it still presents obstacles in vaccine development due to variations in the major outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and tandem repeat proteins (TRPs) that are considered priority vaccine candidates. Interestingly, E. canis strains in the Americas appear to be more genetically conserved, which may facilitate the development of a broadly effective canine vaccine.
Therapeutics Development for Ehrlichiosis
The standard antibiotic therapeutic for Ehrlichiosis is doxycycline, which has been shown to be effective in clearing the infection and promoting rapid clinical improvement. However, alternative antibiotic options, such as rifampin and chloramphenicol, have also been explored, particularly for patients with tetracycline allergies.
Beyond antibiotics, our researchers have been investigating the underlying host-pathogen interactions and pathogenic mechanisms employed by Ehrlichia species. These efforts aim to identify critical targets for therapeutic intervention, such as disrupting the bacteria's ability to transport themselves between host cells using filopodia or preventing the rupture of host cell membranes during the late stages of infection.
To gain a deeper understanding of the comprehensive therapy development solutions we offer, kindly follow the hyperlink provided below.
Our Services
At our company, we offer a comprehensive suite of Ehrlichiosis research and development services to support the advancement of both vaccine and therapeutic solutions.
Disease Models
- Ehrlichiosis Models of Ehrlichia Muris-like Agent (EMLA) Infection
- Fatal Human Monocytotropic Ehrlichiosis Models of HF565 Infection
Preclinical Research
- Drug Safety Evaluation
- In Vivo Pharmacokinetics Study
- In Vitro Pharmacokinetics Study
- Activity Testing
- Drug Resistance Evaluation
By leveraging cutting-edge scientific methods and preclinical models, the advancement toward effective prophylactic and therapeutic options is not only possible but actively underway. If our services have piqued your interest, we warmly welcome you to reach out to us for further information and to obtain a detailed quotation for the services you require.
References
- Mylonakis Mathios E., and Konstantina N. Theodorou. "Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: an update on diagnosis and treatment." Acta Veterinaria 67.3 (2017): 299-317.
- McBride, Jere W., and David H. Walker. "Progress and obstacles in vaccine development for the ehrlichioses." Expert review of vaccines 9.9 (2010): 1071-1082.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
