KSU investigates ehrlichiosis test

Manhattan, Kan.-A Kansas State University (KSU) molecular biologistwants to improve the method of diagnosis for ehrlichiosis.

Dr. Roman Ganta, assistant professor in the department of diagnosticmedicine and pathobiology at KSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, is developinga test to reduce costs and simplify diagnosis of ehrlichiosis.

There are five pathogens that cause ehrlichiosis, all of which are capableof being transmitted to dogs and all but one capable of being transmittedto humans. Currently, these five pathogens must be tested individually todiagnose whether a human or dog is infected with ehrlichiosis, Ganta says.

"Our goal is to develop a test that can detect all five pathogens.If you have a test that can only detect one pathogen, a false negative ormisdiagnosis can result because the other four pathogens are unaccountedfor," Ganta says.

There are many advantages of simultaneous detection such as faster andmore accurate diagnosis, reduced cost and identification of specific pathogens.It also allows researchers to observe the ticks and determine infectionrates, he explains.

"By testing for all five pathogens simultaneously, costs are reducedand fast, accurate diagnosis is available for the patient. The method weare researching also provides information as to how many patients with tickbites are infected with ehrlichiosis pathogens and how widespread the problemis," he says.

Ganta's research is designed for canines but can also be applied to humansbecause the same pathogens cause the disease in both humans and dogs.

Symptoms indicating infection of ehrlichiosis pathogens in dogs are depression,joint and muscle pain and nose bleeds.

"Another risk associated with ehrlichiosis is the possibility ofsecondary infections because the disease weakens the immune system. Thiscreates a particular problem for the elderly and patients with immune systemsalready weakened by previous medical conditions," Ganta said.

Ganta's research uses a molecular approach. Nucleic acids are first capturedand are then enriched and magnified for identification. The process is donein one test tube monitored by machines.

Kamesh Sirigireddy, a graduate student from India, assists Ganta in hisresearch.

Morris Animal Foundation is funding the research for two years. Gantasays the first year consists of gathering samples and streamlining protocols.Applying the tests will follow in the second year. The project began inNovember 2001.

Ganta also submitted a grant in spring 2002 to develop a vaccine forcanine ehrlichiosis.