Ehrlichia canis is the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). The aim of this study was to detect E. canis antibodies in dogs by the IFA and dot-ELISA techniques. Blood sera from 239 dogs were collected as material. IFA test and dot-ELISA were performed with commercially available test kits. The IFA test was applied according to the procedure in the IFA kit. The Immunocomb test system was used in dot-ELISA. Agreement between these techniques was analysed by the kappa (K) test. The specificity and sensitivity of dot-ELISA were calculated. Positive results were observed from 162 (67.8%) and 137 (53.3%) of 239 dogs by IFA test and dot-ELISA, respectively. Among 91 dogs with clinical signs of CME, 56 (61.5%) and 46 (50.5%); of 31 apparently healthy dogs, 8 (25.8%) and 1 (3.2%); and of 117 dogs with only tick infestation, 98 (83.8%) and 90 (76.9%) were positive for E. canis antibodies by IFA test and dot-ELISA, respectively. The agreement between the IFA test and dot-ELISA was 0.73 and was significant (P < 0.001). The specificity and sensitivity of dot-ELISA were calculated to be 96% and 82%, respectively. In conclusion, it was determined that IFA test and dot-ELISA gave concordant results and that both could be used in the serologic diagnosis of ehrlichiosis.

Ehrlichia canis is the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). The aim of this study was to detect E. canis antibodies in dogs by the IFA and dot-ELISA techniques. Blood sera from 239 dogs were collected as material. IFA test and dot-ELISA were performed with commercially available test kits. The IFA test was applied according to the procedure in the IFA kit. The Immunocomb test system was used in dot-ELISA. Agreement between these techniques was analysed by the kappa (K) test. The specificity and sensitivity of dot-ELISA were calculated. Positive results were observed from 162 (67.8%) and 137 (53.3%) of 239 dogs by IFA test and dot-ELISA, respectively. Among 91 dogs with clinical signs of CME, 56 (61.5%) and 46 (50.5%); of 31 apparently healthy dogs, 8 (25.8%) and 1 (3.2%); and of 117 dogs with only tick infestation, 98 (83.8%) and 90 (76.9%) were positive for E. canis antibodies by IFA test and dot-ELISA, respectively. The agreement between the IFA test and dot-ELISA was 0.73 and was significant (P < 0.001). The specificity and sensitivity of dot-ELISA were calculated to be 96% and 82%, respectively. In conclusion, it was determined that IFA test and dot-ELISA gave concordant results and that both could be used in the serologic diagnosis of ehrlichiosis.