Immunocytochemical detection of Ehrlichia platys antigens in canine blood platelets

Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606.

An avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase complex (ABC) immunocytochemical (ICC) stain procedure was optimized for detection of Ehrlichia platys antigens. Positive immunoreactivity was detected with dilutions of canine immune serum on acetone-fixed smears of platelet-rich plasma from E. platys-infected dogs. No E. platys antigens were detected when this ICC stain was applied to frozen or paraffin-embedded formalin- or acetone-fixed tissue sections from dogs with acute E. platys infection. Acetone fixation and freezing preserved ICC staining of ehrlichial antigens in infected blood platelets, whereas formalin treatment of similarly preserved E. platys-infected platelets nullified positive immunoreactivity. Significant E. platys infection of cells and tissues other than platelets may not occur.