First molecular evidence of vertical transmission of Ehrlichia canis in naturally infected female dogs in Brazil.

Ehrlichia canis is an obligate intracellular bacterium transmitted by the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. This pathogen is also the etiological agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, a disease with widespread global distribution and recognized zoonotic potential. Although vector-borne transmission is well established, evidence supporting the occurrence of vertical transmission remains limited.