Usefulness of rabbits and mice as experimental laboratory models for Ehrlichia bovis.

Attempts were made to infect mice and immunosuppressed rabbits with Ehrlichia bovis. While evidence of infection could be noticed in rabbits, their identity as E. bovis needs confirmation. Mice appeared to be infected and showed clear inclusions in both blood monocytes and peritoneal macrophages. While symptoms of disease were not observable in rabbits, alopecia, dullness and death were noticed among infected mice. It is concluded that mice are better laboratory models for E. bovis infection; also that infection in mice could be enhanced by immunosuppression.