What is the most common clinical pathologic abnormality associated with Hepatozoon americanum infection?

Hepatozoon americanum is a protozoan parasite that primarily affects dogs and is transmitted via the ingestion of infected ticks. One of the hallmark clinical pathologic abnormalities linked to this infection is neutrophilia. This is characterized by an elevated number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the body’s immune response, particularly in response to infections and inflammation.

In the case of Hepatozoon americanum, the organism induces an inflammatory response that leads to the mobilization of neutrophils from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. This response is often a reaction to the parasite itself, as well as to any secondary bacterial infections that may occur as a consequence of the weakening immune system due to the presence of the parasite. Therefore, measuring neutrophil counts serves as an important diagnostic indicator for veterinarians assessing a dog suspected of having a Hepatozoon infection.

While other abnormalities like anemia, eosinophilia, and leukopenia can occur in various disease states or as consequences of other infections and conditions, they are not the primary or most consistent findings associated with Hepatozoon americanum infection. For instance, anemia may result from chronic disease or ongoing inflammation but is not as specific