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Year 2017 - Volume 37, Number 11
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Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in dogs at the surroundings of Conservation Units in the state of Rio de Janeiro: serological survey and associated factors, 37(11):1307-1312
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ABSTRACT.- Campos S.D.E., Cunha N.C., Machado C.S.C., Souza T.V.T., Fonseca A.B.M., Pinter A., Fonseca A.H. & Almosny N.R.P. 2017. [Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in dogs at the surroundings of Conservation Units in the state of Rio de Janeiro: serological survey and associated factors.] Circulação de Rickettsias do Grupo da Febre Maculosa em cães no entorno de Unidades de Conservação Federais do estado do Rio de Janeiro: evidência sorológica e fatores associados. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 37(11):1307-1312. Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho 64, Santa Rosa, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil. E-mail: s.destri@gmail.com
Diseases caused by Rickettsiae have wide distribution and are associated with arthropods. Rickettsia rickettsii is the most pathogenic species of the Spotted Fever Group (SFG) and responsible for the Brazilian Spotted Fever. In the southeast the disease is endemic and serological surveys have demonstrated the presence of antibodies to SFG antigens in dogs, reinforcing the participation of the dog as sentinels. The main vectors are Amblyomma ticks, for which hosts are often wildlife animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of SFG Rickettsiae in the surroundings of Conservation Units (UC) at the state of Rio de Janeiro by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay in dogs, and determine associated factors. Serum samples of 155 dogs were tested, with 16.1% of the seropositive animals at least to one of the antigens tested. There was an association between seroreactivity dogs and access to rainforest fragments; lack of veterinary care assistance; lack of actions against ticks; and family income up to two minimum salaries. Dogs with this profile had a higher chance of being exposed to SFG Rickettsiae. According to logistic regression, not going to rainforest areas was considered a protective factor for the dog along with the existence of veterinary care assistance and treatment against ticks. It was concluded that the SFG pathogens are present in the surroundings of UC studied, and possibly both R. rickettsii and R. parkeri are infecting dogs, since the animals showed exposure to both agents. We emphasize the participation of the veterinary and the adoption of the tick control measures as tools in preventing rickettsial infection. |
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