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Serological evidence of Rickettsia in horses from a semi-arid Brazilian region.

Authors :
Farias IF
Souza EAR
Serpa MCA
Palha FS
Oliveira GMB
Labruna MB
Horta MC
Source :
Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria [Rev Bras Parasitol Vet] 2021 Apr 02; Vol. 30 (1), pp. e026220. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Apr 02 (Print Publication: 2021).
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a common tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. Horses are the primary hosts of the main vector, Amblyomma sculptum, and are considered efficient sentinels for circulation of Rickettsia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to detect antibodies reactive to R. rickettsii antigens in horses from a non-endemic area in the north-central region of Bahia state, Brazil. Blood samples and ticks were collected from 70 horses from the municipalities of Senhor do Bonfim, Antônio Gonçalves, Pindobaçu, and Campo Formoso. The sera obtained were tested by an indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect anti-Rickettsia antibodies. Overall, 5.7% (4/70) of the horses reacted to R. rickettsii antigens. Ticks were collected from 18.6% (13/70) of the horses and were identified as A. sculptum and Dermacentor nitens. Despite being a non-endemic area, seropositive animals were identified in our study, suggesting circulation of rickettsial agents in the region. This is the first serological survey of this agent in horses from the north-central region of Bahia, and further studies are needed to understand the epidemiology of BSF in these locations.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1984-2961
Volume :
30
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33825800
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612021011