Revisiting brazilian spotted fever focus of Caratinga, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

We revisited a Brazilian spotted fever focal area in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, in 2002, and performed a serologic survey in dogs and cats. The results of this survey are compared with the survey made 10 years before. The possible efficacy of vector control measures adopted in this area and the role of dogs and horses as sentinels of infection by Rickettsia are discussed.