Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rickettsia bacteria antibodies found in dogs in São José dos Pinhais
By Fortes, Fernanda Silva et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2010·Laborató, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Seroprevalence of Rickettsia bellii and Rickettsia felis in dogs, São José dos Pinhais, State of Paraná, Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study in Brazil found that 4.4% of dogs tested had antibodies against certain bacteria (Rickettsia bellii and Rickettsia felis) that can cause illness in humans. This means that while the overall risk of infection appears low, some dogs in the area have been exposed to these pathogens. The researchers collected blood samples from 364 dogs over a year and found that two dogs showed signs of exposure to R. bellii, and one had a reaction to R. felis, which is known to affect people. This information is important for pet owners in the region to be aware of potential risks.
People also search for: dog exposure to Rickettsia · symptoms of Rickettsia in dogs · Brazilian spotted fever in pets
Abstract
Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a vector-borne zoonosis caused by Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria. Dogs can be host sentinels for this bacterium. The aim of the study was to determine the presence of antibodies against Rickettsia spp. in dogs from the city of São José dos Pinhais, State of Paraná, Southern Brazil, where a human case of BSF was first reported in the state. Between February 2006 and July 2007, serum samples from 364 dogs were collected and tested at 1:64 dilutions by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) against R. rickettsii and R. parkeri. All sera that reacted at least to one of Rickettsia species were tested against the six main Rickettsia species identified in Brazil: R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. bellii, R. rhipicephali, R. amblyommii and R. felis. Sixteen samples (4.4%) reacted to at least one Rickettsia species. Among positive animals, two dogs (15.5%) showed suggestive titers for R. bellii exposure. One sample had a homologous reaction to R. felis, a confirmed human pathogen. Although Rickettsia spp. circulation in dogs in the area studied may be considered at low prevalence, suggesting low risk of human infection, the present data demonstrate for the first time the exposure of dogs to R. bellii and R. felis in Southern Brazil.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21184698/