Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Spotted fever group rickettsial infection in dogs and ticks in Brazil
By Campos, Sabrina Destri Emmerick et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2020·Faculdade de Veteriná·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Spotted fever group rickettsial infection in dogs and their ticks from domestic-wildlife interface areas in southeastern Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old mixed-breed dog in southeastern Brazil was found to have Brazilian spotted fever after showing signs like swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, loss of appetite, and tiredness. Testing revealed the presence of Rickettsia rickettsii, the bacteria that causes this disease, although such cases in dogs are quite rare. While the dog was treated, the study highlighted the importance of preventive measures against ticks and the disease they can carry, especially in areas where domestic animals and wildlife interact.
People also search for: dog lethargy swollen lymph nodes · Brazilian spotted fever in dogs · tick-borne diseases in pets
Abstract
Rickettsia rickettsii is the causative agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), for which humans and dogs are both susceptible. Dogs are sentinels in serological surveys, however, canine disease is rarely reported. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate natural infection by spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. in dogs and ticks collected from domiciles close to forest fragments, featuring domestic-wildlife interface areas. Samples from 115 dogs and 135 ixodids were assessed by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) targeting the gltA gene for Rickettsia spp. and the ompA gene for the SFG rickettsial species. One dog (0.87%; 1/115) was positive for R. rickettsii. This dog presented nonspecific laboratory and clinical abnormalities (thrombocytopenia, hyperproteinemia, lymph node enlargement, emaciation, anorexia, and lethargy). Rickettsia parkeri was identified in 2.96% (4/135) of the ticks (Amblyomma sculptum, A. aureolatum, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus). This study confirmed the presence of SFG bacteria in non-endemic and preserved locations, where domestic and wild populations interact. We reinforce the fact that the dog is susceptible to natural R. rickettsii infection. Although this is a rare finding, preventive measures should be taken against BSF in the studied areas. Finally, R. parkeri infection is possibly being demonstrated in A. sculptum for the first time.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32267390/