Probability of occurrence of the Brazilian spotted fever in northeast of Paraná state, Brazil.

Flávio Haragushiku Otomura,Marcelo Bahia Labruna,Ueslei Teodoro,Jonas Moraes Filho,Diogo Francisco Rossoni,Rubens Massafera,Vanete Thomaz Soccol,Jessé Henrique Truppel

doi:10.1590/s1984-29612016060

Abstract

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a fatal zoonosis because of the difficulties in its early diagnosis and treatment. Occurrences of BSF in the northeast of the state of Paraná prompted investigation of areas at risk of this rickettsiosis in the municipalities of Japira, Jaboti, Pinhalão and Tomazina. To determine the areas at risk, 592 serum samples from dogs and 230 from equids were analyzed by means of the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for Rickettsia rickettsii and R. parkeri . In addition, risk probability maps were drawn up using the kriging indicator technique. Among the samples tested, 5.3% (43/822) indicated presence of antibodies reactive to at least one of the two Rickettsia species tested: 7.8% of the equids (18/230) and 4.2% of the dogs (25/592) were positive. Geostatistical analysis showed that the average seropositivity rate was 5 to 6%. Although the average seropositivity rates observed among these dogs and equids were lower than those reported from endemic areas of Brazil, the biotic components (etiological agent, vector and reservoirs) and environmental aspects of BSF epidemiology were present in these municipalities.

Highlights

The average seropositivity rates observed among these dogs and equids were lower than those reported from endemic areas of Brazil, the biotic components and environmental aspects of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) epidemiology were present in these municipalities
Little information is available in Paraná state for Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF), a zoonotic disease that can be fatal because of the difficulties involved in early diagnosis and treatment (MONTEIRO et al, 2014)
Among the 592 dog samples subjected to immunofluorescence assay (IFA), 25 (4.2%) had titers that were reactive to the Rickettsia species tested

Summary

Introduction

Little information is available in Paraná state (southern Brazil) for Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF), a zoonotic disease that can be fatal because of the difficulties involved in early diagnosis and treatment (MONTEIRO et al, 2014). This is the most important rickettsial disease in Brazil and is among the most deadly in the world (FIOL et al, 2010). Investigations on sources of rickettsial infection or exposure have used the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect anti-rickettsial antibodies in mammals, horses and dogs (HORTA et al, 2004) These animals, with positive serological findings, have been indicated as sentinels in areas endemic for BSF. The notification of BSF cases in the state of Paraná state has given rise to serological investigation of the spotted fever group bacteria in dogs and equids, and geostatistical data analysis, in order to identify likely BSF risk areas in the municipalities of Japira, Jaboti, Pinhalão and Tomazina in the northeastern region of the state of Paraná

Materials and Methods

Results

Discussion