Abstract
Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) is a lethal rickettsiosis in humans caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, and is endemic in some areas of Brazil. Horses and dogs are part of the disease's life cycle and they may also serve as sentinel animals in epidemiological studies. The first human BSF case in the State of Paraná was reported in 2005. The present study was conducted in the municipality of Almirante Tamandaré, where no previous case of BSF was reported. Serum samples were collected from 71 horses and 20 dogs from nine properties in the area. Ticks were also collected from these animals. All farmers completed a questionnaire about their knowledge of BSF and animal health management. Serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescent-antibody assay (IFA) using R. rickettsii and R. parkeri as antigens. Ticks were analyzed by PCR for Rickettsia sp., and all of them were PCR-negative. Six horses (8.45%) and 4 dogs (20%) were identified as seropositive. Farmers were not aware of the correlation between the presence of ticks and risk of BSF. Although a non-endemic area, Almirante Tamandaré is a vulnerable environment for BSF and effective tick control measures are required.
Highlights
Rickettsiae are gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacteria that inhabit salivary glands and ovaries of their arthropod hosts (BILLINGS et al, 1998)
Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) is a lethal rickettsiosis in humans caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, and is endemic in some areas of Brazil
Rickettsia rickettsii is the primary etiological agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) but Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia felis have been described as causative agents
Summary
Rickettsiae are gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacteria that inhabit salivary glands and ovaries of their arthropod hosts (BILLINGS et al, 1998). Rickettsia rickettsii is the primary etiological agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) but Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia felis have been described as causative agents. Lethal human cases have been confirmed as caused only by R. rickettsii (SILVA, 2007). BSF is acquired through the bite of an infected tick that remains attached to the host for at least four to six hours (RICKETTS, 1906). In humans these bacteria replicate in the vascular endothelium, causing vasculitis and leading to the activation of platelets and coagulation system, thrombosis and increased vascular permeability. Patients who do not receive early treatment can develop serious complications, and approximately 50% of these patients may die (WALKER, 2002)
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