Seroprevalence of Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis in dogs from north-eastern Spain

Abstract

Rickettsia typhi is the aetiological agent of murine typhus (MT). This disease is often acute and mild, although some fatal cases have been observed [1]. In Spain, clinical cases and serological evidence of exposure to R. typhi in humans have been described [2,3]. In the past, MT has been associated with rodents and rat fleas. Later, a peridomestic animal cycle involving cats, dogs, opossums and their fleas [1] was described. In Spain, R. typhi seropositivity has been shown in dogs [4] from the central region. Rickettsia felis, transmitted by fleas, produces flea-borne spotted fever, a clinical syndrome indistinguishable from MT. Serological evidence of R. felis infection in humans has been observed in Spain [2,3]. R. felis has been detected in fleas commonly found on domestic cats and dogs in Spain [5]. Prevention of these infections depends on recognition of routes of transmission, risk factors for infection, and reservoirs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of both rickettsiae in dog populations from the north-east of Spain.