Circulation of spotted fever group rickettsiae among dogs seropositive for leishmania spp. In an urban area of brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Dogs play an epidemiological role in several vector-borne diseases that affect human and animal health worldwide. We aimed to identify rickettsial circulation among dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) from a region endemic for both diseases. Methods: CVL-seropositive dogs were screened for spotted fever group rickettsiae using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Results: Among the CVL-positive dogs, anti-Rickettsia rickettsii antibodies were identified in one asymptomatic and one oligosymptomatic dog. Conclusions: This study shows low circulation of antibodies to R. rickettsii in CVL-seropositive dogs. It is recommended that surveillance studies in dogs should continue in order to monitor this scenario.