Wild and domestic animals likely involved in rickettsial endemic zones of Northwestern Colombia

In conclusion, this study demonstrated the occurrence of SFG rickettsiae in domestic, synanthropic and wild animals, and suggests the use of equines and canines as good sentinels of infection, in the study zone. We speculate that exist a transmission cycle that involves rodents in the areas where these outbreaks have occurred. Tomes' spiny rats (Proechimys semispinosus) and common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) could be good candidates as amplifier hosts for SFG rickettsiae in enzootic/endemic zones.
Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases - Category: Zoology Source Type: research