Evaluation of rickettsial infection in free-range capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Linneaus, 1766) (Rodentia: Caviidae) and ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Western Amazon, Brazil

Publication date: Available online 16 April 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Karla Dayane Gruhn, Maria Ogrzewalska, Tatiana Rozental, Itacir Olivio Farikoski, Carolina Blanco, Lucas de Souza Freitas, Elba Regina Sampaio de Lemos, Vânia Maria França RibeiroAbstractCapybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Linneaus, 1766) (Rodentia: Caviidae) are important hosts for Amblyomma ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), which in turn can transmit rickettsiae to humans and animals. However, there is a scarcity of studies about ticks fauna and rickettsial infection in the Amazon region. The present study evaluated rickettsial infection in capybaras and ticks in different areas in the Rio Branco municipality, State of Acre, Brazilian Western Amazon, where rickettsiosis have never been reported. Blood sera from 43 capybaras from four localities in Rio Branco were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay using Rickettsia rickettsii antigens. Ticks were collected from capybaras and from vegetation as well. Ticks were taxonomically identified to species and part of them was tested by PCR targeting a fragment of the rickettsial gltA gene. Additionally ticks were tested for bacteria from the genus Borrelia and family Anaplasmatacae. All capybaras submitted to the serological examination were considered non-reactive for the agent. A total of 410 ticks were collected directly from the capybaras. Amblyomma dubitatum Neumann, 1899 was the most abundant tick (82.4%), followed by Amblyomma nap...
Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases - Category: Zoology Source Type: research