Tick-borne pathogens in dogs, wild small mammals and their ectoparasites in the semi-arid Caatinga biome, northeastern Brazil

We report a variety of ectoparasites infesting small mammals and domestic dogs in the Caatinga biome, where these ectoparasites probably act as vectors of rickettsiae, ehrlichial agents (E. canis and Ehrlichia sp. strain Natal) and C. burnetii. Our results highlight to the potential risks of human infection by these tick-borne agents in the Caatinga biome.
Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases - Category: Zoology Source Type: research