Associated Factors to Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. in Dogs of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence to Ehrlichia spp. in dogs from Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and the associated factors. Serum samples were obtained from 118 dogs and used in an indirect immunofluorescent assay test for the detection of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about possible variables associated with seroprevalence. These variables were analyzed through Chi2 test and logistic regression. Dog seroprevalence of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. was 64% (75/118). Fifty-two percent (61/118) of dogs had tick infestation which was identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Anemia was observed in 36% of dogs. Leucopenia (2.5%), thrombocytopenia (70%), and hemorrhage (14%) were also observed. Thirty-one percent (23/75) of dogs with anemia, 4% (3/75) of dogs with leucopenia, 80% (60/75) of dogs with thrombocytopenia, 17% (13/75) of dogs with hemorrhages, and 59% (44/75) of dogs with ticks were positive for Ehrlichia spp. antibodies. The factors associated with seroprevalence were age (1-3 and >3 years old, OR = 7.77 and OR = 15.39, resp.), tick infestation (OR = 3.13), and thrombocytopenia (OR = 3.36). In conclusion, seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. was high in the community of Xcalak and its associated factors were age, tick infestation, and thrombocytopenia.

Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from Celestun, Mexico, using polymerase chain reaction test.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs and to analyze risk factors associated with infection at Celestun, a coastal locality in southeast Mexico. Blood samples were collected from 279 asymptomatic individuals between August 2007 and March 2008 and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction technique. The association between D. immitis infection and sex, age group, and distance of residence from a wetland of dogs was statistically analyzed. Prevalence of D. immitis infection was of 59.8%. Age of individuals (>2 years) was a risk factor for infection with D. immitis (odds ratio 2.49, confidence interval 1.47-4.23, p=0.001). In conclusion, Celestun can be considered a focus of D. immitis infection with high levels of transmission among the local dog population, as confirmed by the high prevalence reported and the association of age (dogs >2 years) as a risk associated with infection.