Molecular evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Theileria equi coinfection in horses from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The present study aims to determine the frequencies of Theileria equi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum antibodies among horses from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to detect the presence of DNA of these pathogens through molecular methods. A total of 98 serum samples of horses from the municipality of Seropedica were tested by indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) to detect anti-A. phagocytophilum and anti-T. equi IgG antibodies. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to detect these pathogens in the DNA extracted from the whole blood and buffy coat of horses. Bivariate analysis and odds ratio were performed to verify the possible association between positivity and characteristics related to the horses. As evaluated by IFA and qPCR, the frequency of animals that tested positive for T. equi was 89.8% (n = 88/98) and 91.8% (n = 90/98), whereas A. phagocytophilum was 17.4% (n = 17/98) and 1.0% (n = 1/98), respectively. Serological evidence of exposure to A. phagocytophilum and T. equi was observed in 16.3% (n = 16/98) of the horses; however, exposure was confirmed by qPCR in only 1.0% (n = 1/98). No statistical association was found in the bivariate and odds ratio analysis. This is the first study reporting the molecular detection of A. phagocytophilum DNA in horses from the state of Rio de Janeiro, and also the coinfection of A. phagocytophilum and T. equi in a horse from Brazil confirmed by molecular methods. Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis is circulating in Brazilian horses, together with T. equi, and should be included in the differential diagnosis of tick-borne diseases.

Epidemiology of Ehrlichia canis in healthy dogs from the Southeastern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study aims to investigate the epidemiology of Ehrlichia canis in healthy owned dogs from the Southeastern region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 390 households dogs. During the visits, an epidemiological questionnaire was filled out concerning the dogs' characteristics as well as the environments in which they lived. The variables were analyzed using a bivariate test, while the correlation analysis between the variables was performed via a phi test. The variables that had p-values lower than 0.2 in the bivariate analysis and had a low or moderate correlation were selected for the multivariate analysis. The model that had the lowest Akaike information criterion (AIC) value was retained. Among the 390 blood samples tested, 24.8% were considered positive for E. canis. The parsimonious logistic regression model presented an AIC value of 408.75 and showed three variables that favored the presence of E. canis DNA in the tested dogs: the animal's access to urban streets and neighborhoods (odds ratio [OR] = 1.91; p-value = 0.02; confidence interval [CI]: 1.14 - 3.18), tick infestation (OR = 2.01; p-value = 0.006; CI: 1.22 - 3.32), and poor hygienic conditions (OR = 2.19; p-value = 0.002; CI: 1.31 - 3.67). The model was considered well-calibrated based on the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (p = 0.39). According to the present study, dogs that have access to the street and neighborhood, are infested with ticks, and live under poor hygienic conditions are more likely to be infected with E. canis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Seroepidemiological aspects of Leishmania spp. in dogs in the Itaguai micro-region, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This study evaluated factors associated with the frequency of Leishmania spp. antibodies in dogs residing in the Itaguai micro-region, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 524 dogs. The serum samples were submitted to indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Leishmania spp. The frequency of seropositive dogs was 28.24% (n = 148) in the micro-region, and among the three municipalities within that region, the highest frequency (p < 0.05) was observed in Seropedica (59.46%), followed by Itaguai (29.05%) and Mangaratiba (11.49%). Regarding factors associated with the host, mongrel dogs and those over the age of two presented higher frequency of antibodies to Leishmania spp. (p < 0.05). Concerning factors related to the environment and habits of the animal, dogs residing in rural areas (FR = 1.67, p = 0.0002), living outside the residence (FR = 1.42, p = 0.0197), with access to forest, streams and pastures (FR = 2.81, p = 0.0007), remaining loose (FR = 1.66, p = 0.0073), and those that had no shelter (FR = 2.16, p < 0.0001) were more likely to be seropositive. Canine leishmaniasis is a disease with high occurrence in the Itaguai micro-region, and aspects such as the definition of breed, age, habits and care by owners showed significant association in this micro-region.

Amblyomma cajennense infestation on horses in two microregions of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with infestation by Amblyomma cajennense on horses in two microregions of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Horses on 62 farms in the municipalities of the Itaguaí and Serrana microregions were evaluated between January and May 2009. The animals were examined to determine the presence of ticks and infestation level. The animals' rearing and management were assessed on each farm property using an epidemiological questionnaire. Out of the 635 horses evaluated, 41.6% were infested with A. cajennense. It was observed that farms in low-altitude regions (OR=3.69; CI: 2.3-5.8), with unsatisfactory zootechnical and sanitary management (OR=5.92; CI: 3.8-9.2) and an extensive rearing system (OR=4.25; CI: 2.1-8.5) were factors associated with tick infestation (p < 0.05) and also with cases of high infestation on horses. Use of chemical acaricides on horses was also associated with infestation (p < 0.05); the owners described different therapeutic approaches with different treatment intervals. From the present study, low altitudes, unsatisfactory management, extensive rearing and inappropriate use of acaricide products were factors associated with occurrences of A. cajennense at different infestation levels on horses in these municipalities.

Amblyomma cajennense infestation on horses in two microregions of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Infestação por Amblyomma cajennense em equinos de duas microrregiões do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with infestation by Amblyomma cajennense on horses in two microregions of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Horses on 62 farms in the municipalities of the Itaguaí and Serrana microregions were evaluated between January and May 2009. The animals were examined to determine the presence of ticks and infestation level. The animals' rearing and management were assessed on each farm property using an epidemiological questionnaire. Out of the 635 horses evaluated, 41.6% were infested with A. cajennense. It was observed that farms in low-altitude regions (OR=3.69; CI: 2.3-5.8), with unsatisfactory zootechnical and sanitary management (OR=5.92; CI: 3.8-9.2) and an extensive rearing system (OR=4.25; CI: 2.1-8.5) were factors associated with tick infestation (p < 0.05) and also with cases of high infestation on horses. Use of chemical acaricides on horses was also associated with infestation (p < 0.05); the owners described different therapeutic approaches with different treatment intervals. From the present study, low altitudes, unsatisfactory management, extensive rearing and inappropriate use of acaricide products were factors associated with occurrences of A. cajennense at different infestation levels on horses in these municipalities.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os fatores associados à infestação por Amblyomma cajennense em equinos em duas microrregiões do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Equinos de 62 fazendas nos municípios das microrregiões de Itaguaí e Serrana foram avaliados entre janeiro e maio de 2009. Os animais foram inspecionados quanto à presença e ao nível de infestação destes carrapatos. As condições de criação e o manejo foram avaliados em cada propriedade, por um questionário epidemiológico. Dos 635 equinos avaliados, 41,6% apresentavam-se infestados por A. cajennense. Observou-se que as criações dos animais em regiões de baixas altitudes (OR=3,69, IC: 2,3-5,8), em propriedades com manejo zootécnico e sanitário insatisfatório (OR=5,92, IC: 3,8-9,2) e em sistema de criação extensivo (OR=4,25, IC: 2,1-8,5) foram fatores associados (p < 0,05) à infestação, sendo também relacionados à intensa infestação nos equinos. O uso de carrapaticida nos equinos também apresentou associação (p < 0,05) à infestação, sendo descritas pelos proprietários, diferentes condutas terapêuticas, em intervalos alternados de tratamento. Baixas altitudes, condição de manejo insatisfatória, criação extensiva e o uso inadequado dos produtos carrapaticidas são fatores associados à ocorrência de A. cajennense em diferentes níveis de infestação nos equinos dos municípios estudados.

Seroepidemiological aspects of Leishmania spp in dogs in the Itaguai micro-region, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Aspectos soroepidemiológicos de Leishmania spp em cães na microrregião de Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

This study evaluated factors associated with the frequency ofLeishmania spp. antibodies in dogs residing in the Itaguai micro-region, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 524 dogs. The serum samples were submitted to indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) forLeishmania spp. The frequency of seropositive dogs was 28.24% (n = 148) in the micro-region, and among the three municipalities within that region, the highest frequency (p < 0.05) was observed in Seropedica (59.46%), followed by Itaguai (29.05%) and Mangaratiba (11.49%). Regarding factors associated with the host, mongrel dogs and those over the age of two presented higher frequency of antibodies to Leishmaniaspp. (p < 0.05). Concerning factors related to the environment and habits of the animal, dogs residing in rural areas (FR = 1.67, p = 0.0002), living outside the residence (FR = 1.42, p = 0.0197), with access to forest, streams and pastures (FR = 2.81, p = 0.0007), remaining loose (FR = 1.66, p = 0.0073), and those that had no shelter (FR = 2.16, p < 0.0001) were more likely to be seropositive. Canine leishmaniasis is a disease with high occurrence in the Itaguai micro-region, and aspects such as the definition of breed, age, habits and care by owners showed significant association in this micro-region.

Este estudo avaliou os fatores associados à frequência de anticorpos específicos para Leishmania spp. em cães domiciliados na microrregião de Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 524 cães. As amostras de soro foram submetidas a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) e ensaio imunoenzimático indireto (ELISA-teste) para Leishmania spp. A frequência de cães soropositivos foi de 28,24% (n = 148) na microrregião e, entre os três municípios avaliados, a maior frequência (p < 0,05) foi observada em Seropédica (59,46%), seguida de Itaguaí (29,05%) e Mangaratiba (11,49%). Em relação aos fatores associados ao hospedeiro, observou-se que cães sem raça definida e aqueles com idade acima de dois anos apresentaram maior frequência de anticorpos para Leishmania spp. (p < 0,05). Em relação aos fatores relacionados ao ambiente e ao hábito do animal, os cães residentes em áreas rurais (RF = 1,67, p = 0,0002), animais que vivem fora da residência (RF = 1,42, p = 0,0197), com acesso à mata, córregos e pastagens (FR = 2,81, p = 0,0007), que permanecem soltos (RF = 1,66, p = 0,0073), e aqueles que não possuem abrigo (RF = 2,16, p < 0,0001) apresentaram maior chance de serem soropositivos. A leishmaniose canina é uma enfermidade com elevada ocorrência na microrregião de Itaguai, e aspectos como definição racial, idade, hábitos e cuidados estabelecidos pelo proprietário mostraram associação significativa nessa microrregião.

Factors associated to Theileria equi in equids of two microregions from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Serum samples from 714 equids of Itaguaí and Serrana microregions, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (titer 1:80) for Theileria equi. The prevalence in the microregions and factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated and the prevalence ratio (PR) calculated. The overall prevalence of T. equi infection was 81.09% (n = 579), with higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in the Itaguaí (85.43%) when compared to Serrana microregion (76.92%). The geographic area, altitude, farming condition and area of origin of equids were associated (p < 0.05) with seropositivity for T. equi. Equids reared in the Itaguaí microregion (PR = 1.11, p = 0.003) and at altitudes below 500 m (PR = 1.10; p = 0,014) were more likely to be seropositive for T. equi. Furthermore, when equids were born in the farm (PR = 1.10, p = 0.008) and reared with poor farming conditions (PR = 1.13, p = 0.018) they were more likely to be exposed to T. equi. The main ticks found on equids were Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. The microregions studied are endemic areas for equine theileriosis and there exists enzootic stability for T. equi. Only factors related to the collection area of serum samples influenced the seropositivity of equids for T. equi in that region.

Factors associated to Theileria equi in equids of two microregions from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Fatores associados à Theileria equi em equídeos de duas microrregiões do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Serum samples from 714 equids of Itaguaí and Serrana microregions, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (titer 1:80) for Theileria equi. The prevalence in the microregions and factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated and the prevalence ratio (PR) calculated. The overall prevalence of T. equi infection was 81.09 percent (n = 579), with higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in the Itaguaí (85.43 percent) when compared to Serrana microregion (76.92 percent). The geographic area, altitude, farming condition and area of origin of equids were associated (p < 0.05) with seropositivity for T. equi. Equids reared in the Itaguaí microregion (PR = 1.11, p = 0.003) and at altitudes below 500 m (PR = 1.10; p = 0,014) were more likely to be seropositive for T. equi. Furthermore, when equids were born in the farm (PR = 1.10, p = 0.008) and reared with poor farming conditions (PR = 1.13, p = 0.018) they were more likely to be exposed to T. equi. The main ticks found on equids were Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. The microregions studied are endemic areas for equine theileriosis and there exists enzootic stability for T. equi. Only factors related to the collection area of serum samples influenced the seropositivity of equids for T. equi in that region.

Amostras de soro de 714 equídeos das microrregiões de Itaguaí e Serrana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, foram submetidas ao teste de imunofluorescência indireta (título 1:80) para Theileria equi. A prevalência entre as microrregiões e os fatores associados à soropositividade foram avaliados e a razão de prevalência (RP) calculada. A prevalência geral para T. equi foi de 81,09 por cento (n = 579), com maior prevalência (p < 0,05) para microrregião de Itaguaí (85,43 por cento), quando comparado a Serrana (76,92 por cento). A região, altitude, nível da propriedade e origem dos equídeos foram associados (p < 0,05) com a soropositividade para T. equi. Equídeos criados na microrregião de Itaguaí (RP = 1,11; p = 0,003) e em altitudes abaixo de 500 m (RP = 1.10; p = 0,014) apresentaram maior chance de se tornarem soropositivos para T. equi. Além disso, quando são criados em propriedades de nível ruim (RP = 1,13; p = 0,018) e nascidos na propriedade (RP = 1,10; p = 0,008) apresentaram mais chance de terem contato com T. equi. As principais espécies de carrapatos encontradas parasitando os equídeos foram Amblyomma cajennense e Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. As microrregiões estudadas são endêmicas para theileriose equina e de estabilidade enzoótica para T. equi. Apenas os fatores relacionados à área de coleta das amostras de soro influenciaram a soropositividade dos equídeos para T. equi naquela região.