Serosurvey of Rickettsia spp. and Ehrlichia canis in Dogs from Shelters in Sicily
Author Information
Author(s): Di Bella Santina, Gambino Delia, Pepe Davide, Gentile Antonino, Blanda Valeria, Valenti Antonio, Santangelo Francesco, Ballatore Antonino, Spina Giuseppe, Barbaccia Giuseppe, Cannella Vincenza, Cassata Giovanni, Guercio Annalisa
Primary Institution: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia
Hypothesis
What is the seroprevalence of Rickettsia spp. and Ehrlichia canis in shelter dogs in Sicily?
Conclusion
The study found high seroprevalence rates of 41.8% for Rickettsia spp. and 24.5% for E. canis among shelter dogs in Sicily.
Supporting Evidence
- 41.8% of dogs were positive for Rickettsia spp.
- 24.5% of dogs were positive for E. canis.
- 14% of dogs tested positive for both pathogens.
- Older dogs showed higher seroprevalence rates.
- Climatic differences influenced seroprevalence rates.
Takeaway
This study looked at sick dogs in shelters and found that many of them had been exposed to certain germs that can make both dogs and people sick.
Methodology
A serological survey was conducted on 1287 dogs from two shelters, assessing exposure to Rickettsia spp. and E. canis through blood tests.
Potential Biases
The lack of medical history for the dogs may introduce uncertainty in diagnostic interpretation.
Limitations
The study did not collect ticks for analysis as dogs were treated with acaricides before entering the shelter.
Participant Demographics
Of the 1287 dogs, 55.8% were male, 44.1% were female, 29.8% were younger than one year, and 70.1% were older than one year.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 39.4–44.4% for Rickettsia spp., 95% CI: 22.2–26.9% for E. canis
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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