Seroepidemiological evaluation of Rickettsia conorii in dogs of Aydin region

Objective: The aims of this study were therefore to determine the presence of antibodies to R. conorii and to evaluate potential risk factors relating to the presence of Rickettsia conorii in dogs from Aydin region in western Turkey. Material and Methods: One hundred fifteen dog serum samples obtained from 115 dogs (90 dogs with various diseases and 25 clinically healthy dogs) were evaluated for IgG antibodies against R. conorii, using indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) assay (positive titres >1:64). Seroprevalences were analysed in relation to the dogs health situation, breed, age, gender, residence, tick infestation, anti-tick treatment by means of Chi-Square (χ2) Test. Results: Of the 115 dogs examined, 55 (47.8%) were found positive. Seroprevalance of anti-R. conorii antibody was found significantly higher in dogs suffering from tick infestation (61.8%) than dogs without a former history of the presence of ticks (38.2%; 2 = 6,331, p = 0.012). However, health condition, breed, age, gender, residence, ectoparasiticides application, and body temperature variables were not identified as risk factors. Conclusion: This study revealed for the first time that R. conorii is highly prevalent (47.8%) in dogs from Aydin region. However, this high prevalence obtained by IFA should be interpreted cautiously because of the potential for cross-reactions. Further studies are therefore needed to better characterize the prevalence of R. conorii using molecular methods in dogs from Aydin region. Keywords: Dog, Indirect Fluorescent Antibody, Rhipicephalus, Rickettsia conorii, Seroprevalence.