Seroprevalence of the infection caused by borrelia burgdorferi and rickettsia conorii in human and canine population in the basic health area of San Andrés del Rabanedo (León, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Positive results in infections of borrelia burgdorferi and Rickettsia conorii in human and canine population is studied in order to uderstand the situation of both in humans, and at the same time discover the importance of the dog as an indicator of these agents amongst those in the Health Area of San Andrés del Rabanedo, León. Methods: A study was made of 98 human serums and 95 canine serums (dogs of different breeds and capabilities) as regards B. burgdorferi (positive results > at 1/128 and > at 1/64 or above, respectively) and 104 human serums and 84 canine serums as regards R. conorii (postive results at range > at 1/64 or above in both species) by means of indirect Immunofluorescence (IFI). Results: Positivity in both infections was discovered in both humans and dogs. With regard to B. burgdorferi it was higher in humans than in dogs and with regard to R. conorii it was higher in dogs than in humans. In humans it was 4,08% as regards B. burgdorferi and 1% with respect to R. conorii; in dogs it was 2,10% as regards B. burgdorferi and 14,28% regarding R. conorii. The highest values were discovered in the Spring-Summer months except in the case of B. burgdorferi in dogs. Serum prevalence was greater in dogs used to guard other animals (sheep) than those involved in hunting and security. Conclusions: The percentages of positive results discovered in our work, in humans as well as dogs, estimated in the territorial area of a geographical zone in a semi-rural León province, were equal or inferior to those discovered in other provinces, including ours....