Soroprevalence and risk factors associated to “Brucella canis” infection in dogs from Campina Grande, Paraíba

Abstract

The prevalence of brucellosis due to Brucella canis was investigated in dogs from Campina Grande, Paraíba, Northern region of Brazil, and the risk factors for seropositivity were also analyzed. For this purposes, 170 dogs’ blood samples were collected during the rabies vaccination campaign, in September, 2003. The agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID), by Brucella ovis lipopolysaccharides and proteins antigens, sample Reo 198, was used for serological diagnosis. The seroprevalence was 2.35% (95% CI = 0.64% - 5.91%). The epidemiological evidences showed that canine brucellosis due to Brucella canis in this area presented no association with the variables sex, age and management, however, there was statistic association between Brucella canis seropositivity and abortions occurrence.