Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) exposure to Rickettsia in the Federal District of Brazil, a non-endemic area for Brazilian spotted fever

Abstract In this study, whole blood samples and ticks were collected from 57 capybaras in recreational areas the Federal District, Brazil, aiming to investigate presence of Rickettsia spp. using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) assays. None capybara yielded rickettsial DNA by PCR. Among 55 serum tested IFAT, 53 (96.3%) reacted these, 21 (39.6%) identified R. bellii antigen as probable involved a homologous (PAIHR), whereas 2 (3.8%) parkeri antigen. Ticks 173 Amblyomma sculptum 410 A. dubitatum, addition nine larvae. A sample 231 was subjected extraction PCR for species. 122 DNA. Molecular evidence found 25/108 (23.1%) sp. strain Cooperi (R. parkeri-like agent) 2/108 (1.9%) dubitatum samples. These results suggest greater exposure these populations, more significant number which might characterize District region not endemic Brazilian spotted fever.