Molecular detection of Rickettsia rickettsii, Ehrlichia canis and Rangelia vitalli in Rhipicephalus sanguineus senso latu collected from dogs in Brazil

ABSTRACT This study evaluated by molecular methods the presence of major canine tick-borne agents in ticks infesting domestic dogs a hospital population neglected area southern zone São Paulo Metropolitan region, which is characterized an extensive urban surrounded and interspersed forest remnants original Atlantic rainforest. During 2017, 106 tick specimens - 71 adults 33 nymphs Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), two Amblyomma aureolatum were collected from 41 that attended Veterinary Teaching Hospital City, Brazil. By analyses, 4.2% (3/71) R. s.l. adult contained bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, 2.8% (2/71) Ehrlichia canis, protozoan Rangelia vitalii. These results indicate metropolitan region might be exposed to three affecting Brazil, E. canis In addition, findings reinforce circulation human pathogen rickettsii likely enzootic cycle involving ticks.