A serological survey on Brucella canis in companion dogs in Ahvaz

Canine brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Brucella canis. This bacterium can be transmitted to humans as well as other dogs. It is a significant cause of reproductive failure, predominantly in kennels. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella canis infection in companion dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in the southwest of Iran. A total of 102 blood samples were obtained from dogs between 2006 and 2008. Sera were examined by Immunochromatography assay. The studied dogs were divided into two age groups (1-5 years and >5 years) and based on clinical signs (related signs to brucellosis such as scrotum dermatitis, diskospondylitis, lymphadenitis, abortion and infertility) into two groups also. Prevalence to Brucella canis antibodies in these dogs was 4.90% (5 of 102). The infection had more prevalence in dogs above 5 years (9.3%; 4 of 43) in comparison with dogs less than 5 years (1.69%; 1 of 59), but the difference between the two age groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the different sexes either (P>0.05). Nevertheless, the difference for related signs to brucellosis was significant between the groups (P=0.018). Three out of 14 cases (21.4%) which had clinical signs and two out of 88 cases (2.3%) which had no clinical signs were seropositive. This study showed that antibody against Brucella canis  is present among the companion dog population of the Ahvaz area and preventive measures should be taken to control pathogenic bacteria.