Epidemiology of urban canine rabies, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, 1972-1997.
We analyzed laboratory data from 1972 to 1997 from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to determine risk factors for laboratory canine samples' testing positive for Rabies virus (RABV). Of 9,803 samples, 50.7% tested positive for RABV; the number of cases and the percentage positive has dropped significantly since 1978. A 5- to 6-year cycle in rabies incidence was clearly apparent, though no seasonality was noted. Male dogs had significantly increased odds of testing positive for RABV (odds ratio [OR]=1.14), as did 1- to 2-year-old dogs (OR=1.73); younger and older dogs were at lower risk. Samples submitted from the poorer suburbs of the city were more likely to test positive for RABV (OR=1.71). Knowledge of the distribution of endemic canine rabies in an urban area will help focus control measures in a resource-poor environment.
Widdowson
Marc-Alain
MA
Unidad Nacional de Epidemiologia Veterinaria, Santa Cruz, Bolivia. mwiddowson@cdc.gov
Morales
Gustavo J
GJ
Chaves
Sandra
S
McGrane
James
J
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D001838:Bolivia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001921:Brain / Q000821:virology; D002947:Cities / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010507:Periodicity; D011818:Rabies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011820:Rabies virus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors