title: Epidemiological aspects of canine babesiosis in the semiarid area of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
abstract: Epidemiological aspects of Babesia vogeli infection were studied in the canine population of a rural town located in the Brazilian "Drought Polygon" of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The survey was carried out in March 2003, when 505 dogs were identified and their characteristics registered on appropriate forms. Blood samples were collected at this time and again in June, September and December 2003. Serum samples were tested by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to detect antibodies against B. vogeli. The prevalence of anti-B. vogeli antibodies was 18.8%; however, no correlations were found between prevalence of infection and the age or gender of the animals. Cross-bred dogs presented a higher chance of acquiring infection in comparison to pure-bred dogs. Significant differences concerning the incidence of the disease were found during the period April-June in comparison to other months, demonstrating that transmission of B. vogeli is related to seasonal variations of tick infestations. The results indicate that climatic factors within the semiarid area interfere directly in the epidemiology of canine babesiosis.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Escola de Veterinária, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Monica G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Maia
authors.forename: Roberto T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: João P A
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Haddad
authors.forename: Lygia M F
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Passos
authors.forename: Múcio F B
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D001096:Arachnid Vectors / Q000469:parasitology; D001403:Babesia / Q000276:immunology; D001404:Babesiosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D012621:Seasons; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013984:Tick Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013987:Ticks / Q000469:parasitology
chemical_list: D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan