[The serological prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis amongst Tunja's canine population (a large Colombian city)].
OBJECTIVE
Determining the serological prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis in the city of Tunja's canine population (in Boyacá) from July to October 2006 and establishing the relationship between predisposed factors and seroreactivity within this canine population.


METHODS
72 canine blood samples were gathered from all of the city's five areas from an estimated 9623 canine population (2002 census), assuming a 3% pre-established critical prevalence and 95% confidence level. A survey was made of each animal to determine the presence of predisposed factors and they were all given a complete clinical examination. The sera so obtained were used for titering antibody levels by means of the microagglutination plate test for Salmonella enteritidis (MAG).


RESULTS
Salmonella enteritidis serological prevalence was 41.7%. Area prevalence within the city was 10% for the north, 10% for the west, 16.7% for the east, 36.7% the south and 26.6% for the city-center. A direct correlation was established with the presentation of previous enteric problems (p<0.05) (OR 3.5) and, to a lesser extent, with access to organic waste (p<0.05) (OR 0.4). Other factors presented positive risk levels, such as coexistence with other animals and health (OR 1.4 and OR 2)


CONCLUSIONS
Salmonella enteritidis had a high serological prevalence in the city of Tunja, most incidents occurring in the southern area. The presentation of previous enteric problems was the main predisposed factor, this being a high risk factor in this entity's dissemination.
Rincón-Reyes
Oscar
O
Departamento de Ciencias para la Salud Animal, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá. oscarrinconvet@yahoo.es
Figueroa
Judith
J
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood*; D003105:Colombia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D015995:Prevalence; D012481:Salmonella Infections, Animal / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012477:Salmonella enteritidis / Q000276:immunology*; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial