RESUMO
Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis are members of the Anaplasmataceae family that cause disease in dogs and are mainly transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus species group ticks. We performed a cross-sectional study on these pathogens across six bioclimatic regions of Chile, including 719 free-ranging rural dogs, 132 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), and 82 South American gray foxes (Lycalopex griseus). Dog and fox blood samples were first screened for DNA of Anaplasmataceae followed by two Ehrlichia-specific protocols. Antibodies against Anaplasma sp. and E. canis were assessed by immunofluorescence in dogs. Ectoparasites were collected and identified, with the determination of the lineages of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus species group by molecular and phylogenetic analyses. Finally, potential risk factors for infection were investigated across the different bioclimatic regions and host species. All DNA amplicons obtained from the screening protocol corresponded to Anaplasma platys. The occurrence of both A. platys DNA and antibodies was confirmed in all six bioclimatic regions, except for regions at high altitude and/or without either R. sanguineus species group lineage present. Dogs infested with R. sanguineus ticks were significantly more prone to be infected and exposed to Anaplasma spp. Prevalence of DNA was significantly higher in juvenile (19%) than in adult dogs (9%), whereas the opposite was found for seroprevalence (19% versus 35%, respectively). Overall prevalence of A. platys DNA was higher in dogs (11%) than in foxes (4%), probably owing to markedly lower tick infestations in the foxes. Ehrlichia canis DNA was not detected in any sample, and antibodies against this pathogen were detected only in four dogs, in areas with both R. sanguineus lineages present. Free-ranging dogs in Chile could be favoring the maintenance of A. platys in all areas suitable for its tick vector. Although apparently infrequent, spillovers from dogs to foxes may be taking place and should be considered in management plans in Chile.
Assuntos
Anaplasmataceae , Carnívoros/microbiologia , Doenças do Cão , Infecções por Rickettsiaceae/veterinária , Anaplasma/genética , Anaplasma/isolamento & purificação , Anaplasmataceae/genética , Anaplasmataceae/isolamento & purificação , Anaplasmose/epidemiologia , Animais , Animais Selvagens/microbiologia , Antígenos de Bactérias/sangue , Vetores Aracnídeos/microbiologia , Chile , Estudos Transversais , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/microbiologia , Cães , Ehrlichia canis/genética , Ehrlichia canis/isolamento & purificação , Ehrlichiose/epidemiologia , Raposas/microbiologia , Genes Bacterianos , Filogenia , Prevalência , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiologia , Infecções por Rickettsiaceae/epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Infestações por Carrapato/veterinária , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/epidemiologia , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/microbiologia , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/veterináriaRESUMO
We found evidence of infection and shedding of Leptospira serovars Ballum and Canicola in the Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) in Chile. We used PCR to demonstrate the presence of Leptospira DNA and microagglutination tests to identify serovars.
Assuntos
Raposas/microbiologia , Leptospira/isolamento & purificação , Leptospirose/veterinária , Animais , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Chile/epidemiologia , Doxiciclina/uso terapêutico , Leptospirose/tratamento farmacológico , Leptospirose/epidemiologia , Leptospirose/microbiologia , Masculino , ZoonosesRESUMO
Some animals have an important relationship with fungal infections, and searching for pathogens in animal samples may be an opportunity for eco-epidemiological research. Since studies involving wildlife are generally restricted, using samples from road kills is an alternative. The aim of this study was to verify whether pathogenic fungi of public health importance occur in wildlife road kills from Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Organ samples (n = 1063) from 297 animals were analysed according to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using universal primers to detect fungi in general and, subsequently, using primers specific to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptococcus spp. There were 102 samples positive for fungal species. Eight samples were positive for P. brasiliensis, three samples were positive for Cryptococcus spp. and one sample had coinfection by these two fungi. No sample was positive for Histoplasma spp. according to the molecular detection. Genetic sequencing allowed the identification of Fungal sp. in 89 samples, Cryptococcus neoformans in two samples and Aspergillus penicillioides in three samples. This study shows the importance of wild animals in the epidemiology of fungal infections and assists in the mapping of pathogen occurrence in a region that was not previously evaluated.
Assuntos
Animais Selvagens/microbiologia , Fungos/genética , Micoses/veterinária , Saúde Pública , Animais , Aspergillus/genética , Aspergillus/isolamento & purificação , Brasil/epidemiologia , Cryptococcus neoformans/genética , Primers do DNA , DNA Fúngico/genética , Raposas/microbiologia , Fungos/isolamento & purificação , Fungos/patogenicidade , Haplorrinos/microbiologia , Histoplasma/genética , Histoplasma/isolamento & purificação , Humanos , Doenças dos Macacos/diagnóstico , Doenças dos Macacos/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Macacos/microbiologia , Micoses/diagnóstico , Micoses/epidemiologia , Micoses/microbiologia , Paracoccidioides/genética , Paracoccidioides/isolamento & purificação , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Guaxinins/microbiologiaRESUMO
Spotted fevers are tick-borne diseases associated with various Rickettsia species. Rickettsia parkeri sensu stricto (s.s.) is the agent of an emerging eschar-associated rickettsiosis in humans from the USA and South American Pampa. Considering that R. parkeri s.s. is restricted to Americas and the potential role of dogs in the epidemiology of the disease, it is thus reasonable to hypothesize that wild canids could be involved in the enzootic cycle of this rickettsiosis. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential role of the wild canids from Pampa, Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox) and Lycalopex gymnocercus (Pampas fox), in the ecology of R. parkeri s.s. For that, 32 live-trapped free-ranging wild canids were sampled. Ticks were observed in 30 of the 32 foxes. Of the 292 ticks collected, 22 (7.5%) were positive by PCR for the presence of R. parkeri s.s. DNA. Also, 20 (62%) wild canids showed antibodies against R. parkeri. The results suggest that wild canids are involved in the enzootic cycle of R. parkeri s.s. in the Pampa biome and could be responsible for pathogen (and its vectors) dispersal.
Assuntos
Vetores Aracnídeos/microbiologia , Raposas/microbiologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/microbiologia , Rickettsia/isolamento & purificação , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/microbiologia , Carrapatos/microbiologia , Animais , Animais Selvagens , Brasil/epidemiologia , Reservatórios de Doenças/microbiologia , Ecossistema , Feminino , Raposas/imunologia , Humanos , Masculino , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Rickettsia/genética , Rickettsia/imunologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/epidemiologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/transmissão , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/epidemiologia , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/transmissão , ZoonosesRESUMO
Anaplasmataceae agents comprise obligate intracellular bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. Between August 2013 and March 2015, 31 Nasua nasua (coati), 78 Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox), seven Leopardus pardalis (ocelot), 110 wild rodents, 30 marsupials, and 42 dogs were sampled in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. In addition, ectoparasites found parasitizing the animals were collected and identified. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae agents in wild mammals, domestic dogs and ectoparasites, by molecular and serological techniques. Overall, 14 (17·9%) C. thous, seven (16·6%) dogs and one (3·2%) N. nasua were seroreactive to Ehrlichia canis. Nine dogs, two C. thous, one N. nasua, eight wild rodents, five marsupials, eight Amblyomma sculptum, four Amblyomma parvum, 13 A. sculptum nymphal pools, two Amblyomma larvae pools and one Polygenis (Polygenis) bohlsi bohlsi flea pool were positive for Ehrlichia spp. closely related to E. canis. Seven N. nasua, two dogs, one C. thous, one L. pardalis, four wild rodents, three marsupials, 15 A. sculptum, two Amblyomma ovale, two A. parvum and one Amblyomma spp. larval pools were positive for Anaplasma spp. closely related to A. phagocytophilum or A. bovis. The present study provided evidence that wild animals from Brazilian Pantanal are exposed to Anaplasmataceae agents.
Assuntos
Infecções por Anaplasmataceae , Anaplasmataceae , Animais Selvagens/microbiologia , Sifonápteros/microbiologia , Carrapatos/microbiologia , Anaplasmataceae/classificação , Anaplasmataceae/genética , Anaplasmataceae/imunologia , Anaplasmataceae/isolamento & purificação , Infecções por Anaplasmataceae/epidemiologia , Infecções por Anaplasmataceae/microbiologia , Infecções por Anaplasmataceae/veterinária , Animais , Animais Selvagens/imunologia , Anticorpos Antibacterianos/sangue , Brasil/epidemiologia , Cães/imunologia , Cães/microbiologia , Raposas/microbiologiaRESUMO
Hemotropic mycoplasmas are known to cause anemia in several mammalian species. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. in wild mammals, domestic dogs and their respective ectoparasites, in southern Pantanal region, central-western Brazil. Between August 2013 and March 2015, 31 Nasua nasua, 78 Cerdocyon thous, seven Leopardus pardalis, 42 dogs, 110 wild rodents, and 30 marsupials were trapped and ectoparasites (ticks and fleas) found parasitizing the animals were collected. Mammals and ectoparasites DNA samples were submitted to conventional PCR assays for Mycoplasma spp. targeting 16S rRNA and RnaseP genes. Twenty-four N. nasua, three C. thous, two domestic dogs, one L. pardalis and one wild rodent were positive for 16S rRNA PCR protocols. Fourteen N. nasua samples were also positive in RnaseP PCR. No marsupial or arthropod showed positivity for Mycoplasma spp. The phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene showed that all sequences obtained from dogs, two sequences obtained from C. thous and ten sequences obtained from N. nasua showed to be closely related to Mycoplasma haemocanis/Mycoplasma haemofelis species. Genotypes closely related to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and Mycoplasma haemomuris were detected in the L. pardalis and in the wild rodent, respectively. Probably a novel Mycoplasma genotype, closely related to a sequence obtained from a Brazilian capybara was detected in 14 N. nasua, based on a concatenated phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and RnaseP genes. The present study revealed that wild animals in southern Pantanal region, Brazil, are exposed to different species of hemoplasmas.
Assuntos
Animais Selvagens , Infecções por Mycoplasma/veterinária , Mycoplasma/isolamento & purificação , Áreas Alagadas , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Cães , Ectoparasitoses/parasitologia , Ectoparasitoses/veterinária , Raposas/microbiologia , Marsupiais/microbiologia , Mycoplasma/classificação , Infecções por Mycoplasma/epidemiologia , Infecções por Mycoplasma/microbiologia , Filogenia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Procyonidae/microbiologia , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Roedores/microbiologiaRESUMO
Control eradication campaigns of bovine tuberculosis based on the «test and slaughter¼ approach were successful in many countries and regions; however, in some areas the infection persists and one of the main reasons is Mycobacterium bovis infection in wild life species. Argentina has applied the same approach since 1999, achieving progress in dairy cattle herds. Nonetheless, the wildlife role has never been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine if wildlife from the Santa Fe dairy area is infected with M. bovis. Wildlife species having a positive tuberculin skin test were captured in five dairy farms. Ninety five wildlife mammals were captured; M. bovis was recovered from 7 possums (Didelphys albiventris), from one fox (Lycolapex gimnocercus) and from one rat (Rattus norvegicus). None of the animals exhibited macroscopic lesions. The most frequently isolated M. bovis spoligotypes were types 34 (4 isolates) and 12 (3 isolates). Spoligotype 34 is the most frequently isolated type in Argentine cattle. The role of D. albiventris as spillover host of M. bovis is discussed in this study.
Assuntos
Animais Selvagens/microbiologia , Indústria de Laticínios , Reservatórios de Doenças/microbiologia , Mycobacterium bovis/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Argentina/epidemiologia , Técnicas de Tipagem Bacteriana , Bovinos/microbiologia , Feminino , Raposas/microbiologia , Mycobacterium bovis/classificação , Gambás/microbiologia , Ratos/microbiologia , Tuberculose Bovina/epidemiologia , Tuberculose Bovina/microbiologia , Tuberculose Bovina/transmissãoRESUMO
Very little is known about the diseases affecting the Darwin's fox (Lycalopex fulvipes), which is considered to be one of the most endangered carnivores worldwide. Blood samples of 30 foxes captured on Chiloé Island (Chile) were tested with a battery of PCR assays targeting the following pathogens: Ehrlichia/Anaplasma sp., Rickettsia sp., Bartonella sp., Coxiella burnetti, Borrelia sp., Mycoplasma sp., Babesia sp., Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon felis, Leishmania donovani complex, and Filariae. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed the presence of Mycoplasma spp. in 17 samples (56.7%, 95% Confidence Intervals= 38.2-73.7). Of these, 15 infections were caused by a Mycoplasma belonging to the M. haemofelis/haemocanis (Mhf/Mhc) group, whereas two were caused by a Mycoplasma showing between 89% and 94% identity with different Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis from felids and rodents hemoplasmas. The analysis of the sequence of the RNA subunit of the RNase P gene of 10 of the foxes positive for Mhf/Mhc showed that eight were infected with M. haemocanis (Mhc), one with a Mycoplasma showing 94% identity with Mhc, and one by M. haemofelis (Mhf). One of the foxes positive for Mhc was infected with a Ricketssia closely related to R. felis. All foxes were negative for the other studied pathogens. Our results are of interest because of the unexpectedly high prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. detected, the variability of species identified, the presence of a potentially new species of hemoplasma, and the first time a hemoplasma considered to be a feline pathogen (Mhf) has been identified in a canid. Though external symptoms were not observed in any of the infected foxes, further clinical and epidemiological studies are necessary to determine the importance of hemoplasma infection in this unique species.
Assuntos
Espécies em Perigo de Extinção , Raposas/microbiologia , Infecções por Mycoplasma/veterinária , Mycoplasma/fisiologia , Animais , Chile/epidemiologia , DNA Bacteriano/genética , Feminino , Masculino , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Mycoplasma/classificação , Mycoplasma/genética , Infecções por Mycoplasma/diagnóstico , Infecções por Mycoplasma/epidemiologia , Infecções por Mycoplasma/microbiologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/veterinária , Prevalência , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Ribonuclease P/genética , Rickettsia/genética , Rickettsia/isolamento & purificação , Infecções por Rickettsia/diagnóstico , Infecções por Rickettsia/epidemiologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/microbiologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/veterinária , Homologia de Sequência do Ácido NucleicoRESUMO
To identify carriers of Leptospira spp. in Argentina, wild animals were trapped in Buenos Aires Province during three nights, capturing 12 Didelphis albiventris (white-eared opossum), six Chaetophractus villosus (big hairy armadillo), five Lycalopex griseus (South American gray fox), and two Conepatus chinga (Molina's hog-nosed skunk). All were tested by microscopic agglutination test, and five (two gray foxes, two armadillos, and one skunk) were positive for Leptospira interrogans serovars Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae, L. borgpetersenii serovar Castellonis, and L. kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa, at titers of 1:50 and 1:100. Kidney tissue from all animals was cultured, and one isolate of L. interrogans from a gray fox was obtained. Hamsters inoculated with the isolate died after 6 days with no macroscopic lesions at necropsy. However, histologic examination revealed glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, and pneumonia. The Leptospira strain from the South American gray fox was analyzed serologically and its pathogenicity was established. Genotyping through multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis showed that the strain was a new genotype related to the L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae.
Assuntos
Tatus/virologia , Raposas/microbiologia , Leptospira interrogans/isolamento & purificação , Leptospirose/veterinária , Mephitidae/virologia , Animais , Animais Selvagens/virologia , Argentina/epidemiologia , Feminino , Genótipo , Leptospira interrogans/classificação , Leptospira interrogans/genética , Leptospirose/epidemiologia , Leptospirose/microbiologia , Leptospirose/patologia , Masculino , Especificidade da EspécieRESUMO
O estudo epidemiológico de patógenos em populações selvagens no ambiente in situ e ex situ é fundamental para implementação de programas de prevenção, controle e monitoramento de enfermidades e para elaboração de políticas públicas de saúde pública e animal. O estudo foi realizado no zoológico do Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos no período de janeiro a julho de 2011 onde foram coletados swabs anais e otológicos referentes a 29 carnívoros silvestres cativos do zoológico. Dos swabs otológicos analisados, 1/29 (3,4%) foi positivo para Malassezia pachy dermatis no exame direto. No exame microbiológico dos swabs otológicos, observou-se maior freqüência para bactérias do gênero Bacillus 16/29 (55,2%), seguida de Sta phylococcus 15/29 (51,7%), Escherichia coli 7/29 (24,1%), Streptobacillus 1/29 (3,4%), Micrococcus 1/29 (3,4%) e Klebsiella 1/29 (3,4%). Com relação ao exame presuntivo para o gênero Salmonella a partir das amostras de swab retal, observou-se positividade para seis raposas (Cerdocyon thous) e um guaxinim (Procyon cancrivorus). O isolamento de Salmonella spp. em C. thous e em P. cancrivorus indica um risco à saúde pública, principalmente para os profissionais do zoológico que trabalham diretamente com esses animais. Essa pesquisa reforça a importância da criação de estratégias de vigilância epidemiológica voltadas para a prevenção, controle e monitoramento de potenciais reservatórios de agentes etiológicos de doenças infecciosas e parasitárias no ambiente dos zoológicos.
The epidemiological study of pathogens in wild populations in the environment in situ and ex situ is essential for implementation of prevention, control and monitoring of diseases and for development of public policies for public and animal health. The study was conducted at the Zoo of Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos, Recife/PE, Brazil, from January to July 2011, where we collected anal and otological swabs from 29 Zoo's captive wild carnivores. The analysis of the otological swabs showed that 1/29 (3.4%) were positive for Malassezia pachydermatis on direct examination. In the microbiological examination of otologic swabs we found mainly bacteriae of the genus Bacillus 16/29 (55.2%), followed by Staphylococcus 15/29 (51.7%), Escherichia coli 7/29 (24.1%), Streptobacillus 1/29 (3.4%), Micrococcus 1/29 (3.4%) and Klebsiella 1/29 (3.4%). Regarding the presumptive test for the genus Sal monella from rectal swabs, positive samples were observed in six foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and a raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus). The isolation of Salmonella spp. in C. thous and P. can crivorus indicates risks to public health, especially for zoo professionals who work directly with these animals. This research reinforces the importance of establishing surveillance strategies aimed at prevention, control and monitoring of potential reservoirs of the etiologic agents of infectious and parasitic diseases in the environment of zoos.
Assuntos
Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Felis/microbiologia , Guaxinins/microbiologia , Mustelidae/microbiologia , Panthera/microbiologia , Procyonidae/microbiologia , Raposas/microbiologia , Tigres/microbiologia , Carnívoros/microbiologia , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno/fisiologia , Otite/veterináriaRESUMO
O estudo epidemiológico de patógenos em populações selvagens no ambiente in situ e ex situ é fundamental para implementação de programas de prevenção, controle e monitoramento de enfermidades e para elaboração de políticas públicas de saúde pública e animal. O estudo foi realizado no zoológico do Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos no período de janeiro a julho de 2011 onde foram coletados swabs anais e otológicos referentes a 29 carnívoros silvestres cativos do zoológico. Dos swabs otológicos analisados, 1/29 (3,4%) foi positivo para Malassezia pachy dermatis no exame direto. No exame microbiológico dos swabs otológicos, observou-se maior freqüência para bactérias do gênero Bacillus 16/29 (55,2%), seguida de Sta phylococcus 15/29 (51,7%), Escherichia coli 7/29 (24,1%), Streptobacillus 1/29 (3,4%), Micrococcus 1/29 (3,4%) e Klebsiella 1/29 (3,4%). Com relação ao exame presuntivo para o gênero Salmonella a partir das amostras de swab retal, observou-se positividade para seis raposas (Cerdocyon thous) e um guaxinim (Procyon cancrivorus). O isolamento de Salmonella spp. em C. thous e em P. cancrivorus indica um risco à saúde pública, principalmente para os profissionais do zoológico que trabalham diretamente com esses animais. Essa pesquisa reforça a importância da criação de estratégias de vigilância epidemiológica voltadas para a prevenção, controle e monitoramento de potenciais reservatórios de agentes etiológicos de doenças infecciosas e parasitárias no ambiente dos zoológicos.(AU)
The epidemiological study of pathogens in wild populations in the environment in situ and ex situ is essential for implementation of prevention, control and monitoring of diseases and for development of public policies for public and animal health. The study was conducted at the Zoo of Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos, Recife/PE, Brazil, from January to July 2011, where we collected anal and otological swabs from 29 Zoo's captive wild carnivores. The analysis of the otological swabs showed that 1/29 (3.4%) were positive for Malassezia pachydermatis on direct examination. In the microbiological examination of otologic swabs we found mainly bacteriae of the genus Bacillus 16/29 (55.2%), followed by Staphylococcus 15/29 (51.7%), Escherichia coli 7/29 (24.1%), Streptobacillus 1/29 (3.4%), Micrococcus 1/29 (3.4%) and Klebsiella 1/29 (3.4%). Regarding the presumptive test for the genus Sal monella from rectal swabs, positive samples were observed in six foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and a raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus). The isolation of Salmonella spp. in C. thous and P. can crivorus indicates risks to public health, especially for zoo professionals who work directly with these animals. This research reinforces the importance of establishing surveillance strategies aimed at prevention, control and monitoring of potential reservoirs of the etiologic agents of infectious and parasitic diseases in the environment of zoos.(AU)
Assuntos
Panthera/microbiologia , Tigres/microbiologia , Felis/microbiologia , Raposas/microbiologia , Guaxinins/microbiologia , Procyonidae/microbiologia , Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Mustelidae/microbiologia , Otite/veterinária , Carnívoros/microbiologia , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno/fisiologiaRESUMO
Brucella abortus (Br abortus) es una de las principales causas de abortos y pérdidas reproductivas en el ganado bovino. Los fetos abortados y sus fluidos fetales son la mayor fuente de infección. Es así como la enfermedad puede llegar a animales silvestres cuando ingieren esos tejidos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia serológica de brucelosis en el zorro gris pampeano (Pseudalopex gymnocercus). Se tomaron muestras de sangre de 41 zorros de la región centro-este de la provincia de La Pampa, Argentina. Para determinar la presencia de anticuerpos específicos contra Br abortus se utilizaron las Pruebas de Polarización de la Fluorescencia (FPA), Seroaglutinación en Microplaca (SAP) y Seroaglutinación en Microplaca con 2-mercaptoetanol (2-ME). Sobre un total de 41 sueros procesados por FPA, en 7 (17,1%) se detectaron anticuerpos contra Br abortus. Sólo 34 sueros fueron analizados por las pruebas de SAP y 2-ME, encontrando 5 (14,7%) y 4 (11,8%) muestras positivas, respectivamente. Los resultados permiten inferir que el zorro gris pampeano es susceptible a infectarse con Br. abortus a una tasa de incidencia importante. Es necesario realizar futuros estudios para establecer el rol del zorro en la transmisión de la enfermedad y sus consecuencias en esta especie.
Brucellosis is produced by several species of Brucella. Brucella abortus causes abortion and reproductive loss in bovine cattle. In the epidemiology of brucellosis, aborted fetus and their fetal fluids are the main source of infection and dissemination. Although the biological cycle and the disease consequences to domestic cattle have been widely studied, it is not the case with wild fauna. The objective of this study was to determine the serologic prevalence to brucellosis in the grey fox of the pampas (Pseudalopex gymnocercus). To that purpose, 41 foxes were sampled in the centre-east area of La Pampa province (Argentina). Blood samples for serologic studies were collected. A test of agglutination in microplate (SAP), another SAP with the addition of 2-mercapto-etanol (2-ME) and a test of polarization of the fluorescence (FPA) were used for the diagnosis of antibodies against Brucella abortus. For this, 17.1%, 14.7% and 11.8% was the prevalence found by FPA, SAP and SAP with 2-ME. More studies will be necessary to know the role of foxes in disease transmission and maintenance as well as the consequence of the diseases in foxes.