Detection and molecular characterization of Rickettsia in potential vectors from active focuses of spotted fever in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Author(s)

Nicole Oliveira de Moura

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2012-02-10

Examining board members

Teresinha Tizu Sato Schumaker; Andréa Cristina Fogaça; Nicolau Maués Serra Freire

• Advisor: Teresinha Tizu Sato Schumaker

Abstract

Brazilian spotted fever caused by spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae and mainly transmitted by ticks occurs in the southeast, where human deaths are recorded. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, lethality due to rickettsial infection is high, but only recently epidemiological investigations were conducted, and indicated the participation of new species of ectoparasites in rickettsiae circulation. The project\'s overall objective is to evaluate rickettsiae in ectoparasites collected in areas of human suspected, confirmed or compatible cases of spotted fever, in cities of the State with the recently reported outbreaks. The detection and analysis of rickettsial genes indicate the presence of Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia felis and Rickettsia rickettsii in the vectors Amblyomma cajennense, Amblyomma dubitatum, Boophilus microplus, Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis, suggesting broad geographic distribution of SFG rickettsiae in the regions Serrana, Noroeste Fluminense and Médio Paraíba of the State. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/03554-9 - Detection and molecular characterization of Rickettsia in potential vectors from active focuses of spotted fever in the State of Rio de Janeiro
• Grantee: Nicole Oliveira de Moura
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master