Detection of Rickettsia in ectoparasites of wild and domestic mammals from the Private Reserve Cerro Chucanti and neighboring towns, Panamá (2007-2010)

Abstract

Introduction. Ectoparasites are the main vectors of rickettsiosis. In Panama, have limited data on the arthropods that may be considered vectors or reservoirs.
Objectives. The aim is to present data on the presence of Rickettsia in ectoparasites of wildlife and domestic animals in the Private Natural Reserve Cerro Chucantí and neighboring villages.
Materials and methods. We evaluated 9 humans, 95 domestic mammals and 48 wild. From these, were 21 species of ectoparasites, including fleas, lice, ticks and mites, which were preserved in 95% ethanol. Genetic material was extracted from ticks and fleas to be analyzed by molecular techniques in the detection of Rickettsia.
Results. A total of 425 were carried out PCR reactions, of which 270 were positive and 155 negative. The positive, 86 PCR amplified for the gltA gene (55% of positives) of these also amplified 41 (26%) for ompA. DNA of Rickettsia amblyommii was found in horses ticks (Amblyomma cajennense, Dermacentor nitens), dogs ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and free living nymph in forest. Adicionally, DNA of R. felis was found in dogs fleas Ctenocephalides felis.
Conclusions. Detected the presence of R. amblyommii and R. felis in ticks and fleas of domestic animals of the villages near Cerro Chucanti, even if they were unable to find genetic material from Rickettsia in ectoparasites of wildlife.