Serological differentiation of antibodies against Rickettsia helvetica, R. raoultii, R. slovaca, R. monacensis and R. felis in dogs from Germany by a micro-immunofluorescent antibody test

摘要: Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsiae can cause febrile diseases with or without rash in humans worldwide. In Germany only limited data are available about their medical significance. Serological screening tests for antibodies against rickettsiae usually distinguish between SFG and Typhus (TG) due to the strong cross reactivities within groups. Seroprevalence rates dogs, as possible sentinels tick-borne diseases, could serve an indicator distribution of different Rickettsia species. this study, a micro-immunofluorescence assay (micro-IFA) was established detection differentiation five species dogs (R. helvetica, R. raoultii, slovaca, monacensis felis). Dogs that never left (n = 605) previously investigated SFG-ELISA were included study screened at 1:128 dilution. Endpoint titres fifty randomly selected seropositive samples each regions determined order allow causative Sensitivity specificity micro-IFA compared ELISA results previous study. A total 93.9% positive titer 1:128. Differentiation 70.4%, but 29.6% cases detected not differentiable. Considering clear by twofold titre difference observed reactions, seroprevalence 66.0% 2.8% 1.6% no serological reaction be clearly attributed felis. No statistically significant regional differences found slovaca raoultii comparing Germany. Comparison revealed sensitivity 82.0% 83.8% ELISA. The is useful tool differentiate dogs. correspond prevalence Rickettsia-carrying tick