Evidence of the Presence of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Dogs and Dog Ticks of the Central Provinces in Spain

To assess canine exposure to spotted fever group rickettsiae in the central provinces of Spain, ticks removed from dogs were studied by immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Twenty-eight out of 65 (43.0%) samples from ticks were positive. Sera from 58 dogs were also collected and the presence of antibodies to Rickettsia conorii studied. Thirty-four (58.6%) dogs presented significant titers by IF. Surveillance data from these provinces show the presence of Boutonneuse fever cases during recent years, evidence that dogs could serve as an indicator of rickettsial activity in these areas.