Prevalencia de Brucella canis en Canis lupus familiaris atendidos en un Centro Veterinario Municipal de la ciudad de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Canine brucellosis, an infectious disease caused by Brucella canis, affects canine reproduction worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of this bacterium in domestic dogs attending a Municipal Veterinary Clinic in Guayaquil. One hundred blood samples (26 males and 74 females) were analyzed using the Rapid Antibody Test C. Bru-LPS Cassette to detect positive cases of the disease. A survey was conducted among dog owners, including variables such as sex, age, and susceptibility factors. The results showed a prevalence of 3 % positive cases, primarily in females aged 1 to 7 years old. However, statistical analyses did not show a significant association between age, sex, contact with other dogs, origin, street access, reproductive status, and the presence of clinical symptoms with B. canis infection. Interestingly, a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) was found between reproductive history and the presence of antibodies. This finding suggests that reproductive activity may be a risk factor for B. canis infection in the studied population.