Tick-bite-associated rickettsial diseases in veterinary clinic workers

Brown dog tick or Rhipicephalus sanguineus bites in humans are common and have been reported worldwide, although higher incidence is observed in the Mediterranean region and in Central and South America. R. sanguineus is important for public health because it is a potential vector of Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis, Hepatozoon canis and numerous rickettsial diseases.

Currently, there are few official reports of rickettsial diseases in veterinarians, as the population at risk is considered to be mainly farmers, hunters and ranchers who are exposed to tick bites when they spend time in the field. However, it is considered that the staff of veterinary centers may be at constant risk of developing any of these zoonoses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of parasitosis caused by this vector and to estimate the seroprevalence of rickettsial diseases in veterinary clinic workers in the city of Juarez, Mexico.

A total of 167 workers recruited from 63 veterinary clinics and hospitals participated. Serological analysis of the blood samples collected was performed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Statistical analysis for prevalence, risk factors and correlation was performed with the SAS program.

The prevalence of tick bites was 40% (67/167), and risk factors associated with the occurrence of bites included the activities performed in the clinic and the number of working hours spent per week. About 21% (35/167) of participants were seropositive for R. rickettsii, 28% (47/167) for Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and 24% (40/167) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum.

It is observed that the personnel working in veterinary clinics are exposed to various situations of contracting the pathogen/infection. It is important to make veterinary professionals and students aware of the risks that exist in their professional practice, as well as to emphasize the importance of preventing and reducing these risks, through the application of good practices that include the use of protective equipment and others.

Finally, it is suggested to increase communication between human and animal health professionals (Onehealth concept) allowing an adequate approach to the problem of zoonotic diseases as a latent risk for public health.

Escarcega-Avila, A. L et. Al (2020) Serologic evidence of rickettsial diseases associated with tick bites in workers of urban veterinary clinics; PMCID:33818454