Molecular Detection of Rickettsia parkeri Strain Atlantic Rainforest in Ticks Parasitizing Small Mammals in Northeastern Brazil

Purpose Small mammals are important reservoirs of ticks and their pathogens in nature. However, studies reporting these associations are still rare in Brazil. In the present study, we investigated the presence of Rickettsia DNA in ticks parasitizing rodents and marsupials captured in different areas throughout the Atlantic rainforest biome, Bahia, Northeastern (NE), Brazil. Methods The study was conducted in five municipalities within of the Atlantic Forest biome, Bahia state, in NE Brazil. Two campaigns were done in each municipality. For host captures Sherman and Tomahawk traps were used, and pitfall traps. After being captured, the hosts were anesthetized and their entire body examined for ticks. When ticks were detected, they were manually removed and stored in eppendorf tubes (1.5 ml) containing absolute PA ethanol for future laboratory analysis (identification of ticks and detection of Rickettsia spp.). Results A total of 609 mammals were captured. Overall, 208 ticks of the genus Amblyomma and Ixodes were collected: A. ovale , I. loricatus and A. varium. Rickettsia DNA was detected in A. ovale and it was 99–100% of identity to the sequence deposited in GenBank as Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantica rainforest. Conclusion These results suggest that R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest occurs in the region, and A. ovale is likely the vector.