The first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against spp. in water buffaloes () from South Thailand.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Bartonellosis is an emerging worldwide zoonosis caused by bacteria belonging to the genus . Several studies have been conducted on the prevalence of infections from animals and humans, including reports from wild and domestic ruminants. However, there has been only one report of infection in water buffaloes from the northeastern part of Thailand. Moreover, the seroprevalence of spp. in water buffaloes still remains unknown. This study was conducted to explore the prevalence of spp. among water buffaloes from South Thailand using molecular and serological techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 312 samples (156 blood and 156 sera) of 156 water buffaloes from 29 farms in Phatthalung Province, South Thailand, were collected from January to March 2021. All samples were screened for spp. using polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence of antibodies against three spp. was 16.03% (25/156, 95% confidence interval: 10.65-22.74%), and among 25 water buffaloes with seroprevalence, 56%, 20%, and 24% were positive for antibodies against , subspp. , and , respectively. No significant difference was detected among seroprevalence, gender, age, and ectoparasite infestation.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against , subspp. , and in water buffaloes from South Thailand. Further studies are required on the epidemiology of infection among water buffaloes, related personnel, and ectoparasites.