Anti- and Anti- Antibodies in Urban Traction Equids in Northeast Brazil: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors.

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of anti- and anti- antibodies in equids that carry out traction work in Northeastern Brazil, and to establish the potential risk factors associated with seropositivity for these agents. Blood samples were collected from 322 traction equids (horses, donkeys and mules) in urban areas of 16 municipalities in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. The samples were sent for serological diagnosis using the Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). Epidemiological questionnaires were given to the owners to assess the possible risk factors associated with infections. It was observed that 13.7% (44/322, CI: 10.9-16.5) of the equids tested positive for anti- antibodies and 5% (16/322, CI: 2.6-7.4) tested positive for anti- antibodies. Conducting traction work for over four years was considered a risk factor associated with infection (odds ratio: 6.050; CI: 4.38-8.54, = 0.025). There were no risk factors associated with infection. It was concluded that traction equids have a significant prevalence of anti- and anti- antibodies in urban areas in the State of Paraíba, with an identified risk factor for seropositivity for anti- as conducting traction work for more than four years.