Serological detection of Brucella sp. in opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in an urban setting in Mexico
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| Autores: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | artículo original |
| Status: | Versión publicada |
| Fecha de Publicación: | 2026 |
| Beskrivelse: | Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease that has become economic losses in the live- stock sector. Although attention has focused on domestic animals, wildlife can serve as a reservoir for several species of the genus Brucella, which is related to the emergence of the disease in areas affected by ecological changes caused by urbanization. In Mexico, although brucellosis is a disease that must be reported in both livestock and humans, there are few studies focused on wildlife. The aim of this research was to perform a serological diagnosis on 77 opossums (Didelphis virginiana) captured in a protected natural area in Mexico City during the period 2016-2018. The serum samples were analyzed using two serological tests: ABATEST 3% (PRONABIVE®) for animals and the Rose Bengal plate test (MICSA®), which is also used for human diagnosis. The results obtained using ABA TEST 3% indicated 18 positive cases (23.4%; 95%CI: 14.8-34. 6), while Rose Bengal showed 15 positives (19.5%; 95% CI: 11.6-30.4); however, in both tests, six samples were positive (7.7%; 95%CI: 3.2-16.8). The identification of antibodies against Brucella sp. in opossums provides initial evidence of exposure to this pathogen in wildlife inhabiting urban environments; however, the findings suggest that opossums may be involved in the transmission dynamics of Brucella sp. It is essential to consider cross-reactions with other pathogens, which reduce the specificity of serological tests, although these results highlight the need to integrate synanthropic wildlife into epidemiological surveillance and emphasize the importance of preventing and controlling zoonotic diseases. |
| País: | Portal de Revistas UNA |
| Institution: | Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica |
| Repositorio: | Portal de Revistas UNA |
| Sprog: | Inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:www.revistas.una.ac.cr:article/22826 |
| Online adgang: | https://www.revistas.una.ac.cr/index.php/veterinaria/article/view/22826 |
| Palabra clave: | Brucellosis Opossums Wildlife reservoirs |