Detection of Rickettsia spp. in Ticks from Domestic Dogs Living in Seven Major Indigenous Communities of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

(1) Background: Although Brazilian indigenous communities of Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil, have been mostly located in conservation units and more likely exposed to ticks and tick-borne diseases, such environmental exposure remains to be fully established. Accordingly, this study aimed to detect Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected from dogs in all indigenous communities of Rio de Janeiro State. (2) Methods: After taxonomic identification, the total DNA was submitted to PCR amplification for DNA fragment (ITS-2 gene), gltA gene and the ompA gene to Rickettsia spp. identification. (3) Results: The manuscript herein surveyed seven indigenous communities, had 171 dogs examined, 26 infested, yielding 70 ticks (predominantly Amblyomma ovale, 60/70 (85.7%), with Rickettsia detected in ticks from two communities and sequencing identifying Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest. Molecular analyses revealed 19/70 (27.1%) A. ovale positive to Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest. (4) Conclusions: The present study has reported the circulation of R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest in indigenous communities of Rio de Janeiro. This study also reinforces the diverse range of ticks and Rickettsia species in indigenous community areas, underscoring the necessity for ongoing and regional surveillance.