The capacity of zoonotic pathogens to infect multiple hosts creates surveillance challenges but also provides opportunities to gather data from animal species that can be used to understand risks to human health. This thesis presents a conceptual and practical assessment of the utility of domestic dog serosurveillance for the detection and surveillance of two pathogens, influenza A and Leptospira spp. The first chapter gives a theoretical framework that can be used to explore the attributes of animal sentinels and assess their utility in different contexts. In subsequent chapters, this framework is applied in a practical assessment of the utility of a domestic dog serosurveillance approach for the detection and surveillance influenza A and Leptospira spp. at two sites in Africa. Two cross-sectional surveys of the avian and mammal populations at a site in Northern Cameroon were conducted in early 2006 to determine if H5N1 influenza A viruses had circulated in this area and in which species that presence could be detected. Serological and molecular evidence of extensive H5 virus circulation in the domestic duck population was identified. 47% of domestic ducks at the Maga site were cELISA positive for anti-influenza A antibodies and 20% were HI test positive against an H5N1 antigen. There was also evidence of exposure to H5 subtype viruses in the local dog and pig populations. At the Kibera site in Nairobi, a cohort study was established to carry out surveillance of influenza A and Leptospira spp. in the domestic dog population and cross-sectional surveys of the domestic poultry and rodent populations were completed. There was no indication of influenza A circulation in any of the animal species surveyed, indicating low risk of zoonotic influenza A infection in the human population of Kibera. In contrast, there was extensive molecular and serological evidence of the presence of Leptospira spp. in both the rodent and dog populations. 18% of 236 trapped rodents were PCR positive for kidney carriage of pathogenic leptospires and the estimated seroprevalence of anti- Leptospira antibodies in the dog population ranged from 5-36% during the course of the study, indicating high potential risk of leptospirosis infection in the human population. The results indicate that dog serosurveillance can be used as useful tool for the determination of broad-scale patterns of pathogen presence and relative levels of population exposure. However, there are limitations of the data that can be gathered from animal sentinels and the complexities introduced particularly by incomplete understanding of diagnostic test performance must be recognized. Animal sentinel surveillance may be of most use for addressing fundamental questions of what pathogens are present where. In the developing world particularly where disease burden data are still lacking, dog sentinel serosurveillance can provide essential baseline data that can be used to target future research and resource allocation.

In developing countries, cities are rapidly expanding, and urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) has an important role in feeding a growing urban population. However, UPA carries risks of zoonotic disease transmission. This study aims to understand the characteristics of UPA in Kampala, Uganda and the zoonotic risks to humans. Following a general overview of the subject in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 describes the determination of urban, peri-urban and rural areas of the Kampala economic zone and socio-economical characteristics of the peri-urban interface compared with the urban and rural counter parts using the Village Characteristic Survey in 87 randomly selected Local Councils (LC1s). Chapter 3 describes the characteristics of UPA in Kampala and found both the contribution of agriculture to the livelihood and risks of zoonoses were high. In Chapter 4, the most important zoonotic diseases affecting populations living in urban and peri-urban areas in Kampala were identified; brucellosis, GI infections, Mycobacterium bovis tuberculosis and Taenia solium cycticercosis based on investigations using the medical records of Mulago National Referral Hospital. Chapter 5 describes a series of case-control studies of the identified most important zoonoses using a spatial approach. The risks of identified zoonoses might be homogenously high at all levels of urbanicity. Brucellosis appeared to be the most significant disease. Chapter 6 investigates brucellosis further, with an epidemiological investigation into the prevalence of the disease in milking cows and a quantitative analysis of the level of infection in milk for sale in and around Kampala. The prevalence was 6.2% (95%CI: 2.7-9.8) at the herd level. Chapter 7 describes the risk analysis for purchase raw milk infected with Brucella abortus in urban areas of Kampala. A quantitative milk distribution model was developed synthesizing the results from the cattle survey and interviews with milk sellers. The infection rates of milk at sale obtained from milk testing and cattle survey were multiplied to this model to present distribution of the risk. 11.7% of total milk consumed in urban Kampala was infected when purchased and the risk management analysis found the most effective control option for human brucellosis was construction of milk boiling centres either in Mbarara, the largest dairy production area in Uganda, or in peri-urban areas of Kampala.

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de Giardia sp. en caninos y niños de comunidades campesinas de los distritos de Ajoyani, Palca y Santa Lucía en Puno. Se recolectaron 130 muestras fecales tanto de niños como de canes. Las muestras fueron conservadas en formol al 10%, siendo luego enviadas al Laboratorio de Parasitología de la FMV-Lima para su procesamiento. Para el diagnóstico de Giardia sp. cada muestra fue analizada mediante las técnicas de Sedimentación Espontánea y Sheather. Considerando como positivo el hallazgo del parásito en una de las dos técnicas usadas, se obtuvo una prevalencia global de 14.6+6.1% y 28.5+7.8% en caninos y niños respectivamente. En caninos se hallaron prevalencias de 31.8%, 18.2% y 9.3% en los distritos de Ajoyani, Palca y Santa Lucía, respectivamente; las prevalencias en machos y hembras fueron de 14.6% y 17.4% respectivamente y según los grupos de edad de 0-6 meses, >6-12 meses, >12-72 meses y >72 meses fueron de 7.7%, 21.7%, 11.4% y 16.0% respectivamente. En niños se obtuvieron prevalencias de 36.4%, 13.6% y 30.2% en Ajoyani, Palca y Santa Lucia, respectivamente; los niños presentaron prevalencias de 14.6% y las niñas 17.4%; según los grupos etarios de 0-3años, >3-7años, >7-12 años fueron de 33.3%, 29.7%, 25.9% respectivamente. Para el análisis estadístico se empleó la prueba de chi cuadrado, con un nivel de significancia de 0,05%. No se encontró asociación estadística significativa (p>0,05) entre la presencia de Giardia sp. y las variables estudiadas. Además la técnica de sedimentación espontánea demostró ser la técnica más eficaz para el diagnóstico del parásito. Las prevalencias halladas en caninos y niños sugieren infecciones independientes. Sin embargo, sólo se esclarecería con futuros estudios moleculares, para descartar posible riesgo zoonótico. Palabras clave: Giardia sp., Puno, Sedimentación espontánea, Sheather, zoonosis / --- The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Giardia sp. in dogs and children in rural communities of the districts Ajoyani, Palca and Santa Lucía in Puno. We collected 130 fecal samples from both children and dogs. The samples were preserved in formaldehyde at 10%, then sent to the Laboratory of Parasitology of the FMV-Lima for processing. For the diagnosis of Giardia sp. each sample was analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation techniques and Sheather. Considering as positive the parasite founding in one of two techniques used, we obtained an overall prevalence of 14.6+6.1% and 28.5+7.8% in dogs and children respectively. In dogs, were found prevalences of 31.8%, 18.2% and 9.3% in the districts of Ajoyani, Palca, and Santa Lucía, respectively; the prevalences in males and females were 14.6% and 17.4% respectively and according to age groups from 0-6 months,> 6-12 months, > 12-72 months and > 72 months were 7%, 21.7%, 11.4% and 16.0% respectively. In children, were obtained 36.4%, 13.6% and 30.2% prevalences in Ajoyani, Palca and Santa Lucía, respectively; boys had prevalences of 14.6% and girls had 17.4%, according to the age groups from 0-3years,> 3-7years, > 7-12 years were 33.3%, 29.7%, 25.9%, respectively. For statistical analysis we used the chi square test with a significance level of 0.05%. There was not significant association (p> 0.05) between the presence of Giardia sp. and the variables studied. Furthermore, the spontaneous sedimentation technique proved to be the most effective technique for the diagnosis of the parasite. The prevalence found in dogs and children suggest independent infections. However, only molecular studies would clarify in future to rule out possible zoonotic risk. Keywords: Giardia sp., Puno, spontaneous sedimentation, sheather, zoonosis

La cisticercosis porcina es una enfermedad parasitaria de carácter zoonótico. Los estudios de cisticercosis porcina en nuestro país se han realizado en diferentes puntos geográficos, obteniéndose prevalencias altas. Esta última característica ha calificado al Perú como área endémica. Sin embargo, no existe ningún trabajo de investigación para esta enfermedad en la costa central, lugar donde se desarrollan centros de crianza informal de cerdos que aparentemente podrían ser focos difusores de la enfermedad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de la cisticercosis porcina en el área de ampliación del Parque Porcino: “Pampas de los Perros” que se divide en cinco sectores (A, B, C, D y E), y se localiza en el Distrito de Ventanilla, Provincia Constitucional del Callao. Se muestraron un total de 299 cerdos de los cuales se encontraron 55 animales positivos a la presencia de anticuerpos mediante la prueba de EITB. La seroprevalencia a la prueba fue 18 + 4% y la seroprevalencia corregida de 19 + 4%. No se encontró diferencia estadística significativa entre los sectores de procedencia ni el sexo. Se halló diferencia significativa (p<0.05) entre el grupo etáreo mayor de 12 meses y los otros tres grupos (<4, 4-8 y de 8-12 meses). Mediante la prueba de regresión logística el grupo (> 12 meses) y los sectores A y B, fueron calificados como factores de riesgo para la presentación de la cisticercosis (p<0.05). Se empleó la prueba de simulación estocástica beta-binomial para obtener un valor más confiable de la presentación de la enfermedad, determinándose una prevalencia real de 7% y que el 90% de las observaciones se encontraría en el intervalo de 4% a 10%. / Porcine cysticercosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease. Studies in Peru have been conducted in several different geographic areas, where prevalence rates are high. Consequently, Peru has been declared an endemic country. So far, no studies into porcine cysticercosis have been undertaken on the central coast. In this region non intensive pig farming exists, which may generate a focal point for disease transmission. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in the porcine breeding area called “Parque Porcino Pampas de los Perros” in the Ventanilla district, Callao Province, Peru. This Porcine breeding area is divided into 5 sections; A, B, C, D and E. A total of 299 pigs were sampled, from which 55 were positive to EITB test. Seroprevalence results from the test were 18 ± 4%. There was no statistically significant difference between gender of the pigs or section (A B C D or E). Statistically significant difference was found in the age group greater than 12 months old (p <0.05). Logistical regression tests revealed that the age group> 12 months old and the sections A and B are risk factors for contracting the disease (p<0.05). A beta binomial stochastic simulation test was applied to obtain reliable values for disease interpretation, obtaining a real prevalence of 7%. This demonstrated that 90% of observations were recorded between the 4% and 10% interval.

El presente estudio se llevó a cabo con muestras de suero de 103 bovinos (98 hembras y 5 machos), predominantemente de la raza lechera Brown Swiss, criados en la provincia y departamento de Puno; con la finalidad de estimar la prevalencia de leptospirosis y ver su posible asociación con las variables edad y lugar. Los animales procedían de la Estación Experimental Illpa-INIA (Paucarcolla) y de la Ganadería Cárdenas (Mañazo). La colecta de muestras se realizó durante los meses de febrero y marzo (época de lluvia) del 2005. Los sueros fueron enfrentados a una batería de referencia de 4 serovares de Leptospira interrogans mediante la Prueba de Aglutinación Microscópica (MAT). Anticuerpos leptospirales en títulos mayores a 1:100 fueron detectados en 3 muestras de suero procesados, representando una prevalencia de 2,91%. De los sueros de animales procedentes de la EE Illpa-INIA se detectaron dos positivos a leptospirosis, representando una prevalencia específica de leptospirosis de 2,74 %; mientras que en la ganadería Cárdenas, sólo se encontró un animal reactor, significando una prevalencia específica para el lugar de 3,33 %. En los tres casos indicados, el serovar involucrado fue Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, siendo el título máximo de 1:200, obtenido en una hembra de 5 meses de la ganadería Cárdenas. Los títulos mínimos fueron de 1:100, obtenidos de dos hembras de 2 y 4 años procedentes de la EE Illpa-INIA.Palabras Clave: Leptospirosis, bovinos, serología, microaglutinación, prevalencia. / To estimate the prevalence of bovine leptospirosis and the possible association with age and procedence of a study involving 103 sera samples were performed. Samples from 98 female and 5 male Brown Swiss raised in the province of Puno-Puno were obtained. The animals came from the Illpa-INIA experimental station (Paucarcolla) and the Cardenas cattle farm (Mañazo). A sample collection during february and march (rainy season) was performed. Sera samples of 4 serovar reference set of Leptospira interrogans by the MAT were tested. Two positive samples (2,74% of specific prevalence) from the Illpa INIA station and one (3,33 % of specific prevalence) from the Cardenas farm were detected. The three positive cases represented a total prevalence of 2,91%. Leptospira icterohaemorhagiae was the serovar involved in all three cases. Antibody titers of 1:200 from a 5 month old female from the Cardenas cattle farm and of 1:100 from two females of 2 and 4 years old from the Illpa-INIA station were found.Key Words: Leptospirosis, bovine, serology, microaglutination, prevalence.

Memoria para optar al Título Profesional de Médico Veterinario / El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo pesquisar Cryptosporidium spp. y Giardia spp. en mamíferos terrestres del Buin Zoo muestreados durante el período 2013-2014. Se realizó un muestreo censal estacional de recintos de ungulados, carnívoros y primates, obteniéndose un total de 204 muestras fecales, cada una correspondiente a un pool de heces obtenidas de tres días alternos; las cuales fueron procesadas en el Laboratorio de Parasitología de la Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias de la Universidad de Chile, mediante tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen modificado y Telemann modificado. 47 muestras fecales resultaron positivas a algún parásito (23,04%), siendo los carnívoros principalmente infectados (51,06%); y Giardia spp. mayormente encontrado (significativo en invierno y verano). Se encontró monoparasitismo en 91,49% de las muestras positivas y aquellas con ambos parásitos fueron sólo de carnívoros. Las variaciones estacionales encontradas para cada parásito no fueron estadísticamente significativas, pero al analizarse sin corrección de continuidad, se obtuvo como resultado que las muestras de ungulados y primates positivas a Giardia spp. fueron menos abundantes durante las estaciones frías que en verano. Esta es la primera descripción de Cryptosporidium spp. en leones africanos y tigres de bengala, así como también de Giardia spp. en pudúes, nyalas, jirafas, suricatas y monos tití cabeza algodón. Se concluye que hubo presencia de estos agentes parasitarios en el zoológico durante todo el periodo 2013-2014, lo que es relevante debido al posible riesgo zoonótico que conlleva, recomendándose así la implementación de un programa de control y prevención, con énfasis en vías de transmisión parasitaria

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de Giardia sp. en caninos y niños de comunidades campesinas de los distritos de Ajoyani, Palca y Santa Lucía en Puno. Se recolectaron 130 muestras fecales tanto de niños como de canes. Las muestras fueron conservadas en formol al 10%, siendo luego enviadas al Laboratorio de Parasitología de la FMV-Lima para su procesamiento. Para el diagnóstico de Giardia sp. cada muestra fue analizada mediante las técnicas de Sedimentación Espontánea y Sheather. Considerando como positivo el hallazgo del parásito en una de las dos técnicas usadas, se obtuvo una prevalencia global de 14.6+6.1% y 28.5+7.8% en caninos y niños respectivamente. En caninos se hallaron prevalencias de 31.8%, 18.2% y 9.3% en los distritos de Ajoyani, Palca y Santa Lucía, respectivamente; las prevalencias en machos y hembras fueron de 14.6% y 17.4% respectivamente y según los grupos de edad de 0-6 meses, >6-12 meses, >12-72 meses y >72 meses fueron de 7.7%, 21.7%, 11.4% y 16.0% respectivamente. En niños se obtuvieron prevalencias de 36.4%, 13.6% y 30.2% en Ajoyani, Palca y Santa Lucia, respectivamente; los niños presentaron prevalencias de 14.6% y las niñas 17.4%; según los grupos etarios de 0-3años, >3-7años, >7-12 años fueron de 33.3%, 29.7%, 25.9% respectivamente. Para el análisis estadístico se empleó la prueba de chi cuadrado, con un nivel de significancia de 0,05%. No se encontró asociación estadística significativa (p>0,05) entre la presencia de Giardia sp. y las variables estudiadas. Además la técnica de sedimentación espontánea demostró ser la técnica más eficaz para el diagnóstico del parásito. Las prevalencias halladas en caninos y niños sugieren infecciones independientes. Sin embargo, sólo se esclarecería con futuros estudios moleculares, para descartar posible riesgo zoonótico. Palabras clave: Giardia sp., Puno, Sedimentación espontánea, Sheather, zoonosis / The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Giardia sp. in dogs and children in rural communities of the districts Ajoyani, Palca and Santa Lucía in Puno. We collected 130 fecal samples from both children and dogs. The samples were preserved in formaldehyde at 10%, then sent to the Laboratory of Parasitology of the FMV-Lima for processing. For the diagnosis of Giardia sp. each sample was analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation techniques and Sheather. Considering as positive the parasite founding in one of two techniques used, we obtained an overall prevalence of 14.6+6.1% and 28.5+7.8% in dogs and children respectively. In dogs, were found prevalences of 31.8%, 18.2% and 9.3% in the districts of Ajoyani, Palca, and Santa Lucía, respectively; the prevalences in males and females were 14.6% and 17.4% respectively and according to age groups from 0-6 months,> 6-12 months, > 12-72 months and > 72 months were 7%, 21.7%, 11.4% and 16.0% respectively. In children, were obtained 36.4%, 13.6% and 30.2% prevalences in Ajoyani, Palca and Santa Lucía, respectively; boys had prevalences of 14.6% and girls had 17.4%, according to the age groups from 0-3years,> 3-7years, > 7-12 years were 33.3%, 29.7%, 25.9%, respectively. For statistical analysis we used the chi square test with a significance level of 0.05%. There was not significant association (p> 0.05) between the presence of Giardia sp. and the variables studied. Furthermore, the spontaneous sedimentation technique proved to be the most effective technique for the diagnosis of the parasite. The prevalence found in dogs and children suggest independent infections. However, only molecular studies would clarify in future to rule out possible zoonotic risk. Keywords: Giardia sp., Puno, spontaneous sedimentation, sheather, zoonosis

El presente estudio se llevó a cabo con muestras de suero de 103 bovinos (98 hembras y 5 machos), predominantemente de la raza lechera Brown Swiss, criados en la provincia y departamento de Puno; con la finalidad de estimar la prevalencia de leptospirosis y ver su posible asociación con las variables edad y lugar. Los animales procedían de la Estación Experimental Illpa-INIA (Paucarcolla) y de la Ganadería Cárdenas (Mañazo). La colecta de muestras se realizó durante los meses de febrero y marzo (época de lluvia) del 2005. Los sueros fueron enfrentados a una batería de referencia de 4 serovares de Leptospira interrogans mediante la Prueba de Aglutinación Microscópica (MAT). Anticuerpos leptospirales en títulos mayores a 1:100 fueron detectados en 3 muestras de suero procesados, representando una prevalencia de 2,91%. De los sueros de animales procedentes de la EE Illpa-INIA se detectaron dos positivos a leptospirosis, representando una prevalencia específica de leptospirosis de 2,74 %; mientras que en la ganadería Cárdenas, sólo se encontró un animal reactor, significando una prevalencia específica para el lugar de 3,33 %. En los tres casos indicados, el serovar involucrado fue Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, siendo el título máximo de 1:200, obtenido en una hembra de 5 meses de la ganadería Cárdenas. Los títulos mínimos fueron de 1:100, obtenidos de dos hembras de 2 y 4 años procedentes de la EE Illpa-INIA.Palabras Clave: Leptospirosis, bovinos, serología, microaglutinación, prevalencia. / To estimate the prevalence of bovine leptospirosis and the possible association with age and procedence of a study involving 103 sera samples were performed. Samples from 98 female and 5 male Brown Swiss raised in the province of Puno-Puno were obtained. The animals came from the Illpa-INIA experimental station (Paucarcolla) and the Cardenas cattle farm (Mañazo). A sample collection during february and march (rainy season) was performed. Sera samples of 4 serovar reference set of Leptospira interrogans by the MAT were tested. Two positive samples (2,74% of specific prevalence) from the Illpa INIA station and one (3,33 % of specific prevalence) from the Cardenas farm were detected. The three positive cases represented a total prevalence of 2,91%. Leptospira icterohaemorhagiae was the serovar involved in all three cases. Antibody titers of 1:200 from a 5 month old female from the Cardenas cattle farm and of 1:100 from two females of 2 and 4 years old from the Illpa-INIA station were found.Key Words: Leptospirosis, bovine, serology, microaglutination, prevalence.

La cisticercosis porcina es una enfermedad parasitaria de carácter zoonótico. Los estudios de cisticercosis porcina en nuestro país se han realizado en diferentes puntos geográficos, obteniéndose prevalencias altas. Esta última característica ha calificado al Perú como área endémica. Sin embargo, no existe ningún trabajo de investigación para esta enfermedad en la costa central, lugar donde se desarrollan centros de crianza informal de cerdos que aparentemente podrían ser focos difusores de la enfermedad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de la cisticercosis porcina en el área de ampliación del Parque Porcino: “Pampas de los Perros” que se divide en cinco sectores (A, B, C, D y E), y se localiza en el Distrito de Ventanilla, Provincia Constitucional del Callao. Se muestraron un total de 299 cerdos de los cuales se encontraron 55 animales positivos a la presencia de anticuerpos mediante la prueba de EITB. La seroprevalencia a la prueba fue 18 + 4% y la seroprevalencia corregida de 19 + 4%. No se encontró diferencia estadística significativa entre los sectores de procedencia ni el sexo. Se halló diferencia significativa (p<0.05) entre el grupo etáreo mayor de 12 meses y los otros tres grupos (<4, 4-8 y de 8-12 meses). Mediante la prueba de regresión logística el grupo (> 12 meses) y los sectores A y B, fueron calificados como factores de riesgo para la presentación de la cisticercosis (p<0.05). Se empleó la prueba de simulación estocástica beta-binomial para obtener un valor más confiable de la presentación de la enfermedad, determinándose una prevalencia real de 7% y que el 90% de las observaciones se encontraría en el intervalo de 4% a 10%. / Porcine cysticercosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease. Studies in Peru have been conducted in several different geographic areas, where prevalence rates are high. Consequently, Peru has been declared an endemic country. So far, no studies into porcine cysticercosis have been undertaken on the central coast. In this region non intensive pig farming exists, which may generate a focal point for disease transmission. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in the porcine breeding area called “Parque Porcino Pampas de los Perros” in the Ventanilla district, Callao Province, Peru. This Porcine breeding area is divided into 5 sections; A, B, C, D and E. A total of 299 pigs were sampled, from which 55 were positive to EITB test. Seroprevalence results from the test were 18 ± 4%. There was no statistically significant difference between gender of the pigs or section (A B C D or E). Statistically significant difference was found in the age group greater than 12 months old (p <0.05). Logistical regression tests revealed that the age group> 12 months old and the sections A and B are risk factors for contracting the disease (p<0.05). A beta binomial stochastic simulation test was applied to obtain reliable values for disease interpretation, obtaining a real prevalence of 7%. This demonstrated that 90% of observations were recorded between the 4% and 10% interval.

Orientador: Gisele Fabrino Machado / Banca:Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani / Banca: Paulo Ricardo Dell'Armelina Rocha / Resumo: A encefalitozoonose é uma doença zoonótica causada por microsporídios do gênero Encephalitozoon e acomete uma ampla gama de aves, répteis e mamíferos, incluindo os coelhos, principal hospedeiro da espécie Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Esse estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência da presença do DNA de Encephalitozoon spp. em coelhos de granjas e residências do interior do e estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram colhidas 429 amostras por conveniência, que passaram por extração e posterior amplificação de DNA por meio da PCR convencional para o gênero Encephalitozoon. O método utilizado permitiu a detecção do parasito em 11 amostras (2,56%). Há presença do esporo do parasito em algumas destas granjas, mas nenhum coelho doméstico apresentou positividade. A baixa porcentagem de DNA detectado nas amostras analisadas pode indicar uma baixa ocorrência desta infecção nos animais presentes nas granjas analisadas. Esta é a primeira pesquisa sobre o gênero Encephalitozoon em granjas de coelhos e residências no estado de São Paulo. / Abstract: Encephalitozoonosis is a zoonotic disease caused by microsporidia of the genus Encephalitozoon and affects a wide range of birds, reptiles and mammals, including rabbits, the main host of the species Encephalitozoon cuniculi. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of the DNA of Encephalitozoon spp. in rabbits from farms and residences at cities in state of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 429 samples of feces were collected for convenience, from rabbits living at farms and residences from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The DNA was extracted and amplified by conventional PCR for the genus Encephalitozoon. The parasite was detected in 11 samples (2.56%). That showed there's the presence of the parasite spore in some of these farms, but no domestic rabbit showed positivity. The low percentage of DNA detected in the analyzed samples, may indicate a low occurrence of this infection in the animals present in the analyzed farms. This is the first research on the genus Encephalitozoon in farms of rabbits and residences in the state of São Paulo. / Mestre