Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in companion rabbits in Mexico City

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microorganism primarily found in rabbits, although it has also been reported in various species such as horses, rodents, dogs, monkeys, foxes, cats, goats, and pigs. Immunodeficient humans are also vulnerable to this infection. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi in 89 companion rabbits in Mexico City using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results indicated a seroprevalence of 70 %. Clinically healthy rabbits constituted 92 % of the sample, of which 68 % were positive for antibodies against E. cuniculi. The findings align with global reports of high seroprevalence. Despite most infections being subclinical, a substantial portion of asymptomatic rabbits were seropositive, highlighting the need for early disease recognition to prevent its spread. This study is the first to describe the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi in Mexico and the common associated signs.