Seroepidemiology of Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii infection in California coyotes, 1994-1998

The prevalence of antibodies to Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in co yotes (Canis latrans) in California ranged from 51% in central to 34% in so uthern and 7% in northern California. Seropositive coyotes were more likely to be from coastal than inland counties (p < 0.05). The clustered distribu tion of Bartonella seropositivity in coyotes suggests that B. vinsonii subs p. berkhoffii infection is vectorborne. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate which arthropods are vectors and what the mode of transmission is from wildlife to domestic dogs and possibly humans.