Abstract
The aim of this survey was to determine the seropositivity and risk factors for Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi in dogs in the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 1,043 dogs were tested, and the serological diagnoses of Chagas disease (CD) and canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) was performed by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Animals that tested seropositive for both diseases (by IFAT) were further subjected to ELISA. Of the 1,043 dogs 81 (7.8%; 95% CI = 6.1-9.4%) tested seropositive for Leishmania spp., while 83 were seropositive for T. cruzi (7.9%; 95% CI = 6.3-9.6%). Simultaneous serological reactions were detected in 49 animals (4.6%; 95% CI= 3.6-6.2%). Semi-domiciled housing (OR = 2.044), free housing (OR = 4.151), and soil (OR = 3.425) and soil/cement (OR = 3.065) environmental conditions were identified as risk factors for CVL seropositivity. The risk factors identified for CD seropositivity were semi-domiciled (OR = 2.353) or free housing (OR = 3.454), and contact with bovine (OR = 2.015). This study revealed the presence of dogs in the Paraíba State seropositive for CVL and CD, suggesting the need for revisiting and intensification of disease control measures through constant monitoring of the canine population.
Highlights
The zoonoses visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and Chagas disease (CD) have been known to significantly affect human health in Brazil, prompting the need for repeated medical assistance
Semi‐domiciled housing (OR = 2.044), free housing (OR = 4.151), and soil (OR = 3.425) and soil/cement (OR = 3.065) environmental conditions were identified as risk factors for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) seropositivity
Of the 1,043 dogs included in the study, 81 tested seropositive for Leishmania spp. (7.8%; 95%CI = 6.1-9.4%)
Summary
The zoonoses visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and Chagas disease (CD) have been known to significantly affect human health in Brazil, prompting the need for repeated medical assistance. These diseases are caused by the protozoans Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi, respectively; both are known to be carried by hematophagous insect (Lutzomyia spp. and Triatoma spp.) vectors. Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is an important zoonosis, which is associated with rapid geographical expansion. This disease has been observed in 47 countries, and is caused by specie Leishmania (L.) infantum (KUHLS et al, 2011). In Brazil, CVL occurs in the central‐western, southeastern, northern, and northeastern regions, the majority of cases have been reported in northeastern region (BRASIL, 2006)
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