Epidemiology of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in the microregion of Pajeú, Pernambuco
Leishmania; Epidemiology; Serology; Domestic dog.
Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) is a disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, which has as main vector in Brazil sandflies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis. Dogs have been considered the main reservoirs of this parasite in urban areas, playing an important role in the epidemiological chain of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and analyze the risk factors associated with the infection by L. infantum in dogs from the microregion of Pajeú, state of Pernambuco. Blood samples (n = 247) were obtained from canines from eight different municipalities (Afogados da Ingazeira, Brejinho, Carnaíba, Iguaracy, Quixaba, São José do Egito, Tabira and Tuparetama). Simultaneously, individual clinical charts were filled out to obtain the for the risk factors analyses. Samples were screened by using an immunochromatographic test (Dual Path Platform Rapid Test – TR DPP®, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and the reagent ones were submitted to the ELISA test (ELISA/S7, Biogene, Recife, Brazil) to confirm the infection. Risk factors were calculated through univariate analysis of the variables of interest and logistic regression analysis considering as dependent variable the results of the serology. An overall seroprevalence of 13.77% (34/247) was obtained. In particular, the highest and lowest prevalence was observed for the municipalities of Tabira (26.47%; 9/34) and Quixaba (12.5%; 18/144), respectively. The age (> 10 years old) was considered a risk fator for the infection by Leishmania spp. (OR = 4.94; p = 0.029). In conclusion the CVL is a disease present in the area of study; therefore, the adoption of preventive measures to reduce canine cases and mitigate its impact on Public Health are needed.