Seroprevalence and spatial distribution of canine leishmaniasis in an endemic region in Brazil: how has the situation changed after 10 years?

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2018 Sep-Oct;51(5):680-682. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0087-2018.

Abstract

Introduction: Herein, we assessed the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of Leishmania infantum in dogs in Garanhuns, Northeastern Brazil.

Methods: Sera samples (n = 242) were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The spatial distribution of dogs seropositive for anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies was evaluated using kernel density estimation.

Results: A total of 2.4% (6/242) of the animals were seropositive for anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. The kernel map showed their distribution to be heterogeneous over the city, with a hotspot in the northeastern region.

Conclusions: The reported data illustrate the circulation of parasites of the genus Leishmania in a canine population.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Dogs
  • Endemic Diseases / veterinary*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
  • Female
  • Leishmania infantum / immunology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / epidemiology
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Spatial Analysis

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan