Full text |
|
Research article - Vol. 22, 2016 |
Canine visceral leishmaniasis in the Northeast Region of Brazil
Flávio Gonçalves Brito1, Helio Langoni1 5, Rodrigo Costa da Silva2, Tereza Emmanuelle de Farias Rotondano3, Marcia Almeida de Melo4, Giselle Souza da Paz1
1 São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
2 Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, Starkville, MS, USA.
3 Federal University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil.
4 Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
5 Diagnostic Service in Zoonosis, Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), District of Rubião Junior, s/n, CEP 18.618-970, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
ABSTRACT
Background
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis that affects dogs and other mammals, including humans. Contact with dogs is a major risk factor for humans. This disease is endemic in several regions of Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Leishmania spp. infection in dogs and to correlate it with possible risk factors.
Methods
Blood samples were collected from 391 dogs of different ages, breeds, and both genders, coming from Campina Grande, Paraíba state, Brazil. An epidemiological questionnaire was employed in order to identify risk factors associated with the disease. Serological tests were performed using indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA S7®) and polymerase chain reaction.
Results
Leishmania spp. antibodies were detected in 33 (8.4 %) and 17 (4.3 %) dogs according to the indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA S7®), respectively. PCR results indicated the presence of L. chagasi DNA in only eight (2 %) blood samples. There was a significant association between reactive animals and contact with animals from different houses (OR = 4.1; p= 0.02).
Conclusions
It is suggested that CVL may occur in urban areas. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the association among different diagnostic tests may lead to a more accurate identification of positive animals, which might help to improve the disease control and prevent euthanasia in false-positive results.
Key words: Kala-azar; Diagnosis; Dog; Zoonosis; Risk factors
Ethics approval
The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, CEEA 897–2011.
Funding
FGB was the recipient of a scholarship from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).
Received: September 10, 2015.
Revised: March 29, 2016.
Accepted: April 12, 2016.
Correspondence: hlangoni@fmvz.unesp.br