Occurrence of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Phlebotominae) and canine visceral leishmaniasis in a rural area of Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Lutzomyia longipalpis and also the canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in a rural area of Ilha Solteira, state of São Paulo. Blood samples were collected from 32 dogs from different rural properties (small farms) and were analyzed by ELISA and the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) in order to diagnose CVL. From these serological tests, 31.25% of the dogs were positive for CVL and these were distributed in 66.7% (8/12) of the rural properties, which were positive for L. longipalpis. CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) light traps were installed in 12 properties (one per property) and insects were caught on three consecutive days per month for one year. L. longipalpis was present on 100% of the rural properties visited, at least once during the twelve-month interval, totaling 64 males and 25 females. The insects were more numerous after the peak of the rain, but the association between prevalence of peridomestic vectors and the climatic data (precipitation, relative air humidity and temperature) and the occurrences of CVL among dogs on each rural property were not statistical significant (p < 0.05). However, the occurrence of CVL cases in dogs and the presence of L. longipalpis indicate that more attention is necessairy for the control of this disease in the rural area studied.

Spatial and seroepidemiology of canine visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic Southeast Brazilian area

“…These areas are rich in the organic substrates that are required for vector reproduction, as Lu. longipalpis has limited dispersal capacity because they cannot fly beyond 243 m 19 . Thus, a close proximity to vegetated areas may be associated with the risk of CVL 4 .…”

Molecular and serological detection of Leishmania spp. in horses from an endemic area for canine visceral leishmaniasis in southeastern Brazil

“…infection or a chronic infection from a species other than L. (L.) infantum, in some cases. The county of Ilha Solteira is an endemic area for VL and 31.3% of its dogs in rural areas are serum reactive to L. infantum (Spada et al 2014). Although to date there have been no reports of Leishmania infected horses in the city, according to the Epidemiological Surveillance office (CVE 2015a), one human case of CL and one of VL were registered between 2010 and 2013 (CVE 2015b), with CVL prevalence rates ranging from 31.3% to 37.6% (Paulan et al 2013, Spada et al 2014.…”

“…Prevalence of canine VL in endemic areas is around 5.9 to 31.3% (França-Silva et al 2003, Lopes et al 2010, Spada et al 2014, Leite et al 2015 and high prevalence of canine infection is associated with a higher risk of the disease in humans (Werneck 2008). In spite of being mainly described in dogs and humans, other mammals can also be infected by the parasite and suffer disease, including cats, bats and horses (Savani et al 2004, Vides et al 2011, Soares et al 2013.…”

Lutzomyia longipalpis urbanisation and control

“…Despite the attractiveness of the dog, no direct statistical association is usually found between the spatial distributions of Lu. longipalpis presence/abundance and AVL in dogs or humans ( Margonari et al 2006 , Missawa & Dias 2007 , Michalsky et al 2009b , Salomón et al 2009 , Barata et al 2013 , Silva et al 2014b , Spada et al 2014) . This result may be due to inconsistencies between the scales of sandfly trapping and surveillance accumulated data or because the AVL distribution is more related to cultural and social practices (i.e., networks of dog breeding) rather than to the actual sites with vectorial transmission ( Salomón et al 2012) .…”