Geospatial analysis applied to seroepidemiological survey of canine leishmaniosis in east-central Portugal

Pires, Humberto; Martins, Manuel; Matos, A.C.; Cardoso, Luı́s; Monteiro, Fernando A.; Roque, Natália; Nunes, Telmo; Gottstein, Bruno; Cortes, Hélder

doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.108930

Cited by 9 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Likewise, in the Iberian Peninsula, extensive surveys recorded seropositive dogs from 5.4% up to 8.1% in the Madrid region [ 26 , 31 , 32 ], 10.2% in Northeast Catalonia [ 33 ], 19.5% in Girona Province [ 34 ], 26.0% on the Island of Mallorca [ 8 ], 35.6% in some regions of Northern Spain [ 35 ] and 57.1% in the Balearic Islands, which is the highest seroprevalence documented in Europe [ 20 ]. A high seroprevalence (56.0%) has also been recorded in the Municipality Vila de Rei in Central Portugal [ 36 ], while in the northern part of the country, it was 18.7% [ 37 ]. Previous studies in neighboring countries of Greece, such as in Albania and Kosovo [ 38 , 39 ], as well as in Turkey and Northern Cyprus [ 40 ], employing both serological and molecular diagnostic tools confirmed the presence of CanL within the local canine population, thus denoting that L. infantum is also distributed in the broader region of Eastern Europe, including the Balkan Peninsula [ 41 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Canine Leishmaniosis in Greece: An Updated Countrywide Serological Study and Associated Risk Factors

et al. 2021

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Canine leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum) is a zoonotic disease that affects dogs worldwide. Greece is enzootic for this disease, and updated data for its current distribution are of major importance. The aim of this cross-sectional serological study was primarily to update the current knowledge of Leishmania infantum seropositivity status within the asymptomatic Greek canine population and, furthermore, to assess the possible climatological and other risk factors. In total, sera of 1265 asymptomatic dogs were collected from all prefectures of the country. A questionnaire that included all individual dog information was completed for all animals. The Speed Leish K® canine Leishmania antibody test kit (BVT Groupe Virbac, France) was employed. Potential risk factors were evaluated utilizing logistic regression models. Overall, 13.8% (n = 175) of the sampled dogs were seropositive to Leishmania infantum originating from all geographical departments of the country, whereas most prefectures had at least one seropositive animal. Outdoor living, high mean humidity, low mean wind speed and high total annual rainfall were found to increase the seropositivity status against the parasite. Conclusively, Leishmania infantum remains a common parasite challenge in the asymptomatic canine population of Greece, and therefore, its early diagnosis and effective prevention are significant in the country.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Canine Leishmaniosis in Greece: An Updated Countrywide Serological Study and Associated Risk Factors

et al. 2021

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“…For example, a recent study in Colombia (20) described how the sample being carried out in municipalities with increasing numbers of clinical cases reported by health authorities, but the procedures used to access the dog population is not provided. Some studies report using veterinary practices or samples extracted during a vaccination campaign (15,16), but it can be difficult to determine if the sample if truly representative, Confounding factors could be that dogs participating in a vaccination campaign are less likely to be infected because of the behavioral factors associated with their care. Estimating the prevalence using a canine census can derive valid estimated of domestic dog infection but canine censuses are not always available, and it can be resource heavy ensuring they are up to date.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Even when canine censuses are present, limitations remain because they are rarely up to date and do not include free roaming dogs. Other options include the recruitment of animals through the local veterinary practices (15), or taking advantage of local rabies vaccination campaigns (16).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Novel Sampling Model to Study the Epidemiology of Canine Leishmaniasis in an Urban Environment

et al. 2021

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Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world. The domestic dog is the main reservoir of zoonotic VL and a high prevalence of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is associated with transmission of infection to humans. Here we describe the methodology used to obtain a rapid and representative sample of domestic dogs in the city of Posadas, Misiones, and compare the prevalence of Leishmania infection with a sample of shelter dogs.Methodology: We used the city land registry to make a random selection of homes and systematically recruited 349 domestic dogs from the selected properties. We also included all dogs from the main canine shelter within the city. Dogs were examined by two experienced veterinarians who recorded the presence of clinical signs common in CanL using a standardized protocol. We extracted a blood sample from each dog and performed four different serological tests to reveal the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies.Results: After clinical examination, 145 domestic dogs (41.5%) and 63 (90%) shelter dogs had clinical signs compatible with CanL (p < 0.001). The seroprevalence among domestic dogs was 20.1% (95% CI 16.1–24.6) which was significantly lower than among the abandoned dogs (38.6%, 95% CI 27.7–50.6, p < 0.001). The spatial distribution of infected dogs was fairly homogenous throughout the city. Among domestic dogs, we observed a positive association between where the dog slept and presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies (p = 0.034). Of the seropositive domestic dogs 38 (54.4%) were asymptomatic.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate how seroprevalence results can be highly influenced by sampling methodology. We demonstrate how the land registry can be used to estimate the prevalence of CanL in representative sample of domestic dogs in an urban setting, allowing decision makers to deepen their understanding the epidemiology of CanL in a timely and efficient manner for the development of plans to address both human and canine disease.

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“…On the other hand, CanL is considered a veterinary concern and is present throughout the country with a heterogenous distribution [13]. Recently, in the northeastern region of Portugal, a seroprevalence for Leishmania infection of 21.3% was found [14]. But much higher values were found in the Interior Centre of Portugal, Castelo Branco, with seroprevalences reaching 56.0% in some municipalities [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recently, in the northeastern region of Portugal, a seroprevalence for Leishmania infection of 21.3% was found [14]. But much higher values were found in the Interior Centre of Portugal, Castelo Branco, with seroprevalences reaching 56.0% in some municipalities [14]. High prevalence was also identified in the south of Portugal, with 60.4% dogs positive for L. infantum using molecular methods [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Leishmania Infection in Dogs from Portugal

et al. 2022

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Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) caused by Leishmania infantum is an important zoonosis in southwestern European countries where this disease is endemic, and dogs, as domestic animals in close contact with humans, are the reservoir hosts for the parasite. In Portugal, CanL is of relevant veterinary concern. The previous national study revealed an overall seroprevalence of 6.3%. Since then, new prophylactic measures, such as vaccines, have been introduced in Europe. The aim of this study was to update seroprevalence for Leishmania infection and reassess risk factors in Portugal. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January–March 2021 with 1860 client-owned dogs from continental Portugal. A questionnaire and whole blood samples on filter paper were collected and a direct agglutination test was used to calculate anti-Leishmania antibody titres. True seroprevalence was 12.5% (95% CI 10.3–13.2%). Potential risk factors associated with L. infantum infection in dogs were age ≥ 2 years (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.1–2.6) and residing in the interior regions of the country (aOR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.3–2.9) and non-use of repellents (aOR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.2–2.5). The key to controlling CanL and its impact on Public Health in endemic areas lies in continuous implementation of prophylactic measures, through the correct use of repellents/insecticides and vaccines and early detection and monitoring of infected dogs.

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Geospatial analysis applied to seroepidemiological survey of canine leishmaniosis in east-central Portugal

Cited by 9 publications

References 11 publications

Canine Leishmaniosis in Greece: An Updated Countrywide Serological Study and Associated Risk Factors

Canine Leishmaniosis in Greece: An Updated Countrywide Serological Study and Associated Risk Factors

A Novel Sampling Model to Study the Epidemiology of Canine Leishmaniasis in an Urban Environment

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Leishmania Infection in Dogs from Portugal

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