Molecular detection of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs from Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal region of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

The increasing expansion of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Brazilian territory evidences the need for studies focused on the main reservoir of this parasite: the dog. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological survey in the municipality of Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal region of the state of Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and qualitative SYBR®Green real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to diagnose canine VL (CVL) and characterize the factors associated with this infection. Of the 402 dogs that had blood samples collected, 31 presented the parasite DNA, representing a prevalence of 7.71% in the population studied. Positivity indices for PCR and qPCR were 3.48 (14/402) and 7.21% (29/402), respectively. Comparison of the results obtained by both techniques showed moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.5364). Of the independent variables analyzed, presence of clinical signs (p≤0.05) was the only one associated with CVL. Based on this study, we conclude that VL is a circulating disease, with relatively low prevalence, in dogs of Barão de Melgaço/MT, and that the presence of clinical signs is the only variable associated with canine infection.

Epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in municipalities of Mato Grosso and the performance of surveillance activities: an updated investigation

“…In this context, it is essential to analyze and disseminate existing control strategies to increase public awareness of the disease ( Mann et al, 2021 ). Among the recommended approaches, educational programs with community participation have stood out in the fight against VL ( Dias et al, 2021 ). The active participation of the community in disease prevention can reduce transmission, through measures such as the use of repellents, personal and environmental hygiene, in addition to the proper management of animals, especially dogs, the main reservoirs of VL.…”

“…According to the VLPC, investigations of canine VL are more relevant than spontaneous inquiries. In the former, all the animals are subjected to testing, enabling the detection of asymptomatic dogs, which play a crucial role as carriers of the disease in the environment ( Dias et al, 2021 ). This approach allows one to identify infected dogs in different regions of a municipality, implement control measures and carry out proper management of affected animals.…”

Molecular prevalence and factors associated with Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs from the North Pantanal wetland, Brazil

“…Clinical signs (such as pallor of the mucous membranes, ophthalmopathies, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly) were non-specific and showed no significant association with infection, which contrasted with the findings of Sousa et al [22] who associated pale mucous membranes with E. canis infection. This result may be explained by the fact that several dogs were in the subclinical phase of the disease or showed clinical signs of infection by other endemic diseases found in the region, such as visceral leishmaniasis [27,28].…”

Comparison of SensPERT® Leishmania rapid test with two other immunochromatographic tests for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil

“…In addition, serum samples from 30 healthy dogs (blood donors) that were non-reactive for VL and without DNA amplification were collected from the serum bank of the Leishmaniasis Laboratory at HOVET-UFMT, Cuiabá campus. All PCR-positive dogs were symptomatic and presented with lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, onychogryphosis, ophthalmopathy, or weight loss and/or muscle mass loss [ 15 ].…”