Risk factors associated with Leishmania exposure among dogs in a rural area of Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: We sought to determine risk factors (RFs) associated with the presence of antibodies against Leishmania in dogs from a rural area of Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 250 dogs and tested using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFATs). Data concerning dogs, their environment, and their owners' knowledge of leishmaniasis were collected using a questionnaire. To determine RFs for contact with the parasite, univariate statistical analysis based on chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, followed by logistic regression, was used. Results: It was found that 79/250 (31.6%) of the dogs were positive by IFAT, and 72/250 (28.8%) by ELISA. A total of 82/250 dogs (32.8%) were positive in at least one test. The RFs associated with occurrences of Leishmania exposure were large body size (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.26-4.04; p = 0.003), presence of chickens (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.05-3.65; p = 0.023), and lack of knowledge about Leishmania among dog owners (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 0.96-3.21; p = 0.049). After multivariate analysis, the RFs for occurrence of Leishmania exposure in dogs that remained significantly associated were the dog's size (large dogs) (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.06-1.35; p = 0.003) and presence of chickens on the properties (small farms) (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.02-1.30; p = 0.023). Conclusions: These results may be useful for improving preventive practices to reduce the incidence of Leishmania exposure among dogs in rural areas.

Use of preventive measures and serological screening tools for Leishmania infantum infection in dogs from Europe

“…The presence of a backyard at the residence with a predominance of land and/or vegetation was also associated with CanL [ 32 ], which could be a consequence of not only an environmental factor but also of the smaller use of preventive measures in periurban and rural areas as described in the present study, among other factors. Another study from Brazil [ 33 ] went further and associated CanL with not just rural areas (small farms) but also the larger size of the dogs (usually used as guard dogs) and lack of owner knowledge about CanL. Coincidentally, in this study, larger dogs were more frequently classified in the high-risk exposure group and living in rural or periurban areas, which could explain its association with CanL.…”