Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Canine Leishmaniasis in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is caused by Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) that is transmitted by sand fly vectors with dogs acting as the main reservoir. Methods: The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of CanL in dogs from Egypt and assessed the associated risk factors. The study was conducted from 2019 to 2020 in five governorates situated in Northern Egypt. Serum samples from 450 asymptomatic dogs were serologically examined by use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Overall, the seroprevalence rate of CanL was 21.3% and the highest rates were observed in Cairo and Giza governorates. The univariable analysis revealed that the seropositivity of CanL was strongly related to the dogs′ ages, length of hair, absence of veterinary care or application of insecticides, and the type of floor of their shelters. The risk factors that were found to be associated with CanL in exposed dogs were: age group 2–4 years old (OR = 12, 95% CI: 1.6–92.3); short hair (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.2–3.6); absence of veterinary care (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3–5.8); no application of insecticides (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.5–6.5) and their residence in a shelter with an earthen floor (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.7–2.9). Conclusions: Based on the present results, CanL is present in Egyptian dogs and this increases the possibility of transmission by sand fly to humans with whom they have contact. Consequently, an efficient monitoring programme and effective control measures are important to reduce the risk of infection.

Asymptomatic Leishmania infantum infection in dogs and dog owners in an endemic area in southeast France

“…Long hair in dogs decreases emissions of CO 2 and heat radiation from the host's body, making it less appealing to vectors [24]. Other risk factors such as dog median age (5 years) were not associated with asymptomatic infections in our study, contradicting the data described by Selim et al [39]. In addition, in the different UKC categories of dogs, some of them are more at risk than others.…”

“…An association between dog seropositivity and hair length has also been demonstrated by Selim et al . in Egypt [ 39 ]. Thus short-haired dogs are more vulnerable to the bite of phlebotomine sand fly and are thus more susceptible to be infected, contrarily to long-haired ones.…”

“…Other risk factors such as dog median age (5 years) were not associated with asymptomatic infections in our study, contradicting the data described by Selim et al . [ 39 ]. In addition, in the different UKC categories of dogs, some of them are more at risk than others.…”

Canine visceral leishmaniasis: risk factors and spatial analysis in an endemic area of Northeastern Brazil

“…Even though, it is known that the longer exposure to vectors and the immunological weakness observed among elderly patients may contributed to this outcome ( Araujo et al, 2016 ). In fact, adult dogs remain outside for long periods, which increases the chance of contact with vectors and natural exposition to Leishmania parasites ( Selim et al, 2021 ).…”

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

“…In this study, being older than two years was considered a potential risk factor for seropositivity in dogs (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.1-2.6, p = 0.02). Different studies show that age can be a risk factor for Leishmania infection [40], with older dogs more prone to infection [39,41,42]. Others found higher positivity rates in younger dogs (<1 year-old) [5].…”