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

Abstract

Introduction: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a public health problem, and its prevalence is associated with the coexistence of vectors and reservoirs. CVL is a protozoonosis caused by Leishmania infantum that is endemic in the southeast region of Brazil. Thus, vector and canine reservoir control strategies are needed to reduce its burden. This study aimed to verify the CVL seroprevalence and epidemiology in a municipality in Southeast Brazil to initiate disease control strategies. Methods: A total of 833 dogs were subjected to Dual Path Platform (DPP) testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. For seropositive dogs, epidemiological aspects were investigated using a questionnaire and a global position system. The data were submitted to simple logistic regression, kernel estimation, and Bernoulli spatial scan statistical analysis. Results: The overall CVL-confirmed seroprevalence was 16.08%. The 28.93% in the DPP screening test was associated with dogs maintained in backyards with trees, shade, animal and/or bird feces, and contact with other dogs and cats, with sick dogs showing the highest chances of infection (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.38-1.98), especially in residences with elderly people. A spatial analysis identified two hotspot regions and detected two clusters in the study area. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that residences with elderly people and the presence of trees, shade, feces, and pet dogs and cats increased an individual's risk of developing CVL. The major regions where preventive strategies for leishmaniasis were to be initiated in the endemic area were identified in two clusters.

Canine leishmaniasis in an endemic region, Northeastern Brazil: a comparative study with four groups of animals

“…In this study, the groups of dogs most exposed to Leishmania infection in endemic areas of the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil, were identified. The positivity of animals observed here was higher than those obtained in epidemiological surveys carried out in other states, such as Bahia (Rodrigues et al 2020 ), Mato Grosso (Carvalho et al 2020 ), Minas Gerais (Castro-Júnior et al 2014 ), and São Paulo (Julião et al 2007 ). These results may be related to the diversity of biological samples and laboratory tests used in our study, which may allow an increase in the rates of sensitivity for the LC diagnosis (Sassaki et al 2011 ; Braz et al 2016 ).…”

Responsible companion animal guardianship is associated with canine visceral leishmaniasis: an analytical cross-sectional survey in an urban area of southeastern Brazil

“…On this basis, public health strategies aimed at decreasing contact with sand flies, perhaps by the use of repellent collars, should be directed primarily to these animals [ 11 ]. The problems generated by unconfined dogs are more serious because of the important role played by these animals in the dissemination of CVL [ 12 , 13 ]. In this context, surveillance of areas commonly used by free-roaming dogs, and education of guardians concerning their obligations and responsibilities towards the welfare of companion animals, are essential for the control of CVL and other zoonotic diseases [ 2 ].…”

Prevalence and risk factors of canine leishmaniasis in Morocco: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…According to Kahime et al (2017), the urbanization of human visceral leishmaniasis was attributed to the movement of dogs as reservoirs of the disease (Kahime et al, 2017). Thus, vectorial and reservoir control strategies for canines are needed to reduce their burden (Rodrigues et al, 2020).…”