The shadows of a ghost: a survey of canine leishmaniasis in Presidente Prudente and its spatial dispersion in the western region of São Paulo state, an emerging focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil

Abstract

BackgroundVisceral leishmaniasis is an emerging zoonosis and its geographic distribution is restricted to tropical and temperate regions. Most of the individuals infected in Latin America are in Brazil. Despite the control measures that have been adopted, the disease is spreading throughout new regions of the country. Domestic dogs are involved in the transmission cycle and are considered to be the main epidemiologic reservoir of Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi). Our aim was to determine the prevalence of canine leishmaniasis (CL) and Ehrlichiosis infection in Presidente Prudente as well as the spatial dispersion of the disease in the western region of São Paulo state.MethodsDogs underwent clinical examination and symptoms related to CL were recorded. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected using ELISA, rK39-immunocromatographic tests (DPP), and an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Anti-E. canis antibodies were detected by IFAT. A follow-up was conducted in dogs that were positive in the ELISA at the baseline study. Data on the spatial distribution of L. longipalpis and CL in São Paulo state were obtained from Brazilian public health agencies.ResultsSerum samples from 4547 dogs were analyzed. The seroprevalence of CL was 11.2 % by ELISA and 4.5 % by IFAT. In the follow-up, seroprevalence was 32.9 % by ELISA, 15.3 % by IFAT, 11.8 % by DPP test, and 66.5 % for E. canis. There was a significant positive association between Leishmania and E. canis infection (P < 0.0001). In the follow-up, clinical examinations revealed symptoms compatible with CL in 33.5 % of the dogs. L. longipalpis was found in 24 and CL in 15 counties of the Presidente Prudente mesoregion. The dispersion route followed the west frontier of São Paulo state toward Paraná state.ConclusionsLow CL and high ehrlichiosis prevalence rates were found in Presidente Prudente city. This emerging focus of CL is moving through the western region of São Paulo state toward the border of Paraná state. Integrated actions to fight the vector, parasites, infected dogs, and humans are needed to monitor the disease and implement strategies for epidemiologic control.

Evaluation of canine leishmaniasis and concomitant seropositivity for Babesia canis and rickettsia in a nonendemic area in the central west region of Minas Gerais

“…canis prevalence rates higher than those observed in Carmo da Mata have also been reported. Some studies in São Paulo showed E. canis infection prevalence of 75.3% in Ilha Solteira (Paulan et al, 2013), 78% in Jaboticabal (Oliveira et al, 2008), and 66.5% in Presidente Prudente (D' Andrea et al, 2015). These studies report a significant difference when compared to the prevalence noted in Carmo da Mata.…”

Distribuição Espacial Das Doenças Tropicais Negligenciadas Na Região Oeste Do Estado De São Paulo

“…de São Paulo (LAZ et al, 2009). Outro estudo desenvolvido na mesma região onde avaliaram a prevalência de Leishmaniose Canina (LC), bem como a dispersão espacial da doença na região, indicou o movimento da doença através dos municípios dessa região do Estado de São Paulo em direção à fronteira do estado com o Estado do Paraná (D'ANDREA et al, 2015).…”

Unusual manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis in children: a case series and its spatial dispersion in the western region of São Paulo state, Brazil

“…Despite the measures adopted by public authorities to control VL throughout São Paulo state, there is evidence that the disease is spreading at an alarming rate throughout the western region [4, 12, 13]. Since 2009, RH has been a reference center for the diagnosis and treatment of children thought to be infected with VL in the RRAS11 region.…”