Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Canine leishmaniasis in Bahia Brazil linked to deforestation effects
By Nascimento, Everton Rusciolelli et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2026·Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Canine leishmaniasis in the Atlantic Rainforest Biome region of Bahia, Brazil, affected by deforestation: a one health perspective.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 243 dogs living in urban and rural areas of Bahia, Brazil, were tested for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), a disease spread by sand flies. Only a small number of dogs tested positive for the disease, indicating that while CVL is present, it may not be widespread in this area. Factors like poor waste management and nearby vegetation could contribute to the risk of transmission. To help control the disease, it's important for pet owners to manage waste properly and be aware of the risks associated with their pets being outdoors.
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Abstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a zoonotic disease whose etiological agent is transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, with dogs as the primary reservoir. Urbanization and deforestation have created conditions favorable to pathogen transmission. In Eunápolis, Bahia, the epidemiological situation of CVL remains entirely unknown. In this study, the prevalence of CVL and its associated socio-environmental factors were investigated. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 243 dogs residing in both urban and rural areas. Blood samples were analyzed using the rKDDR-plus immunochromatographic test, conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR), and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In addition, household questionnaires were administered to assess socio-environmental conditions. Based on the rKDDR-plus serology, four samples tested positive (1.6%), and qPCR confirmed the presence of Leishmania infantum DNA in three samples (1.2%). Among the environmental factors analyzed, improper waste management (38.3%) and proximity of households to vegetation (54.7%) were notable. The detection of seropositive samples and L. infantum DNA suggests the existence of a transmission cycle of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in the studied area. In this context, public health measures, including vector control, health education initiatives, and responsible pet ownership, are essential to mitigate risks and prevent the spread of the disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41779541/