Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Factors linked to Leishmania infantum infection in urban dogs
By Barbosa, David Soeiro et al.·Published in Research in veterinary science·2022·Department of Parasitology, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Factors associated with Leishmania infantum infection in dogs from urban areas endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study in Brazil found that about 9.8% of dogs tested positive for Leishmania infantum, the parasite that causes canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Male dogs were twice as likely to be infected compared to females, and dogs that lived outdoors had a higher risk of infection. Interestingly, dogs living in homes with chickens were less likely to be infected. The research suggests that certain factors, like age and living conditions, can influence a dog's risk of getting this disease. Understanding these factors can help in targeting prevention efforts for at-risk dogs.
People also search for: dog leishmaniasis symptoms · how to prevent leishmania in dogs · outdoor dog infection risk
Abstract
There are gaps in the knowledge of the factors associated with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Moreover, there is a need for studies conducted with appropriate sample selection and with standardized diagnostic methods, to assess the current infection status of animals. This study analyzed factors associated with Leishmania infantum infection in dogs from urban areas endemic for CVL in Brazil. Data from four cities in different regions of the country (Fortaleza, Brasília, Palmas, and Bauru) were included, encompassing a large and heterogeneous sample group. Dogs were considered infected if they had positive results in parasitological tests (skin lesion culture, histological or immunohistochemical analysis of skin). Data analysis consisted of logistic regression with adjustment for the effect of cities as cluster variables, using generalized estimating equations. The canine positivity for L. infantum was 9.8%. Bauru had the highest percentage (18.7%), followed by Brasília (8.4%), Fortaleza (7.9%), and Palmas (4%). Male animals were twice as likely to be infected as females (Confidence Interval (CI): 1.5-2.8). Dogs living outdoors were 1.5 times more likely to be positive (CI: 1.4-1.6). Dogs living in households rearing chickens were 40% less likely to be infected (CI: 0.5-0.8). A significant multiplicative interaction indicated that a protective association between purebred and CVL was stronger among dogs older than seven years. These findings provide evidence for the role of individual and environmental factors on L. infantum infection in dogs from endemic urban areas. They may be used for identifying groups of animals at higher risk for delivering control interventions.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36215737/