Leishmaniasis Awareness and Screening Among Dog Owners in Tiaret, Algeria.

Abstract

Leishmaniases are zoonotic diseases, and the risk of human transmission of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in endemic areas is increasing public health concerns.This study sought to determine the knowledge of dog owners in the province of Tiaret regarding Human Visceral Leishmaniasis (HVL) and Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL), and to carry out serological detection of HVL, using a variety of serological diagnostic methods, including enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), immunochromatographic test (IT-LEISH), and Western Blot (WB), this study sought to determine the knowledge of dog owners in Tiaret Province regarding Human Visceral Leishmaniasis (HVL) and Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL). To establish the risk  between owning a Leishmania positive dog and the human infection, serological screening of the owners' dogs using IFAT was carried out. Every single participant, who ranged in age from 21 to 66, was male. The majority were farmers and ignorant. A questionnaire regarding HVL and CVL was completed by each of them. Only a small percentage of respondents accurately completed the questionnaire; most were unaware of these illnesses, and some mistook them for other diseases. Additionally, the existence of doubtful cases (3%) by IFAT was discovered during the serological screening of dog owners for HVL. Finally, five of the nine people whose dogs tested positive and who were subjected to the Western Blot method were found to be positive. Finally, we can highlight the ignorance of leishmaniasis among dog owners, and the importance of making these people aware of the risks of this disease for dogs and humans.