Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors for Leishmania and Trypanosoma infection in dogs
By Fernandes, Annielle Regina da Fonseca et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2016·Programa de Pó·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Risk factors associated with seropositivity for Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi in dogs in the state of Paraiba, Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A survey of 1,043 dogs in Paraíba, Brazil, found that 81 dogs tested positive for Leishmania (which causes canine visceral leishmaniasis) and 83 for Trypanosoma cruzi (which causes Chagas disease). The study identified several risk factors for these diseases, including living conditions like being semi-domiciled or free-roaming, as well as environmental factors like soil. The findings suggest that dog owners should be aware of these risks and consider regular health checks for their pets, especially in areas where these diseases are present.
People also search for: dog leishmaniasis symptoms · Chagas disease in dogs · risk factors for dog diseases in Brazil
Abstract
The aim of this survey was to determine the seropositivity and risk factors for Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi in dogs in the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 1,043 dogs were tested, and the serological diagnoses of Chagas disease (CD) and canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) was performed by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Animals that tested seropositive for both diseases (by IFAT) were further subjected to ELISA. Of the 1,043 dogs 81 (7.8%; 95% CI = 6.1-9.4%) tested seropositive for Leishmania spp., while 83 were seropositive for T. cruzi (7.9%; 95% CI = 6.3-9.6%). Simultaneous serological reactions were detected in 49 animals (4.6%; 95% CI= 3.6-6.2%). Semi-domiciled housing (OR = 2.044), free housing (OR = 4.151), and soil (OR = 3.425) and soil/cement (OR = 3.065) environmental conditions were identified as risk factors for CVL seropositivity. The risk factors identified for CD seropositivity were semi-domiciled (OR = 2.353) or free housing (OR = 3.454), and contact with bovine (OR = 2.015). This study revealed the presence of dogs in the Paraíba State seropositive for CVL and CD, suggesting the need for revisiting and intensification of disease control measures through constant monitoring of the canine population.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26982555/