Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Antibody rates for Leishmania and other parasites in Brazilian dogs
By Paulan, Silvana de Cássia et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2013·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Seroprevalence rates of antibodies against Leishmania infantum and other protozoan and rickettsial parasites in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 93 dogs in a rural area of Brazil were tested for several parasites, including Leishmania infantum, which causes a serious disease called canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). The tests showed that about 37.6% of the dogs had been exposed to Leishmania, while many also had antibodies against other parasites like Ehrlichia and Babesia. This indicates that these dogs are at risk for multiple infections, which can be harmful to their health. The study highlights the importance of better testing and control measures to protect dogs and their owners from these diseases.
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Abstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, which infects dogs and humans in many regions of Brazil. The present study involved an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to analyze L. infantum, Ehrlichia spp., Babesia canis, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection rates in serum samples from 93 dogs in a rural settlement in Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. The seroprevalence rates of anti-L. infantum, anti-Ehrlichia, anti-B. canis, anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies were 37.6%, 75.3%, 72%, 47.3% and 6.4%, respectively. In addition to IFAT, direct microscopic examination of popliteal lymph node aspirates revealed 26.9% of CVL positive dogs. Serological tests revealed that 17.2% of the dogs were seropositive for a single parasite, 29% for two parasites, 33% for three, 16.1% for four, and 1.1% for five parasites, while 3.2% were seronegative for five parasites. The presence of antibodies against these parasites in serum samples from dogs confirmed their exposure to these parasites in this rural area. Because of the potential zoonotic risk of these diseases, mainly leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis and toxoplasmosis, special attention should focus on programs for the improvement of diagnostic assays and control measures against these parasites.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24252965/