Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Canine leishmaniasis spread in Presidente Prudente Brazil pets
By D'Andrea, Lourdes Aparecida Zampieri et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2015·Adolfo Lutz Institute, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The shadows of a ghost: a survey of canine leishmaniasis in Presidente Prudente and its spatial dispersion in the western region of São Paulo state, an emerging focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A survey of over 4,500 dogs in Presidente Prudente, Brazil, found that 11.2% tested positive for canine leishmaniasis, a serious disease that can affect dogs and humans. Many of these dogs showed symptoms related to the disease, and there was a notable connection between leishmaniasis and another infection called ehrlichiosis. The study revealed that leishmaniasis is spreading in the region, which raises concerns for pet owners. To combat this issue, it's important for dog owners to be aware of the risks and work with their veterinarians on prevention and control measures.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis is an emerging zoonosis and its geographic distribution is restricted to tropical and temperate regions. Most of the individuals infected in Latin America are in Brazil. Despite the control measures that have been adopted, the disease is spreading throughout new regions of the country. Domestic dogs are involved in the transmission cycle and are considered to be the main epidemiologic reservoir of Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi). Our aim was to determine the prevalence of canine leishmaniasis (CL) and Ehrlichiosis infection in Presidente Prudente as well as the spatial dispersion of the disease in the western region of São Paulo state. METHODS: Dogs underwent clinical examination and symptoms related to CL were recorded. Anti- Leishmania antibodies were detected using ELISA, rK39-immunocromatographic tests (DPP), and an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Anti-E. canis antibodies were detected by IFAT. A follow-up was conducted in dogs that were positive in the ELISA at the baseline study. Data on the spatial distribution of L. longipalpis and CL in São Paulo state were obtained from Brazilian public health agencies. RESULTS: Serum samples from 4547 dogs were analyzed. The seroprevalence of CL was 11.2% by ELISA and 4.5 % by IFAT. In the follow-up, seroprevalence was 32.9% by ELISA, 15.3% by IFAT, 11.8 % by DPP test, and 66.5% for E. canis. There was a significant positive association between Leishmania and E. canis infection (P < 0.0001). In the follow-up, clinical examinations revealed symptoms compatible with CL in 33.5% of the dogs. L. longipalpis was found in 24 and CL in 15 counties of the Presidente Prudente mesoregion. The dispersion route followed the west frontier of São Paulo state toward Paraná state. CONCLUSIONS: Low CL and high ehrlichiosis prevalence rates were found in Presidente Prudente city. This emerging focus of CL is moving through the western region of São Paulo state toward the border of Paraná state. Integrated actions to fight the vector, parasites, infected dogs, and humans are needed to monitor the disease and implement strategies for epidemiologic control.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26503368/