Visceral leishmaniasis is a serious zoonosis, and its molecular diagnosis is an important strategy. The detection of Leishmania spp. DNA from biological samples fixed in cards could solve problems related to the collect and transport of biological samples. The purpose of this study was to detect Leishmania spp. by PCR, using canine serum fixed in cards (CSFC). For evaluation, the PCR with DNA extracted from CSFC (PCR/card) was compared to the PCR with DNA from the same serum extracted using the Qiagen kit (PCR/Qiagen) and the immunochromatography test (Rapid test - RT). The results showed that out of the 112 analyzed samples, 12 (10.71%) were positive in the PCR/Qiagen, and of those, only two failed to amplify with DNA extracted from the CSFC. The RT was positive in 11 (9.8%) samples; however, only 3 (2.75%) samples of the total agreed with the detection of Leishmania spp. through PCR. Considering the PCR/Qiagen test as the reference standard for DNA detection, the agreement with the PCR/card was nearly perfect (K = 0.8). The concentration and purity of DNA in the two extractions were not significantly different. The use of PCR with DNA from CSFC showed that it can be an interesting alternative for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis.

Visceral leishmaniasis is among the most neglected diseases in the world and especially affects poor populations of some developing or underdeveloped countries, with human disease being a factor in the occurrence of thousands of deaths every year. Visceral leishmaniasis affect domestic dogs, main reservoirs of the Leishmania parasite in urban environments. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in two non-endemic municipalities located in southern Santa Catarina, as well as to identify the main risk factors for infection in dogs. A cross-sectional study was carried out with dogs living in two Zoonoses Control Centers located in the cities of Tubarão and Criciúma. Blood samples were collected and analyzed by real-time PCR for detection of Leishmania infection. Clinical examination and evaluation of the characteristics of the canine population were also carried out. A total of 107 dogs were evaluated, of which 19% were positive for Leishmania, and 85% of the positive cases were asymptomatic. In conclusion, we highlight the detection of cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in two cities that had not yet reported cases. The high rate of positive asymptomatic animals suggests the maintenance of the parasite in the environment.