Differentials in the epidemiological profile of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and to identify the differences in associated factors to its occurrence in urban area and countrysides in the municipality of Santa Luzia located in the semi-arid region of Paraíba. In the years 2015 and 2016, 779 blood samples from dogs were collected. The prevalence was determined by three serological techniques, ELISA-S7® Kit, DPP® Rapid Test and EIE-LVC® Kit, considering positive the samples that reacted in at least two assays. Associated factors were determined by univariate and multivariate analyzes of the guardians’ responses to the epidemiological questionnaire. The prevalence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in the studied municipality was 15.00% (117/779), being higher in the urban area (15.20%) than in the countryside (13.60%). The neighborhood with the highest prevalence was Frei Damião with 26.40% (33/125), being considered a hotspot (OR 1.245, p=0.007). Other associated factors were the semi-domiciliary breeding (OR 1.798, p=0.025), in the urban area, and hunting dog (OR 18.505, p=0.016), contact with cattle (OR 17.298, p=0.022) and environment where the dog is raised (OR 4.802, p=0.024) in the countryside. In the municipality of Santa Luzia, the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis is high and the disease is widely distributed. Epidemiological differences between urban area and the countryside could be observed demonstrating the need for more adequate control measures for each locality and proving the urbanization process.

Factors associated with the expansion of leishmaniasis in urban areas: a systematic and bibliometric review (1959–2021)

“… 14 In order to understand the epidemiology of canine leishmaniasis, many studies were dedicated to serological investigation, where they found the presence of Leishmania antibodies in the analyzed samples. 15 – 21 Other studies showed the participation of dogs in the process of urbanization 22 , 23 and resurgence of leishmaniasis, 22 as well as suggesting that the disease is expanding in urban areas, with an exponential increase of positivity within dogs. 24 …”

“…14 In order to understand the epidemiology of canine leishmaniasis, many studies were dedicated to serological investigation, where they found the presence of Leishmania antibodies in the analyzed samples. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Other studies showed the participation of dogs in the process of urbanization 22,23 and resurgence of leishmaniasis, 22 as well as suggesting that the disease is expanding in urban areas, with an exponential increase of positivity within dogs. 24 In addition, according to López et al 25 besides the characteristics and behaviors of dogs, their relationship with environmental conditions and disorderly occupations are relevant to the high prevalence of leishmaniasis.…”