Visceral leishmaniasis control actions: epidemiological indicators for its effectiveness evaluation in a Brazilian urban area

Abstract

<jats:p>Abstract: This research applies indicators concerning control of the visceral leishmaniasis canine reservoir in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Data were obtained from the Zoonoses Control Information System (SCZOO) and the Brazilian Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN) database. First we analyzed (i) existing associations between canine epidemiological indicators, where the dependent variable was the canine seroprevalence A (2007 to 2013), and the independent variables were, as follows: canine seroprevalence B (2006 to 2012); percentage of positive dogs by ELISA test reagents that were not euthanized; the relationship between the human and canine population; canine population testing coverage by census surveys; and the years of study (2006 to 2013); (ii) then, we examined the association between human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) cases between 2007 to 2013 and the mentioned variables related to dogs and years. Statistical analysis was done by a generalized linear model (GLM). One unit increases in canine seroprevalence B and canine seroprevalence A were associated to 13% and 12% increases in HVL rates, respectively. The increase in one human/dog ratio unit was associated with a 13% decrease in HVL rates. Canine seroprevalence, human/dog ratio and non-euthanasia of ELISA-reactive dogs in the environment were adequate indicators for analyzing the canine enzootic transmission and the occurrence of HVL cases.</jats:p>

Responsible companion animal guardianship is associated with canine visceral leishmaniasis: an analytical cross-sectional survey in an urban area of southeastern Brazil

“…Since our sampling method was analogous to that used in the study by Teixeira-Neto and coworkers [ 23 ], it is possible to infer that the prevalence of CVL in the urban area has not diminished, suggesting that the control measures adopted during the period between the two studies may have been relatively ineffective. Morais et al [ 6 ] emphasized the importance of a long-term surveillance and control plan for CVL comprising defined goals, together with continuous monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the activities by the public health services. One of the main issues in Divinópolis is the absence of serological surveys since 2014, a situation that contravenes the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health [ 24 ].…”

“…In Brazil, canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a public health problem in urban settings, where dogs are the main reservoirs of Leishmania parasites, since an increase in the prevalence of CVL is generally associated with a higher incidence of human VL [ 4 , 5 ]. Understanding the risk factors associated with CVL is essential for the control and prevention of the disease [ 6 ] but, despite the availability of consistent data regarding some aspects of canine infection, other issues are still controversial or poorly understood [ 7 ]. Thus, while some studies have investigated variables regarding attitudes and the care of dogs, literature concerning the relationship between variables relating to RCAG and the occurrence of CVL is sparse.…”

A vitamina C na esquizofrenia apresenta benefício? Estudo preliminar com análise comportamental em ratos

“…Estudos de psicose em ratos utilizando a cetamina mostram que eles possuem maior locomoção e tendem a ficar menos parados em determinadas áreas 27 . (1974) [29][30][31][32][33] .…”

rMELEISH: A Novel Recombinant Multiepitope-Based Protein Applied to the Serodiagnosis of Both Canine and Human Visceral Leishmaniasis

“…The strategy adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health to control VL is based on early diagnosis, the treatment of human cases, the monitoring of seroreactive dogs, and vector control. However, such measures have been shown to have little effect [ 3 , 6 , 7 ]. The severity of the disease and the role of dogs as reservoirs emphasize the importance of monitoring and surveying L. infantum infections to prevent VL from spreading [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”