Epidemiologia da leishmaniose visceral canina na microrregião do Pajeú, Pernambuco, Brasil

Abstract

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) is a disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, which has as main vector in Brazil sandflies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis. Dogs have been considered the main reservoirs of this parasite in urban areas, playing an important role in the epidemiological chain of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and analyze the risk factors associated with the infection by L. infantum in dogs from the microregion of Pajeú, state of Pernambuco. Blood samples (n = 247) were obtained of canines from eight different municipalities. Simultaneously, individual clinical charts were filled out to obtain data for the risk factors analyses. Additionally, in each residence the geographic coordinates were collected to the determination of the spatial distribution of cases. Samples were screened by using an immunochromatographic test (Dual Path Platform Rapid Test – TR DPP®, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and the reagent ones were submitted to the ELISA test (ELISA/S7, Biogene, Recife, Brazil) to confirm the infection. Risk factors were calculated through univariate analysis of the variables of interest and logistic regression analysis considering as dependent variable the results of the serology. An overall seroprevalence of 13.77% (34/247) was obtained. In particular, the highest and lowest prevalence was observed for the municipalities of Tabira (26.47%; 9/34) and Quixaba (12.5%; 18/144), respectively. The age (> 10 years old) was considered a risk factor for the infection by Leishmania spp. (OR = 4.94; p = 0.029). The spatial distribution of positive cases revealed a wide dispersion in the study area, in particular in the municipality of Quixaba. In conclusion the CVL is a disease present in the area of study; therefore, the adoption of preventive measures to reduce canine cases and mitigate its impact on Public Health are needed.