INVESTIGATION OF LEISHMANIA SPP. IN HUNTING DOGS IN THE NORTHWEST OF THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO

• Grant number: 24/04759-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Bernadete Rozza
• Grantee: Laura Ruiz Gomes Ferreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMVA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, is an important anthropozoonosis, whose main reservoir is the domestic dog. Although there are several studies related to the prevalence of the protozoan and the profile of the disease in companion dogs, there are few articles referring to hunting dogs used by wild boar controllers. The present study aims to define the epidemiological profile and evaluate the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in hunting dogs in the northwest region of São Paulo, through direct examination (cytology), enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and through molecular diagnosis by Real-time PCR. This study is important to better understand the spread of leishmaniasis in this specific profile of dogs, which are inserted in a more challenging epidemiological scenario and subsequently to be able to contribute to the adoption of preventive measures and effective control strategies.