Occurrence of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs and cats in animal shelters from Ilha Solteira, SP

Author(s)

Maria Luana Alves

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Ilha Solteira. 2016-05-04.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Engenharia. Ilha Solteira
• Defense date: 2016-03-03
• Advisor: Wilma Aparecida Starke Buzetti

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a disease caused by Leishmania infantum and transmitted by the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, is considered a public health problem in Brazil. The study aimed to carry out an epidemiological study on the occurrence of VL in dogs and cats, and sand flies during the period of one year in two animal shelters from Ilha Solteira, SP. A total of 197 and 192 biological material samples were collected, respectively from cats and dogs for serological survey by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for both species of animals, and the intradermal reaction of Montenegro (only for dogs). During the study with dogs, 17,2% (33/192) were serologically positive for LV by ELISA, 19,8% (38/192) by IFAT and 45,4% (15/33) by the intradermal method. The correlation analysis between the serological techniques was ranged from reasonable to good for dogs, but was bad when compared to the Montenegro reaction. The feline seroprevalence was 32,4% (64/197) and 31,9% (63/197) for ELISA and IFAT, respectively. Although the most of dogs and cats in shelters were infected, six dogs and five cats infected inside the shelters. A total of 131 sand flies were captured by the light traps in both shelters, during two years. The risk factors, statistically determined by univariate analysis (p ≤ 0.05), demonstrated that the small size of the dogs, the use of deltamethrin collar and the precocious diagnosis, significantly influenced the animals positivity for VL. It was concluded that these animal shelters were vulnerable to this parasitic infection because of the presence of sand flies and positive animals for LV. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/12609-2 - Visceral leishmaniasis in dogs and cats from animal protective association of Ilha Solteira, SP
• Grantee: Maria Luana Alves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master