Risk factors associated with Leishmania exposure among dogs in a rural area of Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil

Author(s)

Julio Cesar Pereira Spada ; Diogo Tiago da Silva ; Maria Luana Alves ; Nicolás Céspedes Cárdenas ^[4] ; Osvaldo Frederico Inlamea ^[5] ; Glaucia Amorim Faria ^[6] ; Andrea Gonçalves Ferreira ^[7] ; Helio Ricardo Silva ^[8] ; Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira ; Wilma Aparecida Starke Buzetti ^[10]

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical; v. 53, 2020-09-11.

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine risk factors (RFs) associated with the presence of antibodies against Leishmania in dogs from a rural area of Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 250 dogs and tested using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFATs). Data concerning dogs, their environment, and their owners’ knowledge of leishmaniasis were collected using a questionnaire. To determine RFs for contact with the parasite, univariate statistical analysis based on chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests, followed by logistic regression, was used. RESULTS: It was found that 79/250 (31.6%) of the dogs were positive by IFAT, and 72/250 (28.8%) by ELISA. A total of 82/250 dogs (32.8%) were positive in at least one test. The RFs associated with occurrences of Leishmania exposure were large body size (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.26-4.04; p = 0.003), presence of chickens (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.05-3.65; p = 0.023), and lack of knowledge about Leishmania among dog owners (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 0.96-3.21; p = 0.049). After multivariate analysis, the RFs for occurrence of Leishmania exposure in dogs that remained significantly associated were the dog’s size (large dogs) (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.06-1.35; p = 0.003) and presence of chickens on the properties (small farms) (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.02-1.30; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: These results may be useful for improving preventive practices to reduce the incidence of Leishmania exposure among dogs in rural areas. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/12066-3 - Risk factors associated with Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in the "Cinturão Verde" area from Ilha Solteira, SP.
• Grantee: Julio Cesar Pereira Spada
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 11/07580-7 - Canine visceral leishmaniasis study and Phlebotominae fauna distribution in "Cinturão verde" area from Ilha Solteira, SP
• Grantee: Wilma Aparecida Starke Buzetti
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants