Leishmaniasis in cat shelters: A serological, molecular and entomological study

Author(s)

Franco Leonel, Joao Augusto ; Vioti, Geovanna ; Alves, Maria Luana ; Benassi, Julia Cristina ; da Silva, Diogo Tiago ; Pereira Spada, Julio Cesar ; de Azevedo Ruiz, Vera Letticie ; Starke-Buzetti, Wilma Aparecida ; Soares, Rodrigo Martins ; Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira, Tricia Maria

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES; v. 67, n. 5, p. 7-pg., 2020-03-24.

Abstract

An epidemiologicalLeishmaniaspp. and entomological Phlebotomine sandflies survey was performed in cat shelters at leishmaniasis endemic area of Brazil. Blood and conjunctival swab (CS) samples were collected from 94 cats in two animal protection shelters. These samples were subjected to serological tests using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to molecular test by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, a Phlebotomine sandflies survey was performed in the same shelters. The analyses revealed a positivity of 31.91% (30/94) through ELISA and 29.79% (28/94) through IFAT. The two serological tests showed a positive association with perfect agreement (k = 0.925). None of the cats were positive byLeishmaniaspp. DNA. OneLutzomyia (Lutzomyia) longipalpismale was found in one of the cat shelters. The results and the implications of our findings are discussed below. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/02882-3 - Molecular detection OF Leishmania spp. by PCR of blood and conjunctival swab in dogs and cats in the municipality of Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
• Grantee: João Augusto Franco Leonel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation