Abstract

SANTOS, Jessica Maria Leite dos et al. Prevalence of anti-Leishmania spp antibodies in dogs from Garanhuns, in the middle scrub zone (Agreste) of Pernambuco. Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop. [online]. 2010, vol.43, n.1, pp. 41-45. ISSN 0037-8682.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0037-86822010000100010.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the unknown situation regarding canine visceral leishmaniasis in Garanhuns, this study had the aim of investigating occurrences of anti-Leishmania spp antibodies in domesticated and partially domesticated dogs, and the possible risk factors involved. METHODS: In the first phase of the study, 256 blood samples were collected from dogs and subjected to the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) reaction at a dilution of 1:40. Additionally, 23 IFAT-positive samples were tested using an immunochromatographic dipstick test. In the second phase, new blood samples were collected from 18 dogs that were IFAT-positive in the first phase. These animals were retested using IFAT (1:40 and 1:80) and, additionally, by means of the polymerase chain reaction to investigate the Leishmania infantum DNA. Furthermore, 16 of these samples were retested using the immunochromatographic dipstick test. RESULTS: In the first phase of the study, 16% of the samples were IFAT-positive (1:40) and only three (13%) were positive in the immunochromatographic dipstick test. In the second phase, 12 samples were IFAT-positive at the dilution of 1:40, and seven were also positive at 1:80. None of the samples were positive in the polymerase chain reaction testing or in the immunochromatographic dipstick test. Clinical signs suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis were observed in 4.9% of the IFAT-positive dogs. There were no statistical differences in relation to age, sex or clinical status of the dogs, but there was a difference in relation to place of origin. CONCLUSIONS: The domesticated and partially domesticated dogs living in Garanhuns present anti-Leishmania spp antibodies, but are mostly asymptomatic.

Keywords : Visceral leishmaniasis; Serology; Dog; Epidemiology.