Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Herein, we assessed the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of Leishmania infantum in dogs in Garanhuns, Northeastern Brazil.
METHODS:
Sera samples (n = 242) were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The spatial distribution of dogs seropositive for anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies was evaluated using kernel density estimation.
RESULTS:
A total of 2.4% (6/242) of the animals were seropositive for anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. The kernel map showed their distribution to be heterogeneous over the city, with a hotspot in the northeastern region.
CONCLUSIONS:
The reported data illustrate the circulation of parasites of the genus Leishmania in a canine population.
Keywords:
Visceral leishmaniasis; Canine visceral leishmaniais; Urban area; Spatial distribution