Ninety-two stray dogs were studied in order to compare indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and direct agglutination (DA) in the investigation of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), from October 1999 to November 2001. The dogs were evaluated for the presence of lesions, and submitted to the Montenegro skin test (MST) and the search for anti-Leishmania antibodies by IIF and DA. IIF showed 78.9% sensitivity and 93.8% specificity (titers >40), and DA presented 57.9% sensitivity and 68.8% specificity (titers >80). In two dogs there were lesions, but the parasite was not detected. The MST was positive in 3 (3.4%) out of 89 dogs. Thirty-four (37.0%) dogs showed anti-Leishmania antibodies through IIF, 61 (66.3%) through DA, and 69 (75.0%) through IIF and/or DA. Of the dogs with positive IIF, 7 came from the municipal areas of Floresta, 13 of Maringá, 12 of Leópolis, 1 of São Jorge do Ivaí and 1 (50.0%) of Campo Mourão. These data suggest previous contact of these animals with the parasite.
stray dogs; American cutaneous leishmaniasis; Paraná State
