Seroepidemiology of Leishmania spp. in dogs residing in Telemaco Borba, Parana, Brazil

Leishmaniasis is an important metazoonosis caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and has a heteroxenic life cycle involving invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Transmission occurs during the blood meal of infected phlebotomine sand flies in wild species, domestic animals, and humans. The dog is a reservoir for the parasite causing visceral leishmaniasis (VL), whereas in American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), dogs are erratic hosts that are accidentally infected, as in humans. Dogs are considered an important indicator of the parasite and its vectors in the environment, thus highlighting the importance of diagnosis in these animals. This study aimed to assess the seroepidemiology of Leishmania spp. in dogs in the municipality of Telemaco Borba that were part of a castration campaign. Blood samples from 191 dogs were collected, and their owners were surveyed on various epidemiological variables. Serological analysis was performed using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and rapid immunochromatography (DPP (R)). Screening by IIF identified 13 (6.81%) positive animals, none of which were positive for the DPP (R) test, which is specific for VL. Statistical analysis of the questionnaire responses indicated a significant association between seropositivity and the presence of stacked or composting leaves in the backyard (p = 0.0498), forest areas (squares, woods, parks) near the residence (p = 0.0015), and poorly healing ulcerated or nodular epidermal lesions in the dog (p = 0.0138). This study revealed the presence of anti-Leishmania spp. IgG antibodies in dogs residing in Telemaco Borba, suggesting the presence of the parasite and vector in the environment. In addition, the existence of stacked or composting leaves in the backyard, forest areas near the residence, and epidermal lesions in dogs are factors associated with Leishmania spp. infection in pet dogs.