Prevalence of canine infection from endemic areas of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Paracambi District, Rio de Janeiro State, between 1992 and 1993

In the district of Paracambi, State of Rio de Janeiro an epidemiological survey for American tegumentary leisbmaniasis in canine population was carried out in endemic localities. A total of 179 dogs was registered and 138 (7.1 %) examined for their clinical aspects, development of delayed by persensitivity (DHS) with Imunoleish (R) antigen and serological responses by indirect immunofluorescent reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In 9 (6.5 %) dogs with active cutaneous lesions or suspect scars, 66.7 % were caused by Leishmania sp; 44.4 % produced infection in banisters and showed growth in culture media, which was considered to be compatible with the species of Leishmania brazihensis complex. The molecular characterization (isoenzyme and KONA restriction profiles) defined two strains with similar profiles for L. (Viannia) braziliensis. The prevalence of canine infection estimated by the cutaneous test, IFR and ELISA was 10.1 %, 16.7 % and 27.8 %, respectively. The presence of clinical/sub-clinical form of ATL in canine population associated with human infections suggested that the dog can act as source of infection as well as for dissemination of the disease.