Factors associated with Leishmania spp. infection in domestic dogs from an emerging area of high endemicity for visceral leishmaniasis in Central-Western Brazil

The factors associated with Leishmania spp. infection in dogs are still poorly understood. This study aimed to identify such factors among domestic dogs from the Brazilian municipality of Rondonopolis, which recently emerged as an endemic area with intense transmission of human visceral leishmaniasis (VL). It was a household-based cross-sectional study conducted between 2016 and 2017. Interviews were conducted with 405 dog owners considering their socioeconomic characteristics, and environmental aspects of the household and its adjacent areas. In addition, 600 dogs were evaluated regarding physical characteristics, behavior, and care provided by the owner. Seropositive animals were those that showed reactivity in a rapid immunochromatographic test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which are currently recommended for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) diagnosis in Brazil. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the associated factors. Low social class [OR = 2.0; 95%CI = (1.2-3.2)], presence of acerola tree (Malpighia emarginata) in the yard [OR = 2.2; 95%CI = (1.2-4.1)], presence of more than one dog in the household [OR = 2.0; 95%CI = (1.3-3.3)], horse and/or cattle breeding [OR = 12.0; 95%CI = (1.9-73.6)], existence of houses with yard adjacent to the home [OR = 4.0; 95%CI = (1.3-12.2)], presence of apparent signs consistent with CVL [OR = 10.6; 95%CI = (5.8-19.4)], dog staying mostly in the yard during the day [(OR = 4.8; 95%CI = (1.1-21.4)j, and lack of cleaning of the dog's shelter [(OR = 1.9; 95%CI = (1.1-3.2)] were identified as the factors associated with Leishmania spp. infection. These results support the importance of socioeconomic and environmental aspects in the occurrence of Leishmania spp. infection. In addition, they may be useful in guiding control strategies in areas where zoonotic VL is endemic.