Infection by Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. in humans and dogs from rural settlements in Northern Parana State, Brazil

The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. in humans and dogs living in two rural settlements in northern Parana State. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to obtain socio-demographic information and possible associations with the infections, and the data were analyzed using EpiInfo (R). Blood samples were collected from 216 humans and 169 dogs, and tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in humans was 79.1% (171/216) and in dogs was 82.2% (139/169). Among the variables analyzed for toxoplasmosis in humans the presence of young cats in the household (p = 0.031) and higher frequency with individuals > 18 years showed a significant association. A higher frequency of seropositive was observed in dogs aged > 1 year. The prevalence of leishmaniasis in humans was 7.4% (16/216) and in dogs was 8.2% (14/169). The variable presence of forest less than 200 meters from the residence had a significant association among both humans and dogs. Also for dogs, there was association with the presence of organic matter (leaves) around the household. In conclusion, it can be stated that there is a high spread of T. gondii in both species and the occurrence of anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in humans and dogs indicates that there is transmission of Leishmania spp. in these localities.