Aspectos soroepidemiológicos da infecção por Leishmania sp em equídeos de tração do Distrito Federal, Brasil.

Abstract

Leishmaniasis in equidae is a reality in the world, and this family has been described as reservoir for the disease since 1927. These animals develop a cutaneous form, of a benign nature, most of them spontaneous cure. In the Federal District (FD), traction equids are widely used as means of transportation and work, being inserted directly inside the city, in close contact with dogs and humans. They live mostly in community pens, extremely unhealthy environments, with few hygienic-sanitary conditions, which attract large numbers of insects. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-Leishmania sp. Through the techniques of Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFI) and the Immunoenzymatic Assay (ELISA) in traction equids in the FD and to describe possible epidemiological variables associated with this prevalence. The FD equidae population is estimated to be 1682 animals (SEAGRI / FD), distributed in 20 administrative regions (AR). The sample size was calculated according to Medronho (2009) and the animals were randomly selected in each AR, of which 178 (43.31%) were seroreagents in the ELISA, 197 (47.93%) in the IFI and 111 (27.01%) reagents in both ELISA /IFI techniques. A semi-structured questionnaire was used and the variables associated with the prevalence of antibodies were analyzed by Qui-square in the BioEstat program, version 5.0. The following variables were considered significant (p 0.05): sex, length of stay with the owner and whether the animals had already left the FD, when the animals were analyzed in the IFI; Sex, locality, methods of reducing insects in the environment, residence time with the owner and if the animals have already left the FD, when analyzing the reactive animals in the ELISA and; Sex, to use repellent in the animals, if the animals have already left the FD, ocular mucosa and, entered in areas with stream, when the reagents in the IFI / ELISA were analyzed. New studies that may help to better understand the participation of equidae in the maintenance of the epidemiological cycle of Leishmania sp will be of great importance and will allow the recommendation of more efficient control measures. The present work collaborated in demonstrating the possibility of equidae being infected and presenting an important role in the epidemiological chain of Leishmania sp and in the maintenance of the disease in the territory of the Federal District.