Diagnóstico sorológico e Aspectos Epidemiológicos da Leishmaniose Canina na Microrregião de Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The aim of this study was the serological diagnosis of dogs of Itaguaí microregion, state of Rio de Janeiro, and assesses the epidemiological factors associated with seropositivity in dogs. Serum samples from 524 dogs of Itaguaí microregion were examined by indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for Leishmania spp. The frequency and factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated. Reactive samples were considered positive in both serological tests (titer 1:40). The same samples were subjected to rapid test (TR DPP®) for canine leishmaniasis. The frequency of seropositive dogs for Leishmania spp. was 28.24% (n=148/524), more often (p<0.05) in Seropédica (59.46%) when compared to Itaguaí (29.05%) and Mangaratiba (11.49%) counties. Dogs in the age group 2 years to 5 years (p<0.05) and mongrel (p<0.05) were more likely to be seropositive for Leishmania spp. In addition, dogs fed with homemade food (p<0,05), that receiving treatment against ectoparasites (p<0.05), and those animals who live in an environment in which feces are not collected (p<0.05) were more likely to be exposed to Leishmania spp. Dogs from rural areas (p<0.05) are more susceptible to infection with Leishmania spp., as well as animals living outside the home (p=0.05), have access to forests, streams and pastures (p<0,05), are loose (p<0.05) and have no shelter (p<0.05) were more likely to be seropositive for Leishmania spp. The dogs who have skin diseases and other skin changes (p<0.05) had a greater chance of exposure to Leishmania spp. The dermatopathies and other skin changes (p <0.05) were factors closely associated with seropositivity to Leishmania spp. From the results obtained in the TR DPP®, there was only 0.03% of the sampled animals were positive. Canine leishmaniasis is a disease with high occurrence in the rural parts of the Itaguaí microregion and mainly affects dogs without defined breed, aged between two to five years old and that roam free, with access to forests and streams. The control of ectoparasites, the presence of shelter and clean condition in the environment where the dog spends most of the time are aspects identified in this study like preventive measures that can be used to reduce the likelihood of infection by parasites of the Leishmania genus in dogs.