Seroprevalence and spatial distribution of canine leishmaniasis in an endemic region in Brazil: how has the situation changed after 10 years?

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Herein, we assessed the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of Leishmania infantum in dogs in Garanhuns, Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Sera samples (n = 242) were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The spatial distribution of dogs seropositive for anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies was evaluated using kernel density estimation. RESULTS: A total of 2.4% (6/242) of the animals were seropositive for anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. The kernel map showed their distribution to be heterogeneous over the city, with a hotspot in the northeastern region. CONCLUSIONS: The reported data illustrate the circulation of parasites of the genus Leishmania in a canine population.

摘要 引言：本研究评估了巴西东北部加拉纽斯市犬体内婴儿利什曼原虫（Leishmania infantum）的血清流行率及其空间分布特征。
方法：采用酶联免疫吸附试验（enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay，ELISA）对242份血清样本进行检测；针对犬抗婴儿利什曼原虫抗体阳性样本的空间分布，采用核密度估计（kernel density estimation）开展分析。
结果：共计2.4%（6/242）的受试犬抗婴儿利什曼原虫抗体呈血清阳性。核密度分布图显示，阳性样本在该市的分布呈现异质性，东北部区域存在聚集热点。
结论：本研究数据表明，利什曼原虫属（Leishmania）寄生虫在受试犬群中存在循环传播。