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：本研究针对巴西东北部加拉纽斯（Garanhuns）地区的犬只，评估了婴儿利什曼原虫（Leishmania infantum）的血清阳性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, 简称ELISA）对242份血清样本开展检测。利用核密度估计（kernel density estimation）法对抗婴儿利什曼原虫抗体阳性犬的空间分布情况进行评估。结果：共计2.4%（6/242）的受试犬血清抗婴儿利什曼原虫抗体呈阳性。核密度分布图显示，阳性犬在该城区的分布存在异质性，东北部区域形成聚集热点。结论：本研究数据证实了利什曼原虫属（Leishmania）寄生虫在当地犬群中存在循环传播。