Dados do Trabalho

Título

Prevalence and factors related to the occurrence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in municipalities in the semi-arid region of Paraíba State

Introdução

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease of great public health interest. Historically recognized as a rural endemic, VL has expanded into large cities. The reasons that have led to this urbanization are still poorly understood, but environmental transformations, migratory factors, disorderly urban occupation and poor basic sanitation are all factors involved in this phenomenon, requiring a new rationale for VL surveillance and control systems based on the One Health approach.

Objetivo (s)

 The aim of this study was to outline the epidemiological profile and factors associated with the risk of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in three municipalities in the intermediate region of Patos in the state of Paraíba.

Material e Métodos

This is a cross-sectional and analytical study of CVL. This study was carried out between 2019 and 2021 and followed the recommendations of Law 11794/08, which deals with procedures for the scientific use of animals, and was approved by the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals, of the Center for Health and Rural Technology, of the Federal University of Campina Grande (CEUA/CSTR Protocol No. 036/2019).

Resultados e Conclusão

Among the sample of 365 dogs, 27.3% (100/365) tested positive in the TR-DPP® screening test and were referred for the ELISA- EIE® confirmatory test at the Central Laboratory (LACEN). The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate analysis. A total seroprevalence of 16.7% (61/365) of the cases was confirmed, 26.00% in rural areas (RA) and 12.83% in urban areas (UA). The total seroprevalence rates by municipality and in the RA and UA were, respectively, 21.99% in Quixaba (20.75% and 26.47%), 15.71% in São Mamede (45.45% and 10.17%) and 13.04% in Patos (20.0% and 11.5%). The factors associated with the risk of CVL were: presence of birds (p: 0.038; PR: 2.210; CI:1.044 - 4.678), living in a concrete environment (p: 0.002; PR=2.971; CI: 1.467 - 6.015), symptomatic animal (p: < 0.001; PR: 3.787; CI: 2.037 - 7.040) and access to a pigsty (p: 0.038; PR: 2.115; CI: 1.041 - 4.298). This study shows that canine visceral leishmaniasis in the municipalities studied has a rural profile; however, control measures need to be implemented in both environments in order to avoid human cases. 

Palavras Chave

Epidemiology; Seroprevalence; One health; Zoonosis.