Presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in domestic dogs from Toledo, Paraná, Brazil

• Published in: Semina. Ciências agrárias : revista cultural e científica da Universidade Estadual de Londrina Vol. 37; no. 5; pp. 3087 - 3094
• Main Authors: Ludwig, Lucas André, Hernandes, Adrieli, Holsbach, Vanessa Tharin Krzyonoski, Evers, Fernanda, Sammi, Ana Sue, Navarro, Italmar Teodorico, Garcia, João Luis, Zulpo, Dauton Luiz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Estadual de Londrina 26-10-2016
• Subjects: Leishmaniose; População canina; Reação sorológica; Toledo-PR
• ISSN: 1676-546X; 1679-0359
• DOI: 10.5433/1679-0359.2016v37n5p3087

Leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by Leishmania protozoa affecting various vertebrate hosts, including humans and dogs. Dogs represent the most important domestic reservoir of leishmaniasis. For this reason, the aim of this study was to detect the presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in dogs being treated at the veterinary hospital of our institution. Samples were obtained from 175 animals by jugular or cephalic venipuncture, and serum was subsequently separated. Anti-Leishmania spp. IgG antibodies were detected in these specimens using indirect immunofluorescence. This revealed that of the 175 serum samples, those of four (2.28%) animals reacted positively and the antibodies title was 40. These data are consistent with the transmission of Leishmania spp. in the region, suggesting that dogs represent a reservoir of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. This is the first description of circulating antibodies against Leishmania spp. in the West region of Paraná State.