Visceral Leishmaniasis in Stray Dogs From Kermanshah Area, Iran: Seroprevalence and Association With Clinical and Hematological Alterations

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.

2 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.

3 Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.

Abstract

Background; Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is responsible for mortality, especially among children in developing countries. Stray dogs are reservoir of VL infection. Infected dogs that are asymptomatic can act as a source of infection for humans.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in stray dogs from Kermanshah area and also evaluate clinical and hematological alterations in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum.
Methods: Ninety-two stray dogs aged from 1 to 8 years old were sampled. Serum samples were evaluated for the presence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All positive samples were titrated by direct agglutination test (DAT).
Results: In total, 11 (11.95%) of the examined dogs were infected with L. infantum. Among seropositive dogs, only 4 cases (36.36%) showed clinical signs. Three infected cases had anemia, while two had hemoconcentration. According to blood count, most alterations were observed with MCHC, band neutrophils, and lymphocytes.
Conclusion: The high frequency of asymptomatic dogs indicates that these reservoirs must be considered as the principal source of VL infection in this area. To decrease disease incidence in human, frequent surveillance and monitoring of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is critical, especially in stray dogs.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 June 2024

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