Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Leishmania infantum in dogs in Sardinia (Italy), an endemic island for leishmaniasis

• DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06973-0
• Publication Date: 2020-11-17T21:21:32Z
• Authors: Claudia Tamponi; Fabio Scarpa; Silvia Carta; Stephane Knoll; Daria Sanna; Carolina Gai; Anna Paola Pipia; Giorgia Dessì; Marco Casu; Antonio Varcasia; Antonio Scala
• Keywords: Seroprevalence; Canine leishmaniasis; Medical microbiology; Parasitology; Endemic diseases

Abstract Leishmaniasis is a widespread, vector-borne parasitosis causing clinical manifestations in animals and humans. In dogs, Canine has been reported as much 50 countries the Mediterranean basin known to be one of most affected zones. Within these areas, Island Sardinia (Italy) long considered endemic for leishmaniasis presence two arthropod vectors recently there. Nevertheless, date, no epidemiological surveys regarding CanL have carried out on island. Hence, first time, seroprevalence risk factors were investigated. Blood samples, well general information from 1.147 collected analyzed. Dogs consisted distinct populations, namely “owned dogs” “kennel dogs.” Anti- Leishmania IgG antibodies detected using IFAT samples scored positive at cut-off dilution 1:80. Data was analyzed Chi-squared test bivariate multivariate analyses performed. Overall, 15.4% dogs found infected with while only 44.1% exhibited signs. Owned (27.2%) more often than kennel (10.6%); male frequently female number increases age. The present survey confirmed nature similar mainland Italy. results obtained serve validation hypothesis that, representations constitute fraction cases.