Spatial Distribution of Leishmania spp. in Dogs of Urban Area of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil

This study was carried out to investigate the spatial distribution of dogs infected with Leishmania spp. through serological tests, as well as to compare it with the vector density in the urban region of Araçatuba, SP, Brazil. A total of 131 domestic dogs were serologically examined using the Dual Path Platform (DPP) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. Information about the peridomiciliary environment was recorded in the investigation forms. Entomological collections were also performed in March 2018. Antibodies to this protozoan were detected in 27 (20.61%) dogs using DPP, with serological confirmation in 11 (40.74%) using ELISA. Seropositive dogs were found mainly in the northern region, and none were found in the center of the city. The density of vectors per area was not related to the presence of these dogs. This study was carried out in Araçatuba, SP, an endemic region for Leishmania spp., and may contribute to epidemiological surveillance through diagnostic investigation in canines, as well as the densities of phlebotomine sandflies. Spatial analysis using the tests recommended by the Ministry of Health for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis was performed for the first time in the urban region of Araçatuba, SP.