Seroprevalance of leishmaniosis and toxoplasmosis in healthy appearanced street dogs in Eskisehir

Abstract

Objective: Leishmaniosis and toxoplasmosis, zoonotic agent, can cause several symptoms in human and animal and have quite importance for public health. In this study, it is aimed to determine the seroprevalence of canin leishmaniosis (CanL) and toxoplasmosis with comparing sex, age and strain in healthy looking street dogs in Eskisehir Province. Method: Between July 2011-November 2012, 185 healthy lookig street dogs were caught in Eskisehir city center by officers of Tepebasi Municipality, Veterinary Directorate, Natural Life Center, Eskisehir because of rabies immunization and sterilization. After general health examination by veterinarian, during operation 5 ml blood samples were taken in appropriate conditions and sera were separated for Indirect Fluorescein Antibody Test (IFAT) for searching seropositivity against Leishmania infantum and Sabin Feldman Dye Test (SFDT) for Toxoplasma gondii. The results were evaluated by SPSS version 17.0 program. Results: Out of 107 of 185 dogs were found as seropositive (1/16 and over) by SFDT for T. gondii; no important differences were obtained statistically according to sex, age groups and dog strains (Each p > 0.05). None of the samples determined as seropositive (1/64 or over) by IFAT. Total 35 dogs (19%) were found as weak positive (34 dogs in 1/16 and only one in weak positive 1/64 titer) and there were no clinical symptoms of leishmaniosis on these dogs. Conclusion: In healthy looking street dogs in Eskisehir Province, seropositivity of T. gondii and weak seropositivity of CanL were determined. It is recommended to take some measures for regular control and prevention of zoonotic infections in owned or street dogs, which could carry important risk for public health.