Molecular and Serological Analysis for Prevalence of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Muğla Region of Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis by molecular and serological techniques among owned dogs brought to veterinary clinics in the Muğla region of Turkey. Methods: Blood samples were collected from a total of 131 dogs of different breeds and gender that were brought to veterinary clinics between October 2017 and November 2018 in the Muğla region. These blood samples were analysed using immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: According to the IFAT results, 49 out of 131 dogs (37.4%) were found to have anti-Leishmania antibodies at a titer of ≥1/64, which was considered as seropositive. On the other hand, PCR results obtained in this study showed that 9 out of 131 dogs (6.87%) were Leishmania spp. positive by RV1/RV2 PCR. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is a need to focus on developing measures to control the disease, fight the vector Phlebotom and initiate disease control programmes for dogs in the Muğla region.