Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Leishmania infantum in Canine Shelters in Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area and Barrancabermeja, Andean Region Santander, Colombia

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan disease caused by Leishmania spp. and transmitted by sand-flies to different hosts. In Colombia, Leishmania has been reported in dogs from rural and urban areas. The aims of the investigation were to define the risk factors of Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) in canine shelters in municipalities of the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, and Barrancabermeja municipality, and to determine the seroprevalence for L. infantum. An observational study was carried out. The samples were analyzed with ELISA antibody anti-L. infantum (n=282). Epidemiological data about the risk factors were achieved by conducting a survey in these dog shelters (14 questions). The data were analyzed to determine the association between the variables under study and the results of the ELISA test. The seroprevalence of L. infantum was 4.3% in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area and zero (0/48) in Barrancabermeja. The dogs sleeping outdoor was associated with the odds for Leishmania in Bucaramanga (P=0.04). We have demonstrated the seroprevalence of L. infantum in canine shelters in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, possibly by the high contact of dogs with Lutzomyia spp. vectors. This data may help to identify risk factors in similar geographical areas, assisting to design new control strategies.