First serological investigation of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Leishmania infantum and Leptospira spp. in dogs from a Fulni-ô Indigenous community in Pernambuco, Brazil: a One Health perspective

Abstract

Zoonotic diseases pose a major public health threat in indigenous communities due to geographic isolation, inadequate sanitation, and close contact between humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. This study aimed to investigate the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Leishmania infantum, and Leptospira spp. in dogs from the Fulni-ô indigenous community, located in Águas Belas, Pernambuco, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 66 free-roaming or semi-domiciled dogs for serological analysis. Indirect immunofluorescence tests (IFAT) were used to detect antibodies for T. gondii and N. caninum, while Leishmania infantum detection was performed using the TR DPP® Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis kit. The presence of Leptospira spp. was evaluated for microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Results revealed seropositivity rates of 46.9% (31/66) for T. gondii, 9.1% (6/66) for N. caninum, 22.7% (15/66) for Leishmania infantum, and 18.2% (12/66) for Leptospira spp. Among the Leptospira spp. serovars identified, Icterohaemorrhagiae (83.3%, 10/12) and Pomona (50.0%, 6/12) were most prevalent, which were associated with environmental reservoirs and inadequate sanitation conditions. The findings suggest that the dogs in the Fulni-ô community act as environmental sentinels, reflecting local zoonotic risks. This pioneering study highlights the need for One Health-based strategies to prevent zoonotic diseases in vulnerable indigenous communities.