Seroprevalence and Factors Associated with Canine Leishmaniasis in Baringo County, Kenya: Implications for an Integrated One Health Surveillance

Abstract

Simple Summary Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease prioritized by the World Health Organization and transmitted by infected sand flies. Dogs are the primary reservoirs of Leishmania infantum, the parasite responsible for zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis, a severe form of the disease. This study assessed the prevalence of canine leishmaniasis in Baringo County, Kenya. Blood samples from 140 dogs were analyzed using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The prevalence of infection was 7.8% by RDT and 12.1% by ELISA. Local dog breeds and those exhibiting clinical signs demonstrated higher infection rates, while adequate care and housing were associated with reduced risk. The RDT demonstrated high specificity and strong concordance with ELISA. These findings confirm the presence of Leishmania infection in dogs in Baringo County, indicating a potential public health risk. Enhanced surveillance and control measures, implemented through a One Health approach, are necessary to reduce transmission and advance the World Health Organization’s objective of eliminating leishmaniasis by 2030.