Epidemiological surveillance of canine visceral leishmaniasis in a municipality in the Western Amazon

Abstract

ABSTRACT Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease of public health importance in Brazil, with expansion into peri-urban areas. This cross-sectional study evaluated 450 dogs in a municipality of the Western Amazon, Brazil, using TR-DPP® serology, ELISA confirmation, hematological analysis, PCR targeting the Hsp70 gene, and entomological surveys with CDC light traps. A total of 45 dogs (10%) were seroreactive, and 34 were confirmed by ELISA. Hemoparasites such as Babesia spp. were detected. All pooled samples were negative by PCR. Six species of phlebotomine sand flies were identified, including Nyssomyia antunesi and Migonemyia migonei. The findings suggest early exposure of dogs in an area of emerging epidemiological risk, highlighting the importance of integrated surveillance strategies.