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Published on: December 15, 2023
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Canine Leishmaniasis in Egypt
Abdelfattah Selim1, Salma Shoulah1, Abdelhamed Abdelhady2
1Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), College of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt.
Background:
Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is caused by Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) that is transmitted by sand fly vectors with dogs acting as the main reservoir.
Methods:
The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of CanL in dogs from Egypt and assessed the associated risk factors. The study was conducted from 2019 to 2020 in five governorates situated in Northern Egypt. Serum samples from 450 asymptomatic dogs were serologically examined by use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
Overall, the seroprevalence rate of CanL was 21.3% and the highest rates were observed in Cairo and Giza governorates. The univariable analysis revealed that the seropositivity of CanL was strongly related to the dogs' ages, length of hair, absence of veterinary care or application of insecticides, and the type of floor of their shelters. The risk factors that were found to be associated with CanL in exposed dogs were: age group 2-4 years old (OR = 12, 95% CI: 1.6-92.3); short hair (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.2-3.6); absence of veterinary care (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3-5.8); no application of insecticides (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.5-6.5) and their residence in a shelter with an earthen floor (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.7-2.9).
Conclusions:
Based on the present results, CanL is present in Egyptian dogs and this increases the possibility of transmission by sand fly to humans with whom they have contact. Consequently, an efficient monitoring programme and effective control measures are important to reduce the risk of infection.
