Exposure to Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania parasites in dogs from a rural locality of Yucatan, Mexico. A serological survey.

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of American trypanosomiasis, and Leishmania spp., the causal agents of Leishmaniasis, are prevalent in more than 20 American countries, including Mexico. Dogs have been reported as incidental hosts for both parasites and may be helpful as transmission sentinels. We surveyed the dog population in a rural locality of the Merida municipality in Yucatan, Mexico, to evaluate the seroreactivity against T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. using two antigens, parasite homogenate (H) and iron superoxide dismutase extract (FeSODe), with two serological techniques (ELISA and Western Blot). Our study found that 3.33% of the tested dogs were seroreactive to T. cruzi using ELISA-H, and 29.5% were seroreactive to FeSODe antigen, with a 94.4% consistency between the two tests. Similarly, for L. mexicana, 1.6% were seroreactive using ELISA-H, and 9.8% were seroreactive using ELISA-FeSODe, with an 83.3% consistency between tests. For L. braziliensis, no dogs were seroreactive using ELISA-H, but 16.4% were seroreactive using ELISA-FeSODe, with a 90% consistency between tests. Finally, for L. infantum, 4.9% were seropositive using ELISA-H, and 6.6% were seropositive using ELISA-FeSODe, with a 75% consistency between tests. These results show noticeable evidence of exposure of dogs to trypanosomatid parasites and highlight the potential disease risk for the people and their companion animals in the region.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Emergence in Southeastern Mexico: The Case of the State of Yucatan.

Environmental changes triggered by deforestation, urban expansion and climate change are present-day drivers of the emergence and reemergence of leishmaniasis. This review describes the current epidemiological scenario and the feasible influence of environmental changes on disease occurrence in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Relevant literature was accessed through different databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google, and Mexican official morbidity databases. Recent LCL autochthonous cases, potential vector sandflies and mammal hosts/reservoirs also have been reported in several localities of Yucatan without previous historical records of the disease. The impact of deforestation, urban expansion and projections on climate change have been documented. The current evidence of the relationships between the components of the transmission cycle, the disease occurrence, and the environmental changes on the leishmaniasis emergence in the state shows the need for strength and an update to the intervention and control strategies through a One Health perspective.