Incidence of canine leptospirosis in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, State of Paraná, Southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of canine leptospirosis in Brazil needs to be assessed. METHODS: The same dogs in southern Brazil were sampled over two years to determine the prevalence, incidence and association of canine leptospirosis with various risk factors. RESULTS: In 2009, the prevalence was 33 (14.4%) of 228 dogs, with a predominance of serovar Canicola (33.4%). In 2010, 90 dogs were re-evaluated (the remaining dogs were lost to deaths, address changes and donations), and the prevalence was found to be 35 (38.9%) of 90, with the predominant serovar being Icterohaemorrhagiae (51.4%). Moreover, the incidence was 26 of 90 (28.9%), and the disease was statistically associated with age (2009) and street access (2010). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed instability in the dog population and age to be relevant risk factors for canine leptospirosis.

Dog parasite incidence and risk factors, from sampling after one-year interval, in Pinhais, Brazil.

Domestic animals in urban areas may serve as reservoirs for parasitic zoonoses. The aim of this study was to monitor the parasitic status of household dogs in an urban area of Pinhais, in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil, after a one-year period. In May 2009, fecal samples, skin scrapings and ticks were collected from 171 dogs. Questionnaires were applied to the owners (sex, age, environment and anthelmintic use). In May 2010, 26.3% (45/171) of the dogs were fecal samples re-analysed. From the fecal samples, 33.3% (57/171) in 2009 and 64.4% (29/45) in 2010 were positive. The parasite species most observed were, respectively in 2009 and 2010, Ancylostoma sp., 66.7 and 44.8%, and Strongyloides stercoralis, 26.3 and 3.4%. All the skin scrapings were negative, and no ticks or protozoa were found. There was no statistical association (p > 0.05) between positive fecal tests and age, sex or environment. In 2009 alone, dogs with a history of antiparasitic drug administration were 2.3 times more likely to be negative. A great number of replacement dogs was noticed one year later. Therefore, isolated antiparasitic treatment strategies may have no impact on parasite control, given the risk of introduction of new agents, thereby limiting the prevention strategies.

Dog parasite incidence and risk factors, from sampling after one-year interval, in Pinhais, Brazil / Incidência e fatores de risco de parasitas de cães, amostragem após um ano, Pinhais, Brasil

Domestic animals in urban areas may serve as reservoirs for parasitic zoonoses. The aim of this study was to monitor the parasitic status of household dogs in an urban area of Pinhais, in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil, after a one-year period. In May 2009, fecal samples, skin scrapings and ticks were collected from 171 dogs. Questionnaires were applied to the owners (sex, age, environment and anthelmintic use). In May 2010, 26.3% (45/171) of the dogs were fecal samples reanalysed. From the fecal samples, 33.3% (57/171) in 2009 and 64.4% (29/45) in 2010 were positive. The parasite species most observed were, respectively in 2009 and 2010, Ancylostoma sp., 66.7 and 44.8%, and Strongyloidesstercoralis, 26.3 and 3.4%. All the skin scrapings were negative, and no ticks or protozoa were found. There was no statistical association (p > 0.05) between positive fecal tests and age, sex or environment. In 2009 alone, dogs with a history of antiparasitic drug administration were 2.3 times more likely to be negative. A great number of replacement dogs was noticed one year later. Therefore, isolated antiparasitic treatment strategies may have no impact on parasite control, given the risk of introduction of new agents, thereby limiting the prevention strategies.

Animais domésticos em áreas urbanas podem servir de reservatório para zoonoses parasitárias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi monitorar a situação parasitária de cães domiciliados, após um ano, em área urbana de Pinhais, região metropolitana de Curitiba, Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Em maio de 2009, foram coletadas amostras de fezes de 171 cães, realizados raspados cutâneos e pesquisa de carrapatos. Foi aplicado um questionário aos proprietários (sexo, idade, ambiente e uso de vermífugos). Em maio de 2010, 26,3% (45/171) dos cães tiveram as amostras de fezes analisadas novamente. Das amostras de fezes, 33,3% (57/171) em 2009 e 64,4% (29/45) em 2010, foram positivas. As espécies de parasitos mais frequentes em 2009 e 2010 foram, respectivamente, Ancylostoma sp. 66,7 e 44,8% e Strongyloidesstercoralis, 26,3 e 3,4%. Todos os raspados cutâneos foram negativos e nenhum carrapato ou protozoário foi encontrado. Não houve associação estatística (p > 0.05) entre exame positivo e idade, sexo ou ambiente. Somente em 2009, cães com histórico de antiparasitários tiveram 2,3 vezes mais chance de serem negativos. Foi observada grande substituição dos cães após um ano. Dessa forma, estratégias isoladas de tratamento podem obter efeito nulo quanto ao controle de parasitas, haja vista o risco de introdução de novos agentes, limitando estratégias de prevenção dos mesmos.