SEROPREVALENCE OF CANINE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS IN DOGS FROM AN ENDEMIC URBAN AREA IN BRAZIL: DESCRIPTIVE STUDY IN THE PERIOD OF 2012-2020

In Brazil, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in many cities. Domestic dogs are the principal reservoir host of Leishmania infantum and play an important role in the maintenance of VL in endemic areas. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in dogs from Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2012 and 2020. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study based on a survey of secondary data from the Epidemiological Surveillance Coordination of Montes Claros. Serological survey for CVL was carried out by the working team of trained professionals of the Zoonosis Control Center. The serodiagnosis was performed using the Dual-Path Plataform Immunochromatographic rapid test (Biomanguinhos®) as a screening and ELISA (EIE Visceral Canine Leishmaniasis, Biomanguinhos®) as a confirmatory test. Results: A total of 140,056 dogs were submitted to CVL diagnostic in the period (average of 15,562 dogs/year). The average seroprevalence was 13.8% (±3.47). The lowest and highest seroprevalence rates were observed in 2014 (7.8%) and 2016 (19.1%), respectively. Conclusion: This study offers valuable insights into the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in dogs from Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The results highlight the importance of maintaining screening and diagnostic protocols and provide evidence to support public health decision-making aimed at controlling and reducing CVL transmission in the region.