Risk and protective factors of Leishmaniasis in the rural area of the western border region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Authors: Pradella Gabriela Döwich, Duarte Claudia Acosta, Escobar Taiane Acunha, Zuravski Luísa, Góss Geórgia Camargo, Skupien Jovito Adiel, Lübeck Irina
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Leishmaniasis Risk Factors in Equine and Canine Populations, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Leishmaniasis represents a significant yet often-overlooked tropical disease burden in South America, with millions of infected dogs documented in Brazil and recognised zoonotic transmission risk to humans; equines may similarly become infected and potentially contribute to disease epidemiology, though this remains under-investigated. Researchers evaluated 113 animals across nine rural farms in the Uruguaiana region (91 equines and 22 canines), employing molecular detection via PCR and serological ELISA to identify Leishmania spp. infection whilst collecting detailed epidemiological data on farm management practices and environmental factors. Statistical analysis combined descriptive assessment with chi-square testing and logistic regression to identify associations between specific farm characteristics and infection risk. Understanding which equine and canine populations carry infection, and which environmental or management factors elevate or reduce transmission risk in this border region, enables targeted biosecurity protocols and informs veterinary surveillance strategies where leishmaniasis may otherwise escape clinical recognition. For practitioners managing equine operations in endemic areas of South America, this work underscores the importance of screening breeding stock and working animals serologically, implementing vector control measures, and considering leishmaniasis in differential diagnoses for dermatological or systemic disease—particularly where canine co-infection on the same property suggests active environmental transmission.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic concern in South American equine populations; knowledge of local risk factors on your farm is critical for disease management and human health protection
- •Both molecular (PCR) and serological (ELISA) testing may be needed to fully characterize Leishmania status in mixed equine-canine operations
- •Farm management practices and environmental characteristics should be evaluated and modified to reduce transmission risk in endemic regions
Key Findings
- •Leishmaniasis risk and protective factors were identified in equine and canine populations in rural Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil using PCR and ELISA detection methods
- •91 equine and 22 canine samples were evaluated for Leishmania spp. molecular and serological markers on nine farms
- •Farm-level characteristics were associated with Leishmania infection status through logistic regression analysis