| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3393901 | Acta Tropica | 2012 | 5 Pages |
Canine leishmaniasis is endemic in Greece as in other countries of the Mediterranean basin. In this study, the regional prevalence of canine seropositivity to Leishmania spp. in Greek mainland was simultaneously assessed in 7 different regions. A total of 2620 serum samples were collected from clinically healthy dogs and were tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A high degree of agreement (κ = 0.96) was observed between these two tests. The seroprevalence rate in the whole study population was nearly 20%, being highest among dogs living in Attiki (30.12%) and lowest for those living in Florina (2.05%). There was no difference in terms of the gender of the dogs, their length of hair coat or their utility; on the contrary, seroprevalence rates were significantly higher among dogs in the age groups of 1–3 years (23.39%) and 3–9 years (23.35%) than in younger (2.26%) or older (6.03%) dogs. Epidemiological data on the seroprevalence of canine leishmaniasis provide indirect information on the prevalence of the infection and the disease and are necessary to implement and then to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures.
Graphical abstractCanine leishmaniasis is endemic in Greece with a seroprevanlence ranging between 30.12% and 2.05% in different areas.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Seroprevalence of canine leishmaniasis and associated factors were determined. ► Seroprevalence ranges between 2.05 and 30.12% in dogs in Greek mainland. ► Gender, type of hair coat and lifestyle do not affect seroprevalence while age does. ► Good agreement was found between IFAT and ELISA for antibody detection.
