High prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in shelter dogs from southern Louisiana, USA

Parasites & Vectors

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[1] 0000 0001 0662 7451, grid.64337.35, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA;0000 0001 2217 8588, grid.265219.b, Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;0000 0001 2217 8588, grid.265219.b, Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, Louisiana, USA;0000 0001 2217 8588, grid.265219.b, Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;0000 0001 2217 8588, grid.265219.b, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section, Office of Public Health, Department of Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;

关键词: Chagas disease;    American trypanosomiasis;    Canine;    Heart disease;    Parasite;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13071-019-3572-y

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundChagas disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The role of dogs as sentinels has been proposed in multiple regions, as they are a domestic reservoir for T. cruzi. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in shelter dogs from southern Louisiana, and assess its magnitude and distribution.ResultsA total of 540 dogs were enrolled, from 20 animal shelters, and tested for T. cruzi infection by serological tests (rapid test, ELISA and western blot) and PCR. We documented a high prevalence of T. cruzi infection with at least 6.9% (95% CI: 5.0–9.3%) seropositive and 15.7% (95% CI: 12.9–19.1%) PCR-positive dogs. Serological tests showed limited agreement, and concordance between serology and PCR was higher when considering reactivity to single serological tests. Trypanosoma cruzi infection was distributed evenly among shelters. Infection was significantly correlated with age (R2 = 0.99), indicating an incidence of new cases of 2.27 ± 0.25% per year.ConclusionTrypanosoma cruzi infection is a significant and widespread veterinary problem in shelter dogs in the region, although it is mostly unnoticed by health professionals. This highlights the need for greater awareness of T. cruzi infection among the veterinary community and dog owners.

【 授权许可】

CC BY