Abstract

Background and Objective: Dogs have been introduced as a major reservoir of Leishmania infantum.  Concerning the increased sporadic reports of humeral visceral leishmaniasis in Golestan province, we aimed to study seroepidemiology of leishmania infantum in Rural Dogs.

Material and Methods:  this study was conducted in 2012 - 2014 on 150 Serum samples of rural dogs, from 10 districts of Golestan province. The samples were analyzed by ELIZA kit.

Results:  the frequency of leishmania infantum was   15.3% and it was higher in the dogs aged more than four. There were no differences in Leishmania infantum infection between sexes and seasons.

Conclusion: our findings indicate the presence of Leishmania infantum in Golestan Province.  Given the presence of positive titer of Leishmania infantum in dogs without clinical signs, we emphasize the main role of rural dogs in transmitting Leishmania infuntum to villagers in the studied area.

 Keywords: Leishmania Infantum, ELIZA, Rural Dogs, Golestan Province

Abstract

Background and Objective: Given the Leishmaniasis is endemic in Turkmen Sahra, we aimed to study the contamination of rodents with this disease.

Material and Methods: Seventy-three rodents were collected from three regions (Gonbad, Gomishan and Bandar Turkmen) using live traps. In laboratory, morphometric characteristics were measured and for diagnosis of Leishmaniasis CL, the scratches obtained from their ears were examined by microscopic methods using Giemsa.

Results: The most frequent rodents were Meriones libycu (10.95%), Rattus norvegicus (21.91%), and Mus musculus (67.12%). Eleven (15.06%) of them were infected by cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL).

Conclusion: Because of infection rate, there is a high transmission risk of CL in the studied region.

Keywords: Rodentia; Leishmaniasis; Turkmen Sahra; Meriones; Mus Musculus; Rattus Norvegicus