Serological study on canine visceral Leishmaniasis in domestic dogs Sarab District (East Azerbaijan Province) Northwest of Iran with ELISA and IFAT

In this study 384 serum samples from dogs of Sarab district was prepared, and wereexamined by using Elisa, and IFA serological tests. Seroprevalence rate (SPR) of CVL instudied dogs with the Elisa and IFA,. The highest number of infected dogs between threeyear old dogs (25.7%) and the lowest number of infection between one year old dogs(2.9%) were respectively 306 (79.7%) male dogs, and 78 (20.3%) were female. Twentyeight (9.2%) male dogs and seven (9.0%) female dogs were seropositive. statisticallysignificant correlation between age, and infection was observed (p=0.332). 9 (23.2%)dogs showed at least one positive clinical symptom, including cutaneous ulcers, hair loss,Impotence, Onicocriptosis, local or general lymphadenopathy, Keratitis,Hepatosplenomegaly and diarrhea. 4 (17.4%) from symptomatic dogs and 31 dogs (8.6%)of asymptomatic were positive had no symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis. Thestatistically significant correlation between visceral leishmaniasis, and hair lost dogs wereobserved (p=0.031). No Significant correlation between visceral leishmaniasis andhepatosplenomegaly was seen (p=0.065). Between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogswith visceral leishmaniasis significant relationship was observed (p=0.015). In this studyantibody titers in male dogs greater than female dogs that difference was statisticallysignificant (p=0.023). The highest rate of infection rate was in dogs from Jalda Bakhanvillage with 9 (33.35%) dogs, and lowest infection rate was in Asbfroshan village with 1(1.4%) dogs. Recommended for control of visceral leishmaniasis in the region,Considering the different animal reservoirs, and various geographical animal conditions inthis area and regarding the zooonotic parasite controlling the animal reservoirs, seemsunavoidable, and fight against the vector mosquito and controlling plans are necessary.