Epidemiological indicators as prophylaxis tools for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.15931423270210

• Palavras-chave: Control, prevalence, incidence, Leishmania.

• Keywords: Control, prevalence, incidence, Leishmania.

• Abstract:

  Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) is a disease caused by the protozoan genus Leishmania and transmitted by the bite of the sandfly mosquito. It is considered a zoonosis and its control is based on the diversity of urban vector reservoir agents, where dogs are the main reservoirs of the parasite. This article aimed to investigate the prevalence and incidence of CVL in different regions of Brazil, based on a literature review. An analysis of scientific articles was carried out with a focus on epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, prophylaxis and disease control aspects. The prevalence of CVL in Brazilian regions is determined using clinical, epidemiological and laboratory diagnostic methods. Laboratory confirmation is necessary to avoid false positive results, whose consequences can be fatal, such as euthanasia in uninfected animals. The study is based on the survey of transmission areas with the evaluation of the effectiveness of actions to control and progression of the disease, such as the reduction of prevalence and lethality, with intervention measures and environmental sanitation that can reduce its incidence. It was found that knowledge of the epidemiological indicators of CVL is essential to implement health actions to promote control and prevention in susceptible populations.