Seroprevalance of Leishmaniasis in Dogs from Hatay and Burdur Provinces of Turkey and Northern Cyprus

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalance of leishmaniasis in dogs from Hatay and Burdur provinces of Turkey and Northern Cyprus. METHODS: Blood was collected from a total of 278 dogs, including 124 from Hatay, 49 from Burdur, and 105 from Northern Cyprus. Dilutions of serum samples were prepared, and the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies was investigated by indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT). RESULTS: A total of three dogs were found to be seropositive (1.1%), one from Hatay (0.8%) and two from Northern Cyprus (1.9%). Also, one dog (0.4%) from Northern Cyprus was found to be borderline positive. All dogs from Burdur have been identified as seronegative. CONCLUSION: This is the first research on the seroprevalence of the parasite in dogs from Hatay and Burdur. The seropositivity detected in dogs from Hatay and Northern Cyprus demonstrates the presence of the parasite in these regions, and obtained results contribute data on the prevalence of the disease in an epidemiological manner. To obtain more reliable data, it will be useful to conduct studies on wider dog populations and vector sandflies.