Epidemiological patterns of canine leishmaniosis in Western Liguria (Italy)

An epidemiological survey was carried out on the distribution of canine lei shmaniosis in Western Liguria (Northern Italy). Blood sera from 21146 dogs collected from 1990 to 1996 were subjected to the indirect immunofluorescen ce test (IFAT). From 1990 to 1994 (16690 dogs), only monthly seroprevalence s were calculated (min 14%-max 60.5%). Dog sera sampled from October 1994 t o May 1996 (4456 dogs) were divided into two subgroups (I: October 1994-May 1995; II: October 1995-May 1996). Seroprevalence was 30.3% and 22.1% in th ese two groups, respectively. Data analysis by log-linear models revealed t hat serological positivity to Leishmania sp. was significantly associated w ith a dog's outdoor lifestyle, with a rural environment and with the male s ex. Of the 218 dogs which were tested twice seroconversion rates were also higher in outdoor, rural and male dogs while negativization rates were lowe r in the same groups. Basic reproductive numbers (R-0) were 1.53 (subgroup I) and 1.28 (subgroup II). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserv ed.