Serological survey for American cutaneous leishmaniasis in stray dogs in the S. Paulo State, Brazil

A serological survey was made in 973 stray dogs caught near green areas in S. Paulo county by the indirect immunofluorescence test. No positive serum was found, however autochthonous human cases of ACL that occurred ill the c ounty show the circulation of the parasite in the environment. This fact, a ssociated with the existence of the vectors and the apparent absence of inf ected dogs in the areas studied suggest that stray dog plays an insignifica nt role in the spread of the parasite. The cycle of the parasite in Sao Pau lo county has been maintained by wild animals, hence the dog would be an ac cidental host just as humans.