Variation in antibody titres against Leishmania infantum in naturally infected dogs in northern Morocco

The variation of the anti-Leishmania antibodies titres in a cohort of 46 do gs were studied in two areas in northern Morocco during the period (from Ju ly 1996 to July 1997) by using the immunofluorescence test (IFAT) and count er-immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). The 46 dogs had titres greater than or equ al to 100 and showed specific anti-L.infantum bands by CIEP. Dogs were divi ded in three groups : group 1 included 20 dogs which produced high antibody titres (titre greater than or equal to 800) and developed clinical and fat al canine leishmaniasis. Group 2 had 16 dogs with low titres following infe ction and which remained asymptomatic during the period of follow up. In gr oup 3, the titres greater than or equal to 100 of 10 animals decreased to 5 0 and became negative by the end of the study. The disease was more prevale nt in older dogs than in younger ones.