Dogs Harbor Leishmania braziliensis and Participate in the Transmission Cycle of Human Tegumentary Leishmaniasis

Dogs play an important role in transmission of Leishmania infantum, but epidemiologic and clinical studies canine tegumentary leishmaniasis (CTL) are scarce. In endemic area human American (ATL) caused by braziliensis, we determine the prevalence incidence both CTL subclinical (SC) L. braziliensis infection dogs evaluated if presence with or SC is associated occurrence ATL. healthy animals ulcers were determined PCR on biopsied skin detecting antibodies against soluble leishmania antigen. We compared ATL homes control without infection. The was 35% 31%. 4.6% 9.3%. frequency humans 50% infected 13% dogs. highly prevalent, may participate chain braziliensis.