Intense transmission of visceral leishmaniasis in a region of northeastern Brazil: a situation analysis after the discontinuance of a zoonosis control program

Abstract In São Luís, Maranhão, northeastern Brazil, the notification of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases intensified in 1982, showing endemic and epidemic patterns. this city, Center for Zoonoses Control (CZC) was an organization charge control prevention disease. However, technical political reasons have led to a significant decline periodicity its activities. Therefore, study we evaluated epidemiological scenario human (HVL) prevalence disease dogs after cessation CZC activities, covering period 2007 2016. The seroprevalence canine determined based on clinical serological profiles. HVL were notified using data provided by Municipal Health Department Luís. A seropositivity rate 45.8% (p = 0.0001) found among dogs, 54% 0.374) which asymptomatic. As cases, there 415 notifications, with increase incidence zoonosis observed during aforementioned period. Thus, it can be inferred that surveillance activities curtailed, number seropositive animals circulation, acting as reservoirs infection humans.