Seroepidemiology of Leishmania infantum in rural dogs in Golestan province, Iran

Abstract Background and Objective: Dogs have been introduced as a major reservoir of Leishmania infantum.  Concerning the increased sporadic reports of humeral visceral leishmaniasis in Golestan province, we aimed to study seroepidemiology of leishmania infantum in Rural Dogs. Material and Methods:  this study was conducted in 2012 - 2014 on 150 Serum samples of rural dogs, from 10 districts of Golestan province. The samples were analyzed by ELIZA kit. Results:  the frequency of leishmania infantum was   15.3% and it was higher in the dogs aged more than four. There were no differences in Leishmania infantum infection between sexes and seasons. Conclusion: our findings indicate the presence of Leishmania infantum in Golestan Province.  Given the presence of positive titer of Leishmania infantum in dogs without clinical signs, we emphasize the main role of rural dogs in transmitting Leishmania infuntum to villagers in the studied area.  Keywords: Leishmania Infantum, ELIZA, Rural Dogs, Golestan Province