Are stray dogs confined in animal shelters at increased risk of seropositivity to Leishmania infantum? A case control study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the risk of seropositivity between stray dogs and privately-owned dogs living in the same endemic area. Sixty-seven stray (group A) and 115 privately-owned (group B) dogs were enrolled. History, physical examination findings and results of serology, haematology and total solids were compared between groups and between seropositive group A and seropositive group B dogs. Variables with p value ≤0.2 were used to build two multivariable models using results of serology as the dependent variable: the first model included the group and historical information, whereas the second included the group, physical examination and results of haematology and total solid measurement. Stray dogs had 4.59-fold and 3.72-fold higher risk of seropositivity compared with privately-owned dogs in the first and second model, respectively. Additional factors associated with positive serology included female sex, not sampling during transmission period, masticatory muscle atrophy, footpad hyperkeratosis, low haematocrit and low platelet count. In conclusion, stray dogs were at higher risk of seropositivity.