Antibody detection against Leishmania infantum in sera of companion cats in Ahvaz, south west of Iran

Leishmaniasis is an important and common zoonotic disease with a great impact on public health. In the present study, a total of ۱۹۵ companion cats of different ages were examined for serum antibody detection against Leishmania infantum by immunochromatography assay. The cats were selected from those referring to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University, south west of Iran from May ۲۰۰۹ to March ۲۰۱۲. Classification was made by age, sex, breed, region and season. The studied cats were divided based on age into three groups ( ۳ years) and based on area into five regions (north, east, west, south and central). The results were analyzed by using Chi-square analysis, Fischer's exact test and Z test. Eighteen of ۱۹۵ serum samples (۹.۲۳%) had antibody against Leishmania infantum (%۹۵ Confidence Interval: ۵.۱-۱۳.۳%). Prevalence was significantly higher in adult cats above ۳ years (۲۸.۵۷%; ۱۴ out of ۴۹) compared with mean-age cats ۱- ۳ years (۳.۵۷%; ۳ out of ۸۴) (Odds Ratio: ۱۰.۸) and less than ۱ year (۱.۶۱%; ۱ out of ۶۲) (OR: ۲۴.۴) (P۰.۰۵). In conclusion, it is necessary to control cat's population in these area particular adult cats to reduce risk of infection transmission to other animals and human.

Keywords:

Leishmania Infantum , Cat , PREVALENCE , Immunochromatography assay , Ahvaz