Avaliação dos fatores ambientais associados à soropositividade para Leptospira SPP. em cães residentes de assentamentos urbanos informais em salvador, brasil

Abstract

This study investigates the environmental factors associated with canine leptospirosis in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Canine leptospirosis, caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira, is a significant zoonosis for public health due to its potential for transmission to humans. The tropical climate of Salvador, characterized by high humidity and elevated temperatures, along with the rainy season, creates favourable conditions for the proliferation of Leptospira. Deficient urban infrastructure and sanitation conditions, especially in the outskirts and low-income communities, increase the risk of environmental contamination with the urine of infected animals, primarily rodents, which are natural reservoirs of Leptospira. Dogs that come into contact with these contaminated environments can transmit the disease to humans. The study was conducted in the communities of Marechal Rondon and Pau da Lima. Biological samples were collected from dogs residing in these areas to assess the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Of the 279 dogs tested, 89 (31.9%) were positive, with a prevalence of 29.22% in Marechal Rondon and 35.20% in Pau da Lima. The results indicate that factors such as the presence of a backyard, frequency of zoonosis control, contact with rats, and paved access are determinants of seropositivity for canine leptospirosis. Proximity to watercourses was a significant factor, corroborating previous studies indicating that areas with higher accumulation of garbage and water favour the persistence of pathogens. Identifying critical environmental and structural factors, along with promoting preventive practices such as vaccination and environmental control, are essential to reduce the incidence of canine leptospirosis. This study contributes to the understanding of local disease dynamics and the development of effective control strategies in vulnerable urban areas.