Seroepidemiology of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Dezful, Iran Publisher



Oskouizadeh K ; Mohebali M ; Moazen J ; Ghasemi E
Source: Archives of Razi Institute Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: Leishmania infantum-induced canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic throughout the Mediterranean region and constitutes a neglected zoonotic infection that threatens public health. This investigation, employing the DAT technique, assessed prevalence of VL antibodies in symptomatic and asymptomatic domestic and stray dogs in Dezful County and its surrounding areas. Materials & Methods: For this purpose, serum samples from 130 dogs in Dezful County (105 from shelters and 25 from a veterinary clinic) were collected to assess anti-L. infantum antibodies using the direct agglutination test (DAT). Results: Overall, 16 dogs (12.3%) were seropositive at ≥1:320 and 114 dogs (87.7%) were seronegative at ≤1:320, with 4(3.07%) showing strong positivity at a titer of 1:1280. All seropositive dogs were asymptomatic, with an average age of 1.5 years. A significant difference in seroprevalence was observed between living conditions, with higher rates in stray and sheltered dogs compared to owned dogs (P=0.041). Conclusion: Our findings, as well as those of asymptomatic seropositive dogs, underscore the potential for an active transmission cycle of CVL in Dezful. Dogs exhibiting clinical signs of leishmaniasis in this region may act as the primary reservoir hosts of L. infantum for humans and other susceptible animals. These findings underscore the critical need for ongoing surveillance, integrated vector management, and molecular studies to confirm circulating Leishmania species. This study highlights the urgency of targeted control strategies to reduce zoonotic transmission in northern Khuzestan. © 2026 The Author(s).