OBJECTIVE This study investigated the serological status of dogs living in a visceral leishmaniasis-endemic area and its correlation with the parasitological condition of the animals. METHODS Canine humoral response was evaluated using the sera of 134 dogs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry to detect parasites in the skin, lymph node, and spleen of the animals. The specific antibodies investigated were IgG, IgG1, IgG2, and IgE. RESULTS According to the parasitological, laboratory, and clinical findings, the dogs were placed into […]

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the accuracy of the diagnosis of two protocols of indirect immunofluorescence assays for canine visceral leishmaniasis. METHODS: Dogs from the seroepidemiological survey conducted in an endemic area of the cities of Araçatuba and Andradina, in Northwestern São Paulo state, in 2003, and in a non-endemic area of the metropolitan region of São Paulo, were used to assess two protocols of indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for leishmaniasis: one using a Leishmania major heterologous antigen (IFA-BM) and another using […]

OBJECTIVE: Dogs play an important role as infection source of human cryptosporidiosis. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. in dogs as well as to compare two techniques of fecal analysis. METHODS: Four-hundred and fifty canine fecal samples from the city of São Paulo were analyzed between 2003 and 2004. Fecal samples were randomly selected from dogs housed in a university veterinary hospital (group 1, n=200) and private kennels (group 2, n=250). The detection […]

The occurrence of intestinal parasitic helminths in dogs from a public institute of veterinary medicine in Rio de Janeiro was assessed. Samples of fresh feces were collected in March 2004 and analyzed by Willis and centrifugal-flotation in sucrose solution methods. Of 204 samples, 45.6% were positive for helminths.

Out of 158 dogs submitted to coprological examination or necropsy, 70 (44.30%) were found to be infected by Toxocara canis, the prevalence being higher among puppies with and up to 6 months of age. Out of 15 soil samples taken from public places atended by children, ova of Toxocara species were found in 60% indicating the possibility of transmission of toxocaral infection to humans through ova containing larvae.

The human infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis was studied. From 143 humans which were in close contact with 27 infested animals, the author was able to detect 58 infested individuals (40.56%). The incidence of this zoonosis was higher among women than men and individuals of all ages were indiscriminately affected. The scabies agent was observed in 3 out of 12 pacients submitted to skin scraping.

Thirty saliva samples and 30 encephalon samples, collected from an equal number of rabid dogs, were examined by both the mouse inoculation and immunoflluorescent techniques. The results for each sample were positive with both techniques, showing perfect correlation in the methods and specimens used. The importance of saliva for early diagnosis was stressed.

One thousand, four hundred and twenty-eight sera from stray dogs from the city of S. Paulo were examined using agglutination microscopic testing. Of the total of 1428 sera, 308 (21.6%) showed positive. Seasonal influence was observed in the leptospiral infection of the canine population studied in that the largest number of the reagent sera was verified in the summer (24.2%) and autumn (24.9%). In contrast, spring (18.3%) and winter (18.3%) prevalence levels were lower. These differences were considered significant from […]

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the total dog and cat population with owners in order to enable better planning of the control actions against diseases involving these animals. METHODS: The study was carried out in the non-metropolitan regions of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, from May to December 2002. Forty-one municipalities and 100 census tracts were surveyed. These were selected by probabilistic stratified cluster sampling in two stages. The strata were formed by grouping the municipalities according to their populations and […]

The following insecticides were mixed with industrialized dog food: Phoxim, Chlorphoxim, Themephos (Abate), Decamethrin, Lindane, and DDT. The insecticidal effect in the blood was tested with Triatoma infestans nymphs and adults. Positive results were obtained with Phoxim and Themephos. Chlorphoxim and Lindane at efficient levels became unpalatable. Decamethrin and DDT had no lethal effect upon the insects at the levels of concentration tolerated by the dogs.