EVALUATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HOUSEHOLD ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANINE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonosis of great importance due to its incidence and high lethality, and the dog as its main reservoir in urban centers. Furthermore, environmental characteristics such as soil with abundant organic matter can predispose local ecosystems to the development of the vector Lutzomyia longipalpis. This study aimed to carry out a data collection in partnership with the Health Department of the municipality of Vassouras, determining environmental characteristics and favorable means for the dissemination of the sand fly, in an area of 150 meters from a confirmed human case of leishmaniasis in the Itakamosi neighborhood. During the months of October and November 2021, an environmental study was carried out in 7 homes, where a total of 14 dogs lived. Through questionnaires, data were collected regarding the environmental conditions of these homes. It was observed that 100% of the animals lived in households close to the forest and vegetation. Of the 7 households analyzed (6/7), 85,71% had banana trees in their surroundings, followed by the presence of fruit trees, which corresponds to (5/7) 71,42% of households. In contrast, in (3/7), 42,83% and (2/7) 28,57% represent the number of houses with the presence of chicken coops and kennels, respectively. In contrast, in (1/7) 14,28% of the households, there was the presence of organic matter debris, aiding in the sand fly cycle. The animals residing in these houses were tested for leishmaniasis and showed a negative result, but the possibility of future infection of these animals cannot be ruled out, given that these factors corroborate the easy adaptation of the sandfly exploiting the accumulation of organic matter in areas of socioeconomic vulnerability.