Serological study of Trypanosoma cruzi and associated factors in dogs from a rural community of Yucatan, Mexico

Abstract

Chagas Disease is a protozoan infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi that has spread to vertebrates, including humans. This parasite is prevalent in the canine population (Canis familiaris) of the State of Yucatan, Mexico. Few studies have reported the serological frequency and factors associated with exposure to T. cruzi of dogs populations in rural communities of Yucatan. This study aims to estimate the frequency and factors associated with anti-T cruzi antibodies in dogs from a rural community in Yucatan. A research was carried out by convenience in 117 domestic dogs from the rural community. Blood samples from each dog to obtain serum were taken. The samples were analyzed by immunochromatography test for detecting anti-T. cruzi antibodies. A questionnaire to identify potential risk factors associated with seropositivity was administered to the owners of dogs. The response variables were analyzed by Chi square and variables with P <0.2 were analyzed using logistic regression. Serological frequency of 29.9% (95% CI: 21.61-38.21) was found. Factors associated with dogs with anti-T. cruzi were age (dogs> 1 year old, OR = 3.8 P = 0.02), place inhabited by the dog (dogs living outside the house, OR = 6.4 P = 0.04) and presence of Triatoma dimidiata bugs in houses (OR = 4.7 P = 0.006). We conclude that dogs of the community under study present T. cruzi antibodies (29.9% frequency) and three factors are associated with serologically positive dogs (adult dogs, dogs living outside the house and presence of bugs in the house).