[Detection of antileptospira antibodies in a vulnerable population of Ixhuatlancillo, Veracruz].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira sp. in Ixhuatlancillo residents and their canine pets.

METHODS

We detected the presence of anti-leptospira antibodies in a population of 29 dogs and 36 canine owners, the study consisted in two phases: 1) Management, invitation and application of surveys; 2) sampling to canines and positive canine owners. The samples were analyzed on the Veracruz State Laboratory, employing the microagglutination technique (MAT). Statistical analysis was performed using a 2 x 2 contingency table in order to know the relationship between two variables to test the possible independence of the two variables using the chi-square test.

RESULTS

Prevalence of anti-leptospira antibodies in dogs was 66 %, predominantly tarassovi serovar (47 %); and the owners analyzed prevalence was 61 %, which also tarassovi serovar was most prevalent (78 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-leptospira antibodies were found in dogs (66 %) and its owners; the tarassovi serovar was the most prevalent, so that living with pets is a potent risk factor for infection by this bacterium.