First case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the midwestern of Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is transmitted phlebotomine sandflies and a major zoonotic disease in Brazil. Due to the southward expansion of within country central role dogs as urban reservoirs parasite, we have investigated occurrence CVL two municipalities Erval Velho Herval d’Oeste Midwest region Santa Catarina state. Peripheral blood samples from 126 were collected both cities tested for anti-L. antibodies indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) immunofluorescence reaction (IIF) presence parasite DNA polymerase chain (PCR) peripheral blood. From examined dogs, 35.71% (45/126) positive at least one three tests (1.6%) all performed tests. Twelve (9.5%) ELISA IIF, while 21 exclusively (16.7%), 15 (11.9%) IIF. L. k-DNA was detected PCR 9 out (7.1%) clinical symptoms compatible with observed 6 dogs. Taken together, these results indicate transmission this region, highlighting needs epidemiological surveillance implementation control measures region.