Seroprevalence canine survey for selected vector-borne pathogens and its relationship with poverty in metropolitan Pereira, Colombia, 2020.

Background: Tick-borne diseases (TBD) and dirofilariosis are currently not under surveillance in most Latin American countries. In addition, there is a significant lack of studies describing the current situation in most endemic areas, including Colombia. Therefore, seroprevalence studies are crucial for understanding the epidemiology of these vector-borne diseases.

Methods: A serosurvey for TBD and dirofilariosis among 100 dogs was carried out in the municipality of Pereira, located in the Coffee-Triangle region, Colombia. Samples were tested using a rapid assay test system (SNAP® 4Dx®); based on an enzyme immunoassay technique' screening for antibodies to (sensitivity 99.1%)' s.l. (98.8%), and (96.2%) by using specific antigens and checking for antigen based on specific antibodies (99.2%). Bivariate analyses were performed on Stata®14, significant  < 0.05.

Findings: Global seroprevalence to the selected vector-borne pathogens was 74% (95%CI 65-83%). The highest seroprevalence was found for (74%), followed by (16%). Seropositivity for spp. and spp. was 0%. All spp. seropositive dogs showed co-detection of spp. (16%). Seroprevalence was significantly higher among dogs from families of lower socioeconomic status/level (I, 86%), followed by level II (74%), and III (36%) ( = 0.001). All dogs exhibiting anorexia (12%) were invariably seropositive (100%) ( = 0.029). Seroprevalence was higher among those showing mucocutaneous paleness (95%) compared to those without paleness (68%) ( = 0.013) (OR = 9.3; 95%CI 1.18-72.9). There was high variability in seroprevalence through the studied areas, ranging from 0% (La Libertad Park) up to Combia, Cesar Nader, Las Brisas and Saturno localities (100%) ( = 0.033).

Interpretation: Given the high seroprevalence obtained in an area with documented ticks, there is a potential risk of zoonotic transmission to humans. Further seroprevalence studies in humans are needed to assess the prevalence of infections. Poverty is highly associated with these tick-borne pathogens in Pereira, as shown in the present study.