High seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs and its associated risk factors in selected towns of Southwest and West Shewa zones of Oromia, Ethiopia.

Background: Leishmania infantum infection can result in serious vector-borne zoonotic disease such as visceral leishmaniasis. The objectives of the study were to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Weliso, Ambo, and Ejaji towns in the Southwest and West Shewa zones, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to September 2020. A total of 368 canines were sampled for the study using a basic random sampling procedure. An Indirect ELISA kit was used to test the presence of rK39 antigen eliciting specific antibodies in a serum sample. The association between L. infantum seropositivity and possible risk factors was assessed using Pearson's Chi-square and logistic regression tests.

Results: The overall seroprevalence of L. infantum in dogs was found to be 84.24% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80%-88%) with seroprevalences ranging from 76.11% (95% CI: 67%-84%) in Ambo to 79.82% (95% CI: 71%-87%) in Weliso, and higher seroprevalence, in Ejaji 93.84% (95% CI: 89%-97%). In a univariable logistic regression analysis, town (p = 0.001), season (p = 0.001), mixed living (indoor/outdoor) environment (p = 0.003), and kebele (p ≤ 0.05) were all found to be significantly linked with L. infantum seropositivity. In the multivariable analysis, wet season (p = 0.001) and mixed living environments (p = 0.025) were found to be independent predictors of L. infantum seropositivity.

Conclusions: This is the first comprehensive report of L. infantum infection in Ethiopian dogs. The very high seroprevalence suggests that dogs may play an important role in maintaining and spreading the infection to humans. Improvement of the living environment and health care facilities for dogs and humans as well health education for people awareness is suggested.