INFECTION BY TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI AND TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN DOMESTIC DOGS FROM RURAL LOCALITIES IN NORTHWEST ARGENTINA

Abstract

Zoonoses caused by the protozoan parasites Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii are prevalent in Argentina, where dogs are reservoir hosts but also suffer Chagas and Toxoplasmosis disease. Since the dynamic of both diseases in human populations is reflected in canines, knowing the seroprevalence of these zoonoses in dogs is considered a good strategy to understand disease patterns. We aimed to know the seroprevalence of T. gondii and T. cruzi infection in canines from four rural areas in the Salta province by Indirect Hemaglutination (IHA) and Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Serologic results from 209 dogs showed 18.2% (4/22) presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the locality of La Unión, department of Rivadavia, 20.5% (8/39) in San Carlos, 13.1 % (11/84) in Cafayate, and 23.4% (15/64) in Embarcación department of General San Martín. Anti-T cruzi antibodies were only detected in San Carlos, being 28.2% (11/39). Frequent seroprevalence to T. gondii, found in dogs of all locations sampled suggest environmental pollution by this parasite in the area. The discovery of infected dogs by T. cruzi, in the town of San Carlos, suggests the possibility of active transmission of the parasite in the recent past and alerts us to the possibility of reservoir hosts.