Abstract

This study evaluated the occurrence of Leishmania spp. in equids from Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 257 healthy equids of Uberlandia were assessed for the presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. by using the indirect fluorescent-antibody test. Additionally, an epidemiological survey was done to evaluate the possible risk factors (species of equids, age, gender, economic activity, and contact with domestic and wild animals) associated with the presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. The total seroprevalence against Leishmania spp. was 24.1% (62/257); representing seroprevalence levels of 22.7% (55/242) in horses, 50% (4/8) in mules, and 42.9% (3/7) in ponies from all regions evaluated. The species of equid was the only factor that contributed to an elevated seroprevalence of Leishmania spp.