Factors associated with Trypanosoma cruzi exposure among domestic canines in Tennessee.
Trypanosoma cruzi , the etiologic agent of Chagas' disease, is enzootic in animal populations of the southeastern United States. In the United States, T. cruzi prevalence has been reported for over 20 different wildlife species, and 7 autochthonous human cases have been documented since 1955. Previous canine (Canis familiaris) serosurveys have been limited either by small sample size or confined geographic reporting areas. In this study, we report a seroprevalence of 6.4% among 860 canines from 31 counties and 5 ecoregions throughout Tennessee, using an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). Statistically significant associations between seropositivity and age, weight, and outdoor living were noted. Differences in seropositivity were not seen based on American Kennel Club (AKC) group, sex, habitat, land cover, and ecoregion. Greater attention should be given to possible T. cruzi transmission in Tennessee and veterinarians should consider Chagas' disease as a differential diagnosis with compatible signs.
Rowland
Meghan E
ME
Vector-borne Diseases Section, Tennessee Department of Health, 630 Hart Lane, Nashville, Tennessee 37243, USA.
Maloney
Jenny
J
Cohen
Sara
S
Yabsley
Michael J
MJ
Huang
Junjun
J
Kranz
Melissa
M
Green
Alice
A
Dunn
John R
JR
Carpenter
L Rand
LR
Jones
Timothy F
TF
Moncayo
Abelardo C
AC
D017677:Age Distribution; D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood; D001947:Breeding; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D004285:Dogs; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013714:Tennessee / Q000453:epidemiology; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000276:immunology
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan