Epidemiological characterization and risk factors associated with Leptospira infection in dogs from rural settlements in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil

Rural settlements are defined as family-run agrarian spaces. Their purpose, based on public policies, is to strengthen family agriculture. They are peculiar environments that can predispose to the risk of diseases, especially zoonotic diseases, due to close natural contact with animals that can be sources of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs from rural settlements in the state of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil, and to identify the risk factors associated with infection. A total of 306 dogs were sampled and Leptospira screening was performed using the microscopic agglutination test. In all, 27 of 306 (8.82%; 95% CI = 6.13-12.5%) dogs were seropositive for Leptospira spp. The most frequent serotype was Pomona. Street access (odds ratio = 3.53, p = 0.012) was indicated as a risk factor for infection. The results indicate that leptospirosis is present in dogs from rural settlements in the state of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. This reinforces the need to limit contact between dogs and wild reservoirs and perform serological monitoring of swine. It also reinforces the need for implementation of control measures such as improvements in hygienic-sanitary conditions in the settlements, including the construction of pigsties away from homes, and the introduction of vaccination to reduce the occurrence of this disease, which will prevent transmission to humans and animals.