Pesquisa de anticorpos para Leishmania spp em amostras de sangue de cães da região de Marília/SP, Brasil no período de janeiro de 1999 - junho de 2005

The data resulted from a survey on anti-Leishmania spp antibodies in serum samples from dogs from 38 municipalities located in the mid-west region of Sao Paulo State (Marilia), during the period from 1999 to 2003, were assessed. Also, the rates of these antibodies detection in dogs serum samples from three municipalities at two distinct periods (1999 - 2003 and 2004 - 2005) were analyzed. From 1999 to 2003, the anti- Leishmania spp antibodies were determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA); and in the second period of time, enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used for screening, and IFA as confirmatory testing. The antibodies survey carried out in the period of 1999-2003 suggests that no circulation of Leishmania occurred in that area. Canine surveys conducted in Adamantina, Guaranta and Lucelia municipalities from 2004 to 2005 indicate the occurrence this parasite in the investigated region, as the specific antibodies were detected in 14%, 8%, and 2.5% of dogs serum samples, respectively. Up to April 2008, seven municipalities in Marilia region recorded human cases of AVL, and two registered the occurrence of the disease only in dogs; the related vector was detected in at least five municipalities. The increase of AVL cases in the mid-west region of Sao Paulo state certainly requires an improved prevention program and needs to strengthen this disease control activities.