USE OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (SIG) TO STUDY THE OCCURRENCE OF Leptospira interrogans serotypes canicola AND icterohaemorrhagiae IN DOGS FROM JABOTICABAL, S

Abstract

This work aimed at evaluating the occurrence of agglutinins for serovares icterohaemorrhagie and canicola in dogs from Jaboticabal, Brazil. We performed a spatial observation of the cases of such disease using a GIS (Geoprocessing Information System) and the risk factors associated with it. Serum samples were drawn from 992 dogs that were randomly selected and examined. Each dog owner answered a survey to study related factors. The SAM test (microscopic seroagglutination) disclosed 151 samples reagent to serovares icterohaemorrhagiae and canicola, and a prevalence of 15.2%. Surveys from owners of reagent and non-reagent dogs were compared using the odds-ratio and chi-square. The frequency of visits to the veterinarian, type of floor where the animal lives, access to vacant lots, presence of rodents in the environment and direct contact with rodents were statistically associated (p < 0.05) with the disease. After the results were analyzed using the software Spring version 3.4, the spatial distribution of agglutinins for Leptospira interrogans serovares icterohaemorragiae and canicola was determined to be uniform in the whole city. We concluded that sanitary education programs should be accomplished urgently, so that people become aware of the responsible ownership of pets. An effective control of the rodents by the local health organs is also essential to reduce the occurrence of this disease in dogs. KEY-WORDS: Dogs. Lepspiroses. Geoprocessing.