Because canine intestinal parasites are considered cosmopolitan, they carry significant zoonotic potential to public health. These etiological agents are routinely diagnosed using microscopic examination commonly used because of its low cost, simple execution, and direct evidence. However, there are reports in the literature on the poor performance of this test due to low to moderate sensitivity resulting from frequent errors, procedures and interpretation. Therefore, to improve the diagnostic efficiency of microscopic examination in veterinary medicine, we developed and evaluated a unique new protocol. This system was tested in a study involving four genera of highly prevalent canine intestinal parasites in an endemic region in São Paulo state, Brazil. Fecal samples from 104 animals were collected for this research. The new protocol had a significantly higher (p < 0.0001) number of positive cases on image data, including parasites and impurities, and was elaborate to test them with the TF-GII/Dog technique, with a moderate agreement and Kappa index of 0.7636. We concluded that the new Prototic Coproparasitological Test for Dogs (PC-Test Dog) allowed a better visualization of the parasitic structures and showed a favorable result for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in dogs.

This study was carried out to investigate the spatial distribution of dogs infected with Leishmania spp. through serological tests, as well as to compare it with the vector density in the urban region of Araçatuba, SP, Brazil. A total of 131 domestic dogs were serologically examined using the Dual Path Platform (DPP) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. Information about the peridomiciliary environment was recorded in the investigation forms. Entomological collections were also performed in March 2018. Antibodies to this protozoan were detected in 27 (20.61%) dogs using DPP, with serological confirmation in 11 (40.74%) using ELISA. Seropositive dogs were found mainly in the northern region, and none were found in the center of the city. The density of vectors per area was not related to the presence of these dogs. This study was carried out in Araçatuba, SP, an endemic region for Leishmania spp., and may contribute to epidemiological surveillance through diagnostic investigation in canines, as well as the densities of phlebotomine sandflies. Spatial analysis using the tests recommended by the Ministry of Health for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis was performed for the first time in the urban region of Araçatuba, SP.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis of major public health importance. In urban areas, Lutzomyia longipalpis is the primary vector of Leishmania (L.) infantum. This study assessed the seasonality, spatiotemporal distribution, and climatic factors associated with L. longipalpis abundance in Araçatuba, São Paulo State, and detected Leishmania spp. DNA in captured females. Monthly collections were conducted from March 2023 to February 2024 in 72 households across eight urban areas using CDC-type light traps placed indoors and in peridomestic environments. A total of 1641 specimens (1516 males and 125 females) were captured, with 92.4% originating from peridomestic areas. Area 3 had the highest density (n = 671) and was the only area with PCR-positive females (n = 3). Vector activity peaked in December 2023 (n = 335). Male abundance differed significantly among peridomestic areas, particularly between Areas 3, 5, 6, and 7. In peridomestic areas, higher final temperatures increased vector abundance, whereas higher initial temperatures and humidity reduced it. Indoors, final temperature, humidity, and month were significant predictors. L. longipalpis exhibited a defined seasonal and spatial pattern influenced by climatic conditions. The detection of PCR-positive females (Area 3) highlights the epidemiological role of the vector and underscores the need for targeted interventions to control VL.