ABSTRACT

Dogs are known to play an important role in the spread of the zoonotic diseases, listeriosis and leishmaniasis. In this study, the seroprevalances of these infections were investigated in shelter dogs in Erzurum. The Osebold agglutination test for listeriosis and IFAT for leishmaniasis were performed in analysis of the specimens. Out of 72 dogs, 19 (26.3%) were found to be seropositive for Listeria monocytogenes. Leishmaniasis seropositivity was not detected in any of the specimens. A total of 13 (29.5%) of female dogs and 6 (21.4%) of male dogs were L. monocytogenes positive. Seropositivity rates were 41.6% in dogs less than 1 year old, 24% in those 1-3 years old, and 16.6% in those over 3 years old. Regarding percentages, the seropositivity rate of L. monocytogenes was found to be higher in female dogs and those younger. However, these changes were not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05). Detection of L. monocytogenes in dogs of Erzurum province was considered to be crucial for veterinary medicine and public health and preventive measures should be taken as soon as possible.

Keywords: Dog, Leishmaniasis, Listeriosis, Erzurum, Turkey