LEISHMANIA DONOVANI INFECTION IN THE DOMESTIC DOG (CANIS FAMILIARIS) IN EASTERN SUDAN
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of Leishmania donovani infection in domestic dog (Canis familiaris) in El Gedaref State, Eastern Sudan during 2008 -2010. In this study 88 blood samples were collected randomly from dogs in certain localities in El Gedaref State, and spotted on filter paper (Whatman #3). All samples were examined using direct agglutination test (DAT) and nested polymerase chain reaction ( nPCR). Three out of 88 samples (3.41%) were positive by DAT (titer ≥ 1/1600); whereas 37 cases (42.05%) were positive by nPCR, showing positive bands on the gel electrophoresis. Parasite DNA in all cases yielded the expected 385-bp fragment. The sensitivity of DAT in detecting antiLeishmania donovani antibodies in the domestic dog was low compared with nPCR. The domestic dog (canis familiaris) could act as a possible and/or incidental reservoir host for L. donovani in Eastern Sudan. Further investigations are needed for isolation, propagation, identification and characterization of Leishmania species from human, vector, canine and other animal species available in the area of study for better understanding of the epidemiological status of VL and its control