Canine Leishmaniasis in Eastern Algeria: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors

Authors

  • Sabrina Baaziz University of Chadli Bendjdid El Tarf
  • Houria Zait Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Mustapha Tertiary Care Hospital, Place du 1er Mai, POB 16000, Algiers, Algeria
  • Rima Saadeddine Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, PB 73, El-Tarf 36000, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9132-4024
  • Faycal Zeroual Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, PB 73, El-Tarf 36000, Algeria. b Biodiversity and Ecosystems Pollution Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, ChadliBendjedid El Tarf University, El Tarf 36000, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3332-5701
  • Khelaf Saidani Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, PB 270, Route de Soomˆaa, Blida
  • Djalel Eddine Gherissi Institute of Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences, Mohamed Cherif Messaadia University, Souk-Ahras, Algeria
  • Ahmed Benakhla Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, PB 73, El-Tarf 36000, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1969-9398
  • Souad Righi Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, PB 73, El-Tarf 36000, Algeria. b Biodiversity and Ecosystems Pollution Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, El Tarf 36000, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6655-7165

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12834/VetIt.3807.37960.5

Keywords:

Leishmania infantum, canine leishmaniasis, seroprevalence, riskfactor, Algeria, ELISA

Abstract

A seroepidemiological survey was conducted between 2021 and 2025 to assess Leishmania infantum infection in domestic dogs from urban and rural areas in three provinces of eastern Algeria: Batna, Oum El Bouaghi, and Biskra. Blood samples were collected from 347 dogs and tested for anti-Leishmania antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence was 10.37%. Among seropositive dogs, 33.3% were asymptomatic, while 66.6% exhibited clinical signs, with emaciation being the most frequently observed symptom. Statistical analysis showed significant associations between seropositivity and several risk factors, including age, geographical area, clinical status, nutrition, province of origin, and lifestyle.

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2026-01-16

How to Cite

Baaziz, S., Zait, H., Saadeddine, R., Zeroual, F., Saidani, K., Gherissi, D. E., … Righi, S. (2026). Canine Leishmaniasis in Eastern Algeria: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors. Veterinaria Italiana, 62(1). https://doi.org/10.12834/VetIt.3807.37960.5

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