Abstract

Ambaye Kenubih*, Shimelis Dagnachew, Gizat Almaw, Tamerat Abebe, Yegnasew Takele ,Asrat Hailu and Wessensegad Lemma

Screening of domestic animals was carried out from 2008 - 2009 to detect antibodies against L. donovani and to see the involvement of animal reservoirs. A total of 203 domestic animals were included in the study. Serum and biopsy samples were collected. Screening of serum samples by Modified Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) for canine reservoirs was used to screen serum samples at ≥ 1:320 cut off titer. Data were also collected using pre-tested questioners to evaluate the involvement of some potential risk factors. Antibody against L. donovani in domestic animals was detected and the overall proportion of occurrence was 30.5%. No Leishmania parasite was isolated from spleen, liver, skin snip and exudates, bone marrow and lymph node of dogs.