Prevalencia del Virus de la Leucemia Felina en las Parroquias Urbanas del Cantón Latacunga, Ecuador/Prevalence of the feline leukemia virus in the urban parishes of Latacunga Canton, Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: The feline leukemia virus (ViLeF) is a pathogen that affects domestic felines worldwide, due to the multiplicity of symptoms it manifests, and because it constitutes an important risk factor for other diseases.

Objective: The objective of the research was to determine the prevalence of the Feline Leukemia Virus (ViLeF) in the urban parishes of the Latacunga Canton, Ecuador.

Methods: 100 cats were sampled, an epidemiological survey was carried out to establish possible factors associated with exposure to the virus. The use of the rapid ELISA kit allowed positive cases to be detected. A descriptive analysis was developed with the Microsoft Excel program and frequency measurement through prevalence. The relationship between the associated factors and the disease was evidenced with the R program to perform the χ² (chi-square) test.

Results: A 10% prevalence was obtained in the Urban Parishes of the Latacunga Canton, with the Juan Montalvo Parish being the most affected (4%), followed by San Buenaventura and Eloy Alfaro, (3%) in each case. The total number of seropositive animals were mixed breeds, with greater affectation in animals ≥ 7 months-2 years of age, with males being the most positive and in those with mixed habitat or outdoor habitat.

Conclusions: It was possible to determine a prevalence of ViLeF of 10% in the Urban Parishes of the Latacunga Canton. The total seropositivity was in crossbred animals, mainly in males, aged ≥ 7 months-2 years, and predominantly mixed or outdoor habitat.