Background: The American trypanosomiasis is a zoonosis caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). The
disease is widely distributed throughout the American continent, affecting a wide range of hosts, including dogs. It
is present in the canine population in the State of Yucatan, Mexico. However, no significant studies in owned dogs
have been performed in the metropolitan area of Merida. A transversal study was conducted in 370 owned dogs
from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
Methods: A cross-sectional study including 370 dogs was performed in a major city of Yucatan, Mexico, to detect
IgG antibodies against T. cruzi. A commercial ELISA test kit was used and a chi-square test used to evaluate associated
risk factors; odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were also estimated.
Results: The indirect ELISA and western blot (WB) tests were used to detect specific immunoglobulin G antibodies
against T. cruzi in serum samples. A prevalence of 12.2 % was found; age and area of residence were statistically
associated with seropositivity in dogs (p <0.05).
Conclusions: Results from the present study suggests the presence and abundance of the vector in urban conditions
where a high number of seropositive cases of T. cruzi cases were found.
