Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 7 4 2015 10 13 75 81 EN A. Moshfe Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran. M. Mohebali Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Center for Research of Endemic Parasites in Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. E. Afshoun Research Management, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran. A. Mousavizadeh Research Management, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran. Z. Zarei Meshkin-Shahr research station, National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,Iran. H. Abidi Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran. B. Akhoundi Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. V. Barati School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran. S. Joukar School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran. 2015 10 13 2015 10 13 Background: Mediterranean type of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is present in different parts of Iran. Several studies have identified dogs as the main reservoirs of the VL caused by Leishmania infantum in Iran and other Mediterranean regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis as animal reservoir host for human visceral leishmaniasis in Boyer Ahmad di s- trict in southwest of Iran. Methods: A seroepidemiological study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) among ownership dogs by using direct agglutination test (DAT) in 23 of 182 villages of Boyer Ahmad district, during August 2009 to August 2010. One hundred and seventy serum samples from ownership dogs were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling in villages of Boy- er Ahmad district. All samples were tested by DAT and anti-Leishmania antibodies titers at ≥ 1:320 was considered as positive. Results: Of the 170 serum samples, 10% were positive by DAT at titers of 1:320 and higher. No statistical significant difference was found between male (10.7%) and female (8.3%) seroprevalence. The highest seroprevalence rate (15.1%) was observed among the ownership dogs of four to seven years age. Altogether, seventeen (25.4%) of the seropositive dogs had clinical signs and symptoms. Conclusion: It seems that Boyer Ahmad district is an endemic area for canine visceral leishmaniasis in Iran. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/286 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/286/269