2000–2025: A Quarter of a Century of Studies on Pet Ownership in the Amazon—Epidemiological Implications for Public Health

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Authors: Coline J. Vanderhooft, Eduardo A. Díaz, Carolina Sáenz, Victor Lizana
Cited by: 2
References: 116

Abstract

Anthropogenic pressures in the Amazon Basin are reshaping human–animal–environment interactions and increasing zoonotic disease risk. Within this One Health context, domestic dogs and cats are underrecognized contributors to pathogen circulation at the human–wildlife interface. We conducted a PRISMA-compliant systematic review of zoonotic pathogens reported in companion animals across Amazonian territories in nine countries, including literature published between 2000 and 2025 in four languages. Zoonotic pathogens showed a heterogeneous yet widespread distribution, with parasitic infections, particularly Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and vector-borne protozoa, being the most frequently reported. A pronounced geographic bias was evident, with studies concentrated in Brazil and selected areas of the western Amazon, while large portions of the Basin remain understudied. Methodological limitations included reliance on cross-sectional designs and heterogeneous diagnostic approaches, often based solely on serology. These findings highlight the need to strengthen One Health-oriented governance frameworks that integrate animal health surveillance into environmental and public health policies. Priority actions include expanding surveillance to underrepresented regions, harmonizing diagnostic protocols, investing in regional laboratory capacity, and promoting community-based monitoring. Strengthened cross-sectoral and transboundary coordination is essential to reduce zoonotic risk and support evidence-based disease prevention in Amazonian ecosystems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Zoonotic diseases and public health Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies Leptospirosis research and findings

Publication details

Journal / source
Pathogens
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
15
Issue
1
Pages
77–77
Publication date
10 January 2026
Language
EN