Canine leishmaniasis

CanineVisceralLeishmaniasis

File:Leishpositivedog.jpg

Leishpositivedog.jpg

Canine leishmaniasis

Canine leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease affecting dogs, caused by the protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies belonging to the genus Phlebotomus in the Old World and Lutzomyia in the New World.

Etiology

The primary causative agent of canine leishmaniasis is Leishmania infantum. The parasite infects various mammalian hosts, including humans, leading to zoonotic transmission.

Transmission

The disease is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The sandfly becomes infected by ingesting blood from an infected host. The promastigote form of the parasite develops in the sandfly's gut and is transmitted to a new host during subsequent blood meals.

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs of canine leishmaniasis can vary widely and may include:

• Skin lesions
• Weight loss
• Lymphadenopathy
• Splenomegaly
• Renal failure
• Ocular lesions

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis involves a combination of clinical signs, serological tests, and molecular techniques. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT)
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Treatment

Treatment of canine leishmaniasis typically involves the use of antimonial compounds such as meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol. However, treatment may not completely eliminate the parasite, and relapses are common.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Use of insect repellents and insecticide-impregnated collars
• Keeping dogs indoors during peak sandfly activity periods
• Vaccination with Leishmania vaccines where available

Epidemiology

Canine leishmaniasis is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin, South America, and parts of Asia and Africa. The distribution of the disease is closely linked to the presence of the sandfly vectors.

Public Health Implications

Canine leishmaniasis has significant public health implications due to its zoonotic potential. Infected dogs can serve as reservoirs for human visceral leishmaniasis, making control of the disease in canine populations crucial for reducing human cases.

See Also

• Leishmaniasis
• Visceral leishmaniasis
• Cutaneous leishmaniasis
• Protozoan infections
• Zoonosis

References

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