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Can dogs also get parasites? Explore the mysterious pathogen causing canine leishmaniasis!
In people's perception, dogs are important symbols of human friends, and naturally they should not be associated with diseases. However, with the development of science, we have gradually unveiled the mystery of canine health, and canine Leishmaniasis (Canine Leishmaniasis) has attracted particular attention. It is a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania and is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected locust mosquito. This condition makes people wonder, just how deep is the health connection between dogs and humans?
Dogs can also develop leishmaniasis, a condition that has become increasingly common in the United States and elsewhere, especially over the past few decades.
What is canine leishmaniasis?
Canine leishmaniasis was first discovered in Europe in 1903. In 1940, 40% of the dogs in Rome tested positive, a statistic that undoubtedly aroused people's alarm. In the past, it was generally believed that the disease was mainly found in coastal areas of the Mediterranean, but research in 2008 showed that the scope of the disease is expanding, especially in the inland climate area of northwest Italy.
Beginning in 2000, cases of leishmaniasis also began to appear in North America. As of 2008, positive dogs have been reported in 22 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. This makes people more worried about dog health and the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
Symptoms of Leishmaniasis
The symptoms of canine leishmaniasis are divided into cutaneous and visceral types. Dogs with the cutaneous type will only experience symptoms such as hair loss, skin lesions, and ulcers; while dogs with the visceral type will experience symptoms such as bleeding, kidney failure, anemia, and loss of appetite. According to research, certain dog breeds such as Foxhounds and Neapolitan Mastiffs are more susceptible to infection, which requires special attention when it comes to prevention and screening.
Sources and transmission routes of the virus
There are multiple strains and substrains of Leishmania, and the main route of transmission is through the bites of infected locust mosquitoes. However, research in recent years has shown that direct transmission between dogs, such as through blood and other secretions, may also occur, especially if it is associated with pregnancy.
Although there have been no reports of direct transmission from dogs to humans, dogs are still the main reservoir of L. infantum, which poses a certain potential risk to public health.
Diagnosis and testing
In the United States, some breed clubs strongly recommend that dogs from endemic areas be tested for Leishmania to ensure their health. Currently, available diagnostic methods include DNA amplification technology and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which have high sensitivity and specificity.
Preventive measures and vaccines
In areas where sand flies are known to be transmitted, wearing collars containing deltamethrin on dogs can effectively prevent Leishmania infection. As for vaccines, Brazil has launched the Leshmune vaccine against L. donovani, which showed a protective effect of 87% in clinical trials. However, with the use of vaccines, it is inevitable that it will be difficult to distinguish between infected dogs and asymptomatic dogs, which also makes the use of vaccines facing challenges.
Current status of treatment
There is currently no cure for canine leishmaniasis, but veterinary institutions around the world offer a range of treatment options. Depending on the dog's infection strain and symptoms, common treatments include amphotericin B, Miltefosine, and Allopurinol. According to research, many dogs can remain symptom-free for many years during treatment, which raises a key question, how can canine health be better managed and maintained?
Future research directions
A research team in Maryland, USA, is continuing to explore Leishmania infection in Foxhounds and Neapolitan Mastiffs, and plans to continue relevant research in 2011. The goal is to screen for the presence of Leishmania DNA to contribute to future understanding and research into human leishmaniasis.
Intensive research into canine leishmaniasis is providing a clearer understanding of its potential impact on dogs and humans. In the face of a changing environment, will dog health issues become a new challenge for public health management in the future?
