Language
Country/Area
No result found
From the Mediterranean to North America: How did canine leishmaniasis cross continents?
Canine leishmaniasis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania, was first recognized in Europe in 1903. According to research, the spread of the disease occurs through the bite of an infected sand fly. In 1940, only 40% of Roman dogs were diagnosed with leishmaniasis. Originally thought to be a disease only along the Mediterranean coast, research shows that canine leishmaniasis is expanding in northern Italy, where climatic conditions differ significantly from traditional endemic areas.
In 2008, studies indicated that the spread of canine leishmaniasis has affected multiple states and provinces in North America, including the United States and Canada.
Causes and symptoms
The cause of canine leishmaniasis is a variety of different variants of Leishmania, which is mainly spread through the bites of sand flies. Common symptoms in infected dogs include skin lesions, hair loss, weight loss, etc. Depending on the type of infection, the disease can be divided into cutaneous and visceral forms, each with different manifestations.
Skin type symptoms: hair loss, skin lesions, ulcers.
Visceral symptoms: nose bleeding, renal failure, pancreatic enlargement, etc.
Methods of transmission
Traditionally, the spread of canine leishmaniasis is caused by direct bites of sand flies that infect dogs, but in the United States, it has been found that infections among dogs also occur, through blood and secretions This is achieved through direct contact and transmission from infected bitches to puppies.
Diagnostic methods
In the United States, some breed clubs strongly recommend that dogs from endemic areas be screened for Leishmania. For reasons that are not yet fully understood, Foxhounds and Neapolitan Mastiffs appear to be more susceptible to infection.
Preventive measures
In areas where sand flies are known to be vectors, the use of collars containing insecticides can significantly reduce the risk of infection in dogs. Avoiding letting your dog outside during dusk and dawn hours will also reduce the likelihood of infection. Although several vaccines have been developed, comprehensive measures are still needed to increase protection.
There is currently no single effective vaccine that can cover all Leishmania disease variants.
Treatment methods
Although there is currently no cure for canine leishmaniasis, various treatment options are still implemented around the world. Treatment options vary depending on the location, type, and symptoms of the infection. The main treatment options include: bupropion, migotine, and several other medications available.
Research direction
Future research will continue on Foxhounds and Neapolitan Mastiffs to improve our understanding of canine leishmaniasis and its human counterpart. The research aims to discover new relevant treatment options and hopefully further clarify the immune response in infected dogs.
As canine leishmaniasis spreads and cases increase in the United States, how will future control strategies evolve?
