Vaccines for Canine Leishmaniasis

Leishmania infantumis the obligatory intracellular parasite of mammalian macrophages and causes zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL). The presence of infected dogs as the main reservoir host of ZVL is regarded as the most important potential risk for human infection. Thus the prevention of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is essential to stop the current increase of the Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis. Recently considerable advances in achieving protective immunization of dogs and several important attempts for achieving an effective vaccine against CVL lead to attracting the scientists trust in its important role for eradication of ZVL. This paper highlights the recent advances in vaccination against canine visceral leishmaniasis from 2007 until now.

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Performance of recombinant proteins in diagnosis and differentiation of canine visceral leishmaniasis infected and vaccinated dogs

European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology ◽

10.1556/1886.2020.00018 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 165-171

Author(s):

Ingrid E. Pereira ◽

Kyssia P. Silva ◽

Laura M. Menegati ◽

Aimara C. Pinheiro ◽

Elaine A. O. Assunção ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Recombinant Proteins ◽

Serological Test ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

High Specificity ◽

Cross Reactivity ◽

Reservoir Host ◽

Superior Performance ◽

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Roc Curve Analysis

AbstractControl of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), a major zoonotic disease in Brazil and many other tropical and subtropical countries, remains difficult as an accurate and reliable diagnosis is still missing. In endemic regions, infected dogs are the main parasitic reservoir host of human Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) infection. Vaccination of dogs against Leishmania infection constitutes an important strategy to prevent or to better control CVL, thus, a serological test that can discriminate between antibodies induced by immunization versus infection is highly desirable in order to improve and simplify diagnosis. Here, four recombinant proteins were evaluated for their ability to detect and differentiate between dogs that are infected with Leishmania or have been immunized with the anti-Leishmania vaccine Leish-Tec®. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the four Leishmania-specific IgG ELISA revealed superior performance of rK28, followed by rKLO8, rK39 and rLb6H. The rK28-based ELISA revealed not only the best accuracy against CVL, but also the lowest cross-reactivity with sera from Leish-Tec® immunized dogs. Our data show that the rK28-based ELISA is highly suitable for CVL screening as it shows high sensitivity with simultaneous low cross-reactivity. Further, the high specificity of the rKLO8 indicates its suitability for the confirmation of CVL diagnosis.

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Epidemiological aspects of human and canine visceral leishmaniasis in State of Alagoas, Northeast, Brazil

Brazilian Journal of Biology ◽

10.1590/1519-6984.166622 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 78 (4) ◽

pp. 609-614 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

M. A. N. Rocha ◽

T. J. Matos-Rocha ◽

C. M. B. Ribeiro ◽

S. R. O. Abreu

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Secondary Data ◽

The State ◽

Northeast Brazil ◽

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

The Past ◽

Human Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Canine Infection ◽

Genus Leishmania ◽

Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis

Abstract Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL), caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania, it is a worldwide of great importance disease. In the northeast region of Brazil, the state of Alagoas has an endemic status for ZVL. Thus, this work aimed to analyze the epidemiological situation of human and canine visceral leishmaniasis in Alagoas, Northeast, Brazil, from 2007 to 2013. We conducted a descriptive, observational, retrospective study using secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System, the Center of Zoonosis Control of Maceió, and the Central Laboratory of Public Health of Alagoas. During the studied period, it was observed that the highest incidence of human visceral leishmaniasis was in 2011 and the lowest in 2013. On the other hand, canine visceral leishmaniasis had its highest incidence in 2007 and its lowest in 2012. Of the 55 municipalities in the State of Alagoas that showed human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL), São José da Tapera presented an average of 4.4 cases over the past five years, being classified as of intense transmission. Regarding canine visceral leishmaniasis, in the same studied period, 45,112 dogs were examined in the State, of which 4,466 were positive. It resulted, thus, in a 9.9% positivity rate. Conclusions: Our data are important because canine infection is an important risk factor for the human disease.

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Predicting the distribution of canine leishmaniasis in western Europe based on environmental variables

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s003118201100148x ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 138 (14) ◽

pp. 1878-1891 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

ANA O. FRANCO ◽

CLIVE R. DAVIES ◽

ADRIAN MYLNE ◽

JEAN-PIERRE DEDET ◽

MONTSERRAT GÁLLEGO ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Western Europe ◽

Reservoir Host ◽

Domestic Dog ◽

Canine Leishmaniasis ◽

Environmental Predictors ◽

Intermediate Point ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Serological Identification ◽

Predictive Risk ◽

Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis

SUMMARYThe domestic dog is the reservoir host of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis endemic in Mediterranean Europe. Targeted control requires predictive risk maps of canine leishmaniasis (CanL), which are now explored. We databased 2187 published and unpublished surveys of CanL in southern Europe. A total of 947 western surveys met inclusion criteria for analysis, including serological identification of infection (504, 369 dogs tested 1971–2006). Seroprevalence was 23 2% overall (median 10%). Logistic regression models within a GIS framework identified the main environmental predictors of CanL seroprevalence in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy, or in France alone. A 10-fold cross-validation approach determined model capacity to predict point-values of seroprevalence and the correct seroprevalence class (<5%, 5–20%, >20%). Both the four-country and France-only models performed reasonably well for predicting correctly the <5% and >20% seroprevalence classes (AUC >0 70). However, the France-only model performed much better for France than the four-country model. The four-country model adequately predicted regions of CanL emergence in northern Italy (<5% seroprevalence). Both models poorly predicted intermediate point seroprevalences (5–20%) within regional foci, because surveys were biased towards known rural foci and Mediterranean bioclimates. Our recommendations for standardizing surveys would permit higher-resolution risk mapping.

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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Area of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Acta Scientiae Veterinariae ◽

10.22456/1679-9216.81301 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 44 (1) ◽

pp. 6

Author(s):

Mahyumi Fujimori ◽

Arleana Do Bom Parto Ferreira de Almeida ◽

Álvaro Felipe Lima Ruy Dias ◽

Juliana Yuki Rodrigues ◽

Luciano Nakazato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Canine Leishmaniasis ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Lutzomyia Longipalpis ◽

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Mato Grosso ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Endemic Areas

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic and severe disease of great interest to global public health. In Brazil, the main species causing visceral leishmaniasis is Leishmania chagasi [syn. Leishmania infantum], which is transmitted by sandflies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lu. cruzi. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs residing in endemic areas of the municipality of Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso.Material, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in the Várzea Grande neighbourhoods Jardim Eldorado, Parque Sabiá and São Mateus, which are located in the Brazilian Cerrado region and are endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. The Várzea Grande is a mostly commercial and industrial municipality and relies on subsistence farming. To describe the general characteristics of the dog population and housing environment, an interview was carried out with the dog owners in each household. This interview addressed local demographics and the identification of dogs to establish epidemiological aspects of canine illness and risk factors for infection. The dogs were examined and physically restrained for blood collection by jugular venipuncture. For serological testing, a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. A Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to identify associations between independent variables and the seroprevalence of dogs with anti-Leishmania antibodies. It were collected blood from 521 animals, including 160 belonging to Jardim Eldorado, 129 to Parque Sabiá and 232 to São Mateus. Of these animals, 120 were reactive by ELISA, with a prevalence of 23.0%. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) according to gender, age, racial definition, origin, time with family, presence of ectoparasites, or the presence of people with skin wounds at home or on other pets. The major risk factor for canine infection was fur length; dogs with short fur were 2.2 times more likely to be infected than dogs with long fur.Discussion: The prevalence of canine leishmaniasis in endemic areas was found to be similar to studies in Cuiaba, a city in Várzea Grande, which also included neighbourhoods endemic for visceral leishmaniasis as study areas. Other studies have shown prevalence rates that differ from those found in this study. This difference may either be because the neighbourhoods in this study had already experienced outbreaks of the disease or because serum samples were cross-reactive with other trypanosomatids. While infection was more readily detected in dogs with clinical signs, asymptomatic dogs with anti-Leishmania antibodies were found in greater numbers, which is consistent with the literature. Hair length was the only factor associated with canine leishmaniasis in this study; short-haired animals were most at risk of contracting the disease because they had more skin exposure to sandflies during blood feeding. In conclusion, endemic districts of Várzea Grande had high prevalence rates of canine visceral leishmaniasis, and a short length coat was associated with infection.

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Epidemiology of canine visceral leishmaniasis in a vulnerable region in Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612021075 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Douglas Aparecido da Silva ◽

Natália Camila Minucci Bonatto ◽

Gabriela Lovizutto Venturin ◽

Larissa Martins Melo ◽

Paula Lima de Oliveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Indirect Elisa ◽

Complete Blood Count ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Canine Leishmaniasis ◽

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Education Campaigns ◽

Indirect Tests ◽

The City ◽

Rabies Vaccination

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected and endemic zoonosis that occurs throughout Brazil; nevertheless, few studies have focused on the early detection of the disease. The municipality of Ourinhos is a non-receptive, silent and vulnerable area for VL, where the seroprevalence of this disease has so far not been investigated. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of canine VL in Ourinhos-SP, and to identify the presence of risk factors. Blood samples were obtained from 604 dogs during a rabies vaccination campaign together with application of a socioeconomic questionnaire, environmental and animal characteristics and tutor's knowledge about the disease. The samples were subjected to indirect ELISA and new samples were collected from reactive and suspect animals, including whole blood and lymph node aspiration evaluated by parasitological method, complete blood count and PCR. No animal was diagnosed as positive based on the combination of direct and indirect tests and the tutors' answers indicated little knowledge about leishmaniasis, being often confused with other diseases transmitted by arthropods; hence, according to the proposed methods, the presence of canine leishmaniasis in the city of Ourinhos was not confirmed and health education campaigns about the disease should be carried out.

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New Means of Canine Leishmaniasis Transmission in North America: The Possibility of Transmission to Humans Still Unknown

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1155/2009/802712 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 2009 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Christine A. Petersen

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Disease Ecology ◽

Disease Process ◽

Reservoir Host ◽

Host Factors ◽

Canine Leishmaniasis ◽

The Novel ◽

Primary Means ◽

Means Of Transmission ◽

Insight Into

At present it is not possible to determine in advance the outcome ofLeishmania infantuminfection. Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), caused byLe. infantum, is a natural disease process which offers a insight into the interaction of the host and resultant disease outcome. Canine VL results in the same altered pathophysiology and immunodysregulation seen in humans. VL in US dogs is likely to be transmitted primarily via nontraditional, nonvector means. VL mediated byLe. infantumis endemic in U.S. Foxhound dogs, with vertical transmission likely to be the novel primary means of transmission. This population of dogs offers an opportunity to identify host factors of natural disease. Prevention of human clinical visceral leishmaniasis can occur only by better understanding the disease ecology of the primary reservoir host: the dog.

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Investigations on mediterranean Kala Azar. VI.—Canine visceral leishmaniasis

Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Containing Papers of a Biological Character ◽

10.1098/rspb.1932.0035 ◽

1932 ◽

Vol 110 (768) ◽

pp. 402-412 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽

Canine Leishmaniasis ◽

Causative Organism ◽

Extensive Literature ◽

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Human Beings ◽

Kala Azar ◽

Human Adults ◽

Direct Experiment

Following the discovery of canine visceral Leishmaniasis in Tunis by Nicolle and Comte (1908), an extensive literature has developed dealing particularly with the possible relationship between human and canine Leishmaniasis. Most authors, following Nicolle, consider Leishmania infantum , to be the causative organism of both human and canine Kala Azar. In the case of cutaneous Leishmaniasis, L. tropica has been conclusively proved by direct experiment to be the causative organism in both man and dog (1930), but in this case there is no evidence that the dog serves as a reservoir of the human disease. It is more likely that where human and canine cutaneous Leishmaniasis co-exist, human beings serve as a reservoir from which dogs are infected (1929). It is, however, difficult to carry out similar direct experiments with visceral Leishmaniasis, for human adults are naturally immune to Mediterranean Kala Azar.

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Enhanced attraction of sand fly vectors of Leishmania infantum to dogs infected with zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0009647 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (7) ◽

pp. e0009647

Author(s):

Ifhem Chelbi ◽

Khouloud Maghraoui ◽

Sami Zhioua ◽

Saifedine Cherni ◽

Imen Labidi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Leishmania Infantum ◽

Western Mediterranean ◽

Reservoir Host ◽

Field Conditions ◽

Sand Fly ◽

Western Mediterranean Basin ◽

Phlebotomus Perfiliewi ◽

Sand Fly Vectors ◽

Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis

Background The sand fly Phlebotomus perniciosus is the main vector of Leishmania infantum, etiological agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in the Western Mediterranean basin. Dogs are the main reservoir host of this disease. The main objective of this study was to determine, under both laboratory and field conditions, if dogs infected with L. infantum, were more attractive to female P. perniciosus than uninfected dogs. Methodology/Principal findings We carried out a series of host choice experiments and found that infected dogs were significantly more attractive to P. perniciosus than uninfected dogs in the laboratory as well as in the field. Significantly more P. perniciosus fed on infected dogs than on uninfected dogs. However, the fecundity of P. perniciosus fed on infected dogs was adversely impacted compared to uninfected dogs by lowering the number of laid eggs. Phlebotomus perfiliewi, the second most abundant sand fly species in the field site and a competent vector of L. infantum had similar trends of attractivity as P. perniciosus toward infected dogs under field conditions. Conclusions The results strongly suggest that L. infantum causes physiological changes in the reservoir host which lead to the host becoming more attractive to both male and female P. perniciosus. These changes are likely to improve the chance of successful transmission because of increased contact with infected hosts and therefore, infected dogs should be particularly targeted in the control of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in North Africa.

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DETECTION OF LEISHMANIA INFECTION IN STRAY DOGS IN HUMAN LEISHMANIASIS ENDEMIC AREA IN MYMENSINGH DISTRICT WITH ITS POSSIBLE PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE IN BANGLADESH

Journal of Veterinary Medical and One Health Research ◽

10.36111/jvmohr.2019.1(1).0009 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Author(s):

M. A. Hossen

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Asymptomatic Carrier ◽

Asymptomatic Infection ◽

Reservoir Host ◽

Sand Fly ◽

Leishmania Infection ◽

Endemic Region ◽

Stray Dogs ◽

Human Leishmaniasis ◽

Strip Test

Background: Leishmaniasis is primarily caused by two species of Leishmania (L. donovani and L. infantum) of which clinical infection with L. infantum has been recognized in both humans and dogs as zoonotic disease with dogs as the main reservoir hosts in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia and South America. Although L. donovani has been associated with both clinical and asymptomatic infection in humans but it is still associated with asymptomatic infection in dogs in Indian sub-continent without any evidence of zoonotic infection. Objectives: The objective of this research was to investigate the potentiality of dog as reservoir host for visceral leishmaniasis in the human leishmaniasis endemic regions in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 stray dogs in the human VL endemic areas of Mymensingh district were captured for the detection VL during the period of November 2010 to May 2011. The dipstick test rK39 (Bios International; n = 20), Giemsa’s stained impression smears of liver and spleen (n = 6) and PCR with the tissue of liver and spleen (n = 6) were tested as per manufacturer instructions and conventional standard methods. Results: Out of 20 stray dogs examined, 4 (20.0%) were positive for L. donovani infection with rK39 strip test. Of the six randomly selected dogs tested with Modified Giemsa’s stained of impression smears of spleen and liver showed 2 (33.33%) positive whereas PCR technique detected 5 (83.33%) positive for L. donovani. Results of PCR showed 145bp amplicon, specific for L. donovani infection in 83.33% stray dogs. Conclusions: This study reveals that a high percentage of L. donovani asymptomatic carrier infections occur in dogs and evidence indicates that dogs and humans may potentially serve as a source of infection to sand fly vectors and accordingly dogs can be recognized as a probable animal reservoir for the Leishmania infection in the endemic region in Bangladesh. However, further studies are required to determine the ability of dogs to transmit the L. donovani to the vector sand fly in nature and its evidence on ‘One Health’ perspectives. Keywords: Visceral leishmaniasis, Endemic region, Stray dogs, rK39 strip test, Giemsa’s stained liver and spleen impression smears, PCR, Reservoir host, Mymensingh

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