scholarly journals Canine Leishmaniasis in Morocco: A Descriptive Prospective Clinical Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Houda Idrissi ◽  
Maryam Hakkour ◽  
Luc Duchateau ◽  
Renato Zanatta ◽  
Malika Kachani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Exercise Intolerance ◽  
Canine Leishmaniasis ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Prospective Clinical Study ◽  
Free Access

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonotic vector-borne disease that is endemic in the Mediterranean Basin including Morocco. Dogs play a major epidemiological role in this zoonosis as reservoir hosts. This study investigated the clinical manifestations of CanL in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. A total of 96 dogs presented to the Small Animal Clinic of the Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute (IAV Hassan II) of Rabat, Morocco, and were tested by RT-PCR and/or serology. Among them, 32 (33.3%) were positive to Leishmania infantum infection. The majority of the positive dogs (93.7%) came from urban areas. Most of them were male (62.5%) and purebreds (65.6%), were aged between 3 and 7 years (71.8%), and had outside activities (guarding, hunting, livestock guarding, and service activities) (71.8%) and all of them were living exclusively outdoor or had free access to the outdoor environment. Lymphadenomegaly (81.2%), dermatological disorders (65.6%) (mostly exfoliative dermatitis), weight loss (59.3%), exercise intolerance (56.2%), anorexia (28.1%), hyporexia (15.6%), and ocular lesions (28.1%) were the most frequent clinical signs and complaints recorded. Anemia and hyperproteinemia due to hyperglobulinemia were observed in 68.7% and 72.7% of the cases, respectively. These results suggest that CanL leads to various nonspecific clinical signs as described previously, making the diagnosis challenging. Since CanL is endemic in Morocco, it should be recommended to systematically test dogs displaying clinical signs compatible with this disease and to regularly screen asymptomatic at-risk dogs. It is also crucial to educate dog owners about the zoonotic aspect of the disease and to encourage intersectorial collaboration following the “One Health” concept, in order to contribute to a more effective control/prevention of human and canine leishmaniasis.

scholarly journals CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+ Expressions in Skin Dogs Naturally Infected by Leishmania infantum

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Társsila Mara Vieira Ferreira ◽  
Tiago Cunha Ferreira ◽  
Fernanda Maria Aragão Ximenes Porto ◽  
Conceição Da Silva Martins ◽  
Berlamino Eugênio Lopes Neto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Canine Leishmaniasis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Asymptomatic Group ◽  
G Ratio ◽  
E Cadherin

Background: In canine leishmaniasis (CanL), infection occurs through phlebotomine vectors that inoculate the protozoan Leishmania infantum into the skin that infected macrophages and activated dendritic cells (CD). Dogs with CanL present variable clinical manifestations, being common the presence of cutaneous lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+  associating the skin sentinels cells and to compare the clinical-dermatological manifestations in the skin of dogs naturally infected by L. infantum.Materials, Methods & Results: Dogs infected (n = 22) by L. infantum were divided into asymptomatic group (AD, n = 9), and symptomatic group (SD, n = 13), according criteria based on the presence or absence of skin changes. Dogs non-infected (CD, n = 5) were included as control group. Samples of skin biopsies collected from scapular region were processed by routine histology and labeled by immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies against CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+, and were described as none, mild, moderate and intense. SD presented keratoconjunctivitis, onychogryphose, lichenification, depigmentation, alopecia, hypotrichosis, erythematous dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, ulcerative dermatitis and crusted dermatitis, and the frequency these alterations was expressed as percentage. The results of hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Dunn’s test and expressed as mean ± standard deviation, with values P < 0.05. Leukocytosis (not significant), red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin (P < 0.05), total protein serum (P < 0.05), globulins (P < 0.05), albumin and A/G ratio (P < 0.01) were altered in SD in relation to CD. Cutaneous cellular infiltration, composed by macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils, was observed in CD. There was an increase of expression of the markers in SD when compared to the other groups, as moderate CD68+ expression and L. infantum, and intense CD45+ and E-cadherin+ expressions.Discussion: Cutaneous involvement is very important in CanL, as it corresponds to where is the first interaction between the parasite and the immune system. Dermatological clinical signs, leukocytosis, anemia, globulins levels have been reported for dogs naturally infected by L. infantum. Inflammatory infiltrate was distributed at superficial and deep dermis, which was composed by mononuclear cells as macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils. To characterize the immune sentinels cells in the skin it was evaluated CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+ expressions. In syntomatic dogs, our results revelead an increase of expression of these markers. CD45+ is one of the most abundant molecules expressed on the white blood cell surface in various mammals, while CD68+ is a myelomonocytic marker that seems to be retained during monocyte differentiation. In the skin, increased numbers of CD68+ are related to dendritic epidermal cells, which can be expressed as CD45+/CD1a-/HLA-DR+. DCs of the skin, particularly epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs), form networks anchored to neighboring keratinocytes via E-cadherin. Thus, CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+ expressions may be related to activation of skin sentinels cells in dogs naturally infected by L. infantum. Our results indicated that CanL modify the CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+ expressions, which characterize the immune sentinels cells activation that promove the recruitment the cellular infiltrate, which was composed by macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils. Thus, these informations may contribute to the follow-up of CanL progression in skin.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Leishmania infantum in dogs in Sardinia (Italy), an endemic island for leishmaniasis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Tamponi ◽  
Fabio Scarpa ◽  
Silvia Carta ◽  
Stephane Knoll ◽  
Daria Sanna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
General Information ◽  
Canine Leishmaniasis ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Epidemiological Surveys ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
First Time

AbstractLeishmaniasis is a widespread, vector-borne parasitosis causing clinical manifestations in animals and in humans. In dogs, Canine Leishmaniasis has been reported in as much as 50 countries and the Mediterranean basin is known to be one of the most affected zones. Within these areas, the Island of Sardinia (Italy) has long been considered endemic for leishmaniasis and the presence of two arthropod vectors has recently been reported there. Nevertheless, to date, no epidemiological surveys regarding CanL have been carried out on the island. Hence, for the first time, the seroprevalence and the risk factors were investigated. Blood samples, as well as clinical and general information from 1.147 dogs, were collected and analyzed. Dogs consisted of two distinct populations, namely “owned dogs” and “kennel dogs.” Anti-Leishmania IgG antibodies were detected using IFAT and samples were scored as positive at a cut-off dilution of 1:80. Data was analyzed using a Chi-squared test and bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Overall, 15.4% of dogs were found to be infected with CanL while only 44.1% of these animals exhibited clinical signs. Owned dogs (27.2%) were found to be infected more often than kennel dogs (10.6%); male dogs were found to be more frequently infected than female dogs and the number of infected animals increases with age. The present survey confirmed the endemic nature of leishmaniasis in Sardinia with a similar seroprevalence as mainland Italy. The results obtained serve as validation for the hypothesis that, in endemic areas, clinical CanL representations constitute only a fraction of the leishmaniasis cases.

scholarly journals Seroepidemiology of Leishmania infantum in dogs in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 4077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Caetano Teixeira ◽  
Neusa Saltiel Stobbe ◽  
Verônica Schmidt ◽  
Valéria Marçal Felix de Lima ◽  
Ana Luisa Tartarotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
The State ◽  
Canine Leishmaniasis ◽  
Insect Vector ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
Porto Alegre ◽  
The City

Leishmaniosis are zoonoses that present several clinical manifestations in humans and have dogs as their main reservoir in the urban environment. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe form of the parasitosis and has been increasing in Brazil, despite the actions of public health agencies. Until 2002, the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) was considered free of human and canine leishmaniasis. The first human case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in RS was recorded in 2003. In 2009, the first autochthonous cases of human VL and canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) were confirmed in São Borja, RS, and the occurrence of the insect vector was recorded for the first time in the state. In 2010, the first confirmed case of CVL was reported and seropositive dogs were identified in the city of Porto Alegre, RS. Given the importance of this zoonosis and the difficulties of a reliable diagnosis in dogs, this study aimed to identify epidemiological aspects of CVL in dogs in an area of Porto Alegre where cases of the disease have been reported. A total of 300 blood samples were collected from dogs in this area, which were then tested by the methods of RT-DPP® and ELISA for diagnosis of Leishmania infantum. An epidemiological questionnaire was completed by dog owners, containing aspects related to care of the animals, characteristics of their environment, and their living conditions. We observed that 83% (250/300) of the studied dogs were of mixed breed, 58% (175/300) were female, 78% (238/300) slept outdoors, and 61% (183/300) shared their living quarters with other species. Clinically, we observed that 90% (270/300) of the animals were infested by ectoparasites, 70% (210/300) had dermatopathies, 24% (72/300) presented weight loss and anorexia, and 22% (65/300) had ocular disorders. The results of the two serological tests were 100% concordant for the three seropositive samples (1%), and the remaining 297 (99%) were negative for both tests. We conclude that despite the low prevalence of L. infantum seropositive dogs, conditions in the region are favorable for CVL transmission, creating a risk of VL for the human population in the city of Porto Alegre.

scholarly journals Toward Diagnosing Leishmania infantum Infection in Asymptomatic Dogs in an Area Where Leishmaniasis Is Endemic

2009 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Otranto ◽  
P. Paradies ◽  
D. de Caprariis ◽  
D. Stanneck ◽  
G. Testini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Canine Leishmaniasis ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis ◽  
Immunofluorescence Antibody Test ◽  
Immunofluorescence Antibody

ABSTRACT The most frequently used diagnostic methods were compared in a longitudinal survey with Leishmania infantum-infected asymptomatic dogs from an area of Italy where leishmaniasis is endemic. In February and March 2005, 845 asymptomatic dogs were tested by an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), a dipstick assay (DS), and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for L. infantum and by IFAT for Ehrlichia canis. Dogs seronegative for L. infantum were further parasitologically evaluated by microscopic examination of lymph node tissues and PCR of skin samples. A total of 204 animals both serologically and parasitologically negative for L. infantum at the first sampling were enrolled in the trial and were further examined for canine leishmaniasis (CanL) and canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in November 2005 (i.e., the end of the first sandfly season) and March 2006 and 2007 (1- and 2-year follow-ups, respectively). At the initial screening, the overall rates of L. infantum seroprevalence were 9.5% by IFAT, 17.1% by ELISA, and 9.8% by DS and the overall rate of E. canis seroprevalence was 15%. The rates of concordance between the results of IFAT and DS were almost equal, whereas the rate of concordance between the results of IFAT and DS and those of the ELISA was lower. The results of the annual incidence of Leishmania infection were variable, depending on the test employed, with the highest values registered for PCR (i.e., 5.7% and 11.4% at the 1- and 2-year follow-ups, respectively), followed by ELISA, IFAT, and DS. Over the 2 years of observation, 55 animals (i.e., 26.9%) became positive for L. infantum by one or more diagnostic tests at different follow-up times, with 12.7% showing clinical signs related to CanL, while the remaining 87.3% were asymptomatic. A diagnostic scheme for assessment of the L. infantum infection status in asymptomatic dogs is suggested.

scholarly journals Canine leishmaniasis in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil: epidemiology, factors associated with seropositivity and spatial analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria da Cruz Ferreira Evaristo ◽  
Anaiá da Paixão Sevá ◽  
Glauber Meneses Barboza de Oliveira ◽  
Ivo Wesley Gomes da Silva ◽  
Matheus Silva Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Canine Leishmaniasis ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Semiarid Region ◽  
Leishmania Infection ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Factors Associated

Abstract This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, factors associated with seropositivity to Leishmania infection in dogs and spatial analysis in six municipalities in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 462 dogs, 77 in each municipality, and used for serological analysis [dual path platform (DPP®) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)]. Clinical signs of dogs were evaluated and associated factors for Leishmania infection were analyzed using robust Poisson regression model. A seroprevalence of 42.8% (198/462, IC: 95% = 38.6%-47.6%) was detected in dogs that tested positive in both tests, ranging from 29.8% to 55.8%, with higher prevalence in the municipality of Cabrobó (55.8%; P = 0.006). About 67% (132/198) of the seropositive dogs showed one or more clinical signs suggestive of canine leishmaniasis (CanL), such as lymphadenomegaly, skin lesions and conjunctivitis, which were associated with seropositivity. High seroprevalence levels were identified in urban and rural areas in all the municipalities, and the buffer for sand flies around cases covered almost these entire areas. Spatial analysis revealed a significant cluster, showing a relative risk of 1.88 in the urban area of Cabrobó. The higher density of seropositive dogs in urban areas indicates the need effective control measures against CanL to prevent the emergence of canine and human diseases.

scholarly journals Feline Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum: Parasite Sequencing, Seropositivity, and Clinical Characterization in an Endemic Area From Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nara Santos dos Santos ◽  
Flaviane Alves de Pinho ◽  
Nicole Regina Capacchi Hlavac ◽  
Talyta Lins Nunes ◽  
Nádia Rossi Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Canine Leishmaniasis ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Brazilian Government ◽  
Endemic Areas

Zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is a disease of One Health concern since human and animal cases and environmental damage are interconnected. L. infantum has a complex epidemiological cycle with multiple hosts, including mammals—humans, domestic, and wild animals—and arthropod vectors. Knowledge on mammal infections in endemic areas is crucial for developing control strategies. This work aimed to detect and characterize L. infantum infection in domestic cats from areas where human and canine leishmaniasis cases occur. No cases of feline leishmaniasis (FeL) had been previously reported in those areas. Five municipalities from Bahia state were chosen, comprising 2,480.8 km2 with 1,103,866 inhabitants. Ninety domiciliated and/or sheltered cats underwent clinical examination and serology by a rapid reference test recommended by the Brazilian government. Cytology, PCR, and parasite DNA sequencing were performed in bone marrow samples. Rapid tests detected antibodies in 5.6% (5/90) of the cats. Leishmania infantum infection was confirmed in 7.8% (7/90) of the cats by PCR, sequencing, and parasite isolation. Three out of the five municipalities (60%) had infected cats, and PCR positivity varied from 6.9 to 29%. One cat was categorized as harboring active L. infantum infection with amastigote forms in bone marrow smears. No clinical signs were detected at the first clinical exam, but 1 month later the cat developed severe FeL. The cat isolate was grown in culture, typed and its DNA sequence was homologous to the L. infantum reference strain (PP75). In conclusion, cats are potential hosts and may acquire L. infantum in endemic areas where canine and human cases occur. For cats, the need for surveillance, differential diagnosis and clinical care is highly recommended since a fast clinical progression of FeL developed in a subclinical animal. An accurate standardized immunodiagnostic assay for FeL is warranted.

scholarly journals A Comprehensive Prospective Clinical Study of Hydatid Disease

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankit Kayal ◽  
Akhlak Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Hydatid Disease ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Postoperative Management ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Prospective Clinical Study ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Duration Of Illness ◽  
Actual Prevalence

The actual prevalence of hydatid disease in northern part of India is found more than usually interpreted. The present study has been done on 25 patients suffering from hydatid disease of various sites and treated during June 2009 to November 2011 at JLN Medical College and Hospital, Ajmer, with the aim of studying the clinical manifestations of hydatid disease of different sites and/or organ system and of analysing the morbidity and mortality of hydatid disease. The age, sex, h/o dog contact, duration of hospital stay, clinical presentation, treatment advised, findings and difficulties encountered during operation, and postoperative management of patients as well as morbidity and mortality were recorded and analysed. We observed that the mean age was 40 years. The sex incidence revealed female preponderance in the study (M : F: 1 : 2). Duration of illness in the present study varied from 1 month to 6 years in case of liver hydatid disease. Majority of patients were from rural areas (21) and the remaining (4) from urban areas. Swelling was the most common presenting feature. Incidence of hydatid disease at unusual sites in India is higher than in other parts of the world.

scholarly journals Relationship betweenLeishmaniaIFAT Titer and Clinicopathological Manifestations (Clinical Score) in Dogs

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Proverbio ◽  
Eva Spada ◽  
Giada Bagnagatti de Giorgi ◽  
Roberta Perego ◽  
Emanuela Valena
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Clinical Score ◽  
Canine Leishmaniasis ◽  
Creatinine Concentration ◽  
Clinical Scores ◽  
Soluble Immune Complexes

During canine leishmaniasis (CanL) due toLeishmania infantum,high levels of antibodies production are associated with the presence of various clinical signs, because of the deposition of soluble immune complexes in organs and tissues. The immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) is one of the most commonly used techniques for detection of anti-Leishmaniaantibodies. The purpose of this study was to assess whether there is a correlation between clinical signs and IFAT titers in dogs naturally infected withLeishmania. A retrospective study was performed on medical records of 49 dogs diagnosed with CanL. Information extracted from the medical records of each dog with CanL was clinical score, IFAT titer, serum total protein (TP), gamma globulin (IgG) and creatinine concentration, and protein creatinine ratio in urine sample (UP/UC) at each follow-up examination. Results show that dogs with highest IFAT titers recorded had higher mean clinical scores indicating a positive relationship (P<0.0001) between anti-Leishmaniaantibodies (IgG) and clinical manifestations, which becomes more evident in severe clinical forms of canine leishmaniasis. Higher TP and IgG serum concentrations were recorded in dogs with higher clinical scores. Significant association was observed between UP/UC and the IFAT titer (P=0.004).

scholarly journals Spatial distribution of canine Leishmania infantum infection in a municipality with endemic human leishmaniasis in Eastern Bahia, Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Milen Varjão ◽  
Flaviane Alves de Pinho ◽  
Manuela da Silva Solcà ◽  
Ricardo Silvestre ◽  
Mahyumi Fujimori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Epidemiological Study ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Canine Leishmaniasis ◽  
Rural Districts ◽  
Animal Infection ◽  
Human Leishmaniasis

Abstract Efforts to control a zoonotic disease such as visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum can be successful if they rely on comprehensive data on animal infection. In Bahia state, Brazil, human VL is endemic, yet some areas have no epidemiological data on canine L. infantum infection and canine leishmaniasis (CanL) to date. We aimed to perform an epidemiological study describing the spatial distribution and characterizing canine L. infantum infection in two districts of the municipality of Muritiba, where human cases have occurred. Brazilian official serodiagnostic protocol (ELISA and immunochromatographic tests), PCR and clinical examination were performed in 351 owned dogs. A seroprevalence of 15.7% (55/351) was found, and L. infantum identified in 88.8% (32/36) of PCR tested samples. Spatial distribution of positive dogs indicated infection in both urban and rural districts. There was no association between seropositivity and sex or breed, but dogs older than 2 years were 3.8 times more likely to be seropositive (95% CI 1.57 - 9.18) than younger dogs. Among seropositive dogs, 80% (44/55) had clinical manifestations of CanL: 75% (33/44) presented dermatopathy, 50% (22/44) emaciation, and 29.5% (13/44) ophthalmopathy. This is the first report on canine seroprevalence and natural L. infantum infection in Muritiba, Bahia.

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