Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Testing dogs and cats for leishmaniasis using blood culture and PCR
By Audrey Rennó Campos Braga et al.·Published in Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases·2014·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of canine and feline leishmaniasis by the association of blood culture, immunofluorescent antibody test and polymerase chain reaction
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that 58% of dogs tested in a high-risk area for leishmaniasis (a disease caused by parasites) in Brazil were positive for the infection, while no cats tested positive. In a low-risk area, only 6% of dogs and 4% of cats showed signs of the disease. The researchers used several tests to confirm the presence of the parasite, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and accurate testing in both high and low-risk areas. This information is crucial for pet owners to understand the risks of leishmaniasis and the importance of regular veterinary check-ups.
People also search for: dog leishmaniasis symptoms · cat leishmaniasis treatment · how to test for leishmaniasis in pets
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Leishmaniaspp. in dogs and cats from Botucatu, São Paulo state, and Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, by the association of three diagnostic tests: blood culture in liver infusion tryptose medium, immunofluorescent antibody test and polymerase chain reaction. Fifty blood samples of dogs and cats from the Center for Zoonosis Control in Campo Grande, an area endemic for canine visceral leishmaniasis, were collected randomly, as well as canine and feline blood samples from the Municipal Kennel and Animal Protection Association in Botucatu, currently considered a transmission-free, non-endemic area.Results: Of the 50 dog blood cultures from Botucatu, three (6%) were positive and of the 50 cats, two (4%) were positive. In Campo Grande, 29 dog blood cultures (58%) were positive and all (100%) cats negative by this test. Polymerase chain reaction detected Leishmaniaspp. in 100% of dog and cat samples from Botucatu but found all the cats from Campo Grande to be negative. On the other hand, 36 dogs from Campo Grande were positive (72%) by the same technique. Immunofluorescent antibody test in Botucatu found 100% of dogs and cats non-reactive, while in Campo Grande, it detected positivity in 32 dogs (64%) and 15 cats (30%).Conclusions: The results show the importance of not only continuous epidemiological surveillance in areas not endemic for leishmaniasis, but also research for accurate diagnosis of this zoonosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1186/1678-9199-20-5