Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Leishmania infections in rodents - what pet owners should know
By Ferreira, Eduardo de Castro et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2015·Fiocruz Mato Grosso do Sul·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Mixed infection of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in rodents from endemic urban area of the New World.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In Brazil, two types of parasites called Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum are known to cause skin and internal infections, respectively. This study looked at small mammals and dogs in an urban area of Belo Horizonte to see if they were infected with these parasites. The researchers found that a significant number of small mammals (about 65%) and dogs (30% to 49%) were infected, with some rodents showing mixed infections of both types of Leishmania, which is a new finding for urban areas. This suggests that these animals could play a role in spreading the parasites, especially since they often live near people, which is important for future efforts to control these infections. Overall, the study highlights the need to consider these animals in strategies to manage leishmaniasis in cities.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In Brazil Leishmania braziliensis and L. infantum are the principal species responsible for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases, respectively. Domestic dogs are the main reservoirs of visceral leishmaniasis, while rodents and marsupials are the main reservoirs for cutaneous leishmaniasis. It has also been suggested that dogs could play a role in transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The identification of the species of Leishmania, the reservoirs, and the vectors involved in each particular transmission cycle is critical for the establishment of control activities. Belo Horizonte has emerged as an endemic region for leishmaniases, however, epidemiological studies assessing the contribution of wild reservoirs to transmission are scarce in the area. The aim of this study was to investigate Leishmania spp. infection in possible reservoirs of an urbanized area. RESULTS: A high rate of infection was found in small mammals (64.9%) and dogs (DG1 30.4% and DG2 48.6%). The presence of L. infantum and L. braziliensis was detected in small mammals and dogs, and mixed infections by both species were detected in rodents which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first description of this phenomenon in an urban area. Additionally, L. amazonensis was detected in the canine samples. CONCLUSION: The possible role of these animals as a source of infection of the vector of each species of Leishmania identified should not be overlooked and should be taken into account in future control activities. The results of mixed infection by L. braziliensis and L. infantum in cosmopolitan rodents as M. musculus and R. rattus, may have important implications in the context of the control of leishmaniasis in urban areas, especially when considering that these rodents live in close relationship with human dwellings, especially those in more precarious conditions.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25890323/