Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Leishmania infantum infection in dogs with unknown brain inflammation
By Miriam Portero et al.·Published in Microorganisms·2021·Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Hospital Clinico Veterinario Complutense, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Role of <i>Leishmania infantum</i> in Meningoencephalitis of Unknown Origin in Dogs from a Canine Leishmaniosis Endemic Area
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and its surrounding tissues) was tested for a parasite called Leishmania infantum, which is common in certain areas. The researchers found that while some dogs showed signs that could suggest an infection, tests for the parasite in their blood and spinal fluid came back negative. This suggests that Leishmania infantum is unlikely to be the cause of the neurological issues in these dogs, but it should still be considered when diagnosing similar conditions in areas where the parasite is prevalent.
People also search for: dog meningoencephalitis symptoms · Leishmania infantum in dogs · dog neurological disorder treatment
Abstract
The main hypothesis for the aetiology of meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) in dogs is an autoimmune or genetic cause that is associated with a triggering event (environmental factors/infectious agents). The aim of this ambispective cohort study was to test for <i>Leishmania infantum</i> infection in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dogs with MUO in an endemic area of canine leishmaniosis. Dogs with MUO were selected amongst all dogs undergoing blood anti-<i>L. infantum</i> antibody testing (control group). The blood plasma or serum samples from all dogs were analysed for anti- <i>L. infantum</i> antibodies by a quantitative indirect fluorescent assay (IFAT). In dogs with MUO, CSF samples were obtained for analysed by PCR detection of <i>L. infantum</i> DNA. Forty-four percent and 22% of the dogs in the MUO group featured magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and CSF cytology respectively, consistent with <i>L. infantum</i> infection. IFAT, PCR, and histological findings were negative for <i>L. infantum.</i> A significant difference in <i>L. infantum</i> infection prevalence was found between the control and MUO group (<i>p</i> = 0.0022). While it seems unlikely that <i>L. infantum</i> plays a role in the aetiology of MUO, in endemic areas, this pathogen should be included in the differential diagnosis of this neurological disorder.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030571