Leishmania infantum in US-Born Dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Leishmaniasis is a significant zoonotic disease transmitted by sandflies.
• Leishmania infantum is a primary causative agent of canine and human visceral leishmaniasis.
• The presence of Leishmania infantum in the United States has been historically limited, raising concerns about endemicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the identification of Leishmania infantum in a dog indigenous to California, USA.
• To assess the implications of autochthonous Leishmania infantum infections in the United States.
• To emphasize the importance of updated leishmaniasis surveillance and diagnostic protocols.

Main Methods:

• Canine blood sample collection and diagnostic testing for Leishmania parasites.
• Molecular identification of the Leishmania species.
• Geographic origin and clinical history documentation of the infected canine.

Main Results:

• Detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in a dog with no travel history outside California.
• Confirmation of an autochthonous case of Leishmania infantum infection in the United States.
• The identified strain was consistent with those typically found in endemic regions.

Conclusions:

• The findings confirm the potential for Leishmania infantum to establish autochthonous transmission cycles in the United States.
• Increased vigilance and improved screening strategies for leishmaniasis in domestic animals and humans are crucial.
• This case underscores the need for further research into the epidemiology and geographic spread of leishmaniasis in North America.