Leishmania infantum infection in a dog imported from Morocco

A mixed breed dog rescued from Morocco was presented at a Quebec veterinary practice for facial lesions. Leishmaniosis, an exotic disease caused by the zoonotic protozoan Leishmania infantum, was suspected. Genomic DNA extraction from blood samples and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to confirm L. infantum parasitemia. Parasites were successfully cultured from lesion biopsies, and dose-response assays demonstrated susceptibility to miltefosine, a drug that requires importation from Europe. Twenty-eight days of treatment led to the disappearance of lesions, but relapse occurred several months later (consistent with persistent parasitemia on post-treatment analysis). Further treatment would require importation of drugs and significant delays, offering a poor prognosis. Key clinical message: Diagnosis of tropical diseases in Canada will likely become more common in the near future. Having proper diagnostic tools, effective drugs, and stricter control of animal importation are essential to preventing the spread of these dangerous and frequently zoonotic diseases.