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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
11:36
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dorsal Skin of Hamsters: a Useful Model for the Screening of Antileishmanial Drugs
Published on: April 21, 2012
Leishmania-like protozoan associated with dermatitis in cattle
J P Dubey1, O Bwangamoi, S P Courtney
1Livestock and Poultry Sciences Institute, Beltsville Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maryland 20705-2350, USA.
The Journal of Parasitology
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Leishmania-like organisms were identified in a calf's skin lesions in Zimbabwe, presenting as alopecic, ulcerated nodules. This marks the first documented instance of such findings in Zimbabwean animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Disease Research
- Leishmania Research
Background:
- Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease affecting various animals and humans.
- Previous reports of Leishmania in animals have not included Zimbabwe.
- Cattle can serve as potential reservoirs or hosts for parasitic infections.
Observation:
- An 8-month-old Red Dane female calf from Zimbabwe exhibited multiple alopecic skin nodules.
- Lesions, particularly on the face and udder, were ulcerated and hemorrhagic.
- Microscopic examination revealed numerous Leishmania-like amastigotes within the skin lesions.
Findings:
- Leishmania-like organisms were identified in the affected bovine skin.
- Ultrastructural analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic organelles including a nucleus, kinetoplast, and flagellum.
- This represents the first report of Leishmania-like organisms in a bovine from Zimbabwe.
Implications:
- This discovery highlights the potential for Leishmania transmission in new geographical regions.
- Further research is needed to identify the specific Leishmania species and transmission vectors.
- Understanding the role of cattle in Leishmania epidemiology is crucial for public health and animal welfare.
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