Autochthonous Leishmania infantum in Dogs, Zambia, 2021

Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Apr;28(4):888-890. doi: 10.3201/eid2804.212378.

Abstract

Leishmaniases are neglected tropical diseases of humans and animals. We detected Leishmania infantum in 3 mixed-breed dogs in Zambia that had no travel history outside the country. Our findings suggest presence of and probable emergence of leishmaniasis in Zambia, indicating the need for physicians and veterinarians to consider the disease during diagnosis.

Keywords: Leishmania infantum; Zambia; autochthonous; canine leishmaniasis; dogs; kala-azar; leishmaniasis; parasites; protozoa; public health; sand flies; vector-borne infections; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dogs
  • Leishmania infantum*
  • Leishmaniasis* / veterinary
  • Neglected Diseases
  • Probability
  • Zambia / epidemiology