Leishmaniasis is a vectorborne disease that can infect humans, dogs, and other mammals. We identified one of its causative agents, Leishmania infantum, in a dog born in California, USA, demonstrating potential for autochthonous infections in this country. Our finding bolsters the need for improved leishmaniasis screening practices in the United States.
Keywords: California; Leishmania infantum; Spain; United States; autochthonous leishmaniasis; canine leishmaniasis; canis lupus familiaris; leishmaniasis; parasites; parasitic zoonoses; vector-borne infections; vertical transmission; zoonoses.