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Autochthonous Leishmania infantum in Dogs, Zambia, 2021

David Squarre et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Apr.

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.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Clinical manifestations and microscopic imaging of Leishmania infantum‒infected dog, Zambia. A, B) Dog (case 1) showing dermatitis and onychogryphosis (excessive growth of nails) (A) and focal corneal opacity of the left eye (B). C) Intracellular Leishmania amastigotes (black arrows) in fine-needle lymph node aspirate from the same dog. Scale bar indicates 20 μm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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