Leishmania
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CANINE LEISHMANIASIS |
Canine leishmaniasis is caused by flagellated protozoa of the genus Leishmania which are transmitted by phlebotamine sandflies. Although in endemic areas a proportion of exposed dogs do not develop disease, in those which do the clinical disease can be severe, progressive and fatal if untreated. Leishmaniasis is common and widespread in many tropical and sub-tropical regions including the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and parts of America. Leishmaniasis is zoonotic and infected dogs provide an important reservoir for human infection. The incubation period can vary from one month to several years, infected dogs often remaining undetected. Pets travelling to endemic areas from the UK are at risk and may develop clinical signs many months or years after exposure. The presenting signs are non-specific but include skin lesions (alopecia, 'dandruff'), lymphadenopathy, renal failure and wasting. Any dog with these clinical signs and a history of travel should be tested for leishmaniasis.
Leishmania testing at TEST-A-PET
Antibody Test
TEST-A-PET IFAT detects specific IgG antibodies to Leishmania spp.
Results are reported as negative or the dilution at which they are positive.
Sample required: 0.5ml serum.
Results are available within one working day of us receiving the sample.
Parasite Detection
Detection of parasites in bone marrow and/or lymph node aspirates can be done to accompany serological tests.
Sample required: Fresh aspirate or fresh (un-fixed) smears.
Please contact us for further details.
Links
For details on submitting samples for Leishmania testing, please click here.
For further advice on diagnosis and treatment, please click here.
For further reading on canine leishmaniasis, please click here.
For maps showing the distribution of the major vector-borne parasitic infections of dogs and cats in Europe including Leishamania infantum, please click here.
