scholarly journals Frequency of co-seropositivities for certain pathogens and their relationship with clinical and histopathological changes and parasite load in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0247560
Author(s):  
Valéria da Costa Oliveira ◽  
Artur Augusto Velho Mendes Junior ◽  
Luiz Claudio Ferreira ◽  
Tatiana Machado Quinates Calvet ◽  
Shanna Araujo dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Canine Leishmaniosis ◽  
Conventional Pcr ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Histological Changes

In canine leishmaniosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, little is known about how co-infections with or co-seropositivities for other pathogens can influence aggravation of this disease. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency of co-infections with or co-seropositivities for certain pathogens in dogs seropositive for L. infantum and their relationship with clinical signs, histological changes and L. infantum load. Sixty-six L. infantum-seropositive dogs were submitted to clinical examination, collection of blood and bone marrow, culling, and necropsy. Antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia spp. and Toxoplasma gondii and Dirofilaria immitis antigens were investigated in serum. Samples from different tissues were submitted to histopathology and immunohistochemistry for the detection of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess the L. infantum load in spleen samples. For detection of Coxiella burnetii, conventional PCR and nested PCR were performed using bone marrow samples. All 66 dogs tested positive for L. infantum by qPCR and/or culture. Fifty dogs (76%) were co-seropositive for at least one pathogen: T. gondii (59%), Ehrlichia spp., (41%), and Anaplasma spp. (18%). Clinical signs were observed in 15 (94%) dogs monoinfected with L. infantum and in 45 (90%) dogs co-seropositive for certain pathogens. The L. infantum load in spleen and skin did not differ significantly between monoinfected and co-seropositive dogs. The number of inflammatory cells was higher in the spleen, lung and mammary gland of co-seropositive dogs and in the mitral valve of monoinfected dogs. These results suggest that dogs infected with L. infantum and co-seropositive for certain pathogens are common in the region studied. However, co-seropositivities for certain pathogens did not aggravate clinical signs or L. infantum load, although they were associated with a more intense inflammatory reaction in some organs.

scholarly journals Frequency of detection and load of amastigotes in the pancreas of Leishmania infantum-seropositive dogs: clinical signs and histological changes

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
William de Oliveira Kost ◽  
Sandro Antonio Pereira ◽  
Fabiano Borges Figueiredo ◽  
Artur Augusto Velho Mendes Junior ◽  
Maria de Fátima Madeira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Cell Degeneration ◽  
Histological Changes ◽  
Etiological Agents

Abstract Background Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and is highly lethal in humans and dogs if left untreated. The frequency of this parasite and associated histological changes in the pancreas of dogs are poorly studied. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency of detection and load of amastigotes in the pancreas of L. infantum-seropositive dogs and to identify the clinical signs and histological changes associated with parasitism of this organ. Methods One hundred forty-three dogs from an endemic area in Brazil that tested seropositive for L. infantum were studied. The dogs were clinically examined, killed, and necropsied between 2013 and 2014. One fragment of the pancreas was randomly collected for histopathology and immunohistochemistry, and spleen and bone marrow were collected for culture. Results Leishmania amastigotes were detected in the pancreas of 22 dogs (15.4%) by immunohistochemistry, all exhibiting L. infantum parasitism in the spleen and/or bone marrow. Poor body condition and cachexia were only associated with infection of the pancreas with Leishmania spp. (p = 0.021) and were found in 40.9% of dogs with pancreatic infection. Anorexia, vomiting, and/or diarrhea were observed in 9.2% of dogs with pancreatitis. The median parasite load in the pancreas was 1.4 infected macrophages/mm2. Pancreatic histological changes and their frequencies were: granulomatous pancreatitis (28.0%), lymphoplasmacytic pancreatitis (23.8%), acinar cell degeneration (6.3%), fibrosis (5.6%), hemorrhage (2.1%), eosinophilic pancreatitis (0.7%), suppurative pancreatitis (0.7%), and necrosis (0.7%). Conclusions The present results demonstrate that L. infantum is one of the etiological agents of chronic pancreatitis in dogs; however, the frequency of detection and parasite load are low in this organ. The lack of an association of poor body condition and cachexia with pancreatitis and the low frequency of clinical signs commonly associated with pancreatitis suggest that a significant portion of the organ is not affected by this parasite. On the other hand, the association of poor body condition and cachexia with concomitant infection of the pancreas, spleen, and/or bone marrow with this parasite suggests that these manifestations are the result of a more advanced stage of canine visceral leishmaniasis. Graphic abstract

Correlations between tissue parasite load and common clinical signs in dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum

2021 ◽  
Vol 291 ◽  
pp. 109368
Author(s):  
Úrsula Maira Russo Chagas ◽  
Daniel Moreira de Avelar ◽  
Andreza Pain Marcelino ◽  
Gustavo Fontes Paz ◽  
Célia Maria Ferreira Gontijo
Keyword(s):  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Parasite Load

scholarly journals Successful Treatment and Management of Canine Ehrlichiosis-Leishmaniosis-Heartworm Comorbidity

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Leal-Lima ◽  
Tiago Cunha Ferreira ◽  
Társsila Mara Vieira Ferreira ◽  
Pedro Covas Coelho ◽  
Diana Célia Sousa Nunes-Pinheiro
Keyword(s):  
Successful Treatment ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Vitamin Supplement ◽  
Total Blood ◽  
Veterinary Clinic ◽  
Canine Ehrlichiosis ◽  
One Year ◽  
Visceral Leishmaniosis

 Background: Canine vector borne diseases (CVBD) are common in tropical countries where the climate favors arthropods abundance. Comorbidity with one or more CVBD are reported as clinical complication and worsen prognostic. Canine visceral leishmaniosis (CanL) is an endemic zoonotic disease in Brazil caused by Leishmania infantum, with several restrictions to canine treatment and suggestion of reservoirs euthanasia for disease control. Heart worm (HW) is a helminthic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs. It is a chronic heart disease, which can lead to death by congestive heart failure. Canine ehrlichiosis (CE) is caused by Ehrlichia canis bacterial infection with a zoonotic potential and fatal to dogs in acute and chronic presentations. Exposed the above, this study aims to describe a successful treatment and management of a dog with CanL, CE, and HW comorbidity. Case: A 3-year-old male uncastrated black Labrador dog, weighing 35 kg, was admitted to the veterinary clinic due to immunochromatographic CanL positive test performed by municipal zoonosis control center active surveillance in August 2014. Clinical exam showed a mild shedding, intermittent eye white/yellow discharge and popliteal lymph nodes enlargement. After positive for CanL, veterinary requested more laboratorial exams. IFAT and ELISA were positive for CanL, blood smear showed presence of microfilaria, and bone marrow cytology showed Ehrlichia spp. morulae and microfilaria. Initial treatment prescribed was oral doxycycline, omeprazole, ranitidine, and domperidone for 30 days, and allopurinol and ivermectin until further recommendation. Additionally, repellent collar, repellent spray and vitamin supplement was indicated. After first month, marbofloxacin for 30 days and three doses of immune stimulant protocol were administrated. After three months of treatment, dog still positive for heartworm, ehrlichiosis, and CanL. Doxycycline protocol was repeated. Dog became consistently negative for all pathogens one year later with persistent thrombocytopenia but without clinical signs, ergo allopurinol and ivermectin were discontinued. After four years of follow up, the animal had an acute pancreatitis and died, with unremarkable total blood count and negative for all pathogens. Discussion: CVBD coinfections are commonly reported as worsen prognostic in endemic regions. The pathogens reported here share a host immunomodulation competence. L. infantum and Ehrlichia spp.downregulates Th1 response, whereas D. immitis increase as Th2 profile. The therapeutic protocol was iniciated by staging CanL. Since the patient had clinical signs, allopurinol was prescribed as a well-established drug for CanL. Marbofloxacin was added due to its high safety drug in clinical improvement of infected dogs with and without renal disease and in vitro effectiveness against L. infantum. Domperidone was used to promote Th1 cytokine profile as INF-γ, IL-2, IL-12, and TNF-α. We used an immunostimulant protocol to favor polarization to the Th1 profile comprised by 30 days of domperidone protocol followed by a vaccine and an immunomodulator. Doxycycline was used successfully for Ehrlichia spp. and HE clearance after two treatment courses and one year of ivermectin every 15 days. The animal presented intermittent coughing episodes on the first treatment course, but no medical intervention was needed besides exercise restriction. Our report shows the successful management of one dog with CanL, CE and HE comorbidity. This success was possible due to early detection and good therapeutic choice.Keywords: canine visceral leishmaniosis, coinfection, Dirofilaria immitis, Erhlichia canis, Leishmania infantum, treatment.

scholarly journals Morphological Changes in the Bone Marrow of the Dogs with Visceral Leishmaniasis

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Momo ◽  
Ana Paula Prudente Jacintho ◽  
Pamela Rodrigues Reina Moreira ◽  
Danísio Prado Munari ◽  
Gisele Fabrino Machado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Systemic Circulation ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Leishmania Chagasi ◽  
Control Center ◽  
A Site

The aim of this study was to evaluate the most frequent lesions in the bone marrow of dogs naturally infected byLeishmania (Leishmania) chagasi.Thirty-three dogs sacrificed at the Zoonosis Control Center of Araçatuba, a municipality endemic for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), were used. The animals were classified as asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic, and symptomatic groups. At the necropsy, bone marrow samples were collected from the femur, fixed, processed, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The lesion intensity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The parasite load was determined using immunohistochemistry. The most important lesions consisted of multifocal to diffuse granulomas, megakaryocytic dysplasia, and medullary aplasia. There were no statistical differences between the three clinical groups regarding parasite load and lesion intensity. Asymptomatic dogs also presented high parasitism in the bone marrow as dogs with clinical signs of VL. It was concluded that, regardless of clinical group, the bone marrow is a site for multiplication ofLeishmania chagasi. Possibly, the bone marrow dysplasia may arise from the presence of many parasitized and activated macrophages in this organ. Consequently, it affects the profile of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow and systemic circulation.

scholarly journals Sensitivity of preputial and vaginal exfoliative cytological examination for diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum)

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
L. V. ATHANASIOU (Λ.Β. ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ) ◽  
M. K. CHATZIS (Μ.Κ. ΧΑΤΖΗΣ) ◽  
P. G. GOULETSOU (Π.Γ. ΓKΟΥΛΕΤΣΟΥ) ◽  
M. N. SARIDOMICHELAKIS (Μ.Ν. ΣΑΡΙΔΟΜΙΧΕΛΑΚΗΣ)
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Lymph Node ◽  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Canine Leishmaniosis ◽  
Exfoliative Cytology ◽  
Cytological Examination ◽  
Routine Diagnosis ◽  
Leishmania Amastigotes

Aim of the study was to examine sensitivity of preputial and vaginal exfoliative cytological examination as a noninvasive alternative to lymph node, spleen and bone marrow cytology, for detection of Leishmania infantum amastigotes in dogs with leishmaniosis, as, in previous studies, the protozoa have been observed in the penis and prepuce of male dogs and in the vagina of female dogs with leishmaniosis. In total, 20 male  and 18 female dogs with confirmed leishmaniosis were included inthe study. Three cytology smears were prepared from different sites of the preputial cavity of males and one smear was prepared from the anterior vagina of females. Leishmania amastigotes were not observed in these samples after microscopic examination for 20 min at 1,000× magnification. Therefore, preputial and vaginal exfoliative cytology is not recommended for routine diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis.

scholarly journals Clinical recovery of Macaca fascicularis infected with Plasmodium knowlesi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariko S. Peterson ◽  
Chester J Joyner ◽  
Jessica A. Brady ◽  
Jennifer S Wood ◽  
Monica Cabrera-Mora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Tissue Damage ◽  
Macaca Fascicularis ◽  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Blood Chemistry ◽  
Severe Anaemia ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Tissue Samples

Background Kra monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), a natural host of Plasmodium knowlesi, control parasitaemia caused by this parasite species and escape death without treatment. Knowledge of the disease progression and resilience in kra monkeys will aid the effective use of this species to study mechanisms of resilience to malaria. This longitudinal study aimed to define clinical, physiological and pathological changes in kra monkeys infected with P. knowlesi, which could explain their resilient phenotype. Methods Kra monkeys (n = 15, male, young adults) were infected intravenously with cryopreserved P. knowlesi sporozoites and the resulting parasitaemias were monitored daily. Complete blood counts, reticulocyte counts, blood chemistry and physiological telemetry data (n = 7) were acquired as described prior to infection to establish baseline values and then daily after inoculation for up to 50 days. Bone marrow aspirates, plasma samples, and 22 tissue samples were collected at specific time points to evaluate longitudinal clinical, physiological and pathological effects of P. knowlesi infections. Results As expected, the kra monkeys controlled parasitaemia and remained with low-level, persistent parasitaemias without antimalarial intervention. Unexpectedly, early in the infection, fevers developed, which ultimately returned to baseline, as well as mild to moderate thrombocytopaenia, and moderate to severe anaemia. Mathematical modeling and the reticulocyte production index indicated that the anaemia was largely due to the removal of uninfected erythrocytes and not impaired production of erythrocytes. Mild tissue damage was observed, and tissue parasite load was associated with tissue damage even though parasite accumulation in the tissues was generally low. Conclusions Kra monkeys experimentally infected with P. knowlesi sporozoites presented with multiple clinical signs of malaria that varied in severity among individuals. Overall, the animals shared common mechanisms of resilience characterized by controlling parasitaemia 3-5 days after patency, and controlling fever, coupled with physiological and bone marrow responses to compensate for anaemia. Together, these responses likely minimized tissue damage while supporting the establishment of chronic infections, which may be important for transmission in natural endemic settings. These results provide new foundational insights into malaria pathogenesis and resilience in kra monkeys, which may improve understanding of human infections.

Antibodies to Leishmania infantum in peritoneal effusion from a dog with atypical signs of leishmaniosis: treatment and follow-up

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e001144
Author(s):  
Sergio Villanueva-Saz ◽  
Cristina Peréz Sala ◽  
Andrés Yzuel Estévez ◽  
Antonio Fernández ◽  
María Teresa Verde
Keyword(s):  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Peritoneal Fluid ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Abdominal Distension ◽  
Canine Leishmaniosis ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Abdominal Radiology ◽  
Peritoneal Effusion ◽  
French Bulldog

A three-year-old entire male French bulldog was brought in with the following clinical signs: apathy, vomiting and abdominal distension. Physical examination showed dehydration, tachypnoea and presence of jaundice. Abdominal radiology revealed the presence of an important loss of details in the abdominal structures compatible with peritoneal effusion, confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography. Findings detected by ultrasonography consisted of splenomegaly with alteration of the echotexture, hepatomegaly with presence of nodules and irregular areas in the liver capsule. An ultrasound-guided sample of the peritoneal fluid was taken for laboratory analysis. Abnormal clinicopathological results included pancytopenia, hyperglobulinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, and elevation of the hepatic parameters and total bilirubin. High antibodies to Leishmania infantum were detected by ELISA in serum and peritoneal fluid samples. However, PCR for L infantum showed a negative result from the peritoneal fluid sample. This is the first reported case of canine leishmaniosis with the specific detection of L infantum antibodies in peritoneal effusion.

scholarly journals Canine leishmaniosis in Tunisia: Growing prevalence, larger zones of infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0009990
Author(s):  
Ali Bouattour ◽  
Amine Amri ◽  
Jaber Amine Belkhiria ◽  
Adel Rhim ◽  
Ons Fezaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Canine Leishmaniosis ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Bioclimatic Zone

Background Discovered by Nicolle and Comte in 1908 in Tunisia, Leishmania infantum is an intracellular protozoan responsible for zoonotic canine leishmaniosis (CanL) and zoonotic human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL). It is endemic in several regions of the world, including Tunisia, with dogs considered as the main domestic reservoir. The geographic expansion of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) has been linked to global environmental changes that have affected the density and the distribution of its sand fly vectors. Methodology/Principal findings In this study, a cross-sectional epidemiological survey on CanL was carried out in 8 localities in 8 bioclimatic areas of Tunisia. Blood samples were taken from 317 dogs after clinical examination. Collected sera were tested by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT; 1:80) for the presence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. The overall seroprevalence was 58.3% (185/317). Among positive dogs, only 16.7% showed clinical signs suggestive of leishmaniosis. Seroprevalence rates varied from 6.8% to 84.6% and from 28% to 66% by bioclimatic zone and age group, respectively. Serological positivity was not statistically associated with gender. The presence of Leishmania DNA in blood, using PCR, revealed 21.2% (64/302) prevalence in dogs, which varied by bioclimatic zone (7.3% to 31%) and age group (7% to 25%). The entomological survey carried out in the studied localities showed 16 species of the two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia). P. perniciosus, P. papatasi, and P. perfiliewi were the most dominant species with relative abundances of 34.7%, 25% and 20.4%, respectively. Conclusions/Significance The present report suggests a significant increase of CanL in all bioclimatic areas in Tunisia and confirms the ongoing spread of the infection of dogs to the country’s arid zone. Such an expansion of infection in dog population could be attributed to ecological, agronomic, social and climatic factors that affect the presence and density of the phlebotomine vectors.

scholarly journals Detection of lumpy skin disease virus in cattle using real-time polymerase chain reaction and serological diagnostic assays in different governorates in Egypt in 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1093-1100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gamil Sayed Gamil Zeedan ◽  
Ayman Hamid Mahmoud ◽  
Abeer Mostafa Abdalhamed ◽  
Khaled Abd El-Hamid Abd El-Razik ◽  
Manal Hamdy Khafagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Conventional Pcr ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Lumpy Skin Disease ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Diagnostic Assays ◽  
Cattle Serum ◽  
Skin Biopsies ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Background and Aim: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), is a highly infectious viral disease of cattle, caused by LSD virus (LSDV) which belongs to the genus Capripoxvirus of family Poxviridae. In the summer of 2017, skin lesions suggestive of LSD were observed in cattle at several governorates in Egypt. This study aimed to detect LSDV in cattle specimens using rapid serological and molecular diagnostic assays. Materials and Methods: A total of 46 skin biopsies and uncoagulated blood samples were collected from cattle with LSD suggestive clinical signs, as well as 290 coagulated whole blood samples from cattle without skin lesion in different governorates in Egypt during the summer of 2017. Skin biopsies were used for virus isolation from the chorioallantoic membrane of 11-day-old specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs (SPF-ECEs). LSDV was identified using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) with specific hyperimmune serum against LSDV. Cattle sera were examined using indirect FAT (IFAT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Skin nodules and sitfast lesions were significant clinical signs observed in all LSD suspect cattle. SPF-ECEs, from which positive isolations were made and it showed characteristic inflammatory and focal white pock lesions. The isolated viruses were identified as LSDV by FAT, conventional gel-based PCR, and RT-PCR. Among the skin biopsies and corresponding blood samples, LSDV-positive samples percentage were 39.13 and 36.95 by RT-PCR, followed 34.78 and 28.26 by conventional PCR and then 32.6 and 26.8 by FAT, respectively. The total positive percentage of LSDV antibody detected in cattle serum samples were 17.93 and 14.48 by indirect ELISA and IFAT. Conclusion: LSDV was detected and identified in skin biopsies and corresponding blood samples of naturally infected cattle, more LSDV-positive samples were detected by RT-PCR, followed by conventional PCR and then FAT. The indirect ELISA detected more antibody-positive samples than the IFAT from cattle serum samples. The RT-PCR assay is simple, sensitive, rapid, and reliable for the detection of LSDV in blood and skin nodule biopsies of suspected cattle.

scholarly journals Feline Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum: Parasite Sequencing, Seropositivity, and Clinical Characterization in an Endemic Area From Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nara Santos dos Santos ◽  
Flaviane Alves de Pinho ◽  
Nicole Regina Capacchi Hlavac ◽  
Talyta Lins Nunes ◽  
Nádia Rossi Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Canine Leishmaniasis ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Brazilian Government ◽  
Endemic Areas

Zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is a disease of One Health concern since human and animal cases and environmental damage are interconnected. L. infantum has a complex epidemiological cycle with multiple hosts, including mammals—humans, domestic, and wild animals—and arthropod vectors. Knowledge on mammal infections in endemic areas is crucial for developing control strategies. This work aimed to detect and characterize L. infantum infection in domestic cats from areas where human and canine leishmaniasis cases occur. No cases of feline leishmaniasis (FeL) had been previously reported in those areas. Five municipalities from Bahia state were chosen, comprising 2,480.8 km2 with 1,103,866 inhabitants. Ninety domiciliated and/or sheltered cats underwent clinical examination and serology by a rapid reference test recommended by the Brazilian government. Cytology, PCR, and parasite DNA sequencing were performed in bone marrow samples. Rapid tests detected antibodies in 5.6% (5/90) of the cats. Leishmania infantum infection was confirmed in 7.8% (7/90) of the cats by PCR, sequencing, and parasite isolation. Three out of the five municipalities (60%) had infected cats, and PCR positivity varied from 6.9 to 29%. One cat was categorized as harboring active L. infantum infection with amastigote forms in bone marrow smears. No clinical signs were detected at the first clinical exam, but 1 month later the cat developed severe FeL. The cat isolate was grown in culture, typed and its DNA sequence was homologous to the L. infantum reference strain (PP75). In conclusion, cats are potential hosts and may acquire L. infantum in endemic areas where canine and human cases occur. For cats, the need for surveillance, differential diagnosis and clinical care is highly recommended since a fast clinical progression of FeL developed in a subclinical animal. An accurate standardized immunodiagnostic assay for FeL is warranted.

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