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Da Infeção à Doença: os Desafios no Diagnóstico da Leishmaniose Felina
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Abstract(s)
A leishmaniose é uma das doenças transmitida por vetores mais relevante para a saúde humana em
todo o mundo, sendo causada por várias espécies do género Leishmania, algumas das quais têm um
impacto zoonótico significativo a nível global. Em medicina veterinária, a leishmaniose canina causada
por Leishmania infantum assume especial importância, dado que os cães são o principal reservatório
do parasita para os seres humanos. Sabe-se, no entanto, que os gatos também podem ser infetados
pelas mesmas espécies de Leishmania, levantando questões sobre o seu papel epidemiológico, ainda
pouco compreendido, e que, apesar de algumas semelhanças imunológicas com os cães, apresentam
particularidades na resposta imunitária que influenciam a evolução clínica da infeção, especialmente
em áreas endémicas. A Leishmaniose Felina, por muito tempo desvalorizada, tem vindo a despertar
maior interesse científico e clínico. Esta revisão bibliográfica baseou-se numa análise de literatura
científica atual, selecionada a partir de publicações relevantes nas ciências veterinárias, tendo como
objetivo reunir e sistematizar as informações mais recentes sobre a infeção por L. infantum em gatos.
Abordam-se aspetos como o agente etiológico e o seu ciclo de vida, transmissão por vetores, o seu
papel epidemiológico, assim como, a sua fisiopatogenia e mecanismos imunológicos, manifestações
clínicas, métodos diagnósticos e o devido tratamento e estratégias de prevenção. Destaca-se neste
trabalho a possível subestimativa da prevalência da infeção em gatos, devido à pouca sensibilização
para a doença na prática clínica. As conclusões deste trabalho reforçam a necessidade de aprofundar
o conhecimento sobre esta protozoonose felina, apostando na padronização de técnicas diagnósticas,
no desenvolvimento de abordagens terapêuticas específicas e na implementação de medidas
preventivas adaptadas à espécie. É importante realçar o papel dos gatos no ciclo de transmissão da
leishmaniose e a sua importância na medicina veterinária e saúde pública.
Leishmaniasis is one of the most relevant vector-borne diseases for human health worldwide. It is caused by several species of the genus Leishmania, some of which have a significant zoonotic impact at a global scale. In veterinary medicine, canine leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is particularly important, since dogs are the main reservoir of the parasite for humans. However, it is known that cats can also be infected by the same Leishmania species, raising questions about their epidemiological role, which remains poorly understood. Despite certain immunological similarities with dogs, cats display particularities in their immune response that influence the clinical progression of the infection, especially in endemic areas. Feline leishmaniasis, for a long time undervalued, has been receiving more scientific and clinical attention. This literature review was based on an analysis of current scientific publications selected from relevant publications in the veterinary sciences, aiming to gather and systematize the most recent information on L. infantum infection in cats. The topics addressed include its etiological agent and its life cycle, the vector-borne transmission, the role of cats in the epidemiology of this pathogen, as well as pathophysiology and immunological mechanisms, clinical patterns, diagnostic methods, appropriate treatment, and prevention strategies. It is highlighted that the prevalence of infection in cats may be underestimated due to the limited recognition of the disease in clinical practice. The conclusions of this work reinforce the need to strengthen our understanding of this feline protozoonosis, with a focus on standardizing diagnostic techniques, developing specific therapeutic approaches, and implementing preventive measures fitted to the species. Emphasis should be placed on the role of cats in the leishmaniasis transmission cycle and their significance in both veterinary medicine and public health.
Leishmaniasis is one of the most relevant vector-borne diseases for human health worldwide. It is caused by several species of the genus Leishmania, some of which have a significant zoonotic impact at a global scale. In veterinary medicine, canine leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is particularly important, since dogs are the main reservoir of the parasite for humans. However, it is known that cats can also be infected by the same Leishmania species, raising questions about their epidemiological role, which remains poorly understood. Despite certain immunological similarities with dogs, cats display particularities in their immune response that influence the clinical progression of the infection, especially in endemic areas. Feline leishmaniasis, for a long time undervalued, has been receiving more scientific and clinical attention. This literature review was based on an analysis of current scientific publications selected from relevant publications in the veterinary sciences, aiming to gather and systematize the most recent information on L. infantum infection in cats. The topics addressed include its etiological agent and its life cycle, the vector-borne transmission, the role of cats in the epidemiology of this pathogen, as well as pathophysiology and immunological mechanisms, clinical patterns, diagnostic methods, appropriate treatment, and prevention strategies. It is highlighted that the prevalence of infection in cats may be underestimated due to the limited recognition of the disease in clinical practice. The conclusions of this work reinforce the need to strengthen our understanding of this feline protozoonosis, with a focus on standardizing diagnostic techniques, developing specific therapeutic approaches, and implementing preventive measures fitted to the species. Emphasis should be placed on the role of cats in the leishmaniasis transmission cycle and their significance in both veterinary medicine and public health.
Description
Keywords
Epidemiologia Felinos Leishmaniose L. infantum Transmissão Zoonose Epidemiology Feline Leishmaniasis Transmission Zoonosis