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Publication
Feline leishmaniasis: a review
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Authors
Abstract(s)
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Leishmaniasis’ endemic areas have spread
and the prevalence of the disease has increased, as well as the number of reported cases.
Europe is one of the most affected continents concerning the risk of re-emergency of this
zoonosis.
Feline Leishmaniasis (FeL) was for the first time described in Algeria, 1912. The significance of
the cat as a reservoir of Leishmania and not simply an alternative host seems to be gaining
ground, mainly because: i) cats can present increased seropositivity between serology analysis;
ii) cats can be infected during some months and thus are available for sand flies; iii) cats
transmit the Leishmania agent in a competent form.
Furthermore, cats have behavioral characteristics that contribute to the infection by Leishmania
infantum, and as such, FeL has been reported worldwide. When clinical signs of FeL are
present, they are usually cutaneous, with unspecific dermatological changes, that frequently
occur in other feline diseases and if not diagnosed can contribute to an underestimation of the
actual occurrence of the disease in cats. The low seroprevalence titers along with the commonly
asymptomatic infection in cats can further contribute to the underestimation of FeL occurrence.
This work aims to bring up to date the current status of FeL infection worldwide. It comprises a
review of the most recent case reports and surveillance studies. Although currently limited, the
most relevant and recent information on the parasite, vector, epidemiology, pathology, and
immune response is presented, as well as available diagnostic and treatment strategies. The
knowledge of the epidemiological and immunopathological features of FeL, in some aspects so
different from the Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL), can be used as a tool in an attempt to prevent
infection and decrease the hazard that FeL can embody for both humans and cats.
Description
Keywords
Leishmania infantum Cat Epidemiology Immunopathology Diagnosis Prevention