The topic of leishmaniasis is wide and varied, with different epidemiological characteristics in multiple locations, different sandfly vectors, and variation in the way related public health issues are managed in different countries. There are legal issues related to diagnosis and treatment in some countries.
Thus, expanding the discussion of this disease to embrace the global scene is problematic. Nevertheless, some helpful information is listed below:
- Leishmaniasis affects animals in all continents except Oceania,1 with importance as a life-threatening disease in even nonendemic areas. (See Distribution Map.)
- Leishmaniasis has been found in dogs from nonendemic countries that have traveled to endemic regions.2
- Typically, 5% to 10% of affected dogs are clinically affected.3
- In South America, the standard of living, limited availability of molecular diagnostic tools, and sparsity of official guidelines for management impede diagnostic investigation for leishmaniasis.1
- Canine vaccines are available in Brazil and Europe.1
For more information, visit the LeishVet website. LeishVet is an organization devoted to promoting clinical management of canine leishmaniasis.
Dr. Gad Baneth & Dr. Llus Ferrer contributed to this commentary.