Medical Management of Canine Leishmaniasis: The European Perspective

摘要

Leishmaniasis is an important parasitic infection that is endemic in over 70 countries.13 The increasing number of mtercontinental migrations of animals and people contributes to a worldwide expansion of the disease. Leishmania infantum is mainly transmitted by Phlebotomies, a genus of sand fly insects.1-3 Blood transfusions from infected donors, vertical or venereal transmission routes are also described; however, these pathways for transmission are particularly uncommon. Preventive methods (vaccines, insecticides) are essential in order to avoid infection of healthy dogs. However, in spite of these approaches to prevention, clinical infection remains a frequent presentation in clinical practice.