First report of transmission of canine leishmaniosis through bite wounds from a naturally infected dog in Germany

Abstract

Background: Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is an important zoonosis caused by Leishmania (L.) infantum. Transmission of L. infantum to dogs (and humans) is mainly through the bite of infected sandflies, but the parasite can also be transmitted vertically, venereally and through blood transfusions of infected donors. Additionally, the direct dog-to-dog transmission through bites or wounds is suspected.

Results: In December 2015, a female eight-year-old Jack-Russell-Terrier was tested positive for CanL in Germany (ELISA 74,
IFAT 1:4.000). The dog had never been in an endemic area, had never received a blood transfusion and had never been
used for breeding. Another female Jack-Russell-Terrier (born 2009 in Spain) was kept in the same household between 2011 and 2012. That
dog was imported to Germany in 2011 and was tested positive for leishmaniosis in 2012. The Spanish-born dog had
received several bite wounds, i.a. in the neck, during fights with the German-born Terrier.

Conclusion: This may be the first report of transmission of L. infantum through bite wounds from a naturally infected
dog in Germany.

Keywords: Canine leishmaniosis, Dog-to-dog transmission, Bite wounds, Germany

Download

Evaluation of a rapid device for serological in-clinic diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis

Abstract

Background: Angiostrongylus vasorum is a potentially fatal canine nematode. Due to the high variability of clinical signs and the often chronic and subtle course of the infections, the diagnosis is particularly challenging. A rapid in-clinic assay (Angio Detect™ Test, IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, Maine, USA) for the serological detection of circulating antigen and intended for routine in-clinic diagnosis has been evaluated.

Download

Nicht-vektorassoziierte Übertragung der caninen Leishmaniose in Deutschland

Zusammenfassung

In Deutschland leben mittlerweile rund 20.000 mit Leishmaniose infizierte Hunde. Vor allem der Import von Tieren aus endemischen Gebieten und reisebegleitende Hunde führen zum Anstieg der Leishmaniose-Fälle. Neben der epidemiologisch bedeutsamsten Übertragung des Erregers durch Sandmücken, werden zunehmend auch eine venerische Übertragung durch erregerhaltige Samenflüssigkeit und/oder eine trans-/diaplazentare Übertragung der Leishmanien von infizierten Hündinnen auf ihre Welpen diskutiert. In diesem Artikel werden anhand eines aktuellen Fallberichts über eine an Leishmaniose erkrankte Boxer-Hündin und ihre Nachkommen die Auswirkungen einer nicht-vektorassoziierten Erregerübertragung in Deutschland erörtert.

Download

Emergence of sandflies (Phlebotominae) in Austria, a Central European country

Abstract

The possible existence of autochthonous sandfly populations in Central Europe north of the Alps has long been excluded. However, in the past years, sandflies have been documented in Germany, Belgium, and recently, also in Austria, close to the Slovenian border. Moreover, autochthonous human Leishmania and Phlebovirus infections have been reported in Central Europe, particularly in Germany.

Download

Morphometric analyses of canine blood microfilariae isolated by the Knott’s test enables Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens species-specific and Acanthocheilonema (syn. Dipetalonema) genus-specific diagnosis

Background

In Europe the most common canine filarial species presenting blood circulating microfilariae (mf) are Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, Acanthocheilonema (syn. Dipetalonema) dracunculoides and A. (syn. Dip.) reconditum [1]. They are transmitted by haematophagous arthropods: Dirofilaria spp. by mosquitoes, A. reconditum by fleas and lice and A. dracunculoides by ticks. D. immitis, the aetiological agent of canine heartworm disease, is the most pathogenic species for dogs: adults live in the right side of the heart and in the pulmonary artery, causing pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart failure. Adults of D. repens live in the subcutaneous tissue, occasionally causing dermatological problems [2].

Download