Visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil

Authors

  • Mary Marcondes Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica, Cirurgia e Reprodução Animal, Araçatuba, SP
  • Claudio Nazaretian Rossi Universidade Paulista, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, São Paulo, SP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2318-3659.v50i5p341-352

Keywords:

Leishmania infantum, Leishmania chagasi, Dogs, Cats, Epidemiology

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is among the most important vector-borne diseases that occur in Brazil, mainly due to its zoonotic nature. It is currently present in almost all Brazilian territory, and its control is a challenge both for veterinarians and for public health officials. The etiologic agent is Leishmania infantum (syn chagasi), and the main vector in Brazil is Lutzomyia longipalpis. Of all animals identified as reservoirs of VL, the dog is considered the most important domestic reservoir. Although the disease has already been identified in cats, the epidemiological role of this animal species is still unclear. This article presents a brief review of the epidemiological situation of the disease, its mode of transmission, clinical features in dogs and cats as well as possible risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease in Brazil.

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Published

2013-10-29

Issue

Section

REVIEW ARTICLE

How to Cite

Visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. (2013). Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science, 50(5), 341-352. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2318-3659.v50i5p341-352