Imported Canine leishmaniasis in Romania: a Case Report
Abstract
Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonotic disease considered endemic in the Mediterranean region. Romania is traditionally regarded as a non-endemic country. Considering the zoonotic character of the disease, this study aims to increase the knowledge on diagnostic aspects of CanL. A 2-year-old, mix breed male dog, recently returned from Italy had a history of progressive weight loss and skin lesions. The clinical examination was followed by hematology and serum biochemistry, fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes, impression smears, VetExpert® rapid test Leishmania Ab, and PCR. The clinical examination revealed muscle atrophy, non-pruritic crusting dermatitis, ulcers, and lymphadenopathy. Hematology showed severe anemia. The serum biochemistry revealed hyperproteinaemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia. Cytological exams evidenced the intracellular amastigotes in macrophages, confirmed by rapid test and PCR. In Romania, under the light of the new case reports, leishmaniasis should be reconsidered from both veterinary and public health perspective.
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