Ante mortem diagnosis of tuberculosis in cattle: a review of the tuberculin tests, gamma-interferon assay and other ancillary diagnostic techniques.

Canine leishmaniosis - new concepts and insights on an expanding zoonosis: part one.

The LeishVet group has formed recommendations designed primarily to help the veterinary clinician in the management of canine leishmaniosis. The complexity of this zoonotic infection and the wide range of its clinical manifestations, from inapparent infection to severe disease, make the management of canine leishmaniosis challenging. The recommendations were constructed by combining a comprehensive review of evidence-based studies, extensive clinical experience and critical consensus opinion discussions. The guidelines presented here in a short version with graphical topic displays suggest standardized and rational approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, control and prevention of canine leishmaniosis. A staging system that divides the disease into four stages is aimed at assisting the clinician in determining the appropriate therapy, forecasting prognosis, and implementing follow-up steps required for the management of the leishmaniosis patient.

/pdf/leishvet-guidelines-for-the-practical-management-of-canine-1mmmswt7yb.pdf

LeishVet guidelines for the practical management of canine leishmaniosis

http://cdmalaboratorio.com.br/link/cfd3e86518d586ae1c32d4e53a65464d13d42d3c.pdf

Directions for the diagnosis, clinical staging, treatment and prevention of canine leishmaniosis

The current status of zoonotic leishmaniases and approaches to disease control.

The PCR technique was applied to the diagnosis of leishmaniasis in dogs, both serologically negative and positive. DNA was taken from lymph node aspirates and blood. The primers 13a and 13b, derived from Leishmania amazonies and Leishmania braziliensis kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), also amplified Leishmania infantum IPT1 constant region of minicircle kDNA. The amplified fragment is 116 bp long. It was cloned and the sequence was determined. A 70-bp inner fragment was designed and used as a probe in dot blot hybridization. A group of 124 dogs was examined, 37 of which showed typical symptoms of disease. PCR was performed on 124 blood samples and 52 lymph node aspirates. Using microscopic examination as the “gold standard,” we calculated sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 100% using lymph node aspirates and values of 85, 80, 95, and 57%, respectively, using blood samples. We found that 40% of the animals without lesions and 38% of the animals with clinical signs gave false-negative results by indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing. These animals could contribute to the spreading of infection among dogs, and represent a potential risk for human health as well.

Detection of Leishmania infantum in Dogs by PCR with Lymph Node Aspirates and Blood

Comparison of different tissue sampling for PCR-based diagnosis and follow-up of canine visceral leishmaniosis

Leishmania DNA load and cytokine expression levels in asymptomatic naturally infected dogs.

A real-time PCR assay was exploited for monitoring the Leishmania DNA load in different tissues from 18 naturally-infected dogs before and after treatment with a combination of meglumine antimoniate (100 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously) and allopurinol (10 mg/kg/day, orally) for 30 days. After the combined therapy, allopurinol was continued at the same dose until the end of the observation period. Whole blood samples, lymph node aspirates, and skin biopsies were collected at the time of diagnosis, 1 month after starting therapy, and every 3 months for 2 years. In six dogs parasite load assessments continued every 6 months for a further 3 years. At each assessment, the dogs were examined for signs of disease and a clinical score was recorded. At diagnosis, the highest Leishmania DNA load was detected in lymph node aspirates. From 1–6 months post-therapy a general improvement in clinical conditions was recorded in all dogs, which correlated with a decrease in the parasite DNA load in all tested tissues, even though it was less pronounced in lymph node aspirates. In the period from 9–24 months post-therapy, a re-increase in parasite load was observed in the tissues of some dogs, concomitant with a disease relapse. The results show that the combined therapy with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol promoted a clinical improvement which was accompanied by a reduction in the parasitic load in the blood, skin and lymph nodes but, even after long period of allopurinol administration alone, Leishmania may persist in dog tissues.

Stefano Reale

Papers

Detection of Leishmania infantum in Dogs by PCR with Lymph Node Aspirates and Blood

Comparison of different tissue sampling for PCR-based diagnosis and follow-up of canine visceral leishmaniosis

Leishmania DNA load and cytokine expression levels in asymptomatic naturally infected dogs.

Real-time PCR assay in Leishmania-infected dogs treated with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol.

Evidence for a relationship between Leishmania load and clinical manifestations.