Authors : Bejo Bizhga, Dritan Laci, Gerta Dhamo, Ruzhdi Keci, Kastriot Belegu, Ilirian Bakiasi and Luigj Turmalaj
Abstract: Leishmania parasites cause a group of diseases collectively known as Leishmaniasis. For a long time dogs have been implicated as the main domestic reservoirs of Leishmania infantum, the aetiological agent of zoonotic visceral Leishmaniasis. There are the same data about canine Leishmaniasis in other Mediterranean countries. The study investigates the level of prevalence into important areas in South Albania. Serologic methods are considered as the most efficient methods for the early diagnosis of Leishmaniasis. ELISA test is necessary to make the final serological diagnosis of most frequently parasitic diseases of dogs. The use of serological methods determinate in accurate and rapid way the diagnosis of Leishmaniasis infection. Cross-sectional investigation was done on seroprevalence of Leishmania sp. infection among apparently healthy dogs in an area where canine Leishmaniasis is endemic. Each dog was clinically examined for the presence of some discrete signs compatible with Leishmaniasis. The seroprevalence at the nonendemic area resulted 10.6%. A few of the seropositive dogs had moderately enlarged lymph nodes and some clinical signs. Trombocythopepia in animals with clinical signs can be used as a first indicator for leishmania diagnosis.
Bejo Bizhga, Dritan Laci, Gerta Dhamo, Ruzhdi Keci, Kastriot Belegu, Ilirian Bakiasi and Luigj Turmalaj, 2013. Survey for Canine Leishmaniosis. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 12: 442-446.