Leishmania infantum Seroprevalence in Cats From Touristic Areas of Italy and Greece

Abstract

Leishmaniosis by Leishmania infantum is a major zoonotic Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) in terms of geographic distribution, pathogenicity and zoonotic potential. While dogs are the main reservoir of L. infantum, the infection in cats is poorly understood although increasingly reported from enzootic and non-enzootic areas. The Mediterranean basin is a key area for leishmaniosis and includes touristic spots that require continuous surveillance for VBDs in consideration of the growing tendency of tourists to travel with their pets. This study evaluated L. infantum seroprevalence in cats living in selected touristic localities of Italy and Greece. A total of 269 cat serum samples from three Sites i.e., 76, 40, and 153 from Adriatic Coast of Abruzzo, Italy (Site A), Giglio Island, Tuscany, Italy (Site B), and Mykonos Island, Greece (Site C), respectively, were included in the survey. Sera samples were subjected to an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay for the detection of anti-L. infantum specific IgG. Associations between possible risk factors and seropositivity to L. infantum were statistically evaluated. Antibodies against L. infantum were detected in eight out of 269 (3.0%) cats tested i.e., 4/76 (5.3%), 1/40 (2.5%), and 3/153 (2.0%), from sites A, B, and C, respectively. A statistical association between anti-L. infantum antibodies and cohabitation with dogs was shown. This study indicates that feline populations living in the examined Italian and Greek touristic areas are exposed to L. infantum and that they may contribute to the circulation of L. infantum, enhancing the risk of infection for dogs and humans.

Exposure to Major Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs Subjected to Different Preventative Regimens in Endemic Areas of Italy

“…Epidemiological, biological and phenological features of the Mediterranean Basin favor the presence and spreading of pathogens and parasites transmitted by vectors and/or intermediate hosts to dogs and cats [ 15 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Accordingly, this study confirms that dogs from regions of northern and central Italy are highly exposed to several VBDs.…”

Efficacy of fipronil/(S)-methoprene/eprinomectin/praziquantel (Broadline®) against Thelazia callipaeda in naturally infected cats

“…In general, feline vector-borne diseases are often underestimated, and there is a need to increase awareness on their importance for cats [20][21][22]. Accordingly, correct diagnosis and effective treatments of cats infected with vector-borne pathogens, such as T. callipaeda, should be implemented to limit their spreading and the risk of infections for both animals and humans.…”

Feline Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum: Parasite Sequencing, Seropositivity, and Clinical Characterization in an Endemic Area From Brazil

“…At least 63% of the infections were caused by L. infantum ( 24 ). Other studies detected 3–4% of cats with L. infantum in Italy, Greece, and German by serology ( 25 , 26 ). Those recent studies have demonstrated that Leishmania is also circulating and cats and this should be taken as an alert in the regions where this parasite occurs.…”