Scientometric analysis of chemotherapy of canine leishmaniasis (2000-2020)

Abstract

Background: Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum is a first order pathology in veterinary clinics of dogs in endemic areas. Moreover, canine infections are considered the main reservoir for human disease; despite their importance in the control of the disease within a One Health approach no scientometric study has been published. Aims of the study included the impact of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) on scientific literature, drugs or combinations used, trends in the period from 2000-2020 and efficacy criteria employed. Methods: A Web of Science (WOS) based analysis of publications on CanL and chemotherapy of the disease in the period 2000-2020 was carried out using a stepwise methodology. Data were analyzed by year, geographical origin, chemical groups, drugs and combinations, and efficacy criteria. Results: Reports on CanL (n=3,324) represented less than 16% of all publications on leishmaniasis (n=20,968) and from these around 18% (n=596) were related to chemotherapy. Publication records on CanL followed the distribution of the infection by L.infantum in endemic areas although Mediterranean countries were overrepresented in the reports on chemotherapy of CanL. Publications on the main antileishmanial drugs used in clinical practice showed a sustained tendency in the period analyzed. Pentavalent antimonials (Sb V ), alone or in combination with allopurinol, represented over 50% of all publications on chemotherapy of CanL despite the availability of more recently marketed drugs. Conclusions: Chemotherapy of CanL still relies on Sb V and combinations and to a lesser extent on miltefosine (MIL). Reports on chemotherapy are scarce, mostly publicly funded and the variability of experimental conditions hampers the direct comparison of the efficacy of drugs, combinations and schedules. The vast majority of reports on efficacy do not include any information on supportive therapy; this reduces the actual value of the studies if intended for the practical management of the disease. Complete reports of the chemotherapy (etiological + symptomatic) would add value to the trials performed.