Canine visceral leishmaniasis: Diagnosis and management of the reservoir living among us
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006082
- PMID
- 29324838
- PMCID
- PMC5764232
- OpenAlex
- W2783841473
- Study type
- Journal article
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
Canine visceral leishmaniasis is relevant as dogs serve as a reservoir for Leishmania infantum, a zoonotic pathogen. Effective diagnosis, treatment, and control in canine populations may reduce transmission risk to humans.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
The article reviews diagnostic methods, treatment efficacy, and control measures for canine visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum.
Study design
This is a narrative review synthesizing existing knowledge on canine visceral leishmaniasis diagnostics, treatment, and control strategies.
Population and setting
The review addresses canine populations affected by Leishmania infantum infection, with relevance to veterinary clinics and epidemiological research contexts.
Main findings
The review covers serological and molecular diagnostic methods including emerging point-of-care tests, evaluates treatment regimens for clinical improvement and reduced infectiousness, and appraises control measures aimed at limiting disease transmission.
Public-health relevance
Canine visceral leishmaniasis is relevant as dogs serve as a reservoir for Leishmania infantum, a zoonotic pathogen. Effective diagnosis, treatment, and control in canine populations may reduce transmission risk to humans.
Important limitations
This summary is limited to the supplied single-article abstract and metadata. The full paper is required for decision-grade interpretation of the review's scope, methodology, and evidence synthesis.
GIDS interpretation
The article was identified through classifier links to leishmaniasis, diagnostics, transmission dynamics, and treatment topics. It provides background on reservoir diagnostics and control but does not report primary surveillance data.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 9 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.