The diagnosis and management of a case of leishmaniosis in a dog imported to Australia.
This case study discusses in detail for the first time the diagnosis and management of a case of leishmaniosis in a dog imported to Australia. The dog presented with epistaxis and a non-regenerative anaemia five years after being imported from Europe. Protozoa were identified within macrophages in bone marrow and splenic cytology. A Leishmania indirect fluorescent antibody test was performed and was positive while an Ehrlichia canis antibody test was negative. Polymerase chain reaction of the ITS-1 and ITS-2 regions of skin, lymph node, spleen and bone marrow were all positive for Leishmania infantum. The dog was treated with amphotericin B with a strong clinical response. The importance of thorough diagnostics in non-endemic areas, particularly Australia, is discussed. Treatment with amphotericin B is discussed. Vigilance, disease reporting and response frameworks are recommended for non-endemic areas.
Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre, Cnr Old Northern and Keong Roads, Albany Creek, Queensland 4035, Australia. Electronic address: matt.p.best@googlemail.com.
Matthew P
MP
Best
School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
Amanda
A
Ash
Australian Animal Health Laboratory, CSIRO Animal, Food and Health Sciences, Private Bag 24, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia.
Jemma
J
Bergfeld
Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 80 Ann Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia.
Janine
J
Barrett
D000493:Allopurinol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001315:Australia; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / Q000235:genetics; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / Q000662:veterinary; D018314:Leishmania infantum / Q000235:genetics; D007896:Leishmaniasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000469:parasitology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; D000493:Allopurinol
Amphotericin B; Australia; Dog; Leishmania infantum; PCR