Pathak et al. (2016), PeerJ, DOI 10.7717/peerj.1738; 1-14
Up-to-date Literature review current through: Jan 2015. | This topic last updated: Jan 29, 2015.
Malawi Integrated Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures for Providing HIV Services. 3rd edition 2016
PLoS ONE 7(12): e52986. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0052986. Opern Access please download from the website
A thesis submitted for the Degree of Master of Theology at the South African Theological Seminary
Leishmaniases are a group of diseases of zoonotic importance caused by over 20 species of protozoa of the genus Leishmania, in which domestic dogs are considered to be the main reservoir for the disease. However, the involvement of other vertebrates as reservoirs for these parasites has also been in...vestigated. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to carry out a systematic review with meta-analysis on occurrences of leishmaniasis in equids. The case reports described animals with cutaneous symptoms of leishmaniasis (papules, nodules, ulcers or crusts) that regressed spontaneously, located mainly on the head and limbs, from which three species of protozoa were identified in the lesions: Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania siamensis. In turn, the meta-analysis showed a combined prevalence of 25%, although with high heterogeneity among the studies, which was attributed to the use of different methods for diagnosing the disease. Leishmaniasis in equids is a benign disease but it should be included in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous diseases among these species. Seroepidemiological studies are important in investigating and monitoring suspected exposure of these hosts to the parasite, especially in endemic areas. However, there is also a need to standardize diagnostic methods.
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