Prevalence of Leishmania infantum in felines from Heraklion region, Crete

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Published: Oct 24, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.35939
Keywords:
Feline leishmaniosis Leishmania spp Greece Heraklion prevalence
A Smyrli
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Ktiniatriko Kentro Vet 365, Menelaou Parlama 137, 41410, Crete, Greece
S Sotiraki
Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DIMITRA (ELGO DIMITRA), 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
P Ligda
Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DIMITRA (ELGO DIMITRA), 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
A Ligdas
Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DIMITRA (ELGO DIMITRA), 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
I Restivakis
Ktiniatriko Kentro Vet 365, Menelaou Parlama 137, 41410, Crete, Greece
V Chalkiadaki
Ktiniatriko Kentro Vet 365, Menelaou Parlama 137, 41410, Crete, Greece
K Venetaki
Ktiniatriko Kentro Vet 365, Menelaou Parlama 137, 41410, Crete, Greece
N Filos
Ktiniatriko Kentro Vet 365, Menelaou Parlama 137, 41410, Crete, Greece
M Dalampeki
Ktiniatriko Kentro Vet 365, Menelaou Parlama 137, 41410, Crete, Greece
G Theodosiadis
Ktiniatriko Kentro Vet 365, Menelaou Parlama 137, 41410, Crete, Greece
M Daskalakis
Ktiniatriko Kentro Vet 365, Menelaou Parlama 137, 41410, Crete, Greece
V Cozma
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca and Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences Gheorghe Ionescu-Siseşti Bucarest
Abstract

Greece is recognized as an endemic region for various species of Leishmania, a genus of parasitic protozoa transmitted through the bites of infected female sandflies. This indicates that the country serves as a natural reservoir for this parasite, infecting both humans and animals. This study focuses on Heraklion, Crete, one of Greece's largest cities, where there is currently no available data on the prevalence of leishmaniosis in the feline population. While cases of canine leishmaniosis have been documented in various parts of the island, there have been no reported cases of feline leishmaniosis in Heraklion. This study primarily investigates the prevalence of leishmaniosis in cats as a means of detection in this species in Heraklion. To accomplish this, between 2018 – 2023, EDTA-blood samples and conjunctival swab samples were collected from a total of 253 feral cats. The cats were divided into two groups, depending on the location they lived (i.e., areas out of the city center or close to/in the city center): the initial group consisted of 112 cats, while the latter group comprised 141 cats. Both groups encompassed cats of various ages, habitats, and both genders. The samples were stored at -18 °C and analyzed with TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR for the presence of Leishmania infantum DNA.Out of the cat population included in the study, 15 were tested positive for FeL (5.93%). Despite the lower prevalence of leishmaniosis compared to dogs, it should be taken into account, especially for differential diagnosis. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that confirms the presence of FeL in felines in Heraklion.

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