Leishmania infantum

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Leishmania infantum

The tamaVet® Leishmania Test is intended for the
rapid detection of specific antibodies against Leishmania
infantum in the whole blood, serum or plasma of dogs. The protozoan Leishmania infantum belongs to the Trypanosomatida order, and is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes of the sandfly (Phlebotomus) genus. The pathogens attack macrophages, especially in the skin and reticulolymphatic organs. The course of the disease can vary depending on the animal’s immune system reaction. Animals with stimulation of cell-mediated immunity can develop resistance, whereas stimulation of humoral immunity can lead to non-protective antibodies and the formation of immune complexes. In this way, animals can
either remain free of symptoms for life, or initially show extremely diverse symptoms such as fever, enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, apathy, vomiting, diarrhoea and changes to the skin. As it progresses, it also affects the organs. The skin exhibits scaly alopecia, various forms of dermatitis, brittle claws, necrosis and itching. The development of
immune complex diseases in other organs is also possible. The detection of antibodies in infected animals is only possible in some cases after 6 to 8 weeks and, in subclinical cases, only several years later. The test is suitable for the early detection of leishmaniasis in suspected cases or in the case of clinical symptoms, and repeated testing may be recommended.

Leishmania infantum