Canine leishmaniasis in Campania: new and old foci
Baldi, L.; Mizzoni, V.; Guarino, A.
Parassitologia 46(1-2): 217-220
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0048-2951 PMID: 15305720 Document Number: 583641
Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is endemic in Campania (Italy) and is linked with human visceral leishmaniasis. Past and present reports of CanL in the region show that some foci have been known for a century (Vesuvius and Ischia) and others appear to be recent (Caserta and Salerno); moreover, the zoonosis is seen not only in endemic foci (autochthonous) but also in non-endemic areas (imported cases), for example in Benevento and Avellino. Two zymodemes have been identified in human and canine populations and also in sandflies: MON 1 and MON 72. Endemic or stable foci are associated with optimal ecological conditions, abundance of reservoirs and hosts, abundance of phlebotomine vectors, 10-40% prevalence in the canine population and a risk for the human population (0.002%). Unstable foci occur at the borders of stable foci: they may be the result of changes in climate with the occasional introduction of infected dogs in the areas; in these foci, the presence of phlebotomine vectors was low (0.5-3%) and sporadic human cases were registered. Today, CanL undoubtedly has an increased incidence and a wider geographical distribution in Campania than before: new cases are being reported in areas that were previously non-endemic. Ecological, demographic and environmental changes, large population movements and urbanization have led to an increased incidence and occurrence in suburbs with high densities of people and sandflies. These changes include "global warming", increased number of stray dogs, dog and human population movements and demographic changes (increased numbers of immunocompromised and elderly people). Campania is now the most important focus of CanL and human visceral leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean area: during 2000, 143 cases of human visceral leishmaniasis were recorded in Italy and half of these (83 cases) were from Campania.