Autochthonous transmission of Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major with all the components of infection cycle at Europe's doorstep

Abstract

Objectives: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease and dogs may act as urban reservoirs. Turkey and most of the Mediterranean basin countries are endemic for leishmaniasis. In this study, it is aimed to report the autochthonous leishmaniasis cases, with all the components of the infection cycle (reservoir, vector, and the host) in a region close to Europe. Methods: Nine human and four canine autochthonous leishmaniasis cases were included in the study. Direct microscopy, culture methods, serological, and molecular tests were applied to the samples obtained from the cases. Results: VL and CL patients consisted of 2 L.infantum, 1 L. donovani, 2 L. tropica, and 2 L. tropica,1 L. major,1 L. infantum infected patients respectively. CanL cases were infected with L. infantum, L. donovani, L. tropica, and L. major. Conclusions: All the cases were autochthonous cases located in Manisa province. As Greece and all the Mediterranean basin countries in Europe share competent vectors, it is concluded that the detection of all 4 species of Leishmania parasites in such proximity to Europe poses an important public health threat for Europe. This study reports all four species of Leishmania spp., including L. major and L.donovani in close proximity to continental Europe.