Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mixed infection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in a mare (Equus ferus caballus) from Minas Gerais State, Southeastern Brazil.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Martins, Anna Luiza Moreira et al.
- Affiliation:
- Rachou Institute · Brazil
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old mare from Minas Gerais, Brazil, was found to have a mixed infection of two types of parasites that cause leishmaniasis, specifically Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. She had nodular skin lesions on all her legs but didn't show any other health problems. Tests on samples taken from her skin and bone marrow confirmed the presence of both parasites. This case is significant because it marks the first time L. (V.) braziliensis has been isolated from skin lesions in horses. The findings suggest that horses could play a role in spreading leishmaniasis, which is important for managing the disease.
Abstract
Equine leishmaniasis is a widespread disease in Brazil, mainly caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, with occasional cases involving Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. This study reports a mixed infection in a 6-year-old mare from rural Itabirito, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The mare exhibited nodular cutaneous lesions on all limbs but had no other health issues. Skin and bone marrow samples were collected and analyzed using parasitological and molecular methods targeting the hsp70 gene and ITS1 region. Both L. (V.) braziliensis and L. (L.) infantum were identified, confirming a mixed infection. Notably, this is the first confirmed isolation of L. (V.) braziliensis from equine cutaneous lesions. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing equids as potential reservoirs in the transmission of leishmaniasis, which has implications for disease control and epidemiological surveillance.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40645304/