Canine leishmaniosis in the Italian northeastern Alps: A survey to assess serological prevalence in dogs and distribution of phlebotomine sand flies in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol, Italy
G. Morosetti|Marica Toson|Karin Trevisiol|Ilda Idrizi|Alda Natale|Laura Lucchese|Alice Michelutti|Piera Ceschi|Giovanni Lorenzi|Christian Piffer|Eleonora Fiorentino|Gioia Bongiorno|Luigi Gradoni
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol (APB), located in the northernmost territory Italian eastern Alps, is still considered non-endemic for canine leishmaniosis (CanL) despite clinical cases being observed and a competent Leishmania infantum vector (Phlebotomus perniciosus) having been recorded since 2008. A serological survey among randomly-selected subpopulation registered owned dogs was carried 2018, followed by entomological investigations performed 2019 driven results. total 457 resident from all over APB were examined through IFAT antibodies against L.infantum, which 63 (13.8%) tested positive. Thirty-five seropositive (7.7%) autochthonous to APB, i.e. born lived province, or imported with no travel history past 5 years. Most these animals showed an antibody titre at threshold level 1:40, suggesting low degree parasite transmission/contacts. In 2 moderately high titre, infection confirmed nested-PCR peripheral blood. Thirty-one georeferenced sites monitored sand flies means interception (sticky papers) attraction (CDC miniature light traps) collection devices. Traps set during summer approximately on monthly basis, extended up October positive sites. Only found 317 phlebotomine specimens collected sticky traps, included previously known P. perniciosus-endemic site near Bolzano town. Sergentomyia minuta far most prevalent (98.1%) only fly species northerly ever investigated (Coldrano municipality Venosta valley). For first time, serology n-PCR identified, however spread L. transmission could not be demonstrated several places where endemic recorded. can CanL endemicity, awareness continuous monitoring are needed detect changes epidemiological status zoonosis.
Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports