Molecular detection and characterization of Leishmania infantum in free-ranging Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon)

Jacinto Gomes, Hugo Rocha, Carina Carvalho, Victor Bandeira, Carlos Fonseca, Luís Miguel Rosalino, Mónica V. Cunha

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Wild mammals are susceptible to infection by Leishmania parasites. Although canine leishmaniasis is widely distributed in mainland Portugal, the sylvatic cycle of the parasite remains poorly understood. In this study, the occurrence of L. infantum in wild carnivores from Portugal was assessed by molecular screening of 132 hunted or accidentally road-killed animals. Spleen samples from Egyptian mongoose, red fox, stone marten, common genet and European badger were tested by amplification of Leishmania kinetoplastid DNA and ITS1. Five egyptian mongoose were confirmed Leishmania DNA-positive by kDNA-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of a kDNA amplicon sequence clustered the strain with L. infantum sequences from Portugal. These results may suggest that L. infantum strains circulating in wild animals are genetically related with strains from more humanized settings. Exposure of wild carnivores to Leishmania infantum emphasizes the need of systematic studies to clarify the role of several taxa in the eco-epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Portugal, particularly in areas of carnivore species synanthropy and wherein disease control in the domestic population is inefficient or insufficient.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)158-162
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
Volume11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Herpestes ichneumon
  • Leishmania
  • Mongoose
  • Wild carnivore
  • kDNA

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