Leishmania infection in rodents in Greece

• DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12982
• Publication Date: 2017-10-07T01:26:53Z
• Authors: Ιoannis Tsakmakidis; Katerina Angelopo...; Chrysostomos I. D...; Εmmanouil Dokianakis; Αndroniki Tamvakis; Isaia Symeonidou; Μaria Antoniou; Αnastasia Diakou
• Keywords: House mice

To investigate the prevalence of Leishmania infection in rodents from various areas northern Greece.Ninety-seven (66 Mus musculus, 19 Rattus norvegicus and 12 R. rattus) were collected during pest control programmes examined by cytology (spleen liver smears), serology (ELISA) PCR (real-time gel-based) for Leishmania. Date, environment, sex, existence dogs close environment recorded each rodent.All cytological preparations negative, whereas specific IgG was detected 54.5% total; 70% norvegicus; 50% rattus; M. musculus. In at least one molecular method, 19.6% samples total positive: 25% rattus, 24% but no found positive. Environment (semi-urban areas, P = 0.037) species (M. 0.032) associated with positive PCR. All infected animals showed evidence low parasite burden, demonstrated negative examinations high Ct values observed real-time PCR.Due to proximity humans dogs, these may be important epidemiology leishmaniosis, especially if proven that they can infect sand flies.