Leishmaniasis in The Gambia. 2. A study of possible vectors and animal reservoirs, with the first report of a case of canine leishmaniasis in The Gambia

Abstract

Following the detection of two cases of leishmaniasis in The Gambia, the possible vectors and animal reservoirs were studied. A total of 5, 158 phlebotomine sandflies, in 20 species and subspecies were captured, including 98 males and 61 females of Phlebotomus duboscqi. This species is a vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Senegal and must be suspected as a vector in The Gambia; it was captured close to the dwellings of both patients and from rodent burrows, including those of Mastomys erythroleucus, a known reservoir of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Senegal. We report the first finding in The Gambia of visceral leishmaniasis in a dog captured near the house of the patient with visceral leishmaniasis. This strongly suggests that dogs could be a reservoir of this infection in this area. The vector was not determined.