Serological and entomological studies of canine leishmaniosis in Croatia

Abstract

In Croatia, canine leishmaniosis has been recognized in the southern littoral area (Dalmatia) as a reemerging disease since 1997. This paper reports the findings of a survey carried out 2.5 years after the suspension of control measures for canine leishmaniosis. Entomological and cross-sectional serological surveys were carried out in the Kaštela municipality in the Split-Dalmatia County (where stable foci of canine leishmaniosis were reported previously), and in a few localities from the Šibenik-Knin county where a few unstable foci were previously reported. Serological surveys detected a focus with 31 % seropositive dogs in Rudine (the known enzootic area); a tendency for a new stable focus appearance in the Šibenik-Knin County (Rogoznica), with cumulative seropositivity of 13.5 % in both areas. Entomological studies evidenced two competent Leishmania vectors, Phlebotomus neglectus and P. tobbi; the first was prevalent (75.9%) being also the species much more associated to habitats where dogs are present. Moreover, prevalence for P. neglectus females feeding on human blood reached 30%.