Natural Leishmania infections in two stray dogs and two Gerbillus pyramidum in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.

In Egypt, zoonotic cutaneaus leishmaniasis (ZCL) and infantile visceral leishmaniasis (I.VL.) have been documented. Recently, in Dakahlia Governorate, three cases of indigenously acquired leishmaniasis (two VL. and one ZCL) have been reported. This paper aimed to search for the animal reservoir (s) of these two types of zoonotic leishmaniasis. Commensal and wild rodents as well as stray dogs were collected from concerned areas. Their role as animal reservoirs were investigated parasitologically (dogs and rodents) and serologically (rodents). Seropositivities as measured by the indirect haemagglutination tests were detected in six Rattus norvegicus (up to 1/256), two Acomys c. cahirinus (up to 1/128) and four Gerbillus pyramidum (up to 1/1024). However, Leishmania parasites were demonstrated as amastigotes (smear) and promastigotes (culture) in only two G. pyramidum. On the other hand, amastigotes of Leishmania parasites were demonstrated in splenic smears of two stray dogs, one from Bilkas Center and one from Dikarnis Center. Cultures of the splenic materials of dogs were not successful. The results indicated high probability for the presence of at least one focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis and one focus of visceral leishmaniasis. It is concluded that visceral leishmaniasis must be in mind when dealing with fever of obscure origin with hypersplenism or other suggestive manifestations.