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Publications

Journal Article Review Epublish 1 citation

PubMed: 42816860 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-026-07642-4

LeishVet update and current recommendations on feline leishmaniosis.

Parasit Vectors 19(1)

Authors: Maria Grazia Pennisi, Gad Baneth, Patrick Bourdeau, Luís Cardoso, Guadalupe Miró, Laura Ordeix, Laia Solano-Gallego, Gaetano Oliva

Affiliations

  • I Periodeuti ASC, Reggio Calabria, Italy.
  • Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
  • Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Nantes, ONIRIS, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
  • Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
  • Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
  • Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Abstract

In 2015, the LeishVet group published a comprehensive review on feline leishmaniosis (FeL) caused by Leishmania infantum, highlighting the growing interest in the disease despite the limited availability of evidence-based studies at the time. Over the past decade, considerable advances have been made in various aspects of animal leishmaniosis, including FeL. Veterinary awareness has increased, and diagnostic support is more widely available. However, current knowledge on FeL still largely comes from case reports and small case series studies, with fewer analytical studies and a lower evidence level compared to canine leishmaniosis. In response, the LeishVet group reviewed recent progress and provided updated recommendations based on key international publications, clinical expertise and expert consensus. A series of questions was formulated to address the main aspects of FeL most relevant for veterinary practitioners, including etiology, transmission, epidemiology (including geographical distribution and risk factors), immunology, clinical presentations and clinicopathological findings, the role of coinfections and/or comorbidities, diagnosis, prognosis formulation based on clinical staging, treatment, monitoring and prevention of FeL. The answers are largely supported by visual aids (tables, figures, and algorithms). This updated review paper focuses mainly on L. infantum infection and disease in domestic cats as it is the species of Leishmania most frequently diagnosed in cats. Two specific questions have also been dedicated to infection in wild felids and Leishmania spp. other than L. infantum, for supporting veterinary specialists in wildlife and zoo medicine and taking in consideration that globalization opens new challenges to practitioners.

MeSH

Parasites, Infections