Is the Prevalence of Leishmania infantum Linked to Breeds in Dogs? Characterization of Seropositive Dogs in Ibiza

A study on the island of Ibiza reveals that breed-specific genetic factors significantly influence the prevalence of leishmaniosis, caused by Leishmania infantum. Analyzing 3,141 dogs, researchers found a 4.74% infection rate, with Doberman Pinschers and Boxers showing notably higher susceptibility. The findings highlight a strong genetic component in disease spread, as breeds sharing common ancestors exhibited significant differences in prevalence (p < 0.05). Additionally, the study identified a correlation between antibody titers and clinical disease stage, suggesting that ineffective humoral or Th2 immune responses contribute to disease progression. This research underscores the importance of breed-related genetic predispositions in leishmaniosis and provides insights into its immunological mechanisms.

Edo, M., Marín-García, P. J., & Llobat, L. (2021). Is the Prevalence of Leishmania infantum Linked to Breeds in Dogs? Characterization of Seropositive Dogs in Ibiza. Animals, 11(9), 2579. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092579