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Leishmania tropica: Another Etiological Agent of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Iran.

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Background: Dogs have been previously reported to be reservoirs of Leishmania infantum as the etiological agent of human visceral leishmaniasis in Iran. We report a case of canine visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by L. tropica from the north- west of Iran where human visceral leishmaniasis is endemic. Methods: The canine VL was initially screened by dipstick rK39 and direct agglutination test, then the dog was 9iS"Sected and obtained samples were examined by para- · sitologic al (direct exam, cultivation) and molecular techniques (RAPD-PCR and RFLP-PCR). Results: Leishmania parasites were found in spleen and liver of the dog. The serological tests for the detection of specific anti-leishmania antibodies showed positive results. Conclusion: L. tropica as another agent of canine VL was determined.

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