Emergence of Autochthonous Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis Infections in Horses, Czech Republic and Austria, 2019-2023.
Abstract: We report 4 cases of equine cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania martiniquensis in Czech Republic and Austria, outside the known endemic range of leishmaniases. The parasite should be considered as a potential cause of cutaneous lesions in horses; the risk for zoonotic transmission to immunocompromised humans is anticipated throughout central Europe.
Publication Date: 2025-08-28 PubMed ID: 40867059PubMed Central: PMC12407215DOI: 10.3201/eid3109.250254Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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Overview
- This study reports the first known cases of Leishmania martiniquensis infections in horses in Central Europe, specifically the Czech Republic and Austria.
- It highlights the need to consider this parasite as a cause of skin lesions in horses and raises concerns about possible transmission to humans in the region.
Introduction and Background
- Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, typically transmitted by sandfly bites.
- The subgenus Mundinia, which includes Leishmania martiniquensis, has recently been identified as a cause of leishmaniasis in various parts of the world, but is not traditionally known to be endemic in Central Europe.
- Horses can acquire cutaneous leishmaniasis, but reports are rare, especially outside known endemic zones.
Study Aims and Significance
- The study aims to document and analyze cases of equine cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. martiniquensis in countries previously not associated with this parasite.
- By doing so, it raises awareness of emerging infections that might be overlooked and stresses the potential zoonotic risk (spread from animals to humans), particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Cases and Findings
- Four horses in the Czech Republic and Austria were diagnosed with cutaneous lesions caused by L. martiniquensis between 2019 and 2023.
- These cases represent emergence in regions outside the classical endemic range of leishmaniases, suggesting the parasite may be expanding its geographic distribution.
- Diagnostic methods probably included molecular assays and microscopic examination to confirm the parasite’s identity.
Implications for Equine Health
- Veterinarians should consider L. martiniquensis infection when evaluating horses presenting with unexplained cutaneous lesions in Central Europe.
- Recognition of this parasite as a cause can improve diagnosis, treatment, and control measures in equine populations.
Zoonotic and Public Health Considerations
- The study underlines a potential risk of transmission of L. martiniquensis from horses or vectors to humans, particularly to those with weakened immune systems.
- Given that Central Europe has not been historically recognized as an endemic region, awareness and surveillance need to be heightened to prevent human infections.
- Public health monitoring might involve tracking cases both in animals and humans, studying vectors, and possibly implementing control strategies.
Conclusion
- The emergence of autochthonous (locally acquired) L. martiniquensis infections in horses in countries like the Czech Republic and Austria suggests a changing epidemiological landscape.
- Veterinarians, researchers, and public health officials should collaborate to monitor and manage this emerging threat to animal and human health.
Cite This Article
APA
Modrý D, Hainisch EK, Fuehrer HP, Kniha E, Unterköfler MS, Sádlová J, Jahn P, Řeháková K, Sedlák K, Votýpka J.
(2025).
Emergence of Autochthonous Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis Infections in Horses, Czech Republic and Austria, 2019-2023.
Emerg Infect Dis, 31(9), 1838-1842.
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3109.250254 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Austria / epidemiology
- Czech Republic / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / parasitology
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Leishmania / classification
- Leishmania / genetics
- Leishmania / isolation & purification
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging / veterinary
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging / parasitology
- Leishmaniasis / veterinary
- Leishmaniasis / epidemiology
- Male
- Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / veterinary
- Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / epidemiology
- Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / parasitology
- Female
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This article includes 14 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Sadlova J, Hoskova A, Platzgummer K, Kniha E, Becvar T, Volf P, Dvorak V. First experimental assessment of Phlebotomus mascittii vector competence for Leishmania infantum and Leishmania martiniquensis.. Parasit Vectors 2026 Jan 21;19(1):82.
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