Canine victim-sentinel-reservoir triad in Visceral Leishmaniasis Dogs triple role in leishmaniosis

Abstract

The aim of this review is to reinforce the canine reservoir-victim-sentinel triad in the LV and to argue that the LV Prevention and Control Program should change the focus on eliminating the “best friend of man” to protect the ecosystem, taking into account the three epidemiological pillars, parasite-vector-host, and ethical aspects. Therefore, epidemiological aspects related to Visceral Leishmaniasis (LV) and Canine Visceral Leishmania (LVC) were initially addressed. Subsequently, a reflection on the role of the dog in this context, considered as the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum in the urban environment, was carried out aiming at understanding measures such as euthanasia, in the case of positive animals; the maintenance of the sick dog in the family (victim of the parasite) and the use of these animals as sentinels for the detection of LV and LVC. Finally, it is concluded that LVC is a problem that afflicts the Brazilian multispecies family, affecting humans and dogs. The methods of control and surveillance for VL implemented in Brazil are still inefficient and outdated, disregarding the dog as a member of the family and treating it only as a reservoir host. Therefore, a reform in the Control and Surveillance Program that includes One Health in the way of dealing with leishmaniasis: hosts, vectors and parasites, within the same environment, is essential to direct resources in efficient measures, with the dog being used as sentinel of the LV.