Work

Leishmania and phlebovirus seroprevalence in dogs in two non-endemic central European countries: Austria and Germany

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In Mediterranean Europe, human and canine leishmanioses, mainly caused by the sand fly-borne protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, are highly endemic, and Phlebovirus infections are common. Dogs represent the main reservoir hosts of L. infantum, facilitating zoonotic vector-borne circulation. Although phleboviruses are primarily of medical importance in humans, dogs are regularly exposed due to the overlapping ecology of Leishmania and phleboviruses and serve as good sentinels for circulation.This study aimed to assess canine Leishmania and phlebovirus seroprevalence in two non-endemic Central European countries, Austria and Germany, to better understand pathogen circulation and the potential of autochthonous infections.1,520 dog sera from Austria (n=760) and Germany (n=760) were screened for anti-Leishmania antibodies by immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT) and for anti-phlebovirus antibodies using seroneutralization assays. For suspected autochthonous leishmaniosis cases, clinical and anamnestic data were collected, and PCR-based confirmation was attempted.Leishmania seroprevalences was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.3–1.7%) in Austrian and 1.2% (95% CI: 0.5–2.2%) in German dogs. Phlebovirus seroprevalences was 1.7% (95% CI: 0.9–2.9%) and 2.9% (95% CI: 1.8–4.4%) in these populations, respectively. No statistically significant difference in seropositivity for both agents was observed between dogs living in sand fly endemic versus non-endemic regions. While most Leishmania-seropositive dogs had been imported from Leishmania-endemic countries, three had been born in Austria or Germany and had never travelled to endemic regions.Our study highlights that dogs living in non-endemic countries are exposed to sand fly-borne pathogens, mainly through importation from endemic regions. Nevertheless, sporadic autochthonous transmission is probable, highlighting the need for broader surveillance programs.

Source: One Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2026.101580