LeishVet update and current recommendations on feline leishmaniosis.

Abstract

In 2015, the LeishVet group published a comprehensive review on feline leishmaniosis (FeL) caused by Leishmania infantum, highlighting the growing interest in the disease despite the limited availability of evidence-based studies at the time. Over the past decade, considerable advances have been made in various aspects of animal leishmaniosis, including FeL. Veterinary awareness has increased, and diagnostic support is more widely available. However, current knowledge on FeL still largely comes from case reports and small case series studies, with fewer analytical studies and a lower evidence level compared to canine leishmaniosis. In response, the LeishVet group reviewed recent progress and provided updated recommendations based on key international publications, clinical expertise and expert consensus. A series of questions was formulated to address the main aspects of FeL most relevant for veterinary practitioners, including etiology, transmission, epidemiology (including geographical distribution and risk factors), immunology, clinical presentations and clinicopathological findings, the role of coinfections and/or comorbidities, diagnosis, prognosis formulation based on clinical staging, treatment, monitoring and prevention of FeL. The answers are largely supported by visual aids (tables, figures, and algorithms). This updated review paper focuses mainly on L. infantum infection and disease in domestic cats as it is the species of Leishmania most frequently diagnosed in cats. Two specific questions have also been dedicated to infection in wild felids and Leishmania spp. other than L. infantum, for supporting veterinary specialists in wildlife and zoo medicine and taking in consideration that globalization opens new challenges to practitioners.