Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the sero-prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (VL) among street and owned dogs at Trishal Upazila of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. Material and methods: Blood was collected asceptically from targeted dogs and serum was separated out using standard centrifigation method. The rK39-antigen-based dipstick test was used to detect anti-leishmania antibodies in serum. Results: The study revealed that 35% of the dogs in the study area were sero-positive for L. donovani. Living status of the dogs (street or owned) was a potential risk factor and sero-prevalence was significantly higher in free roaming street dogs (P=0.009) and dogs with skin lesions and enlarged lymph nodes (P<0.05). The female and adult dogs were more susceptible. Conclusion: VL is an important zoonotic disease wich is transmissible to humans by the bite of phlebotomine sand fly. Dogs are the main reservoir. The higher sero-prevalence of VL indicates the potential rule of dogs to maintain the zoonosis wich need to be explored more specifically by isolation and typing of the parasite. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(3.000): 241-248]

Leishmania donovani, dogs (exper.), liposome-encapsulated meglumine antimoniate (LEMA) vs. unencapsulated meglumine antimoniate, LEMA was 700 times more efficacious than the encapsulated drug, liposomes can markedly reduce the drug dosage required for equivalent treatment of visceral leishmaniasis

Leishmania donovani, amastigotes from dog marrow macrophages, ultrastructure