Leishmaniases

[FARNHAMCOLLINS]

To Whom It May Concern:

At the suggestion of a researcher on leishmania, I seek information and
help.  I have read on the Internet the report dated 2/7/00 entitled "The
Leishmania major Friedlin Genome Project".  I know of a particular
situation in which a kennel of dogs has turned up a leishmaniases
finding in three or four animals.  Symptoms exhibited by these dogs
reflect accurately the symptoms described in most manuals for
leishmaniases.  I know the disease is primarily a tropical disease
transmitted by the sand fly.  Reported cases in the US are, as far as we
know, confined to limited areas in the south.  Many, if not all, of
these dogs have been to Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama (southern states)
in the last three years.  I know the incubation period can vary from a
few months to a few years.  The leishmaniases diagnosis has been made
from blood tests and pathology at a leading university research
laboratory.

I know most work is confined to humans, but would appreciate any advice
you can give regarding others to contact who might have knowledge of
leishmaniases in dogs.  Specific questions include treatment and
communicability (can leishmaniases be spread within a kennel absent sand
flies?).

Farnham Collins