[Ecology of leishmaniasis in the south of France. 10. Developmental stages and clinical characterization of canine leishmaniasis in relation to epidemiology. (author's transl)].

In an analytical study of a focus of leishmaniasis in Southern France (Cévennes), a clinical, parasitological and immunological comparison was made of dogs with natural and experimental infections of leishmaniasis. Observations were made in longterm laboratory experiments and on dogs found infected in field surveys. Two main clinical forms, patent and latent, were apparent. The latent form could be further subdivided into two types namely preclinical (the commonor: about 90%) and resolving (about 10%). The epidemiological periods, can result on the maintenance of the parasites for several years without the need for transmission by the vector. The prevalence and duration of the different forms of disease in dogs are thought to be of great importance in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis in foci in which canids are reservoir hosts.