Leishmaniasis in rodents caught in Suez Canal zone, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Wild rodents were trapped alive in Port Said Governorate and Ismailia Governorate [Suez Canal Zone]. Blood samples were taken directly from the heart by disposable syringes. Sera were separated and examined for antibodies. The work is based on Leishmaniasis indirect haemagglutination tests, examination of blood films taken from the tail and careful inspection for any cutaneous induration or sore. Sero-positive reaction with titers up to 164 in Rattus rattus alexandrinus and 1512 in R. norvegicus were detected. Both cutaneous inspection and blood films examination gave negative findings. The history of Leishmaniasis in Egypt is reviewed and the significance of Leishmania infection in rodents is discussed