The dog as a reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis in Kenya.

Abstract

Blood, spleen, liver and kidney of a domestic dog captured in Kacheliba, Rift Valley, Kenya, an area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis, were cultured in NNN diphasic medium. 7 days later the spleen culture contained promastigotes, and examination of the stained tissues revealed Leishman-Donovan bodies in all but the blood. The dog is known as a reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis elsewhere and it is considered likely that it is a reservoir in this part of Kenya as well.