A longitudinal study on the detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in a captive European mink (Mustela lutreola) population and their correlation with serum protein electrophoresis
María del Carmen Aranda , José Villora , Jacobo Giner , Antonio Fernández , Pablo Quilez , Janine Elizabeth Davies , María D. Pérez , Sergio Villanueva-Saz , Diana Marteles
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Leishmaniosis, caused by Leishmania infantum and transmitted by sand flies, is a significant zoonotic disease. Dogs are primary reservoirs, but other domestic animals, such as cats and ferrets, and wild species, including Eurasian otters and European mink, can be hosts. This study focused on European mink, a critically endangered species, investigating the seroprevalence of L.infantum antibodies and its correlation with serum protein profiles over 2021–2024. A total of 68 captive minks in Spain were monitored, yielding 105 serum samples. ELISA tests identified 44 seropositive samples (41.9 %), with seroprevalence varying annually. While no significant association was found between seropositivity and age, gender, or body condition, seropositivity correlated significantly with the year of collection. Some animals exhibited fluctuating antibody levels across sampling periods. Serum protein electrophoresis analyzed 96 samples, revealing that L.infantum seropositivity significantly affected total protein concentrations, β-globulins, γ-globulins, and albumin:globulin ratio. Variations were also observed in specific protein fractions among both seropositive and seronegative minks. These findings highlight European mink's potential epidemiological role in L.infantum transmission. Monitoring antibody levels and protein profiles in captive populations can inform conservation strategies and disease management efforts.
期刊介绍：
Research in Veterinary Science is an International multi-disciplinary journal publishing original articles, reviews and short communications of a high scientific and ethical standard in all aspects of veterinary and biomedical research.
The primary aim of the journal is to inform veterinary and biomedical scientists of significant advances in veterinary and related research through prompt publication and dissemination. Secondly, the journal aims to provide a general multi-disciplinary forum for discussion and debate of news and issues concerning veterinary science. Thirdly, to promote the dissemination of knowledge to a broader range of professions, globally.
High quality papers on all species of animals are considered, particularly those considered to be of high scientific importance and originality, and with interdisciplinary interest. The journal encourages papers providing results that have clear implications for understanding disease pathogenesis and for the development of control measures or treatments, as well as those dealing with a comparative biomedical approach, which represents a substantial improvement to animal and human health.
Studies without a robust scientific hypothesis or that are preliminary, or of weak originality, as well as negative results, are not appropriate for the journal. Furthermore, observational approaches, case studies or field reports lacking an advancement in general knowledge do not fall within the scope of the journal.
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