LEISHMANIASIS IN ECUADOR .4. NATURAL INFE CTION OF THE DOG BY LEISHMANIA-PANAMENSIS

In two endemic leishmaniasis foci of the Pacific coast of Ecuador 34 d ogs suspected of having the disease have been surveyed clinically, ser ologically and parasitologically; immunofluorescence and electrosynere sis tests, lymph node aspirates, biopsies and smears have been perform ed. From two dogs with ulcers only one had ulcers on the muzzle and th e scrotum infected by Leishmania (L. guyanensis complex). The isolated strain was identified as Leishmania panamensis. The disease was stric tly cutaneous. In the study area the dog seems to be more a victim-hos t than a reservoir.