Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the Leishmania intracellular parasites that are transmitted through the bite of certain female sandflies. It is found in tropics, subtropics and southern Europe, and diagnosis takes place through tissue examination, molecular and antibody tests.
The EU-funded CANLEISH project will focus on the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis, one of the most important vector-borne parasitic diseases of dogs. Researchers will develop an innovative, non-invasive diagnostic method that detects specific volatile compounds emitted by dogs’ breath and hair. The method will employ a system of gas-sensing devices that undertakes analysis of different volatile chemicals, offering an easy diagnostic tool for canine leishmaniasis.