Bibliometric Analysis of Chemotherapy of Canine Leishmaniasis (2000-2017)

Background Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum is a first order pathology in veterinary clinics of dogs in endemic areas. Moreover, canine infections (CanL) are considered the main reservoir for human disease. Despite the importance of CanL in the control of the diseases within a One Health approach no scientometric study has been published. Aims of the study included the impact of CanL on scientific literature, drugs or combinations used, trends in the period from 2000-2017 and efficacy criteria employed. Methods A Web of Science (WOS) based analysis of publications on CanL and chemotherapy of the disease in the period 2000-2017 was carried out using a stepwise methodology. Data were analyzed by year, geographical origin, chemical groups and drugs and efficacy criteria. Results Reports on CanL represented a 20% of all publications on leishmaniasis and from these ca. 14% were related to chemotherapy. Publications records on CanL followed the distribution of the infection in endemic areas although an overrepresentation of Mediterranean countries was evident. Published reports on the main antileishmanial drugs used in clinical practice showed a sustained tendency in the period analyzed. Sb V , alone or in combination with allopurinol, represented over 50% of all publications on chemotherapy of CanL despite the availability of more recently marketed drugs. Conclusions Chemotherapy of CanL still relies on Sb V and combinations. Reports on chemotherapy are scarce, mostly publicly funded and the variability of experimental conditions make extraordinarily difficult the comparison of efficacy. The vast majority of reports on efficacy do not include any information on supportive therapy; this reduces the actual value of the experiments if intended for the practical management of the disease. Complete reports of the treatments (etiological + symptomatic) would add value to the assays performed.