In Bolivia, the dog is involved in the cycle of visceral leishmaniasis (Leishmania (Le.) chagasi) in the Yungas (alt. 1,000-2,000 m), and also in the cycleof cutaneous leishmaniasis (Le. (V.) braziliensis) in the Alto Beni (alt. 400-600 m). But it plays a different role in the two cycles. In the Yungas focus, it is the main reservoir of Le. (Le.) chagasi and the source of contamination for man. In the Alto Beni focus, it is only a "victm-host", like man, of Le. (V.) braziliensis; the reservoir of which is unknown. Wild mammals are very likely to be involved.
dog; visceral leishmaniasis; cutaneous leishmaniasis; reservoir; Bolívia