Evaluation of superficial lymph nodes in dogs diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis

• Grant number: 20/06379-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2020
• End date: July 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Elisângela Olegário da Silva
• Grantee: Tifany da Silva Sato Roca
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease with high mortality, neglected, with worldwide distribution, mainly in South America, with greater notification in Brazil. The domestic dog is the main reservoir of VL in endemic regions and plays a fundamental role in the maintenance and expansion of this disease. Therefore, knowledge of the pathogenesis, immune response, and clinical manifestations are essential for the establishment of preventive and control measures for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). The West Paulista region has an increasing number of dogs diagnosed with CVL, however, there are no studies with this population of animals. This project aims to evaluate the superficial lymph nodes of dogs diagnosed with VL by the cytopathological and histopathological exams and determine the parasitic density, immune response, and morphological changes, correlating the results with the clinical manifestations of the disease.