Correlation study and histopathological description of intestinal alterations in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum

Author(s)

Silva, Diogo Tiago ; Neves, Maria Francisca ; Gual Pimenta de Queiroz, Nina Mari ; Pereira Spada, Julio Cesar ; Alves, Maria Luana ; Floro e Silva, Marina ; Dourado Coelho, Willian Marinho ; Panosso, Alan Rodrigo ; Faconti Noronha Junior, Antonio Carlos ; Starke-Buzetti, Wilma Aparecida

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA; v. 25, n. 1, p. 13-pg., 2016-01-01.

Abstract

The aim of this work was a correlation study and histopathological description of alterations associated with the presence of Leishmania infantum amastigote in the intestinal wall of dogs infected with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Three groups were used: G1 (n = 8), comprising naturally infected dogs with CVL with amastigotes of L. infantum in the small and large intestines; G2 (n = 9), infected dogs with CVL, without intestinal amastigotes; and G3 (n = 3), uninfected dogs. Histochemistry and immunohistochemistry methods were used for histopathology and amastigotes identification. 47.1% (8/17) of dogs from G1 group had amastigotes in the mucosa, submucosa and muscle layers of the small and large intestines and it was observed a prominent inflammatory reaction characterized by chronic infiltration of mononuclear cells: macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Comparison between the groups showed only a significant difference in relation to mucosal microscopic structural alterations in dogs from G1 in relation to G2 and G3. Parasite burden showed significant correlations with the microscopic alterations and clinical status of dogs in G1. By the conclusion, the inflammatory reactions caused by the parasites in the intestines might have contributed towards alterations in digestive processes, worsening the dogs' clinical status of CVL. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/13875-5 - Correlation of the granulocytic and monocytic cell profiles in the intestine of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum
• Grantee: Diogo Tiago da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master