Leishmaniose visceral canina: perfis clínico, hematológico, bioquímico e humoral de cães naturalmente infectados, tratados ou vacinados

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic disease of a systemic character, being one of the main zoonoses spread worldwide. It is a protozoa belonging to the Leishmania genus, with the dog as the main reservoir of the disease. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the clinical, hematological, biochemical and humoral profile of dogs naturally infected, vaccinated or treated against canine visceral leishmaniasis (LVC). Blood samples were collected from 40 animals from the University Veterinary Hospital - UEMA, private veterinary clinics and residences, divided into 4 groups: group 1 - 10 dogs positive for LVC and symptomatic; group 2 - 10 positive and asymptomatic dogs; group 3 - 10 positive dogs and submitted to therapy with Miltefosine and group 4 - 10 healthy dogs and vaccinated against LVC. To confirm the LVC diagnosis, parasitological tests (medullary smear) and serological tests such as indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and Enzyme – Linked Immunosorbent. Hematological tests (complete blood count), biochemical tests (urea dosage, creatinine, ALT, total proteins and fractions), as well as immunoglobulins (IgG total, IgG1, IgG2 e IgE) were performed in all blood samples. Hematologic and biochemical alterations, such as anemia (70%), thrombocytopenia (70%), hyperproteinemia (50%), hyperglobulinemia (50%) and hypoalbuminemia (40%) were associated with renal (60%) and hepatic were the most evident in dogs belonging to the symptomatic group. In dogs treated with Miltefosine, a variable pattern was observed, with clinical and laboratory improvement and worsening in relation to some parameters evaluated after treatment. In healthy and vaccinated dogs, post-vaccination examinations were within normal limits with increased lymphocyte (90%) and plasma protein (70%) levels compared to pre vaccination exams.