Inflammatory response evaluation in naturally infected dogs by Leishmania infantum

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is manifested by tissue damage in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum and is presented as asymptomatic or symptomatic disease. Different clinical pictures are associated with the host response, which is triggered by the inflammatory response and specific immune response. This study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response in L. infantum naturally infected dogs. Dogs (n=12) were divided into two groups: seropositive (n=6) and seronegative (n=6). Blood samples were collected for determination of total leukocyte and neutrophil counts and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (FIB) and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS). Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation and to compare the groups Student t test was used (p < 0.05). Seropositive animals showed elevated neutrophils count (p < 0.05), CRP levels above the reference values for the species (p < 0.05) and greater levels of TBARS (p < 0.05) compared to seronegative animals. It can be concluded that acute phase proteins and mediators of oxidative stress may be used as markers of the inflammatory response in LVC.