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Erosive colitis in experimental canine Leishmaniasis.
J L González1, M L Fermin, P Garcia
1Department of Animal Pathology II, Veterinary Faculty of the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
Summary
Leishmania infantum infection in beagles causes chronic large bowel diarrhea and significant colon wall thickening. Histology reveals inflammation, epithelial degeneration, and crypt damage in infected dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Leishmania infantum is a protozoan parasite responsible for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- Canine leishmaniasis is a significant zoonotic disease with potential public health implications.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of Leishmania infantum in dogs is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and pathological manifestations of Leishmania infantum infection in beagles.
- To characterize the colonic and rectal pathology associated with chronic canine leishmaniasis.
- To evaluate the impact of inoculation route on disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Six 4-month-old beagles were inoculated with Leishmania infantum.
- Three dogs received intraperitoneal inoculation (Group A), and three received intravenous inoculation (Group B).
- Animals were euthanized at various time points post-inoculation for necropsy and histological examination.
Main Results:
- Chronic large bowel diarrhea developed in dogs around 275-350 days post-inoculation.
- Necropsy revealed diffuse colonic and rectal wall thickening.
- Histological examination showed inflammatory infiltration by macrophages containing amastigotes, lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils, alongside epithelial degeneration and crypt damage.
Conclusions:
- Leishmania infantum infection induces chronic colitis in dogs.
- The observed pathology includes significant inflammation and structural damage to the colon and rectum.
- Inoculation route and duration impact disease presentation and severity.