Opportunistic gastrointestinal pathogens in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum
Canine visceral leishmaniasis; Coinfection; Enteroparasitosis;
Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic, systemic and immune-mediated disease, with wide distribution worldwide, and with great importance for public health. Among the main clinical signs manifested are skin lesions, onychogryphosis, ocular signs and lymphadenopathy, as well as gastrointestinal problems such as chronic diarrhea. Different co-infections have been reported, particularly hemoparasites, but few address gastrointestinal parasite infections. The aim of this study was the molecular characterization of opportunistic gastrointestinal pathogens in dogs with a positive diagnosis for visceral leishmaniasis from the State of Pernambuco. Therefore, fecal material from 20 animals was processed by the Direct Immunofluorescence Reaction. The frequency of coinfection in the analyzed samples was 15% (3/20) without, however, association with diarrheal conditions or history of gastrointestinal problems. Data analysis regarding gender did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the studied variables. This is the first study to report co-infection by Leishmania Leishmania infantum and Giardia sp. in dogs in northeastern Brazil. The conclusion of this work is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the parasitological profile of dogs naturally infected by L. (L.) infantum and its importance for unique health