Banca de DEFESA: LAÍS KELLY AMÂNCIO RIBEIRO BERENGUER

Challenges in diagnosing of Canine Leishmaniasis (CL)

 zoonosis, cost-effectiveness, Schirmer, DNA

Leishmaniasis are zoonoses caused by obligate intracellular protozoa that are grouped and classified into two subgenera: the Leishmania subgenus and the Viannia subgenus. Different species of mammals are considered primary hosts, such as wild and domestic animals and humans, where the dog is considered the main reservoir in Brazilian urban areas. Dogs affected by Canine Leishmaniasis (CL) may remain asymptomatic, but the majority of sick animals present a wide range of symptoms. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the challenges in diagnosing CL, comparing the sensitivity, specificity, precision, invasiveness of diagnostic tests, as well as the cost-effectiveness of tests on different types of biological samples. The study was carried out at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), which is located in Recife, Pernambuco, in the Northeast region of Brazil. Initially, as a screening test, serological tests for visceral leishmaniasis were carried out (DPP Biomanguinhos, ELISA and/or RIFI) and, subsequently, 41 dogs with a diagnosis of CL confirmed by the parasitological test were selected to participate in the research. On that occasion, biological material was collected from these animals, with or without clinical symptoms. Whenever possible, tear profile samples, conjunctival swab, blood, skin, bone marrow biopsy and lymph node aspiration puncture were collected. The screening was carried out through the DPP, with serum samples. The parasitological diagnosis was carried out on bone marrow, skin and lymph node samples and the molecular diagnosis was carried out on ophthalmic samples