Alteração testicular, epididimaria e do líquido cefalorraquidiano de cães (Canis familiaris) (Linnaeus,1758) naturalmente infectados por Leishmania(Leishmania) chagasi provenientes da Região Metropolitana do Recife.

Abstract

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) also now as kalazar is a systemic disease caused by the protozoan from the Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi genus.Its transmission occurs through hematophagus insects from the Lutzomyia longipalpis genus, considered active vectors in Brazil. This work aimed to present not only the testicular and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) changes but also evaluate sera proteins in naturally infected dogs from the Região Metropolitana do Recife. Testicular changes were observed in an animal that could not fertilize a female for over 12 months. Results from the histopathological exams evidenced testicular degeneration and discreet lymphoplasmocytic multifocal intesticial epididimitis with sperms absence at the lumen. To search for anti-Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi antibodies in sera and CFS, 29 animals were used where 21 belonged to the infected group (IG) and eight to the control group (CG). Results revealed that 42.8% (9/21) of the IG were positive for anti-Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi antibody. Following sera and liquor protein measurement 85.7% (18/21) presented hyperproteinemia and 16.7% (3/21) presented increase of CFS protein level with means ranging from 8.34±1.07 and 17.09±16.03,respectively. These results suggests that dogs with history of infertility coming from endemic areas must be investigated for CVL. On the other hand, the possible lesion on blood-brain barrier and/or immuneglobulins production at CFS may be responsible for the presence of antibodies anti Leishmania (L) chagasi, as well as the increase on liquor protein. Still, hyperproteinemia is a result of policlonal stimulation following contact with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi.