Detecção de Giardia sp. e Cryptosporidium sp. em cães com infecção natural por Leishmania Leishmania infantum

Abstract

Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic, systemic and immune-mediated disease of importance to public health. The main clinical signs manifested by the disease are cutaneous lesions, onychogryphosis, ocular signs and lymphadenopathy. Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea may also occur. The objective of this study was to detect Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium sp. in dogs with natural infection by Leishmania infantum from the State of Pernambuco. Fecal samples from 47 animals were processed by Direct Immunofluorescence Reaction. The frequency of co-infection by Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium sp. was 2.8% (6/47) and 0% (0/47), respectively, without association with diarrheal conditions or history of gastrointestinal, exceptionally by one animal. Data analysis did not reveal a statistically significant difference related to sex. In conclusion, giardiasis does not appear to influence the course of leishmaniasis. This is the first study to report co-infection with Leishmania Leishmania infantum and Giardia sp. in dogs in the Northeast of Brazil. It is necessary. Further studies are needed to better understand the parasitological profile of dogs naturally infected by Leishmania (L.) infantum and the possible interaction between their co-infections.