Leishmaniose visceral felina

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is an infectious parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by the phlebotomus vector. Characterized as Neglected Tropical Disease, it affects several mammalian species, and the dog is currently the main reservoir in urban areas. Felines, according to some studies, can also be infected, especially when in contact with reservoirs or vectors. In the municipality of Uruguaiana - RS, it is possible to observe a growth of the feline population in urban areas, as they are an option to choose domestic animals with dogs. Given these factors, in addition to the current epidemiological situation of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality, the present study was conducted to identify the presence of Leishmania spp. in domestic cats in the municipality of Uruguaiana-RS, in areas of common living between cats and dogs positive for canine visceral leishmaniasis. From the selection criteria 60 cats were evaluated. The felines of the study underwent complete physical evaluation, in addition to collecting blood samples for analysis by immunochromatographic tests and PCR as diagnostic methods of L. Infantum. In this study, four cats from the same place (residence) were considered positive. Regarding the clinical alterations evaluated, only the feline diagnosed positive in the PCR test presented regional lymphadenomegaly. The results suggest the presence of L. Infantum in the domestic cat population sampled in Uruguaiana-RS. This justifies further studies in felines cohabiting regions with visceral leishmaniasis positive dogs in order to investigate the role of felines as reservoir hosts and their importance in the infection cycle of visceral leishmaniasis.