A potential link among antioxidant enzymes, histopathology and trace elements in canine visceral leishmaniasis

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study of Fibropoiesis in Chronic Interstitial Pneumonitis

We studied some fibrotic aspects of chronic interstitial pneumonitis in the lungs of dogs infected with Leishmania infantum. The lungs of eleven naturally infected dogs, twelve experimentally infected with two distinct strains of L. infantum (BH401 and BH46), and six uninfected (controls) dogs, were analyzed by histological, parasitological, and immunohistochemical studies. Conventional histology (HE), collagen deposition (Gomori's silver staining for reticulin collagen fibers), and immunohistochemistry for myofibroblast characterization were carried out based on the cellular expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, cytokeratin, E-cadherin, snail antigen homologue 1 (SNAI1) (Snail), and the cytokine expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Parasitological screening was carried out using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the immunohistochemical reaction of streptavidin-peroxidase for visualizing Leishmania amastigotes. Dogs naturally infected with L. infantum and experimentally infected with L. infantum BH401 strains showed intense interstitial pneumonitis characterized by thickening of the alveolar septa as a consequence of an intense diffuse and focal (plaques) chronic exudate of mononuclear cells associated with fibrogenesis. The expression of alpha-actin, vimentin, and TGF-β was higher in the lung interstitium of all infected dogs than in the other two groups (BH46 strain and controls). Moreover, in both the naturally and experimentally infected dog (BH401 strain) groups, the expression of Snail was moderate to intense in contrast to the other groups. Based on these immunohistochemical results, we concluded that mesenchymal cells are active in promoting changes in the extracellular matrix in the lungs of dogs naturally and experimentally infected with L. infantum, but it depends on the virulence of the parasite.

Comparative Study of Colorimetric In Situ Hybridization and Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Diagnosis of Infection by Leishmania infantum in Dogs in Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Skin

The zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and dogs are reservoirs for this parasite. For the diagnosis of Leishmania at the species level in dogs in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin (FFPES) samples, colorimetric in situ hybridization (CISH) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) are options, but their sensitivities are not well established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of these two techniques in FFPES for the diagnosis of the L. infantum infection in dogs using culture as the reference standard. The FFPES of 48 dogs with cutaneous infection by L. infantum confirmed by culture and by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis were examined by CISH and qPCR using specific probes for L. infantum. The sensitivities of qPCR, CISH and their combination were, respectively, 77.0%, 58.0% and 83.3%. The sensitivities of qPCR in dogs with and without clinical signs were, respectively, 74.2% and 82.4%. The sensitivities of CISH in dogs with and without clinical signs were, respectively, 61.3% and 52.9%. The CISH and qPCR showed satisfactory sensitivities for the diagnosis of L. infantum in the FFPES of dogs, even in dogs without clinical signs, and their combination increases the sensitivity for this diagnosis.

Zinc and Manganese Imbalances in BALB/c Mice Experimentally Infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

PURPOSE

The clinical progression of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis infection depends on multiple factors, including immunological status of the host and their genotypic interaction. Several immunological processes depend directly on minerals for an efficient performance. Therefore, this study used an experimental model to investigate the alterations of trace metals in L. amazonensis infection associate with clinical outcome, parasite load, and histopathological lesions, and the effect of CD4 + T cells depletion on these parameters.

METHODS

A total of 28 BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups: 1-non-infected; 2-treated with anti-CD4 antibody; 3-infected with L. amazonensis; and 4-treated with anti-CD4 antibody and infected with L. amazonensis. After 24 weeks post-infection, levels of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), Cu, and Zn were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy using tissue samples of the spleen, liver, and kidneys. Additionally, parasite burdens were determined in the infected footpad (inoculation site) and samples of inguinal lymph node, spleen, liver, and kidneys were submitted to histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

Despite no significant difference was observed between groups 3 and 4, L. amazonensis-infected mice had a significant reduction of Zn (65.68-68.32%) and Mn (65.98 to 82.17%) levels. Presence of L. amazonensis amastigotes was also detected in the inguinal lymph node, spleen, and liver samples in all infected animals.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that significant alterations in micro-elements levels occur in BALB/c mice experimentally infected with L. amazonensis and may increase the susceptibility of individuals to the infection.

Humoral and Cellular Immune Response in Asymptomatic Dogs with Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Review

Visceral leishmaniasis is one of the deadliest parasitic diseases in the world and affects both humans and dogs. The host immune response to Leishmania infection plays a critical role in the evolution of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and consequently in the manifestation of clinical signs. The asymptomatic form of the disease is a major concern in the diagnosis of CVL and in the transmission control of Leishmania infection. Asymptomatic dogs are found in large proportions in endemic areas and are an unquantifiable source of infection. The present review analyzes the possible relationship between the activation of the antigen-specific immune response of the host and resistance or susceptibility to CVL. The review focuses on works that address the characterization of the humoral and cellular immune response profile, at both the functional and phenotypic levels, in infected dogs. Most studies relate the absence of clinical symptomatology to an increased proliferative response and a Th1 cytokine profile. Despite the numerous findings pointing to a differential immune response in asymptomatic dogs, the contradictory results reported in this review highlight the importance of establishing a precise clinical classification of the disease, performing more longitudinal studies, and including a higher number of animals in trials.

Selenium and protozoan parasitic infections: selenocompounds and selenoproteins potential

The current drug treatments against protozoan parasitic diseases including Chagas, malaria, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis represent good examples of drug resistance mechanisms and have shown diverse side effects. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic strategies and drug compounds against such life-threatening diseases is urgent. According to the successful usage of selenium (Se) compounds-based therapy against some diseases, this therapeutic strategy has been recently further underlined against these parasitic diseases by targeting different parasite´s essential pathways. On the other hand, due to the important functions played by parasite selenoproteins in their biology (such as modulating the host immune response), they can be also considered as a novel therapeutic strategy by designing specific inhibitors against these important proteins. In addition, the immunomodulatory potentiality of these compounds to trigger T helper type 1 (Th1) cells and cytokine-mediated immune response for the substantial induction of proinflammatory cytokines, thus, Se, selenoproteins, and parasite selenoproteins could be further investigated to find possible vaccine antigens. Herein, we collect and present the results of some studies regarding Se-based therapy against protozoan parasitic diseases and highlight relevant information and some viewpoints that might be insightful to advance toward more effective studies in the future.

Leishmaniasis and Trace Element Alterations: a Systematic Review

Leishmaniasis is a worldwide prevalent parasitic infection caused by different species of the genus Leishmania. Clinically, the disease divided into three main forms, including visceral leishmaniasis (VL), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). There is no vaccine for human leishmaniasis and their treatment is challenging. Trace elements (TEs) alteration, including the selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), ron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg) have been detected in patients with CL and VL as well as canine leishmaniasis. Because TEs play a pivotal role in the immune system, and host immune responses have crucial roles in defense against leishmaniasis, this systematic review aimed to summarize data regarding TEs alteration in human and animal leishmaniasis as well as the role of these elements as an adjuvant for treatment of leishmaniasis. In a setting of systematic review, we found 29 eligible articles (any date until October 1, 2020) regarding TEs in human CL (N = 12), human VL (N = 4), canine leishmaniasis (N = 3), and treatment of leishmaniasis based on TEs (N = 11), which one study examined the TEs level both in CL and VL patients. Our analysis demonstrated a significantly decreased level of Fe, Zn, and Se among human CL and canine leishmaniasis, and Zn and Fe in patients with VL. In contrast, an increased level of Cu in CL patients and Cu and Mg in VL patients and canine leishmaniasis was observed. Treatment of CL based zinc supplementation revealed enhancement of wound healing and diminished scar formation in human and experimentally infected animals. The results of this systematic review indicate that the TEs have important roles in leishmaniasis, which could be assessed as a prognosis factor in this disease. It is suggested that TEs could be prescribed as an adjuvant for the treatment of CL and VL patients.

Nutritional status and vitamin A and zinc levels in patients with kala-azar in Piauí, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Malnutrition and kala-azar (or visceral leishmaniasis) are significant public health problems in different parts of the world. Immunity and susceptibility to infectious and parasitic diseases are directly linked to the host's nutritional state, but little is known about the interaction between nutrition and kala-azar. This study aimed to evaluate nutritional status with kala-azar and correlate these findings with the clinical and laboratory manifestations of the disease, and zinc and retinol levels.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 139 patients with kala-azar. Nutritional status classification was performed according to international recommendations. Parametric or nonparametric tests were applied whenever indicated in a two-sided test with a 5% significance level.

RESULTS

Weight loss and malnutrition were more frequent in adults. Body mass index-for-age, fat area of the arm, and upper arm muscle area were significantly associated with probability of death. The presence of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly was correlated with nutritional assessment. Blood leukocyte and lymphocyte, serum creatine, and vitamin A levels were significantly higher in adult men. Vitamin A levels were highly associated with the level of hemoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP) in multivariate analysis. All patients had reduced plasma zinc levels, but this finding had no association with the outcome variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition was correlated with severe disease and was more prevalent in older people with kala-azar. Vitamin A deficiency was associated with hemoglobin and CRP. Zinc levels were reduced in patients with kala-azar.

Vitamins A and D and Zinc Affect the Leshmanicidal Activity of Canine Spleen Leukocytes

Simple Summary

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, with dogs being considered the main domestic reservoirs of the parasite and potential transmitters to humans through the phlebotomine vector. CanL is a chronic infectious disease that characteristically occurs in underdeveloped and developing countries, with a broad spectrum of clinical and immunopathological manifestations. Despite the efforts in the fight against the disease, many endemic sites of CanL persist, preceding human infection and representing a serious public health problem. The therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of leishmaniasis is limited by toxicity, high costs, and inefficacy, in some cases. Treatment failure implies the permanence of dogs as reservoirs of the parasite, with further aggravation of the public health problem, indicating that new therapies should be evaluated in order to increase the treatment efficacy. Recent studies have shown that nutrients can regulate the immune response in many clinical conditions, but no study has been conducted using spleen leukocytes in CanL. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time that nutrients added to cultures of spleen leukocytes from dogs infected with CanL can modulate the immune response and parasite load compared to healthy dogs.

Abstract

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a chronic disease caused by Leishmania infantum, and the limitations of the current treatments have encouraged new alternatives, such as the use of immunomodulatory nutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the serum levels of vitamin A (retinol), vitamin D (25(OH)VD₃), and zinc (Zn) in dogs with CanL and the effect of in vitro supplementation with the respective active forms ATRA, 1,25(OH)₂VD₃, and SZn on spleen leukocyte cultures. Serum retinol, 25(OH)VD₃, and Zn were determined by HPLC, ELISA, and ICP-MS, respectively. Spleen leukocyte cultures were used for the detection of NO and ROS by flow cytometry; the IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 levels were determined by ELISA; and the parasite load was determined by microscopy. We detected low serum levels of retinol and Zn and high levels of 25(OH)VD₃ in the CanL group. The in vitro supplementation of CanL spleen leukocytes with ATRA, 1,25(OH)₂VD₃, and SZn, in addition to a soluble leishmania antigen (SLA) treatment, increased the NO and ROS levels, while the treatments with only ATRA and SZn increased the TNF-a levels. Increased IL-10 and IFN-g levels were observed with the addition of SLA to the medium, although the addition of the three nutrients led to a reduction of the IL-10 levels, and the addition of 1,25(OH)₂VD₃ and SZn led to a reduction of IFN-g. A supplementation with 1,25(OH)₂VD₃ and SZn reduced the parasite load but only in the absence of SLA. We suggest that the nutrients we tested are involved in the leishmanicidal mechanism, showing a potential for investigation in future studies.

Nutritional adjuvants with antioxidant properties in the treatment of canine leishmaniasis

Clinical improvement of dogs treated for canine leishmaniasis (CanL) requires reducing Leishmania infantum loads, which depend on intracellular oxidant compounds to destroy the parasite. However, oxidative species' excess and antioxidants consumption can culminate in oxidative stress, resulting in increased, widespread inflammation. We aimed to evaluate if early or late addition of nutritional adjuvants (NAs) - omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and B vitamins - to anti-Leishmania drugs (ALDs) in the treatment of CanL would be clinically beneficial. For that, serum biomarkers including oxidative stress parameters were analyzed during 12 months in dogs allocated to two treatment groups: (G1) NAs administered from 30 days prior to the beginning of ALDs; and (G2) NAs administered from 61 days after the beginning of ALDs. Both G1 and G2 continued to receive NAs until the 12th month. The ALDs administered were metronidazole associated with ketoconazole (40 days), followed by allopurinol from day 41 until the 12th month. G1 exhibited superior inflammation control, with reduced globulins (p = 0.025), specific anti-Leishmania immunoglobulins (p = 0.016), total protein (p = 0.031), and an increased serum albumin/globulin ratio (p = 0.033), compared to G2. The early use of NAs associated with ALDs is clinically beneficial in treating dogs with CanL.

Frequency of co-seropositivities for certain pathogens and their relationship with clinical and histopathological changes and parasite load in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum

In canine leishmaniosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, little is known about how co-infections with or co-seropositivities for other pathogens can influence aggravation of this disease. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency of co-infections with or co-seropositivities for certain pathogens in dogs seropositive for L. infantum and their relationship with clinical signs, histological changes and L. infantum load. Sixty-six L. infantum-seropositive dogs were submitted to clinical examination, collection of blood and bone marrow, culling, and necropsy. Antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia spp. and Toxoplasma gondii and Dirofilaria immitis antigens were investigated in serum. Samples from different tissues were submitted to histopathology and immunohistochemistry for the detection of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess the L. infantum load in spleen samples. For detection of Coxiella burnetii, conventional PCR and nested PCR were performed using bone marrow samples. All 66 dogs tested positive for L. infantum by qPCR and/or culture. Fifty dogs (76%) were co-seropositive for at least one pathogen: T. gondii (59%), Ehrlichia spp., (41%), and Anaplasma spp. (18%). Clinical signs were observed in 15 (94%) dogs monoinfected with L. infantum and in 45 (90%) dogs co-seropositive for certain pathogens. The L. infantum load in spleen and skin did not differ significantly between monoinfected and co-seropositive dogs. The number of inflammatory cells was higher in the spleen, lung and mammary gland of co-seropositive dogs and in the mitral valve of monoinfected dogs. These results suggest that dogs infected with L. infantum and co-seropositive for certain pathogens are common in the region studied. However, co-seropositivities for certain pathogens did not aggravate clinical signs or L. infantum load, although they were associated with a more intense inflammatory reaction in some organs.

Selenium and Dogs: A Systematic Review

The intent of this review is to summarize the knowledge about selenium and its function in a dog's body. For this purpose, systematic literature search was conducted. For mammals, including dogs, a balanced diet and sufficient intake of selenium are important for correct function of metabolism. As for selenium poisoning, there are no naturally occurring cases known. Nowadays, we do not encounter clinical signs of its deficiency either, but it can be subclinical. For now, the most reliable method of assessing selenium status of a dog is measuring serum or plasma levels. Levels in full blood can be measured too, but there are no reference values. The use of glutathione peroxidase as an indirect assay is questionable in canines. Commercial dog food manufactures follow recommendations for minimal and maximal selenium levels and so dogs fed commercial diets should have balanced intake of selenium. For dogs fed home-made diets, complex data are missing. However, subclinical deficiency seems to affect, for example, male fertility or recovery from parasitical diseases. Very interesting is the role of selenium in prevention and treatment of cancer.

Redox Status in Canine Leishmaniasis

Simple Summary

Leishmaniasis is under strict observation by World Health Organization but its pathogenesis has not been completely clarified yet. Our aim was to compare healthy and affected dogs measuring parameters related to oxidative stress, namely reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species and scavenger activities, using colorimetric assays. Our results demonstrate that several of the examined parameters are modified in canine Leishmaniasis. Therefore, it is essential to further investigate this topic to shed light on the pathogenesis of the disease.

Abstract

The World Health Organization defined leishmaniasis as one of the priority attention diseases. Aiming to clarify some aspects of its pathogenetic mechanisms, our study focused on the assessment of redox status in dogs, the main reservoir for Leishmania infantum. Forty-five dogs from an endemic area in southern Italy were divided into four different groups (from mild disease with negative to low positive antibody levels to very severe disease with medium to high positive antibody levels) according to the LeishVet group guidelines. Their plasma and/or sera were tested for reactive oxygen species (ROS), namely the superoxide anion (O₂⁻), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), such as nitric oxide (NO) and hydroperoxides (ROOH), as well as activity of the detoxifying enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity, as determined by the ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. O₂⁻ generation was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in leishmaniasis-affected dogs independently of the clinical stage, while NO production was stimulated (p < 0.05) only in II and III stage patients. No difference could be found for the levels of hydroperoxides and SOD activity between healthy and pathological subjects. FRAP values were lower in affected dogs but only in stage II. Taken together, although we demonstrated that several redox status parameters are altered in the plasma of dog affected by leishmaniasis, the oxidative stress changes that are observed in this disease, are possibly mainly due to cellular blood components i.e., neutrophils responsible for the elimination of the parasite. Further studies are required to assess the clinical values of the collected data.

Anatomomopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of the spleen and lymph node of dogs seropositives for leishmaniasis in serological tests

Abstract Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonosis caused by the protozoan of the species Leishmania infantum. The spleen and lymph nodes undergo morphological changes during CanL. This research aimed to perform an anatomopathological and immunohistochemical study of these organs in dogs reactive to leishmaniasis in the Dual-path Platform chromatographic immunoassay (DPP®) and Enzyme Immunoabsorption Assay (ELISA). Twenty-seven dogs were evaluated for anatomopathological examination with 92.6% showing changes at gross evaluation, specially splenomegaly and lymphadenomegaly. All dogs showed changes in the spleen unrelated to the parasitic load, with granulomatous splenitis being the most severe change. Diffuse cortical and paracortical hyperplasia, and hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the medullary cords were observed in the lymph node. Amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. were found in the spleen and lymph node at histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations, with good agreement between these evaluations (k = 0.55, p = 0.00124), but no difference was observed in the parasitic intensity of these organs at immunohistochemistry (p = 0.23). It was concluded that spleen and lymph node from dogs reactive to leishmaniasis on the DPP® and ELISA tests show histomorphological changes resulting from the disease, independent to the parasitic load, as well as these organs show similar parasitic load at immunohistochemical test.

Chromosomal segments may explain the antibody response cooperation for canine leishmaniasis pathogenesis

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is marked by hyperactivation of a humoral response secreting high quantity of immunoglobulins (Igs) that are inaccessible to intracellular parasites. Here we investigated the contributions of the antibody response to the canine leishmaniasis pathogenesis. Using correlation and genome-wide association analysis, we investigated the relationship of anti-Leishmania infantum immunoglobulin classes levels with parasite burden, clinical response, renal/hepatic biochemical, and oxidative stress markers in dogs from endemic areas of VL. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA were positively correlated with parasite burden on lymph node and blood. Increased IgG, IgA and IgE levels were associated with severe canine leishmaniasis (CanL) whereas IgM was elevated in uninfected exposed dogs. Correlations of IgM, IgG and IgA with creatinine, urea, AST and ALT levels in the serum were suggested an involvement of those Igs with renal and hepatic changes. The correlogram of oxidative radicals and antioxidants revealed a likely relationship of IgM, IgG and IgA with oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the blood, suggested as mechanisms mediating tissue damage and CanL worsening. The gene mapping on chromosomal segments associated with the quantitative variation of immunoglobulin classes identified genetic signatures involved with reactive oxygen species generation, phagolysosome maturation and rupture, free iron availability, Th1/Th2 differenciation and, immunoglobulin clearance. The findings demonstrated the roles of the antibody response as resistance or susceptibility markers and mediators of CanL pathogenesis. In addition we pinpointed candidate genes as potential targets for the therapy against the damage caused by exacerbated antibody response and parasitism in VL.

Frequency, active infection and load of Leishmania infantum and associated histological alterations in the genital tract of male and female dogs

Visceral leishmaniasis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum is a zoonosis. The domestic dog is the primary reservoir in urban areas. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, active infection and load of L. infantum in the genital tract of male and female dogs seropositive for this parasite, as well as to identify histological genital alterations associated with this protozoan. We studied 45 male and 25 female L. infantum-seropositive noncastrated dogs from the same endemic area in Brazil. Tissue samples from the testis, epididymis, prostate, vulva, vagina, and uterus were examined by singleplex qPCR and parasitological tests (histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and parasitological culture). The latter were performed for the detection of active infection (parasites able to multiply and to induce lesions). Forty-four (98%) males and 25 (100%) females were positive for L. infantum in the genital tract (epididymis: 98%; vulva: 92%; vagina: 92%; testis: 91%; uterus: 84%; prostate: 66%). Active infection in the genital tract was confirmed in 69% of males and 64% of females (32% in the uterus). Parasite loads were similar in the testis, vulva, epididymis and vagina and lower in the prostate. Only the parasite load in the vagina was significantly associated with the number of clinical signs. Granulomatous inflammation predominated in all organs, except for the prostate. Only in the testis and epididymis was the inflammatory infiltrate significantly more intense among dogs with a higher parasite load in these organs. The high frequency, detection of active infection and similarity of L. infantum loads in the genital tract of infected males and females suggest the potential of venereal transmission of this parasite by both sexes and of vertical transmission by females in the area studied. Additionally, vertical transmission may be frequent since active L. infantum infection was a common observation in the uterus.

Lipophosphoglycan-3 recombinant protein vaccine controls hepatic parasitism and prevents tissue damage in mice infected by Leishmania infantum chagasi

AIMS

In this work, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the Leishmania infantum chagasi infection on the liver of vaccinated mice, considering parameters of tissue damage and the inflammatory response elicited by vaccination.

MAIN METHODS

We used recombinant LPG3 protein (rLPG3) as immunogen in BALB/c mice before challenge with promastigote forms of L. infantum chagasi. The animals were separated into five groups: NI: non-infected animals; NV: non-vaccinated; SAP: treated with saponin; rLPG3: immunized with rLPG3; rLPG3 + SAP: immunized with rLPG3 plus SAP. The experiment was conducted in replicate, and the vaccination protocol consisted of three subcutaneous doses of rLPG3 (40 μg + two boosters of 20 μg). The mice were challenged two weeks after the last immunization.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results showed that rLPG3 + SAP immunization decreased the parasite burden in 99 %, conferring immunological protection in the liver of the infected animals. Moreover, the immunization improved the antioxidant defenses, increasing CAT and GST activity, while reducing the levels of oxidative stress markers, such as H₂O₂ and NO₃/NO_2, and carbonyl protein in the organ. As a consequence, rLPG3 + SAP immunization preserved tissue integrity and reduced the granuloma formation, inflammatory infiltrate and serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP.

SIGNIFICANCE

Taken together, these results showed that rLPG3 vaccine confers liver protection against L. infantum chagasi in mice, while maintaining the liver tissue protected against the harmful inflammatory effects caused by the vaccine followed by the infection.

Nutrition, malnutrition, and leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne infectious disease with a long history of infecting humans and other animals. It is a known emerging or resurging disease. The host nutritional state has an indispensable role in defense against pathogens. The host defense system disorganization as a result of undernutrition is responsible for asymptomatic infections and even severe diseases. Host susceptibility and pathophysiologic severity to infection can be aggravated owing to undernourishment in a number of pathways, and infection also may aggravate preexisting poor nutrition or further increase host susceptibility. This study suggests that there may be some relationship between malnutrition and the endemicity of the parasite. The susceptibility to and severity of leishmanial infection can be altered by the body weight and serum levels of micronutrients. Nutrition not only affects the vulnerability of the host but also may affect the desire of sandfly to bite a specific host. Apart from host defense mechanism, nutritional stress also greatly influences vector competence and host-seeking behavior, especially during larvae development. The host and sandfly vector nutritional states could also influence the evolution of the parasite. It is essential to elucidate the roles that diets and nutrition play in the leishmanial life cycle. The aim of this article is to review the influences of nutrition and diets on the host susceptibility and severity of infection, preemptive and therapeutic strategy feedback, parasite evolution, and vector competence.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis biomarkers and their employment in vaccines

The natural history of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) has been well described, particularly with respect to the parasite load in different tissues and immunopathological changes according to the progression of clinical forms. The biomarkers evaluated in these studies provide support for the improvement of the tools used in developing vaccines against CVL. Thus, we describe the major studies using the dog model that supplies the rationale for including different biomarkers (tissue parasitism, histopathology, hematological changes, leucocytes immunophenotyping, cytokines patterns, and in vitroco-culture systems using purified T-cells subsets and macrophages infected with L. infantum) for immunogenicity and protection evaluations in phases I and II applied to pre-clinical and clinical vaccine trials against CVL. The search for biomarkers related to resistance or susceptibility has revealed a mixed cytokine profile with a prominent proinflammatory immune response as relevant for Leishmania replication at low levels as observed in asymptomatic dogs (highlighted by high levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α and decreased levels in IL-4, TGF-β and IL-10). Furthermore, increased levels in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell subsets, presenting intracytoplasmic proinflammatory cytokine balance, have been associated with a resistance profile against CVL. In contrast, a polyclonal B-cell expansion towards plasma cell differentiation contributes to high antibody production, which is the hallmark of symptomatic dogs associated with high susceptibility in CVL. Finally, the different studies used to analyze biomarkers have been incorporated into vaccine immunogenicity and protection evaluations. Those biomarkers identified as resistance or susceptibility markers in CVL have been used to evaluate the vaccine performance against L. infantum in a kennel trial conducted before the field trial in an area known to be endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. This rationale has been a guiding force in the testing and selection of the best vaccine candidates against CVL and provides a way for the veterinary industry to register commercial immunobiological products.

ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs

This consensus statement on chronic hepatitis (CH) in dogs is based on the expert opinion of 7 specialists with extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and conducting clinical research in hepatology in dogs. It was generated from expert opinion and information gathered from searching of PubMed for manuscripts on CH, the Veterinary Information Network for abstracts and conference proceeding from annual meetings of the American College of Veterinary Medicine and the European College of Veterinary Medicine, and selected manuscripts from the human literature on CH. The panel recognizes that the diagnosis and treatment of CH in the dog is a complex process that requires integration of clinical presentation with clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging, and hepatic biopsy. Essential to this process is an index of suspicion for CH, knowledge of how to best collect tissue samples, access to a pathologist with experience in assessing hepatic histopathology, knowledge of reasonable medical interventions, and a strategy for monitoring treatment response and complications.

Meglumine Antimoniate (Glucantime) Causes Oxidative Stress-Derived DNA Damage in BALB/c Mice Infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by >20 species of the protozoan parasite Leishmania Meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) is the first-choice drug recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of all types of leishmaniasis. However, the mechanisms of action and toxicity of pentavalent antimonials, including genotoxic effects, remain unclear. Therefore, the mechanism by which meglumine antimoniate causes DNA damage was investigated for BALB/c mice infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and treated with meglumine antimoniate (20 mg/kg for 20 days). DNA damage was analyzed by a comet assay using mouse leukocytes. Furthermore, comet assays were followed by treatment with formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase and endonuclease III, which remove oxidized DNA bases. In addition, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the animals' sera were assessed. To investigate mutagenicity, we carried out a micronucleus test. Our data demonstrate that meglumine antimoniate, as well as L. infantum infection, induces DNA damage in mammalian cells by the oxidation of nitrogenous bases. Additionally, the antileishmanial increased the frequency of micronucleated cells, confirming its mutagenic potential. According to our data, both meglumine antimoniate treatment and L. infantum infection promote oxidative stress-derived DNA damage, which promotes overactivation of the SOD-CAT axis, whereas the SOD-GPx axis is inhibited as a probable consequence of glutathione (GSH) depletion. Finally, our data enable us to suggest that a meglumine antimoniate regimen, as recommended by the World Health Organization, would compromise GPx activity, leading to the saturation of antioxidant defense systems that use thiol groups, and might be harmful to patients under treatment.

Library of Seleno-Compounds as Novel Agents against Leishmania Species

The in vitro leishmanicidal activities of a series of 48 recently synthesized selenium derivatives against Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis parasites were tested using promastigotes and intracellular amastigote forms. The cytotoxicity of the tested compounds for J774.2 macrophage cells was also measured in order to establish their selectivity. Six of the tested compounds (compounds 8, 10, 11, 15, 45, and 48) showed selectivity indexes higher than those of the reference drug, meglumine antimonate (Glucantime), for both Leishmania species; in the case of L. braziliensis, compound 20 was also remarkably selective. Moreover, data on infection rates and amastigote numbers per macrophage showed that compounds 8, 10, 11, 15, 45, and 48 were the most active against both Leishmania species studied. The observed changes in the excretion product profile of parasites treated with these six compounds were also consistent with substantial cytoplasmic alterations. On the other hand, the most active compounds were potent inhibitors of Fe superoxide dismutase (Fe-SOD) in the two parasite species considered, whereas their impact on human CuZn-SOD was low. The high activity, low toxicity, stability, low cost of the starting materials, and straightforward synthesis make these compounds appropriate molecules for the development of affordable antileishmanicidal agents.

Laboratory tests for diagnosing and monitoring canine leishmaniasis

Although several reviews on canine leishmaniasis have been published, none thoroughly described clinicopathologic abnormalities and their clinical usefulness. The aim of this review was to provide information concerning current diagnostic tests relevant for clinical pathologists and from a practical perspective. Specifically, in canine leishmaniasis, nonregenerative normocytic normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, or leukogram changes may be present. Clinical chemistry and urinalysis may indicate renal dysfunction (azotemia, decreased urine specific gravity, proteinuria) and an inflammatory/immune response (increased acute phase proteins [APP] or α₂ - and/or γ-globulins). Although a potential gammopathy is usually polyclonal, it may also appear oligo- or monoclonal, especially in dogs coinfected by other vector-borne pathogens. When lesions are accessible to fine-needle aspiration (lymphoadenomegaly, nodular lesions, joint swelling), cytology is strongly advised, as the presence of Leishmania amastigotes in a pattern of pyogranulomatous inflammation or lymphoplasmacytic hyperplasia is diagnostic. If the cytologic pattern is inconclusive, the parasite should be identified by histology/immunohistochemistry or PCR on surgical biopsies. Alternatively, cytology and PCR may be performed on bone marrow samples where amastigotes, along with erythroid hypoplasia, myeloid hyperplasia, plasmacytosis, or secondary dysmyelopoiesis can be observed. Dogs with overt leishmaniasis generally have high antibody titers, while low titers predominate in immunologically resistant infected dogs or in exposed dogs with no parasite confirmation. Quantitative serology is recommended in clinically suspect dogs as high-titer antibodies titers may confirm the clinical diagnosis. In confirmed and treated dogs, renal function and inflammatory/immune response variables should be periodically monitored.

Immunohistochemical study of hepatic fibropoiesis associated with canine visceral leishmaniasis

Hepatic fibropoiesis has been confirmed in canine visceral leishmaniasis. In fibrotic disease, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play an important role in fibropoiesis, undergoing activation by TGF-β to acquire characteristics of myofibroblasts. These cells show extensive capacity for proliferation, motility, contractility, collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix component synthesis. The aim of this work was to identify markers of HSC activation in 10 symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Eight uninfected dogs were used as controls. Alpha-actin (α-SMA), vimentin and cytokeratin were investigated by immunohistochemistry as HSC markers. The cytokine TGF-β in tissue was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry. All infected dogs showed higher numbers of reticular fibres than controls. Fibropoiesis found in infected dogs was always associated with the presence of parasites and chronic granulomatous hepatitis. Positive correlation was found among fibropoiesis, parasite tissue load and expression of α-SMA. There was no correlation between fibropoiesis, vimentin and cytokeratin markers. The expression of cytokine TGF-β was higher in infected dogs than in controls, but not significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. These results confirm previous work describing the intense hepatic fibropoiesis in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum, but now associated them with overexpression of TGF-β, where α-SMA may be a superior marker for activated HSC cells in CVL.

Occurrence of Leishmania infantum and associated histological alterations in the genital tract and mammary glands of naturally infected dogs

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the occurrence of Leishmania infantum in the male and female genital tract and female mammary glands of dogs and the parasite burden and to identify histological alterations associated with this protozoan. Twenty male and 20 female Leishmania-seropositive dogs with isolation of L. infantum were examined. Tissue samples of the prepuce, glans, epididymis, testes, prostate, vulva, vagina, uterus, uterine tubes, and mammary glands were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and histopathology. For parasitological culture and in situ hybridization, samples were collected from the testis, epididymis, and uterus. Additionally, seminal fluid was aspirated from the epididymis for parasitological culture. In the genital tract, 34 (85 %) dogs, including 18 males and 16 females, were positive for Leishmania. Of these, 27 (79 %) animals were symptomatic. Leishmania was detected in the mammary glands of 13 (65 %) females. L. infantum was isolated for the first time from the seminal fluid and uterus of naturally infected dogs. The parasite burden and intensity of the inflammatory reaction were greater in the prepuce and glans of males and in the vulva and mammary glands of females. In addition to inflammation, testicular degeneration, atrophy, absence of spermatogenesis, and necrosis were observed. Detection of amastigote forms in the mammary gland lumen indicates possible elimination of this parasite in milk. The frequent parasitism observed in the genital tract of infected males and females and the viability of L. infantum in seminal fluid and uterus suggest the possibility of bidirectional venereal and vertical transmission.

Leishmaniosis of companion animals in Europe: an update

Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is a vector-borne zoonotic disease endemic in southern Europe, but which is spreading northwards. Millions of dogs, cats and other non-conventional companion animals susceptible to L. infantum, living in European households, may develop a severe disease and contribute to the spread of leishmaniosis because of travelling or re-homing. Dogs are the main reservoir but other new reservoirs have recently been incriminated. Sand flies remain the sole proven vector and non-vectorial transmission has been reported at individual level and in areas where the vector is absent. Clinical disease affects only a proportion of infected dogs and a complex genetic background of immune response is responsible for this susceptibility. There is a wide range of serological and parasitological diagnostic tools available whose cost-effective use depends on a reasoned approach. Clinical response to treatment of sick dogs is variable. Clinical cure is often obtained but clinical recurrence can occur and post-therapy follow up should be maintained life-long. In Europe, vaccination can be combined with individual protection with pyrethroids as part of an integrated approach to prevention. L. infantum is the only species isolated from cats in Europe and xenodiagnosis substantiated that infected cats are infectious for sand flies. Feline infection may be frequent in endemic areas, but prevalence is generally lower than in dogs. When cats are tested by both serological and molecular techniques discordant results are often observed. Feline cases have been reported from endemic areas in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, but four cases were also diagnosed in Switzerland in cats that had travelled to or been imported from Spain. Half of the cases were diagnosed in cats with impaired immune responses. Clinical manifestations compatible with feline leishmaniosis include lymph node enlargement, skin and mucocutaneous lesions, ocular lesions, chronic gingivostomatitis, hypergammaglobulinemia, and normocytic normochromic anemia. Cats have been empirically treated with some drugs used in dogs. Due to polymorphic clinical picture and the insidious progressive course, leishmaniosis can persist for a long time before dogs or cats are brought to a veterinarian and so diagnosis can be delayed. Exotic or new Leishmania spp. have been reported in humans, animals and vectors in Europe. This changing situation requires attention in Europe for designing epidemiological studies and control measures.