Presence of Leishmania sp. amastigotes in the reproductive tract of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

ABSTRACT

Background:

Although canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) transmission primarily occurs through the bite of phlebotomine sand flies infected with Leishmania infantum, alternative routes may exist.

Methods:

Thirty-four dogs diagnosed with CVL were sampled for parasitological investigation in tissues from the reproductive tract.

Results:

Amastigotes of Leishmania sp. were present in 79% (27/34) of the reproductive system samples, with distinct infection rates depending on the tissue.

Conclusions:

Our data confirms that alternative routes, such as horizontal and vertical transmissions, should be considered in the epidemiological chain of CVL.

Keywords:
Canine visceral leishmaniasis; Canine reproductive tract; Venereal transmission; Leishmania