Effectiveness of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.F. biomembranes with silver nanoparticles in the clinical experimental treatment of skin lesions of dogs with leishmaniasis.

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease of global impact, exhibiting a variety of symptoms, including skin lesions. In dogs, the primary reservoirs of the disease, these lesions can worsen due to increased exposure to other harmful agents. Implementing strategies to address this issue is essential, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged geographical areas. This work describes an uncontrolled pilot study to evaluate an innovative therapeutic formulation, patented under number BR 10 2023 019708 6. This formulation, composed of Aloe vera and silver nanoparticles, was tested for its effectiveness in treating skin lesions in dogs affected by leishmaniasis. Out of the 22 dogs assessed, 9 were included in the study. During the clinical evaluation, the most common additional symptoms observed were lymphadenomegaly (88.89 %) and alopecia/hypotrichosis (77.78 %). In the control group, the skin lesions showed a slight reduction between day 15 (D15) and day 30 (D30). In the treated groups, there was a significant lesion contraction, with averages of 68.1 % on D15 and 85.3 % on D30 when treated with biomembrane and systemic medication (based on allopurinol 10 mg/kg and domperidone 1 mg/kg), and of 55.4 % on D15 and 94.8 % on D30 when treated with biomembrane only. The reduction of exudate and the transition from granulation tissue to epithelial tissue were signs of recovery. Cytological analysis showed cell evolution in the treated groups, with a reduction in bacteria, erythrocytes and neutrophils in the test groups which, microscopically, confirmed the evolution of the healing process. The results suggest that the biomembranes made from Aloe vera and silver nanoparticles have high potential for promoting tissue healing in dogs with leishmaniasis.