Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
PCR testing for skin lesions from leishmaniasis in dogs in Brazil
By Velasquez, Leonardo Garcia et al.·Published in Cadernos de saude publica·2006·Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: PCR in the investigation of canine American tegumentary leishmaniasis in northwestern Paraná State, Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In a study of 143 dogs in Brazil, 39 dogs showed skin lesions that suggested they might have American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), a disease caused by a parasite. Out of these, 5 dogs tested positive for the parasite through direct testing and a specialized DNA test called PCR. Interestingly, some dogs without visible lesions also tested positive for the parasite DNA, indicating that the disease can be present even without obvious symptoms. The researchers found that PCR was a helpful tool for diagnosing ATL, but it didn't always match up with other test results. Treatment options weren't detailed, but early diagnosis is crucial for managing this disease.
People also search for: dog skin lesions leishmaniasis · American tegumentary leishmaniasis treatment · dog parasite blood test · symptoms of leishmaniasis in dogs
Abstract
American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) was studied in 143 dogs in a rural area in the county of Mariluz, northwestern Paraná State, Brazil, using direct parasite search, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thirty-nine dogs (27.3%) presented lesions suggestive of the disease, 5 (12.8%) of which were positive in direct parasite search and PCR (lesion), and of these 5, 4 were also positive by IIF. Of the 34 dogs with negative direct parasite search, 12 (35.3%) had PCR-positive lesions, and of these, 5 were also IIF-positive. One hundred and four dogs had no lesions, but 17/101 (16.8%) were IIF-positive. PCR in blood was positive in 10/38 (26.3%) of the dogs with lesions and in 16/104 (15.4%) of dogs without lesions. The association between PCR (lesion or blood), direct parasite search, and IIF detected 24/39 (61.5%) positive results among symptomatic dogs and 31/104 (29.8%) among asymptomatic animals. PCR was useful for diagnosing ATL, but there was no correlation between lesions, serology, and plasma PCR. Furthermore, detection of parasite DNA in the blood may indicate hematogenous parasite dissemination.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16583101/