Histopathological alterations in the reproductive tract of male dogs with Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

Abstract

Dogs are considered the main domestic host of Leishmania infantum. The transmission between vertebrate hosts normally occurs during blood feeding of Lutzomyia sp., a genus of phlebotomine sand flies. However, other forms of transmission without a vector have been reported. Presence of amastigotes of Leishmania sp. in different organs can cause several pathologies depending on the immune status of the host and the parasite load. The aim of this study was to evaluate histopathological changes in the reproductive tract of male dogs. Samples of testes, epididymis, and prostate gland were collected from 70 animals that were grouped according to serology test results for visceral leishmaniasis and clinical symptoms. Three experimental groups were formed based on serological results and clinical presentation: asymptomatic, symptomatic and control. Prostatic changes were seen regardless of the serological results; however, the changes were more severe in symptomatic animals. In the testes and epididymis, lesions such as interstitial infiltrate, degeneration, and fibrosis were seen more frequently and were more severe in positive animals when compared to the control group. These results demonstrate that dogs infected with Leishmania sp. can develop nonspecific changes in the reproductive tract, which are more severe in symptomatic animals.