Immunomodulation of Patients with Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis at Different Stages: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study Using LaSap.

Background/

Objectives

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is one of the main neglected protozoan diseases in the world. Dogs play a fundamental role in the maintenance of Leishmania infantum in the Americas, and we have already encountered resistance problems with drugs currently used in these animals.

Methods

In view of this, two new immunotherapeutic protocols were tested in 48 dogs, using L. amazonensis antigens plus saponin (LaSap) and only L. amazonensis antigens (La) as a control group. Dogs naturally infected with L. infantum were divided into four groups, according to clinical staging. A total of 24 dogs (stages 1 and 2) received a four-dose protocol, and another 24 dogs (stages 3 to 5) received six doses. All animals received a booster dose every three months until they were one year old.

Results

Our results showed that dogs in the early stages of the disease respond better and are able to remain stable for longer, maintaining baseline laboratory biomarkers, in addition to having a lower parasite load.

Conclusions

On the other hand, dogs in more advanced stages have a poor response, with stage 3 being a key point in clinical progression or regression.