Leishmaniose viceral canina: perfil clinico e epidemiologico dos casos atendidos no HUV-UFPB (2023-2025)

Abstract

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), caused by Leishmania infantum and transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies of the genus Lutzomyia, represents a major zoonosis with significant public health impact, particularly in endemic regions of Northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of CVL cases treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraíba between 2023 and 2025. Clinical records of dogs with confirmed diagnoses by bone marrow or lymph node aspiration cytology were retrospectively analyzed. During this period, a progressive increase in case positivity was observed, totaling 20 infected animals. Most cases originated from municipalities in the Agreste region of Paraíba, with a slight predominance of males and higher concentration in the 4–6- year age group. Laboratory alterations such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hypoalbuminemia were prevalent, along with ultrasonographic findings of splenomegaly and nephropathies. Clinical management varied between therapeutic treatment (65%) and euthanasia (35%), the latter restricted to animals in advanced clinical stages with severe systemic impairment. The analysis reinforces the role of dogs as the main reservoir, the impact of environmental conditions on disease persistence, and the urgency of integrated control strategies. This study contributes to the regional understanding of CVL and provides support for improving veterinary clinical practice and public health surveillance measures.