Papular dermatitis due to Leishmania spp. infection in dogs with parasite-specific cellular immune responses

Abstract

Papular dermatitis due to Leishmania spp. infection was diagnosed in three boxers and two Rottweilers with Leishmania-specific cellular immunity. Diagnosis was based on histological and immunohistochemical examination of papules in four dogs and on cytological examination in one dog. Serum protein electrophoresis was within reference ranges and low antibody levels to Leishmania infantum were detected. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to leishmanin was evaluated before treatment in three dogs with positive results. After meglumine antimoniate therapy for 3 to 4 weeks and allopurinol treatment for 6 to 10 months, all dogs were clinically normal, had positive DTH reactions to leishmanin and reduced antibody titres. In conclusion, we suggest that this previously unreported cutaneous presentation of canine leishmaniosis appears to be associated with specific immunocompetence and, consequently, with a favourable prognosis.