Serum levels and genetic variations of cytokines in two canine breeds (Ibizan hound and boxer) in the Mediterranean region, in terms of Leishmania infantum infection

Abstract

Leishmaniosis, endemic to the Mediterranean area and considered to be the most important zoonosis in Europe, is caused by Leishmania infantum, an intracellular protozoan parasite transmitted by sandflies Phlebotomus. On the one hand, the Ibizan hound, a canine breed native of the Mediterranean region has been described to present a great resistance to the leishmaniosis parasitic infection. On the other hand, other breeds, including boxer, present high prevalence, and severity of the infection. In this study, serum levels of cytokines related to immune response together with the genetic variants found in genes encoding these cytokines have been interrogated in dogs of these two canine breeds (Ibizan hound and boxer) living in the Mediterranean region. A total of 59 apparently healthy dogs were sampled with their corresponding epidemiological data. Serum levels of cytokines were interrogated by ELISA commercial kits and the genetic analysis was carried out with the commercial CanineHD BeadChip and subsequent bioinformatic analysis. The results showed higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-18 and lower levels of IL-8 in Ibizan hound dogs compared to boxer ones. Genomic analysis revealed several genetic variants fixed in the Ibizan hound samples, including IFNG, IL2, IL6R, and IL12RB1 genes, which could explain these differences.

Keywords: Canine breed; Genomic profile; Immunological profile; Leishmania infantum.