Evaluation of Hematological, Biochemical Parameters and CRP and PCT Levels in Dogs with Leishmania Infantum Detected by ELISA

Aim: Leishmaniasis, a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania spp., follows a symptomatic or asymptomatic course in dogs due to the influence of various factors. Although hematological and serum biochemical parameters have a limited role in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, they can be used to evaluate the clinical condition of the animal, the severity of the lesions and the prognosis of the disease. Procalcitonin (PCT), as a disease biomarker, is released by monocytes, neutrophils, liver, spleen, kidneys and lungs during sepsis. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) increases significantly and rapidly in pathological conditions. This study aimed to examine PCT and CRP levels in dogs with Leishmaniasis. Materials and Methods: The leishmaniasis group of the study consisted of 9 dogs that tested positive for the disease using the ELISA method, among 157 dogs showing leishmaniasis symptoms. The healthy group consisted of seven dogs living in the same area, which were determined to be healthy through clinical examination, had normal hemogram and routine biochemical parameters, and tested negative in the ELISA test. Results: : The results showed that RBC, Hgb, HCT, MCV and MCHC values differed significantly between groups. The positive group had higher total protein and globulin levels, while the negative group had lower albumin, A/G ratio, sodium, and chloride values, biochemical measurements revealed. These differences between the groups were statistically significant, however serum PCT and CRP results were not different between the groups. Conclusion: Further research is required before PCT and CRP can be used as a clinical biomarker in dogs with leishmaniasis.