Use of Cavia porcellus (guinea pigs) as an experimental model for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis

Abstract

Laboratory animals are fundamental to study immunological aspects and the efficacy of new drugs to treat leishmaniasis. However, we do not have practical and good animal models to study leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis - L(V)b. In this study, thirty-two experimental animals (Cavia porcellus) were injected in the hind foot with 3x10(5) promastigote forms of L(V)b. The animals were followed for eight weeks. None of the experimental animals developed lesions or presented the parasite in any of the tests performed (histopathological exam, smears, culture, inoculation in hamsters, and polymerase chain reaction).

Keywords

• experimental leishmaniasis
• Cavia
• animal model
• American leishmaniasis
• pathogenesis