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

• Published in: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
• Main Authors: C. D. R. Paula, H. Friedman, R. N. R. Sampaio
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SciELO 2005
• Subjects: experimental leishmaniasis; Cavia; animal model; American leishmaniasis; pathogenesis; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Toxicology. Poisons; RA1190-1270; Zoology; QL1-991; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-91992005000400017; https://doaj.org/article/80d3420ae7e240f0a1ea269e34a82011

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).