Leishmania (L.) amazonensis Infection Impairs Reproductive and Fetal Parameters in Female Mice

SÁNCHEZ; MARÍA BELÉN; GERMANÓ, MARÍA JOSÉ; SALOMÓN, MARÍA CRISTINA; SCELTA, JULIETA; GARCÍA-BUSTOS, MARÍA FERNANDA; GINEVRO, PAULA; CARGNELUTTI, DIEGO ESTEBAN

REVISTA ARGENTINA DE MICROBIOLOGíA

ASOCIACION ARGENTINA MICROBIOLOGIA

Año: 2020

0325-7541

Background: leishmaniasis is a group of parasitic zoonotic diseases caused by intracellular protozoan belonging to the genus Leishmania. Little is known about the effects this parasitosis may have on reproductive parameters and the pregnancy of infected humans and pets. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of leishmaniasis on reproductive and fetal parameters, and to describe its clinical signs during pregnancy using a murine model. Materials and methods: a control group of female BALB/c mice and a group infected with L. (L.) amazonensis were mated with healthy males. Clinical parameters were monitored during pre-gestational and gestational periods. Female mice were euthanized on day 19 of gestation, when fetuses were weighed and length measure, and embryonic resorptions and fetal death were recorded. Results: We observed 5 fetal deaths and 3 embryonic resorptions in the infected group. Furthermore, there was a decrease in fertility in the infected group (26.32%). The weight of the offspring from infected mothers was lower than in the control group (1.019±0.035 g and 1.163±0.032 g, P < 0.01). The fetal length was reduced in the infected group (3.71±0.05 cm in the control group and 3.40±0.06 cm in the infected group P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that cutaneous leishmaniasis by L. (L.) amazonensis impairs reproductive and fetal parameters.