EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF RATS WITH LEISHMANIA PARASITE: HEMATOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL, AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
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Objective: Leishmaniasis remains a major parasitic disease causing substantial morbidity worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to investigate systemic hematological alterations, liver function abnormalities, and histopathological changes in hepatic and splenic tissues using an experimental rat model of leishmanial infection. Method: Adult male rats were divided into infected and control groups. Complete blood count (CBC) analyses and serum biochemical assays were performed at predetermined intervals to evaluate hematological parameters and liver enzyme levels. Liver and spleen tissues were harvested, semi-quantitatively scored, and examined histopathologically to assess structural and cellular alterations. Results: Infected rats exhibited significant reductions in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, marked disturbances in leukocyte profiles, and unstable platelet counts. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were markedly elevated compared with controls, indicating hepatocellular injury. Histopathological examination revealed disorganized hepatic architecture, sinusoidal congestion, periportal inflammatory infiltration, focal hepatocellular necrosis, and splenic white pulp depletion accompanied by prominent red pulp congestion. Novelty: This study provides integrated hematological, biochemical, and histopathological evidence demonstrating the systemic impact of experimental leishmanial infection, reinforcing the rat model as a robust and reliable platform for elucidating disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic interventions in leishmaniasis.
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