The histopathology of the intestine in hamsters infected with Leishmania D. infantum on top of pre-existing schistosomiasis mansoni.

In general, both Schistosoma mansoni and Leishmania, d. infantum affect more or less the same human organs. While the liver is the main organ affected, the intestine follows in importance. In the present study, L.d. infantum on tip of pre-existing S. mansoni in Syrian golden hamsters had delayed the appearance of both schistosomal and leishmanial granulomas in the intestine the positive control with either parasite alone. However, the leishmanial infection suppressed the schistosomal infection. Nevertheless, both types of granulomas caused shortening and broadening of the intestinal villi. The concomitant infection with leishmaniasis infantum and schistosomiasis mansoni promote the development of many pathological changes (liver, kidneys, intestine, blood picture etc.). No doubt, these changes lead to marked changes in the typical clinical picture of both parasites. Consequently, parasitological diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in concomitant infection is a must as in a case of VL. and HIV.