Clinical significance of blood cell ratios in healthy and sick Leishmania infantum-seropositive dogs

Abstract Background The accuracy of blood cell ratios (BCRs) as cost-effective and easily accessible diagnostic and prognostic markers of inflammatory conditions has been investigated in veterinary medicine in recent years. Methods Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratios were studied in 195 dogs clinically evaluated and tested for anti-Leishmania infantum (Li) antibodies (Li-seronegative (Li −), n = 10; Li-seropositive clinically healthy (Li + healthy), n = 100; Li-seropositive with clinical and/or clinicopathological abnormalities (Li + sick), n = 85). The Li + sick dogs were classified in LeishVet stages IIa/IIb (Li + IIa/IIb) (n = 66) and III/IV (Li + III/IV) (n = 19). BCR relationships with LeishVet clinical stage, antibody levels, and serum protein electrophoretic fraction concentrations were investigated. Results Higher NLR values were found in Li +, Li + healthy, and Li + IIa/IIb sick dogs compared to Li − dogs (P