Dados do Trabalho

Título

Molecular diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in asymptomatic domestic animals from Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil.

Introdução

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) stands out for presenting an important incidence with an average of 52 cases registered per year in the Metropolitan Region of Recife. Infectious-parasitic diseases affect the populations of the municipalities of Pernambuco, including Moreno, located in the Zona da Mata Sul, with a high incidence mainly due to the lack of socioeconomic conditions combined with environmental degradation. The reservoirs and hosts of the disease have been described in several domestic animals such as: dogs, cats, horses (horses and donkeys), among others, these being the most recorded in the literature. In the Northeast there are several aspects related to the ecoepidemiology of CL as the vectors responsible for the transmission of the disease and the species is predominantly Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. The epidemiological context of the disease is important for a comprehensive diagnosis that requires clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data to determine the infection.

Objetivo(s)

The objective of the study was to evaluate the infection by cutaneous leishmaniasis in domestic animals through molecular tests of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qPCR (Real-time PCR) using blood and conjunctival swab (non-invasive method) in the municipality of Moreno, Recife.

Material e Métodos

A total of 232 animals, being: 188 dogs, 21 horses, 09 cats, 08 donkeys and 06 goats. All animals who live around households with confirmed human cases of CL were included in the study. The samples collected was peripheral blood (then isolating the leukocytes to be processed) and conjunctival secretion through swab. The samples were submitted to molecular tests (conventional PCR and qPCR) and then analyzed by Kappa index.

Resultados e Conclusão

There was agreement between PCR and qPCR of leukocytes and conjunctival swab, being significant (p=0.001). Five species were are positive for the qPCR technique in leukocytes as percentages: Canis familiaris 68.2%, Felis catus 10%, Equus caballus and Equus asinus 77.3%, Capra hircus 50% and in conjunctival swab: Canis familiaris 26, 9%, Felis catus 41.7%, Equus caballus and Equus asinus 30.8%, Capra hircus 33.3%. For PCR in leukocytes: Canis familiaris 2.05%. Felis catus, Equus caballus and Equus asinus were not positive. As well as PCR for conjunctival swab. The data demonstrate that the transmission cycle may be occurring even in asymptomatic animals, adding important data to the disease epidemiology.

Palavras-chave

Cutaneous leishmaniasis. Reservoirs. Molecular.