RESUMO
Leishmaniases are a group of tropical and neglected diseases caused by the protozoa of the genus Leishmania which are transmitted by insect sandflies. Despite of the major efforts undertaken at global level for the control of these diseases, a recent spreading to non-endemic areas been observed. In this study we analyzed the spatio-temporal distribution of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (TL) cases notified in a tropical region of Brazil. A retrospective evaluation was carried out using secondary data (e.g., demographics, origin, age and area of occurrence) of human patients obtained from 2009 to 2019. Choropleth maps with levels of color intensity represented the spatial distribution of VL and TL cases. Overall, 116 (10.5 ± 8.5) cases of leishmaniases were registered in the study area during the whole period. Of those, 61 (5.5 ± 5.5) and 55 (5 ± 4.3) were diagnosed as VL and TL, respectively. VL cases were recorded in 61.9% (13/21) and TL cases in 42.8% (9/21) of the municipalities. Most of the cases were predominantly notified in men from rural areas, and specifically for TL with an age range of 30-59 years old. These findings will be useful to drive strategies of control (e.g., vector control, dog surveillance and notification of suspected cases) against these neglect diseases, preventing the spreading to non-endemic areas.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL) caused by the L. infantum species is one of the biggest threats to the health of the South American canine population. Chemotherapeutics currently used for the treatment of CanL fail to induce a total parasite clearance while inducing numerous side effects. As CanL is an immunomodulated disease, the use of immuno-treatments should strengthen the deficient immune response of infected dogs. In this study, we evaluated a nasally administered immunotherapy in dogs naturally infected with L. infantum (stage 2), with both visceral and cutaneous manifestations. Noteworthy, some of them were also infected by other parasites (E. canis, D. immitis, A. platys), what worsen their chance of survival. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The treatment was based on 2 intranasal (IN.) administrations of a killed L. infantum parasite loaded into maltodextrin nanoparticles, which treatment was compared with the classical oral administration of Miltefosine (2 mg/kg) for 28 days, as well as a combination of these 2 treatments. The results showed that two IN administrations significantly reduced the serology, and were at least as efficient as the chemotherapy to reduce the skin and bone marrow parasite burden, as well as clinical scores, and that unlike Miltefosine treatments, this nasally administered nanoparticle vaccine was without side effects. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the feasibility of a simple therapeutic immuno-treatment against L. infantum infected dogs, which is a promising tool for future developments.
Assuntos
Doenças do Cão , Leishmania infantum , Leishmaniose Visceral , Leishmaniose , Cães , Animais , Leishmaniose Visceral/tratamento farmacológico , Leishmaniose Visceral/veterinária , Doenças do Cão/tratamento farmacológico , Leishmaniose/tratamento farmacológico , Leishmaniose/veterináriaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to detect molecularly vector borne pathogens (VBPs) in domiciled cats tested for Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Blood samples (n = 119) were analyzed microscopically and molecularly through PCR and sequenced for the detection of the following pathogens: piroplasmids., Bartonella henselae, Cytauxzoon felis, Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania spp., hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Ricketssia spp. Animals were also serological assessed for detection of antibodies against FIV and FeLV. Out of all animals, 20.16% (24/119) tested positive for at least one VBPs at molecular examination. Conversely, no animal resulted positive at microscopic analysis. The most prevalent pathogen was hemotropic Mycoplasma haemofelis (8.40%; 10/119), followed by Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (5.88%; 7/119), E. canis (5.04%; 6/119), C. felis (0.84%; 1/119) and B. henselae (0.84%; 1/119). One animal (0.84%; 1/119) was co-infected with. E. canis and B. henselae. A total of 5.88% (7/119) and 1.68% (2/119) tested positive for FIV and FeLV, respectively. Data of this study demonstrate that owned cats can be at risk of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., E. canis, C. felis and B. henselae. Therefore, preventive measures against vectors of these pathogens should be implemented in order to reduce the risk of exposition and consequently infection. Additionally, aggressive behaviors among cats should be avoided, especially because hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. may be transmitted through the bite of animals.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato , Vírus da Imunodeficiência Felina , Infecções por Mycoplasma , Gatos , Animais , Vírus da Leucemia Felina , Infecções por Mycoplasma/diagnóstico , Infecções por Mycoplasma/epidemiologia , Infecções por Mycoplasma/veterinária , Anaplasma , Doenças do Gato/diagnósticoRESUMO
Brazil accounts for around 20% of all animal species, but these are constantly threatened by illegal anthropic activities. Unfortunately, animal dealers are totally unaware of the sanitary risks among wild animals, or that occurrences of parasites in these animals are bioindicators for their current sanitary status within the ecosystem in which they live. This status is an important parameter with regard to assessing the spreading of pathogens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a survey of zoonotic parasites in carnivores and non-human primates that are illegally traded in Brazil. Between June 2016 and July 2017, 43 wild animals (20 carnivores and 23 non-human primates) were presented at the Wild Animal Screening Center of Sergipe (CETAS/SE). Fecal and blood samples were obtained and analyzed to detect occurrences of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, such as Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum, Leishmania braziliensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi and gastrointestinal helminths. Out of all the animals analyzed, 55.8% (24/43) were found to be positive for at least one parasite species, i.e. 41.7% and 58.3% of the carnivores and non-human primates, respectively. However, all the animals were negative for D. immitis, L. braziliensis and T. cruzi. These findings demonstrate that illegally traded wild animals may represent a risk to public health because of absence of sanitary control during their transportation. Therefore, preventive measures might be employed to avoid infection of these animals and people in close contact with them.
O Brasil abriga cerca de 20% de todas as espécies animais existentes no mundo que são continuamente ameaçadas pelas ações antrópicas. Infelizmente, os comerciantes de animais não são suficientemente esclarecidos em relação à ameaça sanitária que representam a vida silvestre, assim como sobre a ocorrência de parasitos que nestes animais funcionam como bio-indicadores do status sanitário do ecossistema, visto serem importantes parâmetros para avaliar a dispersão de patógenos. Portanto, objetivaram-se neste estudo a pesquisa de parasitos zoonóticos em carnívoros e primatas ilegalmente comercializados no Brasil. Entre Junho de 2016 e Julho de 2017, 43 animais silvestres (20 carnívoros e 23 primatas) foram recebidos no Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres de Sergipe (CETAS/SE). Amostras fecais e sanguíneas foram obtidas e analisadas para detectar a presença de patógenos de importância médico-veterinária como espécies de Cryptosporidium e Giardia, Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum, Leishmania braziliensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi e helmintos gastrintestinais. De todas as amostras analisadas, 55,8% (24/43) foram positivas a pelo menos um agente etiológico testado, sendo 41,7% e 58,3% carnívoros e primatas, respectivamente. Todas as amostras foram negativas a D. immitis, L. braziliensis e T. cruzi. Estes achados demonstram que o comércio ilegal de animais silvestres pode representar risco a saúde publica e a saúde destes animais devido à ausência de medidas sanitárias durante o deslocamento. Por fim, medidas preventivas devem ser propostas para evitar a infecção destes animais e consequentemente das pessoas que os manipulam.
RESUMO
Rodents are synanthropic mammals adapted to several ecosystems, where they can contribute to the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including gastrointestinal parasites. The aim of this study was to study the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites from rodents and discuss the risk of transmission to humans. Fecal samples (n = 110) from different rodent species, namely, Cerradomys subflavus (n = 4), Mus musculus (n = 14), Rattus norvegicus (n = 80), Rattus rattus (n = 8) and Thrichomys apereoides (n = 4), were analyzed using the FLOTAC technique. Of the samples examined, 73.6% (81/110) tested positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite. The most commonly identified parasites were Aspiculuris sp., Hymenolepis nana, Moniliformis sp., Syphacia sp., Strongyloides spp., Taenia spp., and Trichuris spp. eggs, Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae and Entamoeba spp. cysts. The findings of this study demonstrate that rodents living in different Brazilian biomes are parasitized by a wide range of parasites, including some of public health concern. Therefore, the proximity of rodents to human settlements may represent a tangible risk of infection for people living in these areas.
Roedores são mamíferos sinantrópicos adaptados a vários ecossistemas, onde podem contribuir para a transmissão de patógenos zoonóticos, incluindo parasitas gastrointestinais. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a ocorrência de parasitos gastrointestinais de roedores e discutir o risco de transmissão ao ser humano. Amostras fecais (n = 110) de diferentes espécies de roedores, a saber, Cerradomys subflavus (n = 4), Mus musculus (n = 14), Rattus norvegicus (n = 80), Rattus rattus (n = 8) e Thrichomys apereoides (n = 4), foram analisados pela técnica FLOTAC. Das amostras examinadas, 73,6% (81/110) apresentaram resultado positivo para pelo menos um parasito gastrointestinal. Os parasitos mais comumente identificados foram ovos de Aspiculuris sp., Hymenolepis nana, Moniliformis sp., Syphacia sp., Strongyloides spp., Taenia spp., Trichuris spp., larvas de Angiostrongylus cantonensis e cistos de Entamoeba spp. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que os roedores que vivem em diferentes biomas brasileiros são parasitados por uma ampla variedade de parasitos, incluindo alguns problemas de saúde pública. Portanto, a proximidade de roedores com assentamentos humanos pode representar um risco de infecção nessas áreas.
RESUMO
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in a disease that affect dogs. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of VL and presence of sand flies in a high-altitude area in an area of Northeastern Brazil and discuss the findings based in One Health approach. In February 2019, a sampling was performed of a suspected animal (n=1), and the presence of sand flies was investigated using CDC light traps, the sand flies were collected and morphologically identified, were collected a total of 4 specimen. The dog scored positive for Leishmania infantum and the four specimens were classified as Lutzomyia evandroi. Findings of this study serve as alert for the health service and veterinary practitioners of the region regards the presence of dogs infected by L. infantum and its putative vectors, in new area of occurrence of Leishmaniasis.
Leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença que afeta cães. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de LV e a presença de flebotomíneos em uma área de alta altitude no Nordeste do Brasil e discutir os achados com base na perspectiva de Saúde Única. Em fevereiro de 2019, foi realizada uma amostragem de um animal suspeito (n = 1), e a presença de fleboto-míneos foi investigada usando armadilhas luminosas do tipo CDC, os flebotomíneos foram coletados e identificados morfo-logicamente, foram coletadas um total de 4 amostras. O cão obteve resultado positivo para Leishmania infantum e os quatro espécimes coletados foram classificados como Lutzomyia evandroi. Os achados deste estudo servem de alerta para o serviço de saúde e médicos veterinários da região quanto à presença de cães infectados por L. infantum e seus supostos vetores, em nova área de ocorrência de Leishmaniose Visceral.
Assuntos
Animais , Cães , Cães/microbiologia , Leishmaniose Visceral/diagnóstico , Transmissão de Doença Infecciosa , PsychodidaeRESUMO
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in a disease that affect dogs. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of VL and presence of sand flies in a high-altitude area in an area of Northeastern Brazil and discuss the findings based in One Health approach. In February 2019, a sampling was performed of a suspected animal (n=1), and the presence of sand flies was investigated using CDC light traps, the sand flies were collected and morphologically identified, were collected a total of 4 specimen. The dog scored positive for Leishmania infantum and the four specimens were classified as Lutzomyia evandroi. Findings of this study serve as alert for the health service and veterinary practitioners of the region regards the presence of dogs infected by L. infantum and its putative vectors, in new area of occurrence of Leishmaniasis.(AU)
Leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença que afeta cães. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de LV e a presença de flebotomíneos em uma área de alta altitude no Nordeste do Brasil e discutir os achados com base na perspectiva de Saúde Única. Em fevereiro de 2019, foi realizada uma amostragem de um animal suspeito (n = 1), e a presença de fleboto-míneos foi investigada usando armadilhas luminosas do tipo CDC, os flebotomíneos foram coletados e identificados morfo-logicamente, foram coletadas um total de 4 amostras. O cão obteve resultado positivo para Leishmania infantum e os quatro espécimes coletados foram classificados como Lutzomyia evandroi. Os achados deste estudo servem de alerta para o serviço de saúde e médicos veterinários da região quanto à presença de cães infectados por L. infantum e seus supostos vetores, em nova área de ocorrência de Leishmaniose Visceral.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Cães , Cães/microbiologia , Leishmaniose Visceral/diagnóstico , Transmissão de Doença Infecciosa , PsychodidaeRESUMO
Ticks and fleas are arthropods widely distributed around the world involved in the transmission of various vector-borne diseases (VBDs), including Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF), Baggio-Yoshinari Syndrome and the plague, with outstanding consequences for the public health. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp. and Yersinia pestis in arthropods collected from dogs, cats and horses living in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. From January 2017 to April 2019, ectoparasites were collected, morphologically identified and molecularly analysed through PCR and sequencing. In total 401 specimens were collected from 86 animals, being 68% (n = 273) and 32% (n = 128) from rural and urban areas, respectively. The most commonly detected species were the ticks Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma sculptum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), Rhipicephalus microplus, and Amblyomma ovale, and the fleas Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis. DNA of Rickettsia felis was detected in D. nitens collected from horses, and C. felis, and R. sanguineus s.l. collected from dogs. All samples scored negative for Borrelia spp. and Y. pestis DNA. This study provides valuable data on ectoparasite fauna from domestic animals and identifies the circulation of a zoonotic pathogen (i.e., R. felis) in the population of the arthropods assessed. Therefore, preventive measures should be adopted in order to reduce the risk of occurrence of neglected VBD caused by this pathogen in animal and human hosts.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato , Doenças do Cão , Doenças dos Cavalos , Infecções por Rickettsia , Rickettsia felis , Rickettsia , Animais , Animais Domésticos , Brasil , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Gatos , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Cães , Doenças dos Cavalos/epidemiologia , Cavalos , Humanos , Infecções por Rickettsia/epidemiologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/veterináriaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease (CD), a zoonotic infection transmitted by triatomine bug vectors to human beings. Although the story of this parasitic infection was born in Brazil and here this has made major step forward information, the same cannot be said about the actual distribution of the triatomine vector in several areas of this country. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of triatomine species in an endemic region for CD in Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using data obtained from 2008 to 2017. All information was provided by the V Gerência Regional de Saúde of the state of Pernambuco. The spatial distribution of triatomine species was analyzed by drawing a map using the Quantum geographic information system. RESULTS: A total of 4,694 triatomine specimens (469.4 ± 221.2 per year) were collected during the period 2008-2017, with 94.5% (4,434/4,694) at the intradomicile and 5.5% (260/4,694) at peridomicile environment. Of all arthropods collected, 92.5% (4,340/4,694) and 7.5% (354/4,694) were adults and nymphs, respectively. The species most frequently detected were Panstrongylus lutzi (30.36%), Triatoma brasiliensis (26.12%), Triatoma pseudomaculata (22.43%), and Panstrongylus megistus (20.54%). CONCLUSIONS: These data contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of T. cruzi infection in the Northeastern region of Brazil. Preventive measures based on vector control should be implemented in the study area in order to reduce the burden this neglected tropical disease.
Assuntos
Distribuição Animal , Insetos Vetores/classificação , Triatominae/classificação , Animais , Brasil , Doença de Chagas/transmissão , Doenças Endêmicas , Densidade Demográfica , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal parasites are considered amongst the most important threats to veterinary and human health worldwide. The transmission of these parasitic diseases usually involves the accidental ingestion of oocysts, cysts, eggs, and larvae, whose detection is generally achieved by classical coproparasitological methods, based on sedimentation and/or flotation techniques. These procedures might be inefficient or display a low sensitivity when performed on food matrices. This study aimed to assess the value of the FLOTAC technique for the detection of different parasitic stages of gastrointestinal parasites of domestic animals in fresh lettuce. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples (n = 100) were purchased from public markets located in the metropolitan region of Recife (Brazil). RESULTS: A total of 79% scored positive for eggs and/or cysts of gastrointestinal parasites. Protozoa and nematodes were detected in 32% (32/100) and 64% (64/100) of samples, respectively, with cysts of the genus Entamoeba (32%) and eggs of nematodes of the order Strongylida (30%) being the most frequently diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings herein reported demonstrate that the FLOTAC technique can be successfully applied for recovering food-borne parasites of medical and veterinary concern in food matrices.