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Leishmaniases are a group of neglected diseases of significant public health concern, with Brazil being the primary focus of this disease in the Americas. The municipality of Sobral, in the state of Ceará, is a historical focus of visceral leishmaniasis in both humans and dogs, but data on Leishmania spp. infections in cats are limited. Between April 2021 and February 2022, 205 cats from a referral hospital population were sampled and tested for Leishmania spp. by real-time PCR. Eight cats (3.9%; 95% CI: 1.7-7.5%) tested positive. Among these, three (37.5%) displayed clinical signs compatible with feline leishmaniosis. Non-domiciled cats showed significantly higher positivity compared to domiciled ones (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0124). Considering their potential role as reservoirs of L. infantum, it is crucial to conduct further studies to understand the Leishmania spp. circulating among cats in Sobral and to implement measures for reducing their exposure to phlebotomine sand fly vectors in this important focus of leishmaniases.

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Control of canine infections with Leishmania infantum (L. infantum), a major zoonotic disease in Brazil and southern Europe, is becoming increasingly important due to its close proximity to humans, the increasing import of dogs from endemic regions and the impact of climate change on vector spreading. Simple, rapid and reliable diagnostic tests are therefore needed to detect infected dogs. Here, we re-evaluated different serological methods for the diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) in Croatia and Brazil. The diagnostic performance of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the VetLine® Leishmania ELISA (GSD Frankfurt, Germany) was compared with three rKLi8.3-based diagnostic test systems, the rKLi8.3 ELISA (GSD Frankfurt, Germany), the INgezim® Leishma CROM (GSD Madrid, Spain) lateral flow test (LFT) and the VetBlot®Leishmania LineBlot (GSD Frankfurt, Germany). CanL symptomatic dogs were efficiently diagnosed by all tests, except the VetLine® Leishmania ELISA, which is based on whole Leishmania antigens. The advantage of rKLi8.3 was also observed in oligo- and asymptomatic dogs from Brazil and Croatia, although with reduced diagnostic efficiency compared to symptomatic dogs. Similar to IFAT and rKLi8.3 ELISA, the LFT did not cross-react with other common canine pathogens; it showed very high specificity for healthy dogs from endemic regions in both countries and did not react with healthy, vaccinated dogs in Brazil. In conclusion, serodiagnostic tests based on the rKLi8.3 antigens are superior to whole parasite antigens, and the LFT has the advantage of providing a laboratory-independent, rapid and specific diagnosis of CanL.

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Feline leishmanial infection is reported worldwide, but the epidemiological role of domestic cats in the leishmaniasis cycle remains unclear, and cats might act as cryptic reservoir hosts in endemic areas with no feline leishmaniosis cases. Considering that, a serological screening for anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies was performed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) in 389 necropsied cats' serum samples from a new visceral leishmaniasis transmission area with no feline leishmanial infection reported to unveil if the cats are being exposed to the parasite. The overall seroprevalence for Leishmania spp. was 11.05% (43/389). No association was found between sex, neutering status, age group, breed, coat length, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection, and Leishmania spp. antibody detection. A positive association was found with coat color (cats within the orange spectrum with white [particolor]) (OR = 2.47, CI 95% 1 - 6.13, P = 0.044) and a negative association (OR = 0.38, CI 95% 0.18 - 0.79, P = 0.01) between feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection and IFAT positivity for Leishmania spp. Therefore, it is concluded that the seroprevalence found was greater than 10%, indicating contact of the protozoan with cats in the region served.

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Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious endemic disease in many tropical and subtropical countries, with a strong incidence in Brazil. The disease is transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies, with dogs being the main urban reservoirs of the parasite. The diverse clinical profile and the long incubation period are challenges for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Recombinant proteins from Leishmania spp. have been studied as antigens that can increase the accuracy of serological tests. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the recombinant protein rLb6H, from Leishmania braziliensis, in comparison to the reference antigens rK39 and rK28, from L. donovani, prioritizing the identification of subclinical infected dogs. Material and Methods: Serum IgG reactivity to rLb6H, rK28, and rK39 recombinant proteins was assessed in dogs with previously parasitological confirmation of CVL, subdivided according to their clinical status, using immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Diagnostic accuracy of each ELISA was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: While all antigens showed a better performance in detecting CVL in symptomatic dogs (SD), detection of CVL in the oligosymptomatic (OD) and asymptomatic (AD) groups was lower, but rLb6H achieved high sensitivity for asymptomatic CVL. Interestingly, the most reactive CVL samples to rK28 were barely detected by rLb6H, while the less reactive to rK28, mostly from the AD group, presented higher reactivity to rLb6H. Conclusion: The recombinant protein rLb6H showed utility in the detection of asymptomatic CVL, displaying a complementary reactivity to rK39 and rK28. Thus, these results suggest that rLb6H could be incorporated into multi-antigen strategies, to increase diagnostic accuracy of CVL.

Introdução: A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença endêmica grave em muitos países tropicais e subtropicais, tendo forte incidência no Brasil. A doença é transmitida pela picada de flebotomíneos fêmeas infectadas, sendo os cães os principais reservatórios urbanos do parasito. O perfil clínico diversificado e o longo período de incubação são desafios para o diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC). Proteínas recombinantes de Leishmania spp. têm sido estudadas como antígenos que podem aumentar a precisão de testes sorológicos. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho diagnóstico da proteína recombinante rLb6H, de Leishmania braziliensis, em comparação com os antígenos de referência rK39 e rK28, de L. donovani, priorizando a identificação de cães com infecção subclínica. Material e Métodos: A reatividade de anticorpos IgG séricos às proteínas recombinantes rLb6H, rK28 e rK39 foi avaliada em cães com confirmação parasitológica prévia de LVC, subdivididos de acordo com seu quadro clínico, utilizando ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). A precisão diagnóstica de cada ELISA foi avaliada pela análise da curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve). Resultados: Enquanto todos os antígenos mostraram um melhor desempenho na detecção de CVL em cães sintomáticos (SD), a detecção de CVL nos grupos oligossintomáticos (OD) e assintomáticos (AD) foi menor, mas rLb6H alcançou alta sensibilidade para CVL assintomática. Curiosamente, as amostras de CVL mais reativas a rK28 foram pouco detectadas por rLb6H, enquanto as menos reativas a rK28, principalmente do grupo AD, apresentaram maior reatividade a rLb6H. Conclusão: A proteína recombinante rLb6H mostrou utilidade na detecção de CVL assintomática, apresentando uma reatividade complementar a rK39 e rK28. Assim, estes resultados sugerem que o rLb6H pode ser incorporado em estratégias multi-antígeno para aumentar a acurácia diagnóstica da leishmaniose visceral.

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Seven hundred twenty cases of oral cavity lesions in dogs were diagnosed from 2015 to 2020 in Distrito Federal, Brazil. Four hundred thirty-two (60%) lesions were neoplastic, and 288 (40%) were non-neoplastic. Of the neoplasms, 229 (53%) were considered malignant and 203 (47%) benign, affecting mainly males, of 43 different breeds, with an average age of 9.4 years, mainly the gum and lip. Melanoma was the most (96/432, 22.2%) commonly diagnosed neoplasm, followed by peripheral odontogenic fibroma (68/432, 15.7%), papilloma (63/432, 14.5%) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (56/432, 12.9%). Non-neoplastic lesions also affected males predominantly, from 41 different breeds, with an average age of 8.9 years, mainly in the gums, lip, and tongue. These lesions were diagnosed as inflammatory (230/288, 79.8%), hyperplastic (47/288, 16.3%) and other lesions (11/288, 3.8%).

Foram estudados 720 casos de lesões na cavidade oral em cães diagnosticados entre 2015 e 2020, no Distrito Federal. Dessas alterações, 432 (60%) foram neoplásicas e 288 (40%) não neoplásicas. Dentre os neoplasmas, 229 (53%) foram consideradas malignos e 203 (47%) benignos, acometendo principalmente machos, de 43 raças diferentes, com idade média 9,4 anos, afetando principalmente gengiva e lábio. Melanoma foi o neoplasma mais comumente diagnosticado (96/432; 22,2%), seguido do fibroma odontogênico periférico (68/432; 15,7%), papiloma (63/432; 14,5%) e carcinoma de células escamosas (56/432; 12,9%). As lesões não neoplásicas também acometeram predominantemente machos, de 41 raças diferentes, com idade média 8,9 anos, afetando principalmente gengiva, lábio e língua. Essas lesões foram diagnosticadas como inflamatórias (230/288; 79,8%), hiperplásicas (47/288; 16,3%) e como outras alterações (11/288; 3,8%).

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INTRODUCTION: Regional hyperthermia at between 38 and 39.5 °C has been used to treat inflammatory processes and, occasionally, skin infections. In areas where leishmaniasis is endemic, hot compresses are applied as anti-parasitic treatment. OBJECTIVE: To identify the bases of leishmaniasis thermal treatment in order to properly regulate it. METHODS: In vitro-cultured Leishmania mexicana parasites were incubated for variable periods at 37 and then at 25 °C. The parasites were then stained with Annexin V-FITC to detect apoptosis induction and with propidium iodide for viability. Post-treatment growth curves and cell cycle identification with anti-cyclin antibodies were performed. RESULTS: After 30 minutes of exposure to a temperature of 37 °C, a variable proportion of parasites lost their characteristic oval shape and became spherical, without refringence and with condensed nuclei, with these changes suggesting apoptosis, which was confirmed by Annexin V-FITC staining. The number of parasites that underwent apoptosis was proportional to exposure time. Parasites in which apoptosis was observed were stained with anti-cyclin antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Constant, regulated and physiological elevation of temperature for more than 30 minutes induces apoptosis of in vitro-cultured L. mexicana parasites when they are in an active phase of the cell cycle.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hipertermia regional entre 38 y 39.5 °C ha sido empleada para tratar procesos inflamatorios y, ocasionalmente, infecciones cutáneas. En zonas endémicas de leishmaniosis se aplican compresas calientes como tratamiento antiparasitario. OBJETIVO: Conocer las bases del tratamiento térmico de la leishmaniosis para regularlo adecuadamente. MÉTODOS: Parásitos Leishmania mexicana cultivados in vitro fueron incubados por periodos variables de 37 °C y después a 25 °C.. Los parásitos se tiñeron con anexina V-FITC y yoduro de propidio para detectar inducción de apoptosis y su viabilidad. Se realizaron curvas de crecimiento postratamiento e identificación del ciclo celular con anticuerpos anticiclinas. RESULTADOS: Después de 30 minutos de exposición a una temperatura de 37 °C, un porcentaje variable de parásitos perdieron su característica forma ovalada y se tornaron esféricos, sin refringencia y con núcleos condensados, cambios que sugirieron apoptosis, la cual fue confirmada mediante tinción con anexina V-FITC. La cantidad de parásitos en proceso de apoptosis fue proporcional al tiempo de exposición. Los parásitos en los que se observó apoptosis se tiñeron con anticuerpos anticiclinas. CONCLUSIONES: La elevación constante, regulada y fisiológica de la temperatura por más de 30 minutos induce apoptosis de parásitos Leishmania mexicana cultivados in vitro, cuando se encuentran en fase activa en el ciclo celular.

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Resumen Introducción: La hipertermia regional entre 38 y 39.5 °C ha sido empleada para tratar procesos inflamatorios y, ocasionalmente, infecciones cutáneas. En zonas endémicas de leishmaniosis se aplican compresas calientes como tratamiento antiparasitario. Objetivo: Conocer las bases del tratamiento térmico de la leishmaniosis para regularlo adecuadamente. Métodos: Parásitos Leishmania mexicana cultivados in vitro fueron incubados por periodos variables de 37 °C y después a 25 °C.. Los parásitos se tiñeron con anexina V-FITC y yoduro de propidio para detectar inducción de apoptosis y su viabilidad. Se realizaron curvas de crecimiento postratamiento e identificación del ciclo celular con anticuerpos anticiclinas. Resultados: Después de 30 minutos de exposición a una temperatura de 37 °C, un porcentaje variable de parásitos perdieron su característica forma ovalada y se tornaron esféricos, sin refringencia y con núcleos condensados, cambios que sugirieron apoptosis, la cual fue confirmada mediante tinción con anexina V-FITC. La cantidad de parásitos en proceso de apoptosis fue proporcional al tiempo de exposición. Los parásitos en los que se observó apoptosis se tiñeron con anticuerpos anticiclinas. Conclusiones: La elevación constante, regulada y fisiológica de la temperatura por más de 30 minutos induce apoptosis de parásitos Leishmania mexicana cultivados in vitro, cuando se encuentran en fase activa en el ciclo celular.

Abstract Introduction: Regional hyperthermia at between 38 and 39.5 °C has been used to treat inflammatory processes and, occasionally, skin infections. In areas where leishmaniasis is endemic, hot compresses are applied as anti-parasitic treatment. Objective: To identify the bases of leishmaniasis thermal treatment in order to properly regulate it. Methods: In vitro-cultured Leishmania mexicana parasites were incubated for variable periods at 37 and then, to 25 °C. The parasites were then stained with Annexin V-FITC to detect apoptosis induction and with propidium iodide for viability. Post-treatment growth curves and cell cycle identification with anti-cyclin antibodies were performed. Results: After 30 minutes of exposure to a temperature of 37 °C, a variable proportion of parasites lost their characteristic oval shape and became spherical, without refringence and with condensed nuclei, with these changes suggesting apoptosis, which was confirmed by Annexin V-FITC staining. The number of parasites that underwent apoptosis was proportional to exposure time. Parasites in which apoptosis was observed were stained with anti-cyclin antibodies. Conclusions: Constant, regulated and physiological elevation of temperature for more than 30 minutes induces apoptosis of in vitro-cultured L. mexicana parasites when they are in an active phase of the cell cycle.

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Mammaliicoccus (Staphylococcus) sciuri has been rarely associated with infections and sepsis in humans. A 3-month-old male western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), born under human care, died after a traumatic event. Histologic, microbiologic, and molecular findings in postmortem demonstrated a suppurative meningoencephalitis and bacteremia associated with M. sciuri infection.

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The Leishmania infantum (synonym, Leishmania chagasi) causes life-threatening infection, namely canine leishmaniosis (CanL), which is a chronic zoonosis prevalent in various countries and spread by the bite of the infected Lutzomyia female sandfly in South America. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a polymer matrix collar containing made up of 10% imidacloprid and 4.5% flumethrin for the prevention of canine leishmaniosis from the hyperendemic region falling under Araçatuba municipality (Brazil). The research included a total of 146 dogs chosen from 75 households. Test were initiated via physical examination; weighing and biological sample collection (blood, popliteal lymph node and conjunctival swab) of these dogs were done in March 2018 (Day 0; GA, control = 69, GB, treated = 77) to initiate laboratory tests. Post-inclusion, the animals were monitored on the 120th, 240th, 360th and 480th days, respectively. The usage of collars continued between 0 and 480 days before being substituted in second (D240) and fourth (D480) follow-up visits. On the whole, 25 dogs in GA (36.2%) and three in GB (3.9%) were found positive for L. infantum infection in a minimum of one diagnostic test used in the research. Therefore, the average collar effectiveness for protection from L. infantum infection was 89.2% (p < .01). In the last follow-up, the average incidence density rate for GA was 30.7%, whereas for GB, it was 2.9%. The imidacloprid/flumethrin collars evaluated in the research were found to be safe and extremely efficient for the prevention of L. infantum infection through Lutzomyia species among the large population of dogs in highly prone endemic regions. This is a dependable and efficient technique aimed at reducing the occurrence and propagation of this illness among the population of canines, which would eventually reduce the human-health-related hazards. In Brazil, Lutzomyia spp. is a leading vector of the infection; thus, the collar can be used to limit infection in dogs and humans.

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A Leishmaniose Visceral (LV), doença negligenciada de caráter crônico e sistêmico, causada pelo parasita Leishmania spp. representa um problema de Saúde Pública, principalmente em países com população vulnerável, como o Brasil. Devido à urbanização de grandes centros, cães infectados por este parasito representam um importante reservatório no ciclo urbano, precedem a doença humana e contribuem para a manutenção de casos de Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC). O objetivo do estudo foi identificar a ocorrência de Leishmania spp. na população canina domiciliada e humana de Três Lagoas ­ MS, Brasil, pelo uso das técnicas de Dual Path Platform (DPP), Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI), Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR) e análise por georreferenciamento. Foram coletadas 566 amostras sanguíneas de cães. Além disso, informações epidemiológicas adicionais foram coletadas do sistema de saúde do município, e posteriormente, a análise espacial foi realizada. Como resultado obteve ­ se 267 amostras reagentes ao teste DPP, 267 amostras reagentes ao ELISA e 97 à RIFI, com 95% de concordância entre os métodos DPP e ELISA. Das amostras submetidas à PCR, 16 foram positivas para Leishmania spp. O uso do georreferenciamento para LVC canina em Três Lagoas forneceu subsídios para identificar áreas com prioridade de intervenção para o controle da doença. A presença de flebotomíneos, associado à localização geográfica, bem como às condições ambientais na região estudada, foram favoráveis à sua disseminação, bem como à transmissão da doença aos cães e a humanos.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), a neglected disease of chronic and systemic character, caused by the parasite Leishmania spp. represents a public health problem, especially in countries with vulnerable population, such as Brazil. Due to urbanization, dogs constitute an important reservoir in the disease's urban cycle, preceding human cases, and contributing to the maintenance of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL). However, few serological surveys added to the spatial analysis involving human and animal populations have been described in Três Lagoas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the occurrence of Leishmania spp. in the human and domiciled canine population of Três Lagoas-MS, Brazil, using the techniques of Dual Path Platform (DPP), Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (RIFI), Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and spatial analysis. For this study, 566 blood samples were collected from dogs. In addition, epidemiological information was collected from the municipal health system, and subsequently, spatial analysis was performed. As a result, 267 samples were reactive to the DPP test, 267 reactive to ELISA and 97 reactive to RIFI, with 95% of agreement between the DPP and ELISA methods. Sixteen samples submitted to PCR were positive for Leishmania spp. The use of georeferencing for canine CVL in Três Lagoas provided subsidies to identify areas that needed priority intervention for the control of Leishmaniasis. The presence of sandflies, associated with the geographic location, as well as the environmental conditions in the studied region, favored their dissemination, as well as the transmission of the disease to dogs and humans.

La leishmaniosis visceral (LV), enfermedad desatendida de carácter crónico y sistémico, causada por el parásito Leishmania spp. representa un problema de salud pública, principalmente en países con población vulnerable, como Brasil. Debido a la urbanización de los grandes centros, los caninos constituyen un importante reservorio del ciclo urbano de la enfermedad, precediendo casos humanos, además de contribuir para el mantenimiento de casos de Leishmaniosis Visceral Canina (LVC). A pesar de ello, pocos estudios epidemiológicos sumados al análisis espacial involucrando la población humana y animal fueron descritos en el municipio de Três Lagoas. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar la ocurrencia de Leishmania spp. en la población canina domiciliada y la población humana de Três Lagoas ­ MS, Brasil, utilizando las técnicas de Dual Path Platform (DPP), Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), la Reacción de Immunofluorescencia Indirecta (RIFI), Reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) y análisis de georreferenciamiento. Para eso, fueron colectadas 566 muestras sanguíneas de caninos. Además, informaciones epidemiológicas adicional es fueron colectadas del sistema de salud del municipio para la realización del análisis espacial. Como resultados se obtuvieron 267 muestras positivas para DPP, 267 muestras positivas para ELISA y 97 muestras positivas para RIFI, con 95% de concordancia entre los métodos DPP y ELISA. De las 566 muestras destinadas para PCR, 16 fueron positivas para Leishmania spp. El uso del georreferenciamiento para LVC en Três Lagoas ayudó a identificar áreas con prioridad de intervención para el control de la enfermedad. La presencia de flebotomíneos, asociada a la localización geográfica, así como las condiciones ambientales en la región estudiada, se mostraron favorables para la diseminación y para la transmisión de la enfermedad a los caninos y humanos.

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