Ecoepidemiology of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Brazil. States of São Paulo and of Pernambuco. Endemic areas of old colonization, corresponding to the Atlantic rainforest zone

• Grant number: 97/13015-1
• Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Duration: November 01, 1998 - July 31, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Epidemiology
• Principal Investigator: Jeffrey Jon Shaw
• Grantee: Jeffrey Jon Shaw
• Home Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Co-Principal Investigators: José Eduardo Tolezano ; Lucile Maria Floeter-Winter

Abstract

The epidemiology of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, especially that related to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis which is predominantly distributed in the North East and South East of Brazil is presently not well characterized, especially the characterization of the aetiological agents and the identification of the vectors and reservoirs of this zoonosis. The present study is composed of a serie of sub-projects that will be developed in the states of São Paulo and Pernambuco with the participation of other institutions in São Paulo, other states and foreign countries by research workers who are experienced in the field to Leishmaniasis and who have made solid scientific and technological contributions. The main objectives are to elucidate the natural cycle of the different Leishmania, especially L. (V.) braziliensis in relation to domestic mammals (dogs and equines), sylvatic animals (rodents, marsupials and other small peridomestic and sylvatic mammals) and in the vectors in endemic areas of São Paulo and Pernambuco. The following will be verified: a) if the endemic is maintained by an enzootic cycle involving wild animals or by an alternative cycle involving domestic or a cycle involving both; b) the degree of genetic variability between populations L. (V.) braziliensis from the two areas and within them compared to other areas of Brazil; c) determine if Lutzomyia intermedia is the principal vector in São Paulo; d) determine if Lutzomyia whitmani is the principal vector in Pernambuco; e) examine the genetic and behavioral diversification of Lu. whitmani of the different study areas in São Paulo and Pernambuco and between the São Paulo populations of Lu. intermedia of the island of Ilhabela and other mainland areas. This study aims at determining the above questions and by characterizing the different transmission patterns in both these regions of Brazil contribute to better control measures of this important endemic disease whose incidence is currently increasing after many years of low transmission levels. (AU)