Epidemiological study of Visceral Leishmaniasis in the metropolitan region of São Paulo based on a one health approach

• Grant number: 24/02924-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Epidemiology
• Principal Investigator: Fredy Galvis Ovallos
• Grantee: Fredy Galvis Ovallos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Claudio Casanova ; Francisco Chiaravalloti Neto ; Marcia Dalastra Laurenti ; Mauro Toledo Marrelli ; Roberto Mitsuyoshi Hiramoto ; Rodrigo Pedro Pinto Soares

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease caused by infection with the protozoan Leishmania infantum, transmitted by sandflies (Diptera:Psychodidae). It mainly affects children and the elderly and can be fatal if left untreated. VL is a major public health problem in Brazil, and in the state of São Paulo it is in a process of geographical expansion, due to a variety of factors such as deforestation, increased migration and mobility of people and goods, as well as climate change processes that favor the adaptation of parasite-vector species. In the metropolitan region of São Paulo, cases of canine VL have been recorded since 2005, with a recent increase in the notification of imported cases and the emergence of autochthonous transmission foci. In this region, the main vector species, Lu. longipalpis, has not been identified in entomological surveillance studies, and the participation of other species such as Pi. fischeri and Mg. migonei has been pointed out as potential vectors.This proposal seeks to integrate data obtained from reservoir surveillance to generate evidence on the places of origin and the frequency of introduction of infected dogs into the RMSP to improve the strategies of canine reservoir surveillance. We will also analyze literature information to generate evidence on the main vector species that can participate in the transmission dynamics in the municipalities of this region. Based on this information, we aim to elaborate a catalog of the main species of sandflies with vector potential in the state of São Paulo, to contribute to entomological surveillance in the municipalities of the state of São Paulo. Finally, we intend to capture the main suspected vector species to carry out laboratory tests to demonstrate vector competence, contributing to the advancement of knowledge of the epidemiology of VL in the state. Our main goal is based on a one-health approach to improve the understanding of the epidemiology of LV in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. The integration of this information will contribute to understanding the epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and will enable the recommendation of prevention and control strategies within a One Health approach. (AU)