Evaluation of the relationship between Slc11a1 and DLA II genes polymorphisms and dogs susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis

• Grant number: 09/01934-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2009
• End date: October 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Caris Maroni Nunes
• Grantee: Caris Maroni Nunes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The importance of visceral leishmaniasis in the context of public health has increased in the last decade due to urbanization and its geographical expansion. Dog is considered the most important reservoir in the urban environment as well as the source of infection to vectors. So, they are one of the targets for the control strategies. The manifestation of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs is variable and genetic studies and its relationship with visceral leishmaniasis have shown some candidate genes involved in susceptibility and resistance to this disease. The Slc11a1 gene, which encodes a protein involved in controlling the replication of parasites intrafagossomal and the activation of macrophages and the DLA class II gene, that encodes heterodiméricas glycoproteins involved in the genetic control of immune response, have been studied. This research aimed at assessing the relationship between Slc11a1 gene and DLA class II gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility or resistance of dogs from endemic areas to visceral leishmaniasis. (AU)