Molecular quantification of Leishmania in samples from dogs, its implications to public health in the region of Bauru, São Paulo

• Grant number: 15/02859-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2015
• End date: December 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Virgínia Bodelão Richini Pereira
• Grantee: Barbara Suares de Almeida
• Host Institution: Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Zoonoses caused by trypanosomatids are diseases with severe sanitary, social and economic consequences all over the world. Leishmaniases are caused by several species of the genus Leishmania wich mainly affect humans and dogs. Molecular biology is tools for the diagnosis and knowledge of the epidemiology of the diseases. The objective is quantify the parasite load of leishmania by real-time PCR in samples of dogs the region of Bauru, São Paulo. Natural infection in the canine population as grants for the construction of planning, targeting and prioritizing the actions of surveillance and control. From this it will be possible to assess the effectiveness of actions based on indicators of prevalence of infection. The diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis will allow the understanding of the determinants of expansion and/or dissemination of this parasitosis, because this information may be useful in clarification of obscure points in the epidemiology, routes of dissemination, in pathogenesis, in improvement of laboratory diagnosis, in phylogenetic studies to prevent disease, as well as to develop drugs and/or vaccines. (AU)