Identification of Plasmodium spp. in Neotropical primates of Maranhense Amazon in Northeast Brazil

Author(s)

Pereira Figueiredo, Mayra Araguaia ; Di Santi, Silvia Maria ; Manrique, Wilson Gomez ; Andre, Marcos Rogerio ; Machado, Rosangela Zacarias

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 12, n. 8 AUG 10 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

In the Brazilian Amazon region, malaria caused by Plasmodium malariae is considered to be a zoonosis because of cross-transfer of the parasite between humans and Neotropical primates. To contribute information on this issue, we investigated occurrences of natural infection with Plasmodium sp. among Neotropical primates in the Maranhense Amazon (Amazon region of the state of Maranhao), in the northeastern region of Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 161 Neotropical primates of six species that were caught in an environmental reserve (Sitio Aguahy) and from captive primates (CETAS-Wildlife Screening Center, municipality of Sao Luis), in Maranhao. Plasmodium sp. was diagnosed based on light microscopy, PCR, qPCR and LAMP for amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. Serum samples were also assayed by means of indirect immunofluorescence for IgG antibodies against P. malariae/P. brasilianum, P. falciparum and P. berghei. Parasites were detected through light microscopy on five slides from captive primates (four Sapajus spp. and one Callithrix jacchus). In the molecular tests, 34.16% (55/161) and 29.81% (48/161) of the animals sampled were positive in the qPCR and PCR assays, respectively. In the PCR, 47/48 animals were positive for P. malariae/P. brasilianum; of these, eight were free-living primates and 39 from CETAS, Sao Luis. One sample showed a band in the genus-specific reaction, but not in the second PCR reaction. Anti-P. malariae/P. brasilianum IgG antibodies were detected in four serum samples from Sapajus spp. in captivity. In this study, circulation of P. malariae/P. brasilianum in Neotropical primates was confirmed, with low levels of parasitemia and low levels of antibodies. The importance of these animals as reservoirs of human malaria in the region studied is still unknown. This scenario has an impact on control and elimination of malaria in this region. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/03961-9 - IDENTIFICATION Plasmodium spp. IN NEOTROPICAL PRIMATES AND Anopheles IN THE CITIES OF ISLAND OF SÃO LUIS AND THE CITY IMPERATRIZ, STATE MARANHÃO.
• Grantee: Mayra Araguaia Pereira Figueiredo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 10/12820-4 - Seroepidemiological and molecular characterization of malarial infection in neotropical primates in the state of Maranhão
• Grantee: Rosangela Zacarias Machado
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants