Visceral leishmaniasis in an environmentally protected area in southeastern Brazil: Epidemiological and laboratory cross-sectional investigation of phlebotomine fauna, wild hosts and canine cases

Author(s)

Donalisio, Maria Rita ; Paiz, Lais Moraes ; da Silva, Vanessa Gusmon ; Richini-Pereira, Virginia Bodelao ; Bruno von Zuben, Andrea Paula ; Castagna, Claudio Luiz ; Motoie, Gabriela ; Hiramoto, Roberto Mitsuyoshi ; Tolezano, Jose Eduardo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases; v. 11, n. 7 JUL 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Background Leishmaniasis is a rapidly expanding zoonosis that shows increasing urbanization. Concern exists regarding the role of wildlife in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) transmission, due to frequent natural or anthropogenic environmental changes that facilitate contact between wildlife, humans and their pets. The municipality of Campinas, in southeastern Brazil, initially recorded VL in 2009, when the first autochthonous case was confirmed in a dog living in an upscale residential condominium, located inside an environmentally protected area (EPA). Since then, disease transmission remains restricted to dogs inhabiting two geographically contiguous condominiums within the EPA. Methodology/Principal findings We conducted a cross-sectional study of the VL focus to investigate Leishmania spp. infection in domestic dogs, wild mammals and sand flies using molecular tools and recommended serological techniques. Canine seroprevalences of 1.5% and 1.2% were observed in 2013 and 2015, respectively. Six insect species, confirmed or suspected vectors or potential transmitters of Leishmania, were identified. Two specimens of the main L. (L.) infantum vector in Brazil, Lutzomyia longipalpis, were captured in the EPA. Natural infection by L. (L.) infantum was recorded in one Expapillata firmatoi specimen and two Pintomyia monticola. Natural infection by L. (L.) infantum and Leishmania subgenus Viannia was also detected in two white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris), a known reservoir of VL. Geographical coordinates of each sampling of infected animals were plotted on a map of the EPA, demonstrating proximity between these animals, human residences, including the dogs positive for VL, and forest areas. Conclusions/Significance The EPA, which is inhabited by humans, has an active VL focus. The risk of establishing and maintaining disease transmission foci in similar scenarios, i.e. wild areas that undergo environmental modifications, is evident. Moreover, different epidemiological profiles of VL must be included to elaborate prevention and control measures that consider the particularities of each transmission area. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/02572-0 - Infection survey of Leishmaniasis, American Trypanosomiasis and Brazilian Spotted Fever agents in free-ranging wild mammals from the environmentally protected area of the municipality of Campinas, São Paulo
• Grantee: Lais Moraes Paiz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 12/51267-4 - Enhancing the etiologic diagnosis of leishmaniasis in the state of São Paulo: basis for the deployment of a network of laboratories to identify the routes of dissemination and monitoring of phenotypic and genotypic diversity of protozoa of the genus Leishmania
• Grantee: José Eduardo Tolezano
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research in Public Policies for the National Health Care System (PP-SUS)
• FAPESP's process: 14/13049-0 - Leishmania chagasi infection in free-ranging wild mammals in a region of native forest, in the municipality of Campinas, São Paulo
• Grantee: Lais Moraes Paiz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 14/27212-0 - Leishmania infantum (synonymous: Leishmania chagasi) infection in free-ranging wild mammals in the region of environmental protection area, in the municipality of Campinas, São Paulo
• Grantee: Maria Rita Donalisio Cordeiro
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants