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

Autor(es)

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

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases; v. 11, n. 7 JUL 2017.
• Citações Web of Science: 4

Resumo

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)

• Processo FAPESP: 16/02572-0 - Pesquisa de infecção por agentes das Leishmanioses, Tripanossomíase Americana e Febre Maculosa Brasileira em mamíferos silvestres de vida livre de área de proteção ambiental do município de Campinas, São Paulo
• Beneficiário: Lais Moraes Paiz
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado Direto
• Processo FAPESP: 12/51267-4 - Aprimoramento do diagnóstico etiológico das leishmanioses no estado de São Paulo: bases para a implantação de uma rede de laboratórios para a identificação das rotas de disseminação e monitoramento da diversidade fenotípica e genotípica dos protozoários do gênero Leishmania
• Beneficiário: José Eduardo Tolezano
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Pesquisa em Políticas Públicas para o SUS
• Processo FAPESP: 14/13049-0 - Infecção por Leishmania chagasi em mamíferos silvestres de vida livre em região de mata nativa, no município de Campinas, São Paulo
• Beneficiário: Lais Moraes Paiz
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Mestrado
• Processo FAPESP: 14/27212-0 - Infecção por Leishmania infantum (sinônimo: Leishmania chagasi) em mamíferos silvestres de vida livre em região de área de proteção ambiental (APA), no município de Campinas, São Paulo
• Beneficiário: Maria Rita Donalisio Cordeiro
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular