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Nascimento LFDJ, Amado-Gomes AC, Dantas-Torres F, Santos FLN, Neres WDS, Filho PEDS, Santos MT, Silva JRS, Resende CF, Dos Reis JKP, Jain S, Cunha JLR, Fujiwara RT, Dolabella SS. Feline leishmaniasis in an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil: Clinical aspects, coinfections, molecular detection, and serological study of a new recombinant protein. Res Vet Sci 2024; 172:105256. [PMID: 38613921 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Infection and clinical cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in cats have been increasingly reported in several countries, including Brazil. In this study, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunochromatographic test (ICT) based on a recombinant antigen (rKDDR-plus) to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies in cats from an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil. We compared the results with an ELISA using L. infantum crude antigen (ELISA-CA). We also investigated the presence of Leishmania DNA in blood or ocular conjunctival samples as well as the association between Leishmania PCR positivity and serological positivity to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Toxoplasma gondii. Concerning serological assays, a higher positivity was detected using the ICT-rKDDR-plus (7.5%; 7/93) as compared to ELISA-rKDDR-plus (5.4%; 5/93) and ELISA-CA (4.3%; 4/93). Upon PCR testing, 52.7% (49/93) of the ocular conjunctival swabs and 48.3% (44/91) of the blood samples were positive. Together, PCR and serological testing revealed overall positivities of 73.1% (68/93) and 12.9% (12/93), respectively. Among PCR-positive samples, 45.5% (31/68) showed co-infection with FIV, 17.6% (12/68) with FeLV, and 82.3% (56/68) with T. gondii. More than half of the PCR-positive cats showed at least one clinical sign suggestive of leishmaniasis (58.8%; 40/68) and dermatological signs were the most frequent ones (45.5%; 31/68). Both tests employing the recombinant antigen rKDDR-plus (i.e., ICT-rKDDR-plus and ELISA-rKDDR-plus) detected more positive cats than the ELISA-CA but presented low overall accuracy. PCR testing using either blood or ocular conjunctival samples detected much more positive cats than serological tests.
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MESH Headings
- Cats
- Animals
- Cat Diseases/diagnosis
- Cat Diseases/parasitology
- Cat Diseases/virology
- Cat Diseases/blood
- Cat Diseases/epidemiology
- Brazil/epidemiology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary
- Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline/isolation & purification
- Coinfection/veterinary
- Coinfection/parasitology
- Coinfection/epidemiology
- Coinfection/virology
- Leishmania infantum/isolation & purification
- Leukemia Virus, Feline/genetics
- Leukemia Virus, Feline/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins
- Male
- Female
- Toxoplasma
- Antibodies, Protozoan/blood
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/veterinary
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/diagnosis
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/epidemiology
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/blood
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/diagnosis
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/blood
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Integrated Translational Program in Chagas Disease from Fiocruz (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Wemerson de Santana Neres
- Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Tibúrcio Santos
- Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Cláudia Fideles Resende
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Sona Jain
- Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Graduate Program in Industrial Biotechnology, Tiradentes University, SE, Brazil
| | - João Luís Reis Cunha
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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da Silva AS, de Medeiros Silva MM, de Oliveira Mendes Aguiar C, Nascimento PRP, da Costa EG, Jeronimo SMB, de Melo Ximenes MDFF. Challenges of animals shelters in caring for dogs infected with Leishmania and other pathogens. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 49:100988. [PMID: 38462297 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.100988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of human Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) has decreased in Brazil; however, the number of areas reporting human and canine cases has increased, with Leishmania infantum usually preceding human infection. This study aimed to analyze the profile of infectious diseases that are endemic for both human and canine VL, in dogs housed in a shelter located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil. Data was obtained between November/2021 to April/2022. All dogs residing at the shelter (98 dogs) were examined and blood was collected for testing for L. infantum, Ehrlichia canis, and Babesia sp. Statistical analyses considered the clinical and laboratory findings. Of the 98 animals, approximately 43% were positive for L. infantum antibodies, 19% were positive for L. infantum kDNA, and 18% were L. infantum positive by culture. Greater levels of anti-leishmania antibodies were observed in dogs with symptoms suggestive of VL. The dogs tested positive for E. canis (19/98) and B. canis (18/98). Lutzomyia longipalpis was captured inside the shelter, representing 74.25% (n = 225) of whole sandflies in the dog shelter. Concomitant infection by L. infantum and E. canis increased the odds of death. Treatment of VL included the use of allopurinol (n = 48) and miltefosine (n = 8). Treated animals showed more signs of Leishmania infection. Tickborn parasites and Leishmania were prevalent in sheltered dogs in a VL-endemic area, which increases the odds of death and poses an additional challenge for caring for abandoned dogs and at the same time setting protocols to manage reservoirs of L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Salles da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Development and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Marcel Miranda de Medeiros Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Development and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Carolina de Oliveira Mendes Aguiar
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of Rio Grande do Norte, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Paulo Ricardo Petrucio Nascimento
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of Rio Grande do Norte, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Eliardo Guimarães da Costa
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Selma M B Jeronimo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of Rio Grande do Norte, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Maria de Fátima Freire de Melo Ximenes
- Postgraduate Program in Development and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
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Santos NAF, Silva-Junior FF, Silva FBR, Tosta CD, Moura KD, Jeraldo VLS, Madi RR, Pinto MC, Melo CM. Spatial analysis of the risk for canine visceral leishmaniasis in an urban area in the State of Sergipe. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 83:e275439. [PMID: 38422263 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.275439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis is included among the neglected tropical diseases, being directly related to conditions of social vulnerability, in urban environments, dogs act as important reservoirs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of dogs, related risk factors and identify of volatile organic compounds from infected dogs. Peripheral blood samples from 72 dogs were collected for detection using the ELISA test, in addition to hair samples for analysis by GC-MS. Of the evaluated dogs, 13 (18.05%/72) were reactive for canine VL, seven in Aracaju and six in Propriá. Factors related to vegetation, age, place where the dog stays and free access to the street, were associated with a greater chance of the dog becoming infected. Fifty-three compounds were identified from ten canine hair samples, among which 2-butoxyethanol, benzaldehyde, decane, 2-phenylacetaldehyde, nonan-1-ol, 2-phenoxyethanol, nonanoic acid, 8-heptadecene and eicosane were found in seropositive dogs for leishmaniasis. The guardian's posture has been increasingly important, requiring more attention to the dog's health and actions aimed at environmental management in an attempt to reduce cases of canine VL in the state. Even though the identified VOCs have not been associated with leishmanial infection, it is of great use for understanding canine hair substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A F Santos
- Universidade Tiradentes - UNIT, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Ambiente, Aracaju, SE, Brasil
| | - F F Silva-Junior
- Universidade Tiradentes - UNIT, Curso de Biomedicina, Aracaju, SE, Brasil
| | - F B R Silva
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia Aplicada a Farmácia, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
| | - C D Tosta
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de São Paulo - IFSP, Matão, SP, Brasil
| | - K D Moura
- Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de Sergipe, Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública de Sergipe - LACEN, Aracaju, SE, Brasil
| | - V L S Jeraldo
- Universidade Tiradentes - UNIT, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Ambiente, Aracaju, SE, Brasil
- Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa - ITP, Aracaju, SE, Brasil
| | - R R Madi
- Universidade Tiradentes - UNIT, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Ambiente, Aracaju, SE, Brasil
- Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa - ITP, Aracaju, SE, Brasil
| | - M C Pinto
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia Aplicada a Farmácia, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
| | - C M Melo
- Universidade Tiradentes - UNIT, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Ambiente, Aracaju, SE, Brasil
- Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa - ITP, Aracaju, SE, Brasil
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Silva SS, Macedo LOD, Oliveira JCPD, Alves LC, Carvalho GAD, Ramos RAN. Canine visceral leishmaniasis: risk factors and spatial analysis in an endemic area of Northeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2023; 32:e003223. [PMID: 37222306 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612023029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the protozoon Leishmania infantum, an important agent of zoonotic concern. In this study we determined the seroprevalence, risk factors and spatial distribution of infection by L. infantum among dogs in the Pajeú microregion of the Sertão region of Pernambuco, Brazil. Canine serum samples (n = 247) were tested using the Dual Path Platform (DPP®) rapid screening test and ELISA/S7® confirmatory test; and risk factors were assessed through univariate analysis and logistical regression. The spatial distribution of reactive dogs was analyzed by drawing a map using QGIS. Seroprevalence of 13.7% (34/247) was detected, with cases predominating in the municipality of Tabira (26.4%; 9/34). Age above 10 years was considered to be a risk factor associated with the presence of anti-L. infantum antibodies. The high overall prevalence and spatial distribution of positive cases showed wide dispersion of reagents dogs in the study area. Therefore, preventive measures are needed in order to reduce the risk of infection for animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Souza Silva
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Agreste de Pernambuco - UFAPE, Garanhuns, PE, Brasil
| | - Lucia Oliveira de Macedo
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Agreste de Pernambuco - UFAPE, Garanhuns, PE, Brasil
| | | | - Leucio Câmara Alves
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
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Arumugam S, Scorza BM, Petersen C. Visceral Leishmaniasis and the Skin: Dermal Parasite Transmission to Sand Flies. Pathogens 2022; 11:610. [PMID: 35745464 PMCID: PMC9228576 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease with significant dermal tropism. The skin is an important site of infection contributing to parasite transmission to naïve sand flies, but understanding how parasitism of host skin and the related immune microenvironment supports or prevents skin parasite replication is now the focus of major investigation in the field of leishmaniasis research. Here, we review dermatoimmunology during visceral leishmaniasis (VL), dermal Leishmania parasite burden, and the role of skin parasitism in transmissibility to sand fly vectors. First, we discuss the epidemiology of VL amongst dogs, the primary zoonotic reservoir for human infection. We explore the association between spatial distribution and the burden of parasites in the skin in driving outward transmission. Factors associated with parasite persistence in the skin are examined. We discuss systemic immunity during VL and what is known about immunological correlates in the skin microenvironment. Finally, we touch on factors egested into the skin during Leishmania inoculation by sand flies. Throughout, we discuss factors associated with the early and chronic establishment of Leishmania parasites in the skin and the role of the dermal immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahaana Arumugam
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (S.A.); (B.M.S.)
- Immunology Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Breanna M. Scorza
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (S.A.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
| | - Christine Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (S.A.); (B.M.S.)
- Immunology Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
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A longitudinal survey of gastrointestinal parasites of the black-eared opossum Didelphis aurita at an urban-sylvatic interface area in Southeast Brazil: a morphological and ecological characterization based on helminth eggs. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3815-3825. [PMID: 34568959 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07314-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasites are important organisms in ecosystem dynamics and take part in the regulation and structure of host populations. The prevalence, abundance, and distribution of parasites in their host species may be affected by biotic and abiotic factors. Most studies of helminths of Brazilian marsupials are taxonomic descriptions or re-descriptions and records of occurrence. The use of noninvasive techniques for studying parasitic worms of vertebrate hosts is more common in large or threatened species. The aims of this study were to describe and identify the helminth morphotypes and to analyse the parasitological parameters of gastrointestinal helminth eggs obtained in faecal samples of marsupial Didelphis aurita at the Fiocruz Atlantic Forest Biological Station and surroundings, municipality of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. The common opossums were sampled during a capture-mark-recapture study. Faecal samples collected from each animal were analysed for helminth egg diagnosis using the methods of flotation in sugar solution and sedimentation. Eggs were compared with samples obtained from the uterus of adult worms obtained from a previous study carried out in the same area. Eleven helminth egg morphotypes were found. Among them, seven were identified at the species level. The highest values of parasitic load and prevalence were observed for the families Viannaiidae and Trichuridae. A significant relationship was found between the number of morphotypes and host body size in females. The influence of parasite load on host condition factor or body size was not observed.
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