Natural Infection by Leishmania infantum in domestic cats (Felis catus) in a municipality of moderate transmission in the Brazilian semi-arid region / Infecção natural por Leishmania infantum em gatos domésticos (Felis catus) em município de transmissão moderada no semiárido brasileiro

The main clinical, anatomopathological, and molecular aspects of the infection by Leishmania infantum are described in two cats with multicentric cutaneous, nodular, and ulcerated lesions. The animals were submitted to a clinical examination, followed by serological, molecular and parasitological exams, with culture and isolation of the parasite, and subsequent isoenzymatic characterization. The animals were euthanized and necropsied. Case 1 was an adult, female, mixed-bred stray cat. Case 2 was an adult, male, mixed-bred and domiciled cat. Both were positive for the presence of anti-L. infantum antibodies. In the cytology of the cutaneous nodules and lymph nodes, amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. could be visualized, free and in the interior of the macrophages. In the histopathology, the lesions were characterized by nodular granulomatous and/or ulcerative dermatitis, associated to amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. By means of the polymerase chain reaction, the sequence of the L. infantum kDNA minicircle was amplified. It is concluded that the infection by L. infantum occurs in cats in the State of Paraíba, Northeast region of Brazil and the need to understand the immunological profile of the visceral leishmaniasis in the feline population is highlighted with aimed at the control measures in public health.(AU)

Descrevem-se os principais aspectos clínicos, anatomopatológicos e moleculares da infecção por Leishmania infantum em dois gatos, cuja queixa era de lesões cutâneas multicêntricas, nodulares e ulceradas. Os animais foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, seguida de exames sorológicos, molecular e parasitológico, com cultura e isolamento do parasita e posterior caracterização isoenzimática. Os animais foram eutanasiados e encaminhados para a necropsia. O caso 1 era uma gata adulta, sem raça definida e errante. O caso 2 era um gato adulto, sem raça definida e domiciliado. Ambos foram positivos para a presença de anticorpos anti-L. infantum. Na citologia dos nódulos cutâneos e linfonodos, puderam ser visualizadas formas amastigotas de Leishmania spp. livres e no interior de macrófagos. Na histopatologia, as lesões se caracterizavam por dermatite granulomatosa nodular e/ou ulcerativa, associadas a formas amastigotas de Leishmania spp. Por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase, amplificou-se a sequência do minicírculo do kDNA de L. infantum. Conclui-se que a infecção por L. infantum ocorre em gatos no estado da Paraíba, região Nordeste do Brasil. Deve-se ressaltar a necessidade de compreender o perfil imunológico e epidemiológico da leishmaniose visceral na população felina, com vistas às medidas de controle em saúde pública.(AU)

Prevalence and associated factors of canine visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic and severe disease of great interest to global public health. In Brazil, the main species causing visceral leishmaniasis is Leishmania chagasi [syn. Leishmania infantum], which is transmitted by sandflies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lu. cruzi. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs residing in endemic areas of the municipality of Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso. Material, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in the Várzea Grande neighbourhoods Jardim Eldorado, Parque Sabiá and São Mateus, which are located in the Brazilian Cerrado region and are endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. The Várzea Grande is a mostly commercial and industrial municipality and relies on subsistence farming. To describe the general characteristics of the dog population and housing environment, an interview was carried out with the dog owners in each household. This interview addressed local demographics and the identification of dogs to establish epidemiological aspects of canine illness and risk factors for infection. The dogs were examined and physically restrained for blood collection by jugular venipuncture. For serological testing, a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. A Chi-square test or Fishers exact test was used to identify associations [...](AU)

Serological diagnosis of feline tegumentary leishmaniasis by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in an endemic area in Brazil

Background: American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is a serious public health problem, and the participation of domestic cats in its epidemiological process has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the standardization of monitoring methodologies of cat populations becomes important for the generation of information on the disease. In Brazil, ATL presents a wide geographical distribution, being Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis its etiologic agent of ATL in Rio de Janeiro. The main objective of the present study was investigate the presence of specific anti-Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in 34 cats from an ATL endemic area in this municipality. Materials, Methods & Results: Sera from three cats from the study area naturally infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis were used as positive control. Analyses were performed with antigen preparations using indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found prevalence rates of 20.6% (7/34) in the IFI and 14.7% (5/34) in the ELISA. Specificity was 87.1% for the IFI and 93.5% for the ELISA, and both tests presented sensitivity of 100%. Concordance between the used tests was assessed as moderate. Discussion: By conducting a feline serological survey in an endemic area for ATL we provide information on the involvement of this species in such epidemiological [...](AU)

Serological diagnosis of feline tegumentary leishmaniasis by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in an endemic area in Brazil

Background: American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is a serious public health problem, and the participation of domestic cats in its epidemiological process has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the standardization of monitoring methodologies of cat populations becomes important for the generation of information on the disease. In Brazil, ATL presents a wide geographical distribution, being Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis its etiologic agent of ATL in Rio de Janeiro. The main objective of the present study was investigate the presence of specific anti-Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in 34 cats from an ATL endemic area in this municipality. Materials, Methods & Results: Sera from three cats from the study area naturally infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis were used as positive control. Analyses were performed with antigen preparations using indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found prevalence rates of 20.6% (7/34) in the IFI and 14.7% (5/34) in the ELISA. Specificity was 87.1% for the IFI and 93.5% for the ELISA, and both tests presented sensitivity of 100%. Concordance between the used tests was assessed as moderate. Discussion: By conducting a feline serological survey in an endemic area for ATL we provide information on the involvement of this species in such epidemiological [...]

Prevalence and associated factors of canine visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic and severe disease of great interest to global public health. In Brazil, the main species causing visceral leishmaniasis is Leishmania chagasi [syn. Leishmania infantum], which is transmitted by sandflies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lu. cruzi. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs residing in endemic areas of the municipality of Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso. Material, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in the Várzea Grande neighbourhoods Jardim Eldorado, Parque Sabiá and São Mateus, which are located in the Brazilian Cerrado region and are endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. The Várzea Grande is a mostly commercial and industrial municipality and relies on subsistence farming. To describe the general characteristics of the dog population and housing environment, an interview was carried out with the dog owners in each household. This interview addressed local demographics and the identification of dogs to establish epidemiological aspects of canine illness and risk factors for infection. The dogs were examined and physically restrained for blood collection by jugular venipuncture. For serological testing, a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. A Chi-square test or Fishers exact test was used to identify associations [...]

Leishmania (Leishmania) hertigi in a porcupine (Coendou sp. ) found in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil / Leishmania (Leishmania) hertigi em porco-espinho (Coendou sp. ) encontrado em Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil

Studies report the occurrence of Leishmania (Leishmania) hertigi in northern states of Brazil. In the present investigation, we describe the isolation of L. (L.) hertigi from a porcupine (Coendou sp.) found in Brasília, Federal District, center-west region of Brazil. During a study on canine visceral leishmaniasis conducted in the city of Brasília, Federal District, a porcupine was found dead on a public road. The animal was identified and fragments of intact skin and spleen were collected for isolation of parasite in the culture. This report of the occurrence of L. hertigi in another part of Brazil may help establish the distribution of this parasite in the country. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of L. hertigi in the pathology and pathogenesis of leishmaniasis and its survival in mammals and possible vectors.

Alguns estudos relatam o encontro de Leishmania (Leishmania) hertigi em estados da região Norte do Brasil. Na presente investigação, os autores descrevem o isolamento de Leishmania (Leishmania) hertigi em um porco-espinho (Coendou sp.) encontrado em Brasília, Distrito Federal, região Centro-oeste do Brasil. Durante um estudo de leishmaniose visceral canina conduzido na cidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal, um porco-espinho foi encontrado morto em via pública. O animal foi identificado e fragmentos de pele íntegra e baço foram coletados para isolamento do parasito em cultura. Esse relato da ocorrência de L. hertigi em outra região do Brasil pode contribuir para evidenciar a distribuição desse parasita no país. Vale ressaltar a necessidade de estudos para compreensão do papel L. hertigi na patologia e patogênese da leishmaniose e a sua sobrevivência em mamíferos e possíveis vetores.

First autochthonous case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Primeiro caso autóctone de leishmaniose visceral canina em Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

In Brazil, American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi and its main vector is Lutzomyia longipalpis. Cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in non-endemic areas have been reported over the last few years throughout the country. The objective of this research note is to describe an autochthonous case of CVL that occurred in the municipality of Volta Redonda, state of Rio de Janeiro, an area where the disease is not endemic, alerting veterinarians and the scientific community to the expansion of this important zoonosis and advising veterinary practitioners on how to deal with a suspicion of CVL. Canine visceral leishmaniasis can be misdiagnosed within a broad spectrum of canine diseases based on clinical and laboratory findings. Therefore, knowledge of its clinical manifestations, specific and sensitive laboratory diagnostic tests and parasitological procedures are of the utmost importance for rapid confirmation and notification of a case, thus contributing directly to the control of a focus.

No Brasil a leishmaniose visceral americana (LVA) é causada por Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi e tem como seu principal vetor Lutzomyia longipalpis. Nos últimos anos vêm sendo relatados casos de leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) em áreas não endêmicas em todo país. O objetivo desta nota é descrever um caso autóctone de LVC no município de Volta Redonda, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, área não endêmica para essa doença e assim, chamar a atenção dos clínicos veterinários e da comunidade científica para a expansão dessa importante zoonose, além de orientar os médicos veterinários, como proceder frente a um caso suspeito de LVC. A LVC pode ser clínica e laboratorialmente confundida com uma ampla gama de patologias caninas e o conhecimento de suas manifestações clínicas e de procedimentos laboratoriais específicos e sensíveis para esse diagnóstico, são de grande importância para uma rápida confirmação e notificação do caso, contribuindo assim diretamente para o controle do foco.

Leishmaniose visceral canina: dois casos autóctones no município de Florianópolis, estado de Santa Catarina / Canine visceral leishmaniasis: two autochthonous cases in Florianópolis municipality, Santa Catarina State, Brazill

Background: Brazil faces an expansion and urbanization of American visceral leishmaniasis with human and canine cases in several metropolises. This report describes two cases of autochthonous canine visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, classified as an area previously without disease transmission. Case: Five dogs from Canto dos Araçás, Lagoa da Conceição, Florianópolis municipality, which had no history of displacement to other municipalities, were studied by collecting clinical specimens in an attempt to isolate the parasite and to confirm the infection by Leishmania. For sampling the animals were sedated and after local shaving, asepsis and anesthesia with lidocaine HCl 2%, two fragments of apparently healthy skin of the scapular region with the aid of a 3 mm punch were obtained. The two fragments were placed in sterile saline plus antibiotics and antifungal agents solution to attempt the isolation of the parasite in NNN culture medium plus Schneider's medium. In addition to the collection of skin fragment, animals underwent bone marrow (BM) needle aspiration, obtained from the manubrium of the sternum, using a 20 mL syringe with 40x12 mm needle and aspiration biopsy of popliteal lymph nodes using Valeri citoaspirador 10 mL syringe and 25x8 mm needle, both performed after local shaving, asepsis and anesthesia with 2% lidocaine. The material collected from punctures biopsies was also seeded in an attempt of isolating the parasites. Among the five examined animals, in three cases promastigotes were isolated, two of which through the cultivation of skin fragments and one through a punctured sample of the lymph node. In two cases isoenzymatic characterization and identifying parasites such as Leishmania chagasi could be performed. Discussion: The LVC findings in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina generates great concern due to lack of knowledge of the actual spread of the disease, transmission dynamics in this area, knowledge of the vector, wild reservoirs and even in relation to the canine population exposed, for the first time, to Leishmania chagasi. These peculiar conditions may contribute to the onset of an abrupt expansion of the disease, differently from endemic regions. This fact can also be observed in many other cities in Brazil, mainly due to the development and expansion of road networks and the popularity of air travel, which increases the transit of people and their pets thereby increasing the risk of dispersion, not only of LVC, as of other infectious diseases to non-endemic areas. Another important point which causes dispersion of the LVC is related to some owners' attempt to get around the main control method, which is euthanasia for positive dogs, and end up moving their animals to areas where there is no endemic canine serological survey, endangering the population of these areas. The use of some tools could avoid this type of dispersal, as the tighter control of the movement of dogs from endemic areas, implementation of mandatory serological diagnosis and mandatory reporting of positive canine cases. Moreover, educational measures to educate dog owners and veterinarians from the public and private sectors would also help in trying to minimize this problem. In this sense, it is extremely important that the entomological and epidemiological surveillance aimed at LVC are deployed and implemented in free areas, aiming at detecting the presence of vector and/or canine enzootic diseases before installing the anthropozoonotic cycle, allowing unprecedented action aimed at preventing the occurrence of disease in humans, or even prepare the health services and the population to fight the problem.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis: seroprevalence and risk factors in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Leishmaniose visceral canina: soroprevalência e fatores de risco em Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil

In Brazil, canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic and the number of cases in humans and dogs has increased in the Midwest region. A transversal study was carried out in endemic areas from Cuiabá, State of Mato Grosso, to assess data on seroprevalence and risk factors associated to canine infection. Four hundred and thirty (430) dogs were randomly evaluated through indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) considering variables related to the animals, the environment and the knowledge by owners on CVL aspects and control. From 430 dogs, 95 (22.1%) were seroreagent for leishmaniasis and animals living in rural environments present risk 1.9 times higher for acquiring the disease than those in urban environments (p = 0.01; OR 1.9). Factors related to animals' habits, such as free access to the street and guard function were considered indicators to predict infection by Leishmania sp. (p < 0.05) by statistical univariate analysis. The presence of agricultural activities was also a fact that contributed for the insurgence of the infection (p = 0.02; OR 1.68). The results contributed to the knowledge on the aspects of CVL in Cuiabá and point to an urgent need to include educational and sanitary programs in the city, since the region presents favorable characteristics for spreading the infection of CVL as already observed in other Brazilian cities.(AU)

No Brasil, a leishmaniose visceral canina (CLV) é endêmica e, na região Centro-Oeste, o número de casos em humanos e cães tem aumentado. Um estudo transversal foi realizado em áreas endêmicas de Cuiabá (MT) com objetivo de avaliar dados sobre a soroprevalência e determinar os fatores de risco associados à infecção canina. Quatrocentos e trinta (430) cães foram aleatoriamente avaliados pelo teste de imunofluorescência indireta, considerando-se variáveis relacionadas aos animais, o ambiente e o conhecimento por parte dos proprietários sobre aspectos da CLV e seu controle. Dos 430 cães, 95 (22,1%) apresentaram-se soros reagentes para leishmaniose, e os animais que viviam em ambiente rural apresentaram risco 1,9 vezes maior de adquirir a infecção dos que aqueles em ambiente urbano (p = 0,01; OR 1,9). Fatores relacionados aos hábitos dos animais, tais como o livre acesso à rua e função de guarda, foram considerados indicadores para prever a infecção por Leishmania sp. (p.< 0,05) em análise estatística univariada. A presença de atividade agrícola foi também um fato que contribuiu para a ocorrência da infecção (p = 0,02; OR 1,68). Os resultados contribuem para o conhecimento sobre os aspectos da CVL em Cuiabá e apontam para uma necessidade urgente de incluir ações educativas e sanitárias na cidade, já que a região possui características favoráveis para a dispersão da doença como já observado em outras cidades.(AU)

Leishmaniose visceral canina em Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ - relato de caso / Canine visceral leishmaniasis in Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de Janeiro - case report / Leishmaniasis visceral canina en Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de janeiro - relato de caso

No estado do Rio de Janeiro, as áreas endêmicas de leishmaniose visceral (LV) concentram-se em algumas regiões periurbanas da capital, entretanto nos últimos anos tem sido notificados casos em outras áreas. Tal fato gera preocupação, já que em muitas regiões do país, endemias caninas precederam humanas, além da dificuldade de controle dessa doença. O relato descreve um caso de leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) no município de Cachoeiras de Macacu, suas apresentações clínicas e desfecho laboratorial. Com o surgimento de um caso de LVC, em uma área considerada não endêmica, as ações de vigilância devem considerar estudos relacionados à fauna flebotomínica e avaliação dos cães nas proximidades do caso descrito. Além disso , a qualificação e integração de profissionais de saúde, da rede pública e privada, são fundamentais para que as medidas preventivas sejam tomadas em tempo hábil minimizando assim o risco de expansão da LV.

Endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the state of Rio de Janeiro are concentrated in some suburban areas of the capital. In recent years, however, it has been reported in other areas as well. This fact raises concern, since canine cases preceded human cases in many regions of the country, not to mention that this is a disease of difficult control. This report describes a case of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in the city of Cachoeiras de Macacu and its clinical and laboratory outcome. The emergence of CVL cases in non-endemic areas should lead to surveillance actions such as a study of the regional phlebotomine fauna and an evaluation of the local dog population. In addition, the qualification and integration of public and private health professionals are important to ensure that preventive measures are taken fast enough to minimize the risk of VL expansion.

En el estado de Río de Janeiro, las áreas endémicas de leishmaniasis visceral (LV) estan concentradas en algunas regiones suburbanas de la capital, aunque en los últimos años se ha reportado en otras áreas. Este hecho es motivo de preocupación, ya que en muchas regiones del país, los casos de endemias caninas terminaron precediendo los casos humanos, además de la dificultad de controlar la enfermedad. El relato describe un caso de leishmaniasis visceral canina (LVC) en el municipio Cachoeiras de Macacu con sus resultados clínicos y de laboratorio. Con la aparición de un caso de LVC en una zona que no se considera endémica, las actividades de vigilancia deben considerar los estudios de los insectos, y la evaluación de la población canina cercana al local de aparicion del presente caso. Además, la calificación e integración de los profesionales de la salud pública y privada son fundamentales para que la adopción de medidas preventivas sean tomadas en el menos tiempo posible, minimizando así el riesgo de expansión de la LV.

Leishmaniose visceral canina em Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ - relato de caso / Canine visceral leishmaniasis in Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de Janeiro - case report / Leishmaniasis visceral canina en Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de janeiro - relato de caso

No estado do Rio de Janeiro, as áreas endêmicas de leishmaniose visceral (LV) concentram-se em algumas regiões periurbanas da capital, entretanto nos últimos anos tem sido notificados casos em outras áreas. Tal fato gera preocupação, já que em muitas regiões do país, endemias caninas precederam humanas, além da dificuldade de controle dessa doença. O relato descreve um caso de leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) no município de Cachoeiras de Macacu, suas apresentações clínicas e desfecho laboratorial. Com o surgimento de um caso de LVC, em uma área considerada não endêmica, as ações de vigilância devem considerar estudos relacionados à fauna flebotomínica e avaliação dos cães nas proximidades do caso descrito. Além disso , a qualificação e integração de profissionais de saúde, da rede pública e privada, são fundamentais para que as medidas preventivas sejam tomadas em tempo hábil minimizando assim o risco de expansão da LV.(AU)

Endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the state of Rio de Janeiro are concentrated in some suburban areas of the capital. In recent years, however, it has been reported in other areas as well. This fact raises concern, since canine cases preceded human cases in many regions of the country, not to mention that this is a disease of difficult control. This report describes a case of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in the city of Cachoeiras de Macacu and its clinical and laboratory outcome. The emergence of CVL cases in non-endemic areas should lead to surveillance actions such as a study of the regional phlebotomine fauna and an evaluation of the local dog population. In addition, the qualification and integration of public and private health professionals are important to ensure that preventive measures are taken fast enough to minimize the risk of VL expansion.(AU)

En el estado de Río de Janeiro, las áreas endémicas de leishmaniasis visceral (LV) estan concentradas en algunas regiones suburbanas de la capital, aunque en los últimos años se ha reportado en otras áreas. Este hecho es motivo de preocupación, ya que en muchas regiones del país, los casos de endemias caninas terminaron precediendo los casos humanos, además de la dificultad de controlar la enfermedad. El relato describe un caso de leishmaniasis visceral canina (LVC) en el municipio Cachoeiras de Macacu con sus resultados clínicos y de laboratorio. Con la aparición de un caso de LVC en una zona que no se considera endémica, las actividades de vigilancia deben considerar los estudios de los insectos, y la evaluación de la población canina cercana al local de aparicion del presente caso. Además, la calificación e integración de los profesionales de la salud pública y privada son fundamentales para que la adopción de medidas preventivas sean tomadas en el menos tiempo posible, minimizando así el riesgo de expansión de la LV.(AU)