RESUMO
We detected Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1) in 11 isolates of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis collected during 2014-2019 from patients from different geographic areas in Panama. The distribution suggested a spread of LRV1 in L. (V.) panamensis parasites. We found no association between LRV1 and an increase in clinical pathology.
Assuntos
Leishmania guyanensis , Leishmaniose Cutânea , Leishmaniose Mucocutânea , Leishmaniavirus , Humanos , Leishmania guyanensis/genética , Leishmaniose Mucocutânea/epidemiologia , Leishmaniavirus/genética , Panamá/epidemiologiaRESUMO
AIMS: Leishmaniasis is considered a disease with multiple clinical/immunopathological characteristics, depending on the immunity of the host and the species of the parasite. In Panama, the most prevalent species that causes localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) is Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis, and its immune response is poorly studied. Therefore, we evaluated by immunohistochemistry, the in situ immune response during this infection. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biopsies from Panamanian patients with LCL were collected and processed by histological techniques. Infection by L. (V.) panamensis was demonstrated by isolation in culture and molecular characterization by Hsp70-RFLP. The in situ immune response was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The immune response was characterized by predominance of T cells, mainly CD8 cells that showed positive correlation with IFN-γ and Granzyme B. CD4 cells presented positive correlation with both IFN-γ and IL-13, pointed by mixed cellular immune response. Regulatory response was characterized by FoxP3 cells, which showed positive correlation to IL-10 but not with TGF-ß. CONCLUSIONS: L. (V.) panamensis infection triggers a mixed cellular immune response, characterized by the presence of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and regulatory elements in the skin lesion of Panamanian patients. These data contribute to a better understanding of the immunopathogenesis of Leishmania Viannia infection in Panama.
Assuntos
Leishmania guyanensis/imunologia , Leishmaniose Mucocutânea/imunologia , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Imunidade Celular , Interleucina-10/imunologia , Interleucina-13/imunologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Panamá , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta/imunologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a complex disease with a rich diversity of animal host species. This diversity imposes a challenge, since understanding ACL transmission requires the adequate identification of reservoir hosts, those species able to be a source of additional infections. In this study we present results from an ACL cross-sectional serological survey of 51 dogs (Canis familiaris), where we used diagnostic tests that measure dog's exposure to Leishmania spp. parasites. We did our research in Panamá, at a village that has undergone significant ecosystem level transformations. We found an ACL seroprevalence of 47% among dogs, and their exposure was positively associated with dog age and abundance of sand fly vectors in the houses of dog owners. Using mathematical models, which were fitted to data on the proportion of positive tests as function of dog age, we estimated a basic reproductive number (R 0 ± s.e.) of 1·22 ± 0·09 that indicates the disease is endemically established in the dogs. Nevertheless, this information by itself is insufficient to incriminate dogs as ACL reservoirs, given the inability to find parasites (or their DNA) in seropositive dogs and previously reported failures to experimentally infect vectors feeding on dogs with ACL parasites.
Assuntos
Reservatórios de Doenças/veterinária , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Leishmania/isolamento & purificação , Leishmaniose/veterinária , Envelhecimento , Animais , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Cães , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Técnica Indireta de Fluorescência para Anticorpo , Leishmaniose/epidemiologia , Leishmaniose/parasitologia , Fatores de Risco , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Estudos SoroepidemiológicosRESUMO
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is a zoonosis of humans, wild and domestic mammals, including dogs. In Panama, the main T. cruzi vector is Rhodnius pallescens, a triatomine bug whose main natural habitat is the royal palm, Attalea butyracea. In this paper, we present results from three T. cruzi serological tests (immunochromatographic dipstick, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA) performed in 51 dogs from 24 houses in Trinidad de Las Minas, western Panama. We found that nine dogs were seropositive (17.6% prevalence). Dogs were 1.6 times more likely to become T. cruzi seropositive with each year of age and 11.6 times if royal palms where present in the peridomiciliary area of the dog's household or its two nearest neighbours. Mouse-baited-adhesive traps were employed to evaluate 12 peridomestic royal palms. All palms were found infested with R. pallescens with an average of 25.50 triatomines captured per palm. Of 35 adult bugs analysed, 88.6% showed protozoa flagellates in their intestinal contents. In addition, dogs were five times more likely to be infected by the presence of an additional domestic animal species in the dog's peridomiciliary environment. Our results suggest that interventions focused on royal palms might reduce the exposure to T. cruzi infection.
Assuntos
Doença de Chagas/veterinária , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Insetos Vetores/classificação , Triatominae/classificação , Animais , Doença de Chagas/diagnóstico , Doença de Chagas/epidemiologia , Cromatografia de Afinidade/veterinária , Doenças do Cão/diagnóstico , Cães , Feminino , Técnica Indireta de Fluorescência para Anticorpo/veterinária , Insetos Vetores/parasitologia , Masculino , Panamá/epidemiologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/veterinária , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , População Rural , Triatominae/parasitologia , Trypanosoma/genética , Trypanosoma/imunologiaRESUMO
Leishmania (Viannia) spp. can harbor a double-stranded RNA virus known as Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV-1), whose presence has been reported in nine countries across the Americas and seven Leishmania species. Here, we studied 100 Leishmania (Viannia) isolates from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis collected from different endemic areas in Panama from 2016 to 2022. We identified L. (V.) panamensis, L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) braziliensis/guyanensis hybrid, and L. (V.) panamensis sp.1. (genetic variant). LRV-1 was detected by RT-PCR in 9% of L. (Viannia) isolates (eight cases in L. (V.) panamensis, and one in L. (V.) guyanensis). Phylogenetic analysis based on sequencing data classified all LRV-1 isolates within genotype A, suggesting that LRV phylogenetic proximity is closely aligned with geographical distribution or to the phylogenetic proximity of the Leishmania host in the case of the L. (V.) panamensis and L. (V.) guyanensis in Panama.
RESUMO
According to the last leishmaniasis report from the Pan American Health Organization (2021) so far Panama is considered free of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Although the presence of potential vectors and reservoirs involved in the VL transmission cycle have been described in some rural regions of the country, no cases have been reported in humans and domestic or wild animals. Dogs play an important role in the urban transmission of VL; therefore, it is important to detect possible cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in the country. In this sense,this study reports for the first time the Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum infection in imported dogs in Panama. Eleven dogs with clinical suspicion of CVL were evaluated by parasitological (bone marrow aspirate smear), serological (indirect immunofluorescence and/or reference immunochromatographic rapid test) and molecular tests (conventional PCR). The dogs included in this study were analyzed during the period from 2013 to 2020. All dogs presented clinical manifestations compatible with CVL. The samples were initially evaluated by smears and/or rapid serological tests by private practice veterinarians, and later confirmed by serological and/or molecular tests at the national reference laboratory for Leishmania diagnosis. The diagnosis was confirmed in 5/11 dogs by serological, parasitological and/or conventionals PCR targeting kDNA minicircle and Hsp70 gene. Leishmania (L.) infantum species was identified in 3/5 dogs by PCR-RFLP and by sequencing Hsp70-PCR products. This study evidenced the need to increase awareness of private practitioners as well as public health veterinarians on visceral leishmaniasis (VL), and to consider this parasitosis in the differential diagnosis of dogs with clinical and epidemiological characteristics compatible with the disease.
Assuntos
Doenças do Cão , Leishmania infantum , Leishmaniose Visceral , Leishmaniose , Animais , Doenças do Cão/diagnóstico , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Cães , Leishmania infantum/genética , Leishmaniose/veterinária , Leishmaniose Visceral/diagnóstico , Leishmaniose Visceral/epidemiologia , Leishmaniose Visceral/veterinária , Saúde PúblicaRESUMO
Didelphis marsupialis has been reported as a competent reservoir for trypanosomatid parasites infections. The aim of this study was to measure Trypanosoma cruzi, T. rangeli, and Leishmania spp. infection rates and to characterize discrete typing units (DTUs) of T. cruzi in D. marsupialis from two Chagas disease endemic sites in Panama. Blood from 57 wild-caught D. marsupialis were examined from two rural communities, Las Pavas (N = 18) and Trinidad de las Minas (N = 39). Twenty-two (38.60%) opossums were positive for flagellates by general hemoculture. T. cruzi infection was confirmed by positive hemoculture and/or kDNA based PCR performed in 31/57 (54.39%) blood samples from opossums. T. rangeli infection was confirmed by hemoculture and/or TrF/R2-Primer PCR assay applied on 12/57 (21.05%) blood samples. Nine (15.79%) D. marsupialis harbored T. cruzi/T. rangeli coinfections. All opossums tested negative for Leishmania spp. by PCR assays based on kDNA and HSP70 gene amplification. There was a significant association between T. cruzi infection and site (Fisher exact test, p = 0.02), with a higher proportion of T. cruzi infected opossums in Las Pavas (77.78%, n = 14/18) compared to Trinidad de las Minas (43.59%, n = 17/39). A significant association was found between habitat type and T. cruzi infection in opossums across both communities, (X2 = 6.91, p = 0.01, df = 1), with a higher proportion of T. cruzi infection in opossums captured in forest remnants (76%, 19/25) compared to peridomestic areas (37.5%, 12/32). T. rangeli detection, but not T. cruzi detection, may be improved by culture followed by PCR. TcI was the only DTU detected in 22 T. cruzi samples using conventional and real-time PCR. Eight T. rangeli positive samples were characterized as KP1(-)/lineage C. Trypanosome infection data from this common synanthropic mammal provides important information for improved surveillance and management of Chagas disease in endemic regions of Panama.
RESUMO
Macrophages play important roles in the innate and acquired immune responses against Leishmania parasites. Depending on the subset and activation status, macrophages may eliminate intracellular parasites; however, these host cells also can offer a safe environment for Leishmania replication. In this sense, the fate of the parasite may be influenced by the phenotype of the infected macrophage, linked to the subtype of classically activated (M1) or alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. In the present study, M1 and M2 macrophage subsets were analyzed by double-staining immunohistochemistry in skin biopsies from patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) caused by L. (L.) amazonensis, L. (V.) braziliensis, L. (V.) panamensis ,and L. (L.) infantum chagasi. High number of M1 macrophages was detected in nonulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL) caused by L. (L.) infantum chagasi (M1 = 112 ± 12, M2 = 43 ± 12 cells/mm2). On the other side, high density of M2 macrophages was observed in the skin lesions of patients with anergic diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (ADCL) (M1 = 195 ± 25, M2 = 616 ± 114), followed by cases of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) caused by L. (L.) amazonensis (M1 = 97 ± 24, M2 = 219 ± 29), L. (V.) panamensis (M1 = 71 ± 14, M2 = 164 ± 14), and L. (V.) braziliensis (M1 = 50 ± 13, M2 = 53 ± 10); however, low density of M2 macrophages was observed in NUCL. The data presented herein show the polarization of macrophages in skin lesions caused by different Leishmania species that may be related with the outcome of the disease.
Assuntos
Leishmania/imunologia , Leishmaniose Cutânea/imunologia , Ativação de Macrófagos , Macrófagos/imunologia , Pele/parasitologia , Biópsia , Humanos , Leishmaniose Cutânea/parasitologia , Leishmaniose Cutânea/patologia , Macrófagos/parasitologia , Pele/imunologia , Pele/patologiaRESUMO
Isolates from 475 cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients from three endemic regions were studied by three typing techniques. The molecular analysis from lesion scrapings based on hsp70 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) showed that 78.1% (371/475) restriction patterns corresponded to Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis, 19% (90/475) to Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis, and 3.0% (14/475) to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Promastigotes isolated by culture from lesions of 228 patients (48.0%, 228/475) were identified by multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis. Of them, 95.2% (217/228) were typified as L. (V.) panamensis, 1.3% (3/228) as L. (V.) guyanensis, 2.2% (5/228) as L. (V.) braziliensis, and 1.3% (3/228) as hybrids (L. [V.] braziliensis/L. [V.] panamensis). However, a partial sequencing analysis of the hsp70 gene from 77 selected samples showed 16.9% (13/77) typified as L. (V.) panamensis, 68.8% (53/77) as Leishmania (V.) sp., 1, 3.9% (3/77) as L. (V.) guyanensis, 1.3% (1/77) as L. (V.) braziliensis outlier, 2.6% (2/77) as Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi, 2.6% as (2/77) Leishmania (V.) sp., and 2 and 3.9% (3/77) hybrid isolates of L. (V.) braziliensis/L. (V.) guyanensis. These results confirm L. (V.) panamensis as the predominant species and cause of CL lesions in Panama and that L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) braziliensis, and L. (V.) naiffi are circulating to a lower degree. Furthermore, the determination of parasite isolates belonging to atypical clusters and hybrid isolates suggests the circulation of genetic variants with important implications for the epidemiology and clinical follow-up of CL in Panama. No evidence of the existence of parasites of the Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana complex in Panamanian territory was found in this study.
Assuntos
DNA de Protozoário/análise , Variação Genética , Leishmania/genética , Leishmaniose Cutânea/parasitologia , Impressões Digitais de DNA/métodos , DNA de Protozoário/genética , Leishmania/classificação , Leishmania/isolamento & purificação , Leishmaniose Cutânea/epidemiologia , Leishmaniose Mucocutânea/epidemiologia , Leishmaniose Mucocutânea/parasitologia , Panamá/epidemiologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Análise de Sequência de DNARESUMO
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169047.].
RESUMO
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in the Republic of Panama, caused by Leishmania (Viannia) parasites, whose most common clinical manifestation is the presence of ulcerated lesions on the skin. These lesions usually present a chronic inflammatory reaction, sometimes granulomatous, with the presence of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. This study describes the histopathological characteristics found in the skin lesions of patients with CL caused by Leishmania (V.) panamensis in Panama. We analyzed 49 skin biopsy samples from patients with clinical suspicion of CL, by molecular tests (PCR for subgenus Viannia and HSP-70) and by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Samples were characterized at the species level by PCR-HSP-70/RFLP. From the 49 samples studied, 46 (94%) were positive by PCR and were characterized as Leishmania (V.) panamensis. Of these, 48% were positive by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining with alterations being observed both, in the epidermis (85%) and in the dermis (100%) of skin biopsies. The inflammatory infiltrate was characterized according to histopathological patterns: lymphohistiocytic (50%), lymphoplasmacytic (61%) and granulomatous (46%) infiltration, being the combination of these patterns frequently found. The predominant histopathological characteristics observed in CL lesions caused by L. (V.) panamensis in Panama were: an intense inflammatory reaction in the dermis with a combination of lymphohistiocytic, lymphoplasmacytic and granulomatous presentation patterns and the presence of ulcers, acanthosis, exocytosis and spongiosis in the epidermis.
Assuntos
Leishmania guyanensis/isolamento & purificação , Leishmaniose Mucocutânea/patologia , Adulto , Idoso , Biópsia , Feminino , Humanos , Leishmania guyanensis/genética , Leishmaniose Mucocutânea/parasitologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Panamá , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Ecoepidemiological scenarios for Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas transmission are partially shaped by kissing bug vector ecology. The presence of Attalea butyracea Kunth, the 'royal palm', is a major risk factor for Chagas disease transmission in Panamá given their frequent infestations by Rhodnius pallescens Barber, a major neotropical T. cruzi vector. It was assumed that in Panamá this relationship was very close and unique, limiting the niche of R. pallescens to that of Att. butyracea. However, here we present observations about T. cruzi-infected R. pallescens infesting coyol palms, Acrocomia aculeata Jacquin, in Pedasí district, Los Santos Province, Panamá. Between May 2015 and August 2016, we sampled kissing bugs from 83 coyol palms using mice-baited traps placed at the crown of each palm during the dry and wet season. We collected 62 R. pallescens and one Eratyrus cuspidatus Stål kissing bugs. Using logistic regression, we found that the probability of kissing bug infestation in coyol palms increased during the rainy season, with infructescence number and palm height. We examined adult R. pallescens bugs (n = 30) and found T. cruzi in 67% of the samples. We were able to isolate and characterize T. cruzi from parasites present in the feces from R. pallescens, all parasites belonging to the TC I lineage. We found that green fronds number and house proximity increased T. cruzi infection probability in kissing bugs collected in coyol palms. These results highlight coyol palms as a potential risk factor for Chagas disease transmission in the dry arch of Panamá.
Assuntos
Distribuição Animal , Arecaceae , Rhodnius/parasitologia , Trypanosoma cruzi/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Arecaceae/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Ecossistema , Panamá , Estações do AnoRESUMO
Synanthropic wild mammals can be important hosts for many vector-borne zoonotic pathogens. The aim of this study was determine the exposure of synanthropic mammals to two types of tick-borne pathogens in Panama, spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) and Borrelia relapsing fever (RF) spirochetes. One hundred and thirty-one wild mammals were evaluated, including two gray foxes, two crab-eating foxes (from zoos), four coyotes, 62 opossum and 63 spiny rats captured close to rural towns. To evaluate exposure to SFGR, serum samples from the animals were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using Rickettsia rickettsii and Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii antigen. Immunoblotting was performed using Borrelia turicatae protein lysates and rGlpQ, to assess infection caused by RF spirochetes. One coyote (25%) and 27 (43%) opossums showed seroreactivity to SFGR. Of these opossums, 11 were seroreactive to C. R. amblyommii. Serological reactivity was not detected to B. turicatae in mammal samples. These findings may reflect a potential role of both mammals in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens in Panama.
Assuntos
Vetores Artrópodes/microbiologia , Reservatórios de Doenças , Mamíferos , Carrapatos/microbiologia , Animais , Animais Selvagens , Geografia , Humanos , Panamá/epidemiologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/epidemiologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/transmissãoRESUMO
A precise identification of Leishmania species involved in human infections has epidemiological and clinical importance. Herein, we describe a preliminary validation of a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay, based on the calmodulin intergenic spacer region, as a tool for detecting and typing Leishmania species. After calmodulin amplification, the enzyme HaeIII yielded a clear distinction between reference strains of Leishmania mexicana, Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania infantum, Leishmania lainsoni, and the rest of the Viannia reference species analyzed. The closely related Viannia species: Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania panamensis, and Leishmania guyanensis, are separated in a subsequent digestion step with different restriction enzymes. We have developed a more accessible molecular protocol for Leishmania identification/typing based on the exploitation of part of the calmodulin gene. This methodology has the potential to become an additional tool for Leishmania species characterization and taxonomy.
Assuntos
Calmodulina/genética , Leishmania braziliensis/classificação , Leishmania guyanensis/classificação , Leishmania infantum/classificação , Leishmania mexicana/classificação , Tipagem Molecular/métodos , DNA de Protozoário/genética , Humanos , Leishmania braziliensis/genética , Leishmania braziliensis/isolamento & purificação , Leishmania guyanensis/genética , Leishmania guyanensis/isolamento & purificação , Leishmania infantum/genética , Leishmania infantum/isolamento & purificação , Leishmania mexicana/genética , Leishmania mexicana/isolamento & purificação , Leishmaniose/diagnóstico , Leishmaniose/parasitologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/métodos , Polimorfismo de Fragmento de Restrição , Proteínas de Protozoários/genéticaRESUMO
Introducción: La leishmaniasis cutánea (LC) es una enfermedad zoonótica endémica en Panamá. Su agente causal son protozoarios del género Leishmania y la transmiten insectos flebotominos. Objetivo: Evaluar los factores de riesgos asociados con la LC y la diversidad de flebotominos en dos comunidades rurales de Panamá Oeste. Metodología: Se seleccionaron dos comunidades endémicas para LC: Trinidad de las Minas (TM), de alta incidencia y Las Pavas (LP), de baja incidencia. Los factores de riesgo asociados con la LC fueron evaluados mediante una encuesta aplicada a100 personas (TM: n=50; LP: n=50). Se colectaron flebotominos con trampas CDC durante tres noches consecutivas en temporada lluviosa y seca. Resultados: La mayoría de las personas confirmó conocer sobre la LC (TM: 96% y LP: 68%). No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las características sociodemográficas, estructura de las viviendas, composición del peridomicilio y abundancia/diversidad de animales domésticos en ambas comunidades. El reporte de perezosos cercanos al peridomicilio fue mayor en TM (70%) vs LP (32%). La especie de flebotomino antropofílica más abundante durante la temporada seca fue Lutzomyia gomezi (TM: 40.1% y LP: 10.4%). Durante la temporada lluviosa fue Nyssomyia trapidoi (43.4%) en TM y Psychodopygus panamensis (75.7%) en LP. Las especies zoofílicas más comunes en ambas comunidades fueron Trichopygomyia triramula y Pressatia dysponeta. Conclusión: La mayor incidencia de LC en TM podría estar condicionada a su ecología montañosa, con una cobertura boscosa cercana más extensa y una mayor frecuencia de mamíferos reservorios silvestres. Se confirmó la presencia de vectores de LC en el peridomicilio de ambas comunidades. (provisto por Infomedic International)
Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a zoonotic disease endemic in Panama. Its causal agent are protozoa of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Objective: To evaluate the risk factors associated with CL and the diversity of phlebotomine sandflies in two rural communities in western Panama. Methodology: Two CL endemic communities were selected: Trinidad de las Minas (TM), with high incidence and Las Pavas (LP), with low incidence. The risk factors associated with CL were assessed by means of a survey applied to 100 people (TM: n=50; LP: n=50). Phlebotomine sandflies were collected with CDC traps during three consecutive nights in rainy and dry season. Results: The majority of people confirmed knowledge about CL (TM: 96% and LP: 68%). No significant differences were found between sociodemographic characteristics, housing structure, peridomicile composition and abundance/diversity of domestic animals in both communities. The report of sloths near the peridomicile was higher in TM (70%) vs LP (32%). The most abundant anthropophilic phlebotomine species during the dry season was Lutzomyia gomezi (TM: 40.1% and LP: 10.4%). During the rainy season it was Nyssomyia trapidoi (43.4%) in TM and Psychodopygus panamensis (75.7%) in LP. The most common zoophilic species in both communities were Trichopygomyia triramula and Pressatia dysponeta. Conclusion: The higher incidence of CL in TM could be conditioned to its mountainous ecology, with a more extensive nearby forest cover and a higher frequency of wild mammal reservoirs. The presence of CL vectors in the peridomicile of both communities was confirmed. (provided by Infomedic International)
RESUMO
The eco-epidemiology of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is driven by animal reservoir species that are a source of infection for sand flies that serve as vectors infecting humans with Leishmania spp parasites. The emergence and re-emergence of this disease across Latin America calls for further studies to identify reservoir species associated with enzootic transmission. Here, we present results from a survey of 52 individuals from 13 wild mammal species at endemic sites in Costa Rica and Panama where ACL mammal hosts have not been previously studied. For Leishmania spp. diagnostics we employed a novel PCR technique using blood samples collected on filter paper. We only found Leishmania spp parasites in one host, the two-toed sloth, Choloepus hoffmanni. Our findings add further support to the role of two-toed sloths as an important ACL reservoir in Central America.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The implementation of surveillance, control and prevention measures for Chagas´ disease requires an integrated approach. The sustainability of programs depends on community participation supported on a basic understanding of the problem. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of people interviewed which facilitates or limits the surveillance, prevention and control of Chagas' disease in two endemic Panamanian communities where Rhodnius pallescens is the main vector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire assessed the knowledge and risk factors related to Chagas' disease in 201 people over 10 years of age from the endemic communities of Las Pavas and Lagartera Grande located on the western shore of Panama Canal. Additionally, with the help of the residents, the presence of triatomine bugs in 93 dwellings was evaluated during a year. RESULTS: Of those interviewed, 69.2% (139/201) had poor or very poor knowledge about Chagas' disease. Nearly 93% (187/201) was exposed to moderate or high risk factors. Triatomine bugs were collected in 20.4% (19/93) of the evaluated homes; 80% (66/76) of them were R. pallescens. Significant association was found between the presence of triatomines inside the houses and precarious housing (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Despite having been exposed to health education-related programs, it is necessary to strengthen the basic knowledge about Chagas' disease in the two communities before establishing prevention and surveillance measures which involve active participation of its inhabitants.
Assuntos
Doença de Chagas/psicologia , Doenças Endêmicas , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Insetos Vetores/parasitologia , Rhodnius/parasitologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Animais , Doença de Chagas/prevenção & controle , Doença de Chagas/transmissão , Criança , Promoção da Saúde/organização & administração , Habitação , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Panamá/epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruziinfection, is a zoonosis of humans, wild and domestic mammals, including dogs. In Panama, the main T. cruzivector is Rhodnius pallescens, a triatomine bug whose main natural habitat is the royal palm, Attalea butyracea. In this paper, we present results from three T. cruziserological tests (immunochromatographic dipstick, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA) performed in 51 dogs from 24 houses in Trinidad de Las Minas, western Panama. We found that nine dogs were seropositive (17.6% prevalence). Dogs were 1.6 times more likely to become T. cruziseropositive with each year of age and 11.6 times if royal palms where present in the peridomiciliary area of the dog’s household or its two nearest neighbours. Mouse-baited-adhesive traps were employed to evaluate 12 peridomestic royal palms. All palms were found infested with R. pallescenswith an average of 25.50 triatomines captured per palm. Of 35 adult bugs analysed, 88.6% showed protozoa flagellates in their intestinal contents. In addition, dogs were five times more likely to be infected by the presence of an additional domestic animal species in the dog’s peridomiciliary environment. Our results suggest that interventions focused on royal palms might reduce the exposure to T. cruzi infection.
Assuntos
Animais , Cães , Feminino , Masculino , Doença de Chagas/veterinária , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Insetos Vetores/classificação , Triatominae/classificação , Doença de Chagas/diagnóstico , Doença de Chagas/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/diagnóstico , Técnica Indireta de Fluorescência para Anticorpo/veterinária , Cromatografia de Afinidade/veterinária , Insetos Vetores/parasitologia , Prevalência , Panamá/epidemiologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/veterinária , Fatores de Risco , População Rural , Triatominae/parasitologia , Trypanosoma/genética , Trypanosoma/imunologiaRESUMO
Introducción. La implementación de los programas de vigilancia, prevención y control de la enfermedad de Chagas requiere una aproximación integral. La sostenibilidad de los programas depende de la participación comunitaria amparada en un conocimiento básico del problema. Objetivo. Evaluar los conocimientos de los entrevistados que facilitan o limitan la vigilancia, prevención y control de la enfermedad de Chagas en dos comunidades endémicas de Panamá donde Rhodnius pallescens es el vector principal. Materiales y métodos. Mediante un cuestionario se evaluaron los conocimientos y los factores de riesgo relacionados con la enfermedad de Chagas en 201 personas mayores de 10 años de las comunidades endémicas de Las Pavas y Lagartera Grande, ubicadas en la ribera oeste del Canal de Panamá. Con ayuda de los moradores también se evaluó la presencia de chinches triatominos en 93 viviendas a lo largo de un año. Resultados. De las personas entrevistadas, 69,2 % (139/201) tenía pocos o muy pocos conocimientos sobre la enfermedad de Chagas y 93 % (187/201) estaba expuesto a factores de riesgo moderados o altos. Se capturaron chinches triatominos en 20,4 % (19/93) de las viviendas evaluadas, de los cuales, el 86,8 % (66/76) era R. pallescens. Se encontró asociación significativa entre la presencia de chinches dentro de las viviendas y las viviendas catalogadas como precarias (p<0,01). Conclusión. A pesar de que en estas dos comunidades se han desarrollado programas de educación sanitaria, es necesario reforzar los conocimientos básicos sobre la enfermedad de Chagas antes de establecer medidas de prevención y vigilancia que involucren la participación activa de sus habitantes.
Introduction: The implementation of surveillance, control and prevention measures for Chagas´ disease requires an integrated approach. The sustainability of programs depends on community participation supported on a basic understanding of the problem. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of people interviewed which facilitates or limits the surveillance, prevention and control of Chagas´ disease in two endemic Panamanian communities where Rhodnius pallescens is the main vector. Materials and methods: A questionnaire assessed the knowledge and risk factors related to Chagas´ disease in 201 people over 10 years of age from the endemic communities of Las Pavas and Lagartera Grande located on the western shore of Panama Canal. Additionally, with the help of the residents, the presence of triatomine bugs in 93 dwellings was evaluated during a year. Results: Of those interviewed, 69.2% (139/201) had poor or very poor knowledge about Chagas´ disease. Nearly 93% (187/201) was exposed to moderate or high risk factors. Triatomine bugs were collected in 20.4% (19/93) of the evaluated homes; 80% (66/76) of them were R. pallescens . Significant association was found between the presence of triatomines inside the houses and precarious housing (p<0.01). Conclusion: Despite having been exposed to health education-related programs, it is necessary to strengthen the basic knowledge about Chagas´ disease in the two communities before establishing prevention and surveillance measures which involve active participation of its inhabitants.
Assuntos
Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Animais , Criança , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Doença de Chagas/psicologia , Doenças Endêmicas , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Insetos Vetores/parasitologia , Rhodnius/parasitologia , Doença de Chagas/prevenção & controle , Doença de Chagas/transmissão , Habitação , Promoção da Saúde/organização & administração , Panamá/epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
La hiperhidrosis es un raro trastorno de las glándulas sudoríparas de causa desconocida, se manifiesta mediante una sudoración excesiva de ciertas zonas del cuerpo, los pacientes portadores de esta enfermedad sufren de alteraciones psicológicas como limitaciones en su quehacer laboral o escolar así como en las actividades cotidianas. Esta enfermedad es tratada con métodos farmacológicos y no farmacológicos dentro de los cuales se encuentra la cirugía que es la variante terapéutica que mejores resultados exhibe. En este artículo se presenta el primer caso de esta rara enfermedad tratado con una simpatectomía videotoracoscópica en la provincia, además de los resultados obtenidos a corto plazo.
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder of the sweat glands of unknown cause, manifesting through excessive sweating of certain areas of the body, patients carriers of this disease suffer psychological disorders such as limitations in their work or school work and daily activities. This disease is treated with pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods such as surgery which is the therapeutic variant that exhibits best results. The first case of this rare disease is presented in this article treated with a video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy in the province in addition to the results in the short term.