First case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the midwestern of Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Primeiros casos de leishmaniose visceral canina no Meio-oeste do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies and a major zoonotic disease in Brazil. Due to the southward expansion of the disease within the country and the central role of dogs as urban reservoirs of the parasite, we have investigated the occurrence of CVL in two municipalities Erval Velho and Herval d'Oeste in the Midwest region of Santa Catarina state. Peripheral blood samples from 126 dogs were collected in both cities and tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIF) and for the presence of parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood. From examined dogs, 35.71% (45/126) were positive for at least one of the three tests and two (1.6%) were positive in all performed tests. Twelve dogs (9.5%) were positive for both ELISA and IIF, while 21 dogs were exclusively positive for ELISA (16.7%), and 15 (11.9%) for IIF. L. infantum k-DNA was detected by PCR in 9 out of 126 dogs (7.1%) and clinical symptoms compatible with CVL were observed for 6 dogs. Taken together, these results indicate the transmission of CVL in this region, highlighting the needs for epidemiological surveillance and implementation of control measures for CVL transmission in this region.

A Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC) causada pela Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum e transmitida por flebotomíneos e é uma das principais zoonoses do Brasil que se encontra em expansão em estados da região sul do país, sendo os cães o principal reservatório urbano do parasito. O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de LVC em dois municípios, Erval Velho e Herval d’Oeste localizados no meio-oeste de Santa Catarina. Para tanto, amostras de sangue periférico de 126 cães foram coletadas em ambas as cidades e submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-L. infantum por meio de testes de ELISA e imunofluorescência indireta (IFI), bem com a detecção de k-DNA pela reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). Além disso, também foram observados os sintomas clínicos e as condições ambientais associadas a esses animais. Dos cães examinados, 35,7% (45/126) foram positivos para pelo menos um dos três testes, dois cães (1,6%) foram positivos em todos os três testes, 12 cães (9,5%) foram positivos tanto no ELISA quanto na IFI, enquanto 21 cães (16,7%) foram positivos para ELISA e 15 (11,9%) para o IFI. A amplificação do k-DNA de L. infantum foi positiva em 9 dos 126 cães (7,1%). Entre os cães positivos seis apresentaram um ou mais sintomas clínicos correlacionados com a LVC. Esses resultados confirmaram a ocorrência de LVC na região e destacaram a importância do monitoramento e implementação de medidas de controle para a LVC nessa região.

Leukocytes and albumin in canine leishmaniasis

Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL) is a multisystemic and chronic inflammatory disease characterized by nonspecific clinical manifestations. In CanL, inflammatory cells and chemical mediators released in response to the parasite play a role in disease development and progression. Alterations on hematological parameters have been documented in CanL. These changes can also be assessed in relation to systemic inflammation caused by this disease. The circulating leukocyte counting, such as neutrophils, as well as the albumin level, are considered direct indicators of an inflammatory host environment. Several studies point to the use of biomarkers on the assistance in diagnosis and prognosis of several canine pathologies. The present study investigated the Neutrophils to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Albumin to Globulin Ratio (AGR), and Neutrophils to Albumin Ratio (NAR) on systemic inflammatory response induced by Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL). For this purpose, adult dogs with confirmed diagnosis to CanL were divided into symptomatic (SD, n = 33) and asymptomatic (AD, n = 20) dogs for L. infantum and control dogs (CD, n = 20). Routine hematological and biochemical parameters were determined in blood samples using a veterinary automatic hematology and biochemical analyzers. Asymptomatic dogs (AD) had a higher number of white blood cells and neutrophils (16.48 ± 4.93; 13.41 ± 3.60, respectively) in relation to symptomatic dogs (SD) (13.54 ± 5.13; 10.42 ± 3.69, respectively) (P = 0.015 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Neutrophils to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) was higher in dogs with leishmaniasis (9.45 ± 3.76) than in healthy dogs (3.39 ± 1.19) (P < 0.0001). Serum total proteins (STP) and globulins increased in CanL, while albumin and AGR decreased in CanL, when compared to CD and references values to canine species. Neutrophils to Albumin Ratio (NAR) was higher in AD and SD (5.02 ± 1.14; 4.79 ± 1.07, respectively) when compared to CD (2.36 ± 0.55) (P < 0.0001). As reported in scientific researches, dogs with Leishmaniasis present alterations in circulating cell counts. Based on these data, we decided to expand this information using the NLR as a parameter in an attempt to better clarify the changes in these cells in CanL. We observed that NLR was increased on CanL in relation to healthy dogs, which could be a consequence of relative neutrophilia rather than lymphopenia. Neutrophils to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is a biomarker that conveys information about inflammatory conditions. An elevated NLR can reflect an upregulated innate immune response, since neutrophils are effector cells of innate immunity and are involved in several acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Albumin is an acute phase protein that is considered an immune-inflammatory biomarker, which can be found reduced systemically in progressive inflammatory response. Serum total proteins (STP) and globulins were increased in CanL. These data are already well documented in CanL, which serum globulins are mainly associated with the increase of acute phase proteins, cytokines, and increase of specific antibodies to Leishmania infantum. Our results showed neutrophilia with hypoalbuminemia in CanL. So, in an attempt to assess the relationship of these two available markers, we used NAR calculation in order to evaluate the changes induced by CanL. In this study NAR was higher in CanL when compared to control dogs. Thus, our data indicate that NLR and NAR could be used as biomarkers in veterinary medical clinics in order to assess inflammatory profile in CanL, mainly in asymptomatic dogs. These parameters obtained from routine blood tests might be useful as cost-effective, easily accessible and helpful markers in order to distinguish the inflammatory response intensity in CanL.(AU)

Oxyurid nematodes of pet rodents in Slovakia - a neglected zoonotic threat / Nematódeos oxiurídeos de roedores de estimação na Eslováquia - uma ameaça zoonótica negligenciada

Abstract The role of rodents as reservoirs of helminths of public health importance is not well known. The zoonotic potential of Syphacia spp. has been confirmed; therefore, the study aimed to estimate the occurrence of oxyurid nematodes in small rodents from pet shops and breeding clubs in Slovakia. Fecal samples of 586 pet rodents kept in 133 cages were collected between 2016 and 2018 and examined by Faust´s flotation method. Four species of oxyurid nematodes, Syphacia muris, S. obvelata, Aspiculuris tetraptera and Paraspidodera uncinata were detected. A. tetraptera was found in the faecal samples of all rodent species included in this survey. The number of positive boxes varied from 5.4% in hamsters to 70.0% with mice. The prevalence of Syphacia muris was highest in Mongolian gerbils where up to 75.0% boxes were positive; S. obvelata was found in 26.7% of boxes with mice, 25.0% of boxes with Mongolian gerbils and 3.2% of boxes with rats. The high prevalence of Syphacia spp. in all animal species points out the infection risk for humans. Animals offered for sale are often in close contact with human beings; therefore they should be regularly tested for parasites and then effectively dewormed.

Resumo O papel dos roedores como reservatórios de helmintos de importância para a saúde pública não é bem conhecido. O potencial zoonótico de Syphacia spp. foi confirmado; portanto, o estudo teve como objetivo estimar a ocorrência de nematóides oxiurídeos em pequenos roedores de pet shops e clubes de reprodução na Eslováquia. Amostras fecais de 586 roedores mantidos em 133 gaiolas foram coletadas entre 2016 e 2018 e examinadas pelo método de flotação de Faust. Foram detectadas quatro espécies de nematódeos oxiurídeos, Syphacia muris, S. obvelata, Aspiculuris tetraptera e Paraspidodera uncinata, A. tetraptera foi encontrado nas amostras fecais de todas as espécies de roedores incluídas nesta pesquisa. O número de gaiolas positivas variou de 5,4% em hamsters a 70,0% em camundongos. A prevalência de Syphacia muris foi maior nos gerbilos da Mongólia, onde até 75,0% das gaiolas foram positivas; S. obvelata foi encontrada em 26,7% das gaiolas com camundongos, 25,0% das gaiolas com gerbilos da Mongólia e 3,2% das gaiolas com ratos. A alta prevalência de Syphacia spp. em todas as espécies animais aponta o risco de infecção para os seres humanos. Animais oferecidos para venda estão frequentemente em contato próximo com seres humanos; portanto, eles devem ser regularmente testados quanto a parasitas e, então, efetivamente desparasitados.

Esporotricose brasileira: desdobramentos de uma epidemia negligenciada / Brazilian sporotrichosis: development of a neglected epidemic

A esporotricose é uma micose subcutânea de distribuição mundial, sendo observada em surtos de proporções variáveis, com predominância em áreas de clima temperado e tropical. Algumas áreas de endemicidade já foram relatadas. No Brasil, seus agentes etiológicos encontraram não só condições climáticas e estruturais ideais, mas também fontes de infecções extremamente eficientes. Nas últimas décadas, o país tem observado um aumento exponencial no número de casos de esporotricose humana e animal. Esse aumento e o surgimento de resistência aos antifúngicos tornam a situação alarmante. Apesar de essa epidemia se perpetuar há anos, existem poucas políticas de saúde no Brasil para o controle dos casos de esporotricose humana e animal, principalmente na atenção primária à saúde. Assim, intervenções sociais, ambientais e populacionais devem ser feitas para conter essa epidemia negligenciada.

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis with a worldwide distribution, which has been observed in outbreaks of variable proportions in all continents, with predominance in temperate and tropical climate zones. Some areas of endemicity have already been reported. In Brazil, its etiological agents found not only ideal climatic and structural conditions, but also extremely efficient sources of infections. In the last decades, the country has suffered an exponential increase in the number of human and animal cases of sporotrichosis. This increase, combined with the emergence of antifungal resistance makes the situation alarming. Although this epidemic has been perpetuating for years, there are few health policies in Brazil to control it/the disease, especially in primary health care. Therefore, social, environmental and population-based interventions should be organized in order to contain this neglected epidemic.

Aspectos epidemiológicos da leishmaniose visceral canina na zona rural do semiárido paraibano e análise de técnicas de diagnóstico / Epidemiological aspects of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the semi-arid region of Paraiba and analysis of diagnostic techniques

No Brasil, a leishmaniose visceral é causada pela Leishmania infantum. É uma zoonose crônica e, frequentemente, fatal, sendo considerada um grave problema de saúde pública no mundo e reconhecida pela Organização Mundial de Saúde como uma das dezessete "Doenças Tropicais Negligenciadas". O presente estudo foi realizado em 2012, na zona rural do município de Patos, semiárido paraibano, com o objetivo de estimar a prevalência, os fatores de risco da leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) na região e avaliar os testes de diagnóstico sorológico. Foram coletadas 362 amostras de sangue e a prevalência da infecção foi determinada através de três técnicas sorológicas (ELISA, RIFI e Teste Imunocromatográfico DPP - Dual Path Plataform), sendo consideradas positivas as amostras que apresentaram pelo menos dois testes reagentes. As amostras positivas na sorologia foram testadas na PCR e qPCR. Aplicou-se um questionário epidemiológico aos proprietários para identificação dos possíveis fatores de risco. A taxa de prevalência foi de 11,33% (41/362). Considerou-se o ELISA como padrão ouro, já que é o teste confirmatório para a LVC pelo Ministério da Saúde. O DPP (Dual Path Plataform) apresentou sensibilidade de 58% (95% CI: 0,43-0,72) e especificidade de 96% (95% CI: 0,93-0,98), com índice Kappa de 0,57. A RIFI apresentou sensibilidade de 85% (95% CI: 0,72-0,94), especificidade de 99% (95% CI: 0,98-1) e valor Kappa de 0,88. O fator de risco identificado na análise multivariada por regressão logística múltipla foi o sexo (OR=2,15 [1,09-4,21]) e os cães machos apresentaram 2,15 vezes mais chances de serem infectados, que pode ser justificado por serem mais utilizados para a caça e como cão de guarda, dois fatores que aumentam a exposição do animal ao flebótomo. Em função da taxa de prevalência encontrada, indica-se a aplicação de medidas de controle no município. Os resultados da comparação dos ensaios sorológicos demonstraram que o DPP (Dual Path Plataform) não é a melhor técnica para triagem dos animais positivos em função da baixa sensibilidade do método, sugerindo que o mesmo seja substituído pelo ELISA.(AU)

Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania infantum in Brazil. It is a chronic disease and often a fatal zoonosis and considered as a serious worldwide public health problem and recognized by the World Health Organization as one of seventeen "Neglected Tropical Diseases". This study was conducted in 2012 in the county of Patos, in Paraíba State semiarid region. The main purposes were to estimate the prevalence and the risk factors of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), and to evaluate the performance of serological tests. Serological prevalence was determined using three techniques (ELISA, IFA and DPP chromatographic immunoassay - Dual Path Platform). ELISA was the golden standard, since it is the confirmatory test for CVL as established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. In total, 362 blood samples were collected and were considered positive if positive by two serological assays. Positive samples were tested by PCR and qPCR. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to the dog owner to identify risk factors associated with CVL. The seroprevalence was 11.33% (41/362). Chromatographic immunoassay - DPP showed a sensitivity of 58% (95%, CI: 0.43 to 0.72) and specificity of 96% (95%, CI: 0.93-0.98) , with a Kappa index of 0.5. The IFA had a sensitivity of 85% (95%, CI: 0.72 to 0.94), specificity of 99% (95%, CI: 0.98 to 1) and Kappa value of 0.8. The risk factor identified in the multivariate analysis was gender (OR=2.15 [1.09 to 4.21]), male dogs having 2.15 times more chance of being infected. The increased likelihood can possibly be explained by the use of male dogs for hunting and as guard dogs, two factors that increase dog contact to infected sandflies. Due to the prevalence rates, it should be recommended control measures against canine visceral leishmaniasis. The results demonstrated that the Chromatographic immunoassay (DPP-Dual Path Platform) is not the best technique for screening positive animals due to its low sensitivity, suggesting its replacement by ELISA.(AU)

Clinical and hematological findings in Leishmania braziliensis-infected dogs from Pernambuco, Brazil / Achados clínicos e hematológicos em cães infectados por Leishmania braziliensis de Pernambuco, Brasil

Canine cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania braziliensis is a neglected, but widespread disease of dogs in South America. This paper describes clinical and hematological alterations in 17 L. braziliensis-infected dogs from Brazil. The most common hematological findings were thrombocytopenia (82.4%), anemia (70.6%), low packed cell volume (52.9%) and eosinophilia (41.2%). Twelve (70.6%) dogs displayed at least one evident physical alteration; 11 dogs (64.7%) presented skin lesions, four (23.5%) had weight loss and two (11.8%) onychogryphosis. L. braziliensis-infected dogs present clinical and hematological signs often observed in dogs infected by other pathogens. This indicates that veterinarians and public health workers should not consider the presence of non-specific clinical signs as diagnostic criteria for visceral leishmaniasis in dogs living endemic areas to avoid misdiagnosis and subsequent elimination of dogs infected by L. braziliensis.(AU)

A leishmaniose cutânea canina causada por Leishmania braziliensis é uma doença negligenciada, mas disseminada entre cães na America do Sul. Este artigo descreve alterações clínicas e hematológicas em 17 cães infectados por L. braziliensis do Brasil. As alterações hematológicas mais comuns foram trombocitopenia (82,4%), anemia (70,6%), baixo valor de hematócrito (52,9%) e eosinofilia (41,2%). Doze (70,6%) cães apresentaram pelo menos uma alteração física; 11 (64,7%) apresentaram lesões cutâneas, quatro (23,5%) perda de peso e dois (11,8%) onicogrifose. Cães infectados por L. braziliensis apresentaram alterações clínicas e hematológicas inespecíficas que são comumente observadas em cães infectados por outros patógenos. Isso indica que veterinários e profissionais de saúde pública não deveriam considerar a presença de tais sinais clínicos como critério de diagnóstico para leishmaniose visceral em cães, em áreas endêmicas, no intuito de evitar um diagnóstico equivocado e a subsequente eliminação de cães infectados por L. braziliensis.(AU)