The spread of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil: the first canine cases described in Ji-Paraná, Rondônia, Brazil.

Leishmaniases are zoonotic diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. The disease has two clinical manifestations described in humans: visceral (VL) and cutaneous (CL) leishmaniasis. In Brazil, there has been an expansion of human VL. The participation of the dog as a reservoir of Leishmania infantum, the agent of VL, is important for the epidemiology of the disease since canine cases generally precede human cases. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. infection in dogs in the municipality of Ji-Paraná by PCR assays using blood samples. Leishmania DNA was detected in two of the 105 studied dogs. The PCR products were sequenced and confirmed that the two samples (1.90%) correspond to L. infantum. The dogs had allochthonous history. Therefore, the positive results found here should serve as a warning to public health agencies. This is because Ji-Paraná is the third municipality to register cases of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in Rondônia state. Thus, reinforcing the importance of expanding studies on the epidemiology and surveillance of VL in the region.

Overcoming the Negligence in Laboratory Diagnosis of Mucosal Leishmaniasis.

The northern region of Brazil, which has the largest number of cases of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) in the country, is also the region that has the highest diversity of species of vectors and Leishmania parasites. In this region, cases of mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), a clinical form of TL, exceed the national average of cases, reaching up to 12% of the total annual TL notifications. ML is associated with multiple factors, such as the parasite species and the viral endosymbiont Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1). Being a chronic parasitological disease, laboratory diagnosis of ML poses a challenge for health services. Here, we evaluated more than 700 clinical samples from patients with clinical suspicion of TL, including patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucosal leishmaniasis, comparing the results of parasitological tests-direct parasitological examination by microscopy (DP) and conventional PCR (cPCR) targeting of both kDNA and hsp70. The DP was performed by collecting material from lesions through biopsies (mucosal lesions) or scarification (cutaneous lesions); for PCR, a cervical brush was used for sample collection. Blood samples were tested employing standardized real-time PCR (qPCR) protocol targeting the HSP70 gene. PCR tests showed higher sensitivity than DP for both CL and ML samples. Considering ML samples only (N = 89), DP showed a sensitivity of 49.4% (N = 44) against 98.8% (N = 88) for kDNA PCR. The qPCR hsp70 for blood samples from patients with ML (N = 14) resulted in superior sensitivity (50%; N = 7) compared to DP (21.4%; N = 3) for samples from the same patients. Our results reinforced the need to implement a molecular test for the diagnosis of ML, in addition to proposing methods less invasive for collecting material from TL patients. Sample collection using a cervical brush in lesions observed in CL and ML patients is easy to perform and less invasive, compared to scarification and biopsies. Blood samples could be a good source for qPCR diagnosis for ML patients. Thus, we propose here a standardized method for collection and for performing of molecular diagnosis of clinical samples from suspicious ML patients that can be applied in reference services for improving ML diagnosis.

Occurrence of Leishmania infection in the immediate geographic region of Ji-Paraná, Rondônia State, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the epidemiology of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the immediate region of Ji-Paraná, Rondônia State. METHODS: Samples and epidemiological data were collected from 105 patients. RESULTS: Leishmania infection was observed in 58 (55.2%) patients, and Leishmania braziliensis was present in 82.9% of the 41 sequenced samples. Infected patients were predominantly male (93.1%). Leishmania infection was twice as prevalent among rural inhabitants versus urban inhabitants. Lesions were more frequent in the upper limbs (arms/hands, 41.82%). CONCLUSIONS: The present data corroborate the zoonotic profile of cutaneous leishmaniasis; this information could help to improve surveillance and control strategies.

Occurrence of Leishmania infection in the immediate geographic region of Ji-Paraná, Rondônia State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the epidemiology of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the immediate region of Ji-Paraná, Rondônia State. METHODS: Samples and epidemiological data were collected from 105 patients. RESULTS: Leishmania infection was observed in 58 (55.2%) patients, and Leishmania braziliensis was present in 82.9% of the 41 sequenced samples. Infected patients were predominantly male (93.1%). Leishmania infection was twice as prevalent among rural inhabitants versus urban inhabitants. Lesions were more frequent in the upper limbs (arms/hands, 41.82%). CONCLUSIONS: The present data corroborate the zoonotic profile of cutaneous leishmaniasis; this information could help to improve surveillance and control strategies.

The spread of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil: the first canine cases described in Ji-Paraná, Rondônia, Brazil / A disseminação da leishmaniose visceral no Brasil: os primeiros casos caninos descritos em Ji-Paraná, Rondônia, Brasil

Abstract Leishmaniases are zoonotic diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. The disease has two clinical manifestations described in humans: visceral (VL) and cutaneous (CL) leishmaniasis. In Brazil, there has been an expansion of human VL. The participation of the dog as a reservoir of Leishmania infantum, the agent of VL, is important for the epidemiology of the disease since canine cases generally precede human cases. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. infection in dogs in the municipality of Ji-Paraná by PCR assays using blood samples. Leishmania DNA was detected in two of the 105 studied dogs. The PCR products were sequenced and confirmed that the two samples (1.90%) correspond to L. infantum. The dogs had allochthonous history. Therefore, the positive results found here should serve as a warning to public health agencies. This is because Ji-Paraná is the third municipality to register cases of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in Rondônia state. Thus, reinforcing the importance of expanding studies on the epidemiology and surveillance of VL in the region.

Resumo As leishmanioses são doenças causadas por protozoários do gênero Leishmania. A doença apresenta duas manifestações clínicas: leishmaniose visceral (LV) e cutânea (LC). No Brasil, a LV está em expansão. A participação do cão como reservatório é importante para a epidemiologia da doença, pois os casos caninos geralmente precedem os humanos. O presente estudo avaliou a ocorrência de LV em cães (LVC) do município de Ji-Paraná por meio de ensaios de PCR, utilizando-se amostras de sangue. O DNA de Leishmania foi detectado em dois dos 105 cães estudados. Os produtos da PCR foram sequenciados e confirmaram que duas amostras (1,90%) eram Leishmania infantum. Os cães tinham histórico alóctone. Os resultados positivos encontrados servem de alerta aos órgãos públicos de saúde. Isso porque Ji-Paraná é o terceiro município a registrar casos de LVC no estado de Rondônia. Dessa forma, reforça-se a importância da ampliação dos estudos sobre a epidemiologia e vigilância da LV na região.

First report of Leishmania (Viannia) lindenbergi causing tegumentary leishmaniasis in the Brazilian western Amazon region.

Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (TL) in the Brazilian Amazon region is associated with several Leishmania species. In this report, we describe two cases of TL related to Leishmania lindenbergi occurring in different locations of Rondônia state. After clinical diagnosis, lesion samples were collected for parasitological diagnoses via direct microscopic visualization, parasite isolation, and PCR. PCR reactions were positive in both clinical samples. Parasite isolation was possible for both patients, and isolates were submitted to species identification by isoenzyme electrophoresis and DNA sequencing. This report is the first to describe human infections caused by L. lindenbergi since the initial description and record of human infection by this species in 2002.

Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Presenting Leishmania RNA Virus 1, from Western Amazon, Brazil.

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main etiological agent of tegumentary leishmaniasis in the neotropics. Here, we report a draft genome sequence (31.2 Mb) of an L. braziliensis strain from the western Amazon region of Brazil. This genome sequence will complement those available for other Leishmania species and contribute to further studies focusing on this parasite and the neglected diseases associated with it.

First autochthonous case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Rondônia, Brazil, a region with no history of visceral leishmaniasis.

This report describes the first autochthonous case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Rondônia, northern Brazil. A canine resident of the municipality of Cacoal, with clinical signs and symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis, was treated by a veterinarian. Samples were analyzed by a reference laboratory. Dual-path platform (DPP) assay, indirect immunofluorescence technique (IIT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), isolation in a culture medium, and direct parasitological analysis were performed. DPP assay, IIT, and ELISA revealed positive results for Leishmania; PCR identified the species as Leishmania infantum. Based on the clinical presentation and test results, canine visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed.

First autochthonous case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Rondônia, Brazil, a region with no history of visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract This report describes the first autochthonous case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Rondônia, northern Brazil. A canine resident of the municipality of Cacoal, with clinical signs and symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis, was treated by a veterinarian. Samples were analyzed by a reference laboratory. Dual-path platform (DPP) assay, indirect immunofluorescence technique (IIT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), isolation in a culture medium, and direct parasitological analysis were performed. DPP assay, IIT, and ELISA revealed positive results for Leishmania; PCR identified the species as Leishmania infantum. Based on the clinical presentation and test results, canine visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed.

New insights into the genetic diversity of Leishmania RNA Virus 1 and its species-specific relationship with Leishmania parasites.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease that manifests in infected individuals under different phenotypes, with a range of factors contributing to its broad clinical spectrum. One factor, Leishmania RNA Virus 1 (LRV1), has been described as an endosymbiont present in different species of Leishmania. LRV1 significantly worsens the lesion, exacerbating the immune response in both experimentally infected animals and infected individuals. Little is known about the composition and genetic diversity of these viruses. Here, we investigated the relationship between the genetic composition of LRV1 detected in strains of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and L. (V.) guyanensis and the interaction between the endosymbiont and the parasitic species, analyzing an approximately 850 base pair region of the viral genome. We also included one LRV1 sequence detected in L. (V.) shawi, representing the first report of LRV1 in a species other than L. braziliensis and L. guyanensis. The results illustrate the genetic diversity of the LRV1 strains analyzed here, with smaller divergences detected among viral sequences from the same parasite species. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the LRV1 sequences are grouped according to the parasite species and possibly according to the population of the parasite in which the virus was detected, corroborating the hypothesis of joint evolution of the viruses with the speciation of Leishmania parasites.

Occurrence of Mansonella ozzardi diagnosed using a polycarbonate membrane in a riverside population of Lábrea in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

INTRODUCTION Mansonella ozzardi is a widely distributed filaria worm in the Amazon region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of M. ozzardi infection in riverine communities of Lábrea municipality, Amazonas State, Brazil. METHODS A diagnostic blood filtration method in a polycarbonate membrane was used. RESULTS M. ozzardi was found in 50.3% of the sample, with the highest prevalence in farmers/fishermen (69.4%; χ 2 = -19.14, p<0.001). The prevalence was higher in longer-term residents (≥11 years; 60.2%). CONCLUSIONS M. ozzardi infection rates are high near the Purus River, much greater than those previously reported based on diagnosis using thick blood smears.

Sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) from caves in the state of Rondônia, Brazil.

This study had the aim of ascertaining the sandfly fauna and possible presence of Leishmania in these insects, collected in caves in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. Collections were conducted in eight caves located in two different areas of this state. Leishmania in the sandflies collected was detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This was the first study on sandflies from caves in Rondônia and, among the total of 1,236 individuals collected, 24 species and 10 genera were identified. The species Evandromyia georgii was collected for the first time in Rondônia and the most abundant species were Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis with 448 individuals (36.2%), followed by T. octavioi with 283 (22.9%) and E. georgii with 179 (14.5%). For the PCR, 17 pools were analyzed and five pools were positive (forT. auraensis in three pools and for Nyssomyia shawi and N. antunesi in one pool each). The kDNA region was amplified and the presence of Leishmania DNA was confirmed. The sandfly fauna in these caves can be considered diverse in comparison with similar studies in other regions. It may be that some species use caves as a temporary shelter and breeding site, while other species live exclusively in this environment. The detection of Leishmania DNA indicates that this pathogen is circulating in cave environments and that further studies are needed in order to ascertain the risks of infection by leishmaniasis in these locations with high touristic potential.

Sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) from caves in the state of Rondônia, Brazil / Fauna de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae) em cavernas do estado de Rondônia, Brasil

Abstract This study had the aim of ascertaining the sandfly fauna and possible presence ofLeishmania in these insects, collected in caves in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. Collections were conducted in eight caves located in two different areas of this state. Leishmania in the sandflies collected was detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This was the first study on sandflies from caves in Rondônia and, among the total of 1,236 individuals collected, 24 species and 10 genera were identified. The speciesEvandromyia georgii was collected for the first time in Rondônia and the most abundant species were Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis with 448 individuals (36.2%), followed by T. octavioi with 283 (22.9%) and E. georgii with 179 (14.5%). For the PCR, 17 pools were analyzed and five pools were positive (forT. auraensis in three pools and for Nyssomyia shawi and N. antunesi in one pool each). The kDNA region was amplified and the presence of Leishmania DNA was confirmed. The sandfly fauna in these caves can be considered diverse in comparison with similar studies in other regions. It may be that some species use caves as a temporary shelter and breeding site, while other species live exclusively in this environment. The detection of LeishmaniaDNA indicates that this pathogen is circulating in cave environments and that further studies are needed in order to ascertain the risks of infection by leishmaniasis in these locations with high touristic potential.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer a fauna de flebotomíneos, e possível presença de Leishmania nestes insetos, coletados em cavernas do Estado de Rondônia. As coletas foram realizadas em oito cavernas localizadas em duas áreas diferentes do Estado. A detecção de Leishmania nos flebotomíneos foi realizada por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Este foi o primeiro trabalho com flebotomíneos em cavernas de Rondônia e um total de 1,236 indivíduos foram coletados e identificados em 24 espécies e 10 gêneros.Evandromyia georgii foi coletada pela primeira vez em Rondônia, e as espécies mais abundantes foram Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis com 448 indivíduos (36.2%) seguida por T. octavioi com 283 (22.9%) e E. georgii com 179 (14.5%). No estudo de PCR, 17 pools foram analisados, sendo cinco positivos (T. auraensis - 3, Nyssomyia shawi eN. antunesi - 1 cada). A região do kDNA foi amplificada confirmando a presença de DNA de Leishmania. A fauna de flebotomíneos nestas cavernas foi considerada diversa quando comparada com estudos semelhantes de outras regiões. É possível que algumas espécies utilizem cavernas como abrigo temporário e local de procriação e outras sejam exclusivas deste ambiente. A detecção de DNA de Leishmania indica que este patógeno está circulando no ambiente cavernícola, sendo necessários mais estudos para conhecer o risco de transmissão de leishmanioses nestes locais com alto potencial turístico.

Sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) from caves in the state of Rondônia, Brazil / Fauna de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae) em cavernas do estado de Rondônia, Brasil

This study had the aim of ascertaining the sandfly fauna and possible presence ofLeishmania in these insects, collected in caves in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. Collections were conducted in eight caves located in two different areas of this state. Leishmania in the sandflies collected was detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This was the first study on sandflies from caves in Rondônia and, among the total of 1,236 individuals collected, 24 species and 10 genera were identified. The speciesEvandromyia georgii was collected for the first time in Rondônia and the most abundant species were Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis with 448 individuals (36.2%), followed by T. octavioi with 283 (22.9%) and E. georgii with 179 (14.5%). For the PCR, 17 pools were analyzed and five pools were positive (forT. auraensis in three pools and for Nyssomyia shawi and N. antunesi in one pool each). The kDNA region was amplified and the presence of Leishmania DNA was confirmed. The sandfly fauna in these caves can be considered diverse in comparison with similar studies in other regions. It may be that some species use caves as a temporary shelter and breeding site, while other species live exclusively in this environment. The detection of LeishmaniaDNA indicates that this pathogen is circulating in cave environments and that further studies are needed in order to ascertain the risks of infection by leishmaniasis in these locations with high touristic potential.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer a fauna de flebotomíneos, e possível presença de Leishmania nestes insetos, coletados em cavernas do Estado de Rondônia. As coletas foram realizadas em oito cavernas localizadas em duas áreas diferentes do Estado. A detecção de Leishmania nos flebotomíneos foi realizada por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Este foi o primeiro trabalho com flebotomíneos em cavernas de Rondônia e um total de 1,236 indivíduos foram coletados e identificados em 24 espécies e 10 gêneros.Evandromyia georgii foi coletada pela primeira vez em Rondônia, e as espécies mais abundantes foram Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis com 448 indivíduos (36.2%) seguida por T. octavioi com 283 (22.9%) e E. georgii com 179 (14.5%). No estudo de PCR, 17 pools foram analisados, sendo cinco positivos (T. auraensis - 3, Nyssomyia shawi eN. antunesi - 1 cada). A região do kDNA foi amplificada confirmando a presença de DNA de Leishmania. A fauna de flebotomíneos nestas cavernas foi considerada diversa quando comparada com estudos semelhantes de outras regiões. É possível que algumas espécies utilizem cavernas como abrigo temporário e local de procriação e outras sejam exclusivas deste ambiente. A detecção de DNA de Leishmania indica que este patógeno está circulando no ambiente cavernícola, sendo necessários mais estudos para conhecer o risco de transmissão de leishmanioses nestes locais com alto potencial turístico.(AU)

Sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) from caves in the state of Rondônia, Brazil

Abstract This study had the aim of ascertaining the sandfly fauna and possible presence ofLeishmania in these insects, collected in caves in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. Collections were conducted in eight caves located in two different areas of this state. Leishmania in the sandflies collected was detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This was the first study on sandflies from caves in Rondônia and, among the total of 1,236 individuals collected, 24 species and 10 genera were identified. The speciesEvandromyia georgii was collected for the first time in Rondônia and the most abundant species were Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis with 448 individuals (36.2%), followed by T. octavioi with 283 (22.9%) and E. georgii with 179 (14.5%). For the PCR, 17 pools were analyzed and five pools were positive (forT. auraensis in three pools and for Nyssomyia shawi and N. antunesi in one pool each). The kDNA region was amplified and the presence of Leishmania DNA was confirmed. The sandfly fauna in these caves can be considered diverse in comparison with similar studies in other regions. It may be that some species use caves as a temporary shelter and breeding site, while other species live exclusively in this environment. The detection of LeishmaniaDNA indicates that this pathogen is circulating in cave environments and that further studies are needed in order to ascertain the risks of infection by leishmaniasis in these locations with high touristic potential.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer a fauna de flebotomíneos, e possível presença de Leishmania nestes insetos, coletados em cavernas do Estado de Rondônia. As coletas foram realizadas em oito cavernas localizadas em duas áreas diferentes do Estado. A detecção de Leishmania nos flebotomíneos foi realizada por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Este foi o primeiro trabalho com flebotomíneos em cavernas de Rondônia e um total de 1,236 indivíduos foram coletados e identificados em 24 espécies e 10 gêneros.Evandromyia georgii foi coletada pela primeira vez em Rondônia, e as espécies mais abundantes foram Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis com 448 indivíduos (36.2%) seguida por T. octavioi com 283 (22.9%) e E. georgii com 179 (14.5%). No estudo de PCR, 17 pools foram analisados, sendo cinco positivos (T. auraensis - 3, Nyssomyia shawi eN. antunesi - 1 cada). A região do kDNA foi amplificada confirmando a presença de DNA de Leishmania. A fauna de flebotomíneos nestas cavernas foi considerada diversa quando comparada com estudos semelhantes de outras regiões. É possível que algumas espécies utilizem cavernas como abrigo temporário e local de procriação e outras sejam exclusivas deste ambiente. A detecção de DNA de Leishmania indica que este patógeno está circulando no ambiente cavernícola, sendo necessários mais estudos para conhecer o risco de transmissão de leishmanioses nestes locais com alto potencial turístico.

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF AMERICAN CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN THE TRI­BORDER AREA OF ASSIS BRASIL, ACRE STATE, BRAZIL.

In this study, Leishmania species were identified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The epidemiology of patients suspected of having American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the municipality of Assis Brasil, Acre State, located in the Brazil/Peru/Bolivia tri-border was also investigated. By PCR, the DNA of Leishmania was detected in 100% of the cases (37 samples) and a PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) of the hsp 70 gene identified the species in 32 samples: Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (65.6%) , L. (V.) shawi (28.1%) , L. (V.) guyanensis (3.1%) and mixed infection L. (V.) guyanensis and L. (Leishmania) amazonensis(3.1%)This is the first report of L. (V.) shawi and L. (L.) amazonensis in Acre. The two predominant species were found in patients living in urban and rural areas. Most cases were found in males living in rural areas for at least three years and involved in rural work. This suggests, in most cases, a possible transmission of the disease from a rural/forest source, although some patients had not engaged in activities associated with permanence in forestall areas, which indicate a possible sandflies adaptation to the periurban setting.

Further Evidence of an Association between the Presence of Leishmania RNA Virus 1 and the Mucosal Manifestations in Tegumentary Leishmaniasis Patients.

Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (TL) is endemic in Latin America, and Brazil contributes approximately 20 thousand cases per year. The pathogenesis of TL, however, is still not fully understood. Clinical manifestations vary from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) to more severe outcomes, such as disseminated leishmaniasis (DL), mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) and diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL). Many factors have been associated with the severity of the disease and the development of lesions. Recent studies have reported that the presence of Leishmania RNA virus 1 infecting Leishmania (Leishmania RNA virus 1, LRV1) is an important factor associated with the severity of ML in experimental animal models. In the present study, 156 patients who attended Rondonia's Hospital of Tropical Medicine with both leishmaniasis clinical diagnoses (109 CL; 38 ML; 5 CL+ML; 3 DL and 1 DCL) and molecular diagnoses were investigated. The clinical diagnosis were confirmed by PCR by targeting hsp70 and kDNA DNA sequences and the species causing the infection were determined by HSP70 PCR-RFPL. The presence of LVR1 was tested by RT-PCR. Five Leishmania species were detected: 121 (77.6%) samples were positive for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, 18 (11.5%) were positive for Leishmania (V.) guyanensis, 3 (1.8%) for Leishmania (V.) lainsoni, 2 (1.3%) for Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and 2 (1.3%) for Leishmania (V.) shawi. Six (3.9%) samples were positive for Leishmania sp. but the species could not be determined, and 4 (2.6%) samples were suggestive of mixed infection by L. (V.) braziliensis and L. (V.) guyanensis. The virus was detected in L. braziliensis (N = 54), L. guyanensis (N = 5), L. amazonensis (N = 2), L. lainsoni (N = 1) and inconclusive samples (N = 6). Patients presenting with CL+ML, DL and DCL were excluded from further analysis. Association between the presence of the virus and the disease outcome were tested among the remaining 147 patients (CL = 109 and ML = 38). Of them, 71.1% (n = 27) mucosal lesions were positive for LRV1, and 28.9% (n = 11) were negative. In cutaneous lesions, 36.7% (n = 40) were positive and 63.3% (n = 69) were negative for LRV1. The ratio P(ML|LRV1+)/P(ML|LRV1-) was 2.93 (CI95% 1.57...5.46; p<0.001), thus corroborating the hypothesis of the association between LRV1 and the occurrence of mucosal leishmaniasis, as previously described in animal models; it also indicates that LRV1 is not the only factor contributing to the disease outcome.

Molecular characterization of american Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the tri-border border area of Assis Brasil, Acre State, Brazil / Caracterização molecular da Leishmaniose Tegumentar americana em área de tríplice fronteira, Assis Brasil, Estado do Acre,Brasil

SUMMARYIn this study, Leishmaniaspecies were identified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The epidemiology of patients suspected of having American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the municipality of Assis Brasil, Acre State, located in the Brazil/Peru/Bolivia triborder was also investigated. By PCR, the DNA of Leishmaniawas detected in 100% of the cases (37 samples) and a PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) of the hsp 70gene identified the species in 32 samples: Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (65.6%) , L. (V.) shawi (28.1%) , L. (V.) guyanensis (3.1%) and mixed infection L. (V.) guyanensisand L. (Leishmania) amazonensis(3.1%)This is the first report of L. (V.) shawiand L. (L.) amazonensisin Acre. The two predominant species were found in patients living in urban and rural areas. Most cases were found in males living in rural areas for at least three years and involved in rural work. This suggests, in most cases, a possible transmission of the disease from a rural/forest source, although some patients had not engaged in activities associated with permanence in forestall areas, which indicate a possible sandflies adaptation to the periurban setting.

RESUMOO presente estudo caracterizou as espécies de Leishmaniapela Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). Também descreveu os aspectos epidemiológicos de pacientes com suspeita de leishmaniose tegumentar americana do município de Assis Brasil, Estado do Acre, Brasil, localizado na tríplice fronteira Brasil/Peru/Bolívia. A PCR detectou DNA de Leishmaniaem 100% dos casos (37 amostras) e a PCR- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorfism(RFLP) do gene hsp 70identificou as espécies em 32 amostras: Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (65,6%) , L. (V.) shawi (28,1%) , L. (V.) guyanensis (3,1%) e infecção mista L. (V.) guyanensise L. (Leishmania) amazonensis(3,1%)Esse é o primeiro registro de L. (V.) shawie L. (L.) amazonensisno Acre. As duas espécies predominantes foram encontradas em indivíduos residentes em áreas rurais e urbanas. O maior número de casos foi notificado entre indivíduos de áreas rurais, sexo masculino, de ocupação rural e tempo de residência maior que três anos. Esses dados sugerem possível transmissão da doença em ambiente rural/florestal na maioria dos casos, no entanto alguns pacientes não tinham envolvimento com atividades relacionadas com a permanência na floresta, indicando possível adaptação de flebotomíneos no ambiente periurbano.

[Sick leave benefits for workers in the Brazilian meat and fish industries in 2008]. / Benefícios auxílio-doença concedidos aos trabalhadores empregados no ramo de carne e pescado no Brasil em 2008.

This study aims to analyze factors associated with sick leave rates among workers in the meat, fish, and seafood industries in Brazil. The study analyzed all sick leave benefits granted by the country's social security system to workers in these industries in 2008. Incidence of sick leave per 10 thousand jobs was stratified by sex, age, diagnosis, job position, State, and nature and length of benefits. The study analyzed 31,913 sick leaves, with an annual incidence of 788.7. Meat processing and packaging showed the highest incidence, and fish and seafood processing and packaging showed the longest mean length of sick leave. Women showed a higher sick leave incidence, while men received longer average sick leaves. Injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental disorders accounted for 67.2% of sick leaves. The most common diagnoses were lower back pain, first-trimester bleeding in pregnancy, and depression. The data suggest poor job protection and adverse working conditions in these industries.

Benefícios auxílio-doença concedidos aos trabalhadores empregados no ramo de carne e pescado no Brasil em 2008 / Sick leave benefits for workers in the Brazilian meat and fish industries in 2008 / Prestaciones sociales por enfermedad, concedidas por el Seguro Social, a los empleados en el sector de la carne y pescado en Brasil durante el año 2008

Este estudo objetivou identificar fatores associados à incidência de concessão de benefícios entre trabalhadores na atividade de carne e pescado no Brasil. Foram estudados os benefícios auxílio-doença concedidos pela Previdência Social aos empregados em carne e pescado no Brasil em 2008. As incidências por 10 mil vínculos empregatícios foram estratificadas por sexo, idade, diagnóstico, atividade econômica, unidade federada, espécie e duração dos benefícios auxílio-doença. Foram concedidos 31.913 benefícios auxílio-doença, com incidência de 788,7. O ramo abate de bovinos, equinos, ovinos e caprinos apresentou a maior incidência (1.223,2); o pescado, a maior duração (61 dias) de benefícios auxílio-doença. As mulheres apresentaram maior incidência, enquanto os homens, maior duração de benefícios auxílio-doença. Os grupos Lesões, doenças osteomusculares e transtornos mentais representaram 67,2% dos benefícios auxílio-doença. Os diagnósticos mais incidentes foram as dorsopatias, hemorragia no início da gravidez e episódios depressivos. O ramo de atividade, sexo, e a idade representaram importantes fatores associados à incidência de benefícios auxílio-doença, sugerindo uma precarização das condições/relações de trabalho.

This study aims to analyze factors associated with sick leave rates among workers in the meat, fish, and seafood industries in Brazil. The study analyzed all sick leave benefits granted by the country's social security system to workers in these industries in 2008. Incidence of sick leave per 10 thousand jobs was stratified by sex, age, diagnosis, job position, State, and nature and length of benefits. The study analyzed 31,913 sick leaves, with an annual incidence of 788.7. Meat processing and packaging showed the highest incidence, and fish and seafood processing and packaging showed the longest mean length of sick leave. Women showed a higher sick leave incidence, while men received longer average sick leaves. Injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental disorders accounted for 67.2% of sick leaves. The most common diagnoses were lower back pain, first-trimester bleeding in pregnancy, and depression. The data suggest poor job protection and adverse working conditions in these industries.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar factores asociados a la incidencia de concesión prestaciones sociales por enfermedad a los trabajadores del sector cárnico y pesquero en Brasil. Se estudiaron las prestaciones sociales por enfermedad, concedidas por el Seguro Social, a los empleados de los sectores anteriormente mencionados durante el año 2008. Las incidencias por cada 10 mil empleados fueron estratificadas por sexo, edad, diagnóstico, actividad económica, departamento, tipo y duración de las prestaciones por enfermedad. Se concedieron 31.913 prestaciones sociales por enfermedad, con una incidencia de 788,7. El colectivo perteneciente a mataderos de ganado vacuno, equino, bovino y caprino presentó la mayor incidencia (1.223,2) y el de pesca la mayor duración (61 días de prestaciones sociales por enfermedad). Las mujeres presentaron una mayor incidencia, mientras los hombres una mayor duración de las prestaciones por enfermedad. Los grupos de lesiones, enfermedades osteomusculares y trastornos mentales representaron un 67,2% de los beneficios de auxilio por enfermedad. Los diagnósticos más incidentes fueron las dorsopatías, hemorragias en el principio de la gestación y episodios depresivos, según las ramas de la actividad ejercida, el sexo y la edad son importantes factores, sugiriendo precariedad en las condiciones de trabajo.