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Copyright of Arquivos de Ciências da Saúde da UNIPAR is the property of Associacao Paranaense de Ensino e Cultura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Here, we provide an epidemiological analysis of leishmaniasis in Pernambuco, Brazil, from 2015 to 2019. Our results revealed 1,705 of American cutaneous leishmaniasis-ACL and 859 cases of visceral leishmaniasis-VL. VL and ACL affect children aged 1-4 years (23% and 3.2% of all cases, respectively) and adults aged 20-39 years (26% and 28%, respectively), mainly women. The highest percentage (54.6%) of VL cases was found in urban areas, while ACL occurred mainly in rural areas (63.2%). Individuals with a higher level of education were less affected by leishmaniasis and data on prognosis revealed good chances of clinical cure, but deaths are still recorded. These data show that preventive health actions must be developed to hinder leishmaniasis spread, reduce its impact on public health, and restore the population's life quality. This study can be useful in further elaboration of strategies to minimize leishmaniasis impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cogitare Enfermagem is the property of Cogitare Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Saúde Coletiva is the property of MPM Comunicacao and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of calazar in the state of Ceará between 2011 and 2018. Methods: Retrospective and quantitative study, which had as data source notification forms of the National System of Notifiable Diseases of patients with calazar registered in Ceará. Results: During the study period, 7.894 cases of calazar were reported in Ceará. Fortaleza and Sobral were the municipalities with the highest number of cases, with males being the most affected. In addition, 46.63% of the cases used laboratory tests as a diagnosis. Regarding age, adults accounted for 46.5% of the cases, and children accounted for 31.39%. On the socio-educational conditions of the patients, the majority had incomplete elementary school and held occupations as a student and housewife. In the evolution of the patients, the cure rate was 71.2% and the death rate due to calazar was 3.6%, the other 7.7% correspond to transference and death from other causes. Among patients with VL, 9.79% had HIV co-infection. Conclusions: According to our results, calazar is a disease still very prevalent in the state of Ceará, with Fortaleza having the highest number of notifications. However, there is still a great underreporting of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of RPDI - Revista Portuguesa de Doenças Infecciosas is the property of Sociedade Portuguesa de Doencas Infecciosas e Microbiologia Clinica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of InterfacEHS is the property of Revista InterfacEHS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies, in a complex interaction with the nosogeography entity. This work is a geographical approach of VL in the state of São Paulo, supported by Ecological Niche Modeling. The goal is to verify the correlation between the spatial distribution of the sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis and environmental variables, and verify the overlay distribution of reported human cases and final model of Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt). Data reports of the occurrence of Lu. longipalpis by municipalities from 1997-2016 were collected. Also environmental data from bioclimatic variables (BIOCLIM) in a 1km spatial resolution were collected. In the state, some variables were correlated with the sandfly distribution, such as: day-to-night ascilations in temperature (4%), maximum monthly temperature occurrence over a given year (16.1%), total precipitation during the driest month (22.7%), variation in monthly precipitation totals over the course of the year (16.7%), total precipitation that prevails during the wettest quarter (21.8%), total precipitation that prevails during the driest quarter (10.3%) and total precipitation that prevails during the coldest quarter (8.3%). The data clearly indicate a likelihood of expansion from the center of the state into Campinas and Piracicaba (east). Regarding the first expansion axis in the state, from center to the west, it is suggested working with the settlements, which can be a source of a specific case of VL expansion, the "new rural", enclosing the rural-urban-new rural hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Atencao Primaria a Saude is the property of Revista de Atencao Primaria a Saude and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of Visceral Canine Leishmaniasis (VCL) in the municipality of Itaporanga-PB between the years 2015 and 2016. 180 records of notification and investigation of suspected dogs deposited at the Municipal Health Department were retrieved, where the variables were analyzed using the absolute number and relative frequency, applying the chi-square test. The seroprevalence corresponded to 13,3% when associated to two diagnostic methodologies: rapid immunochromatographic test (TR DPP®) and ELISA (EI LCV). Of the 24 seropositive dogs, male (70,8%), undecided (79,2%), urban area (70,8%) and age greater than two years (70,8%) prevailed. The analysis of the clinical signs revealed statistical significance and presence of risk between alopecia (p= 0,001; OR= 7,474; PR= 4,237) and multiple wounds (p= 0,000; OR= 7,667; PR= 4,529) with seropositivity. Seroprevalence in Itaporanga-PB was compared to other municipalities in Paraíba, Northeast and Brazil, and the other variables and risk factors were discussed with the literature. Due to the epidemiological situation of the city, the continuation of canine serological surveys in subsequent years and the application of other prophylactic measures for parasitosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic disease of great importance in public health and the actions performed by Zoonoses Services (ZS) can minimize their disorder. The objective was to evaluate the situation of zoonosis services of the counties in the health region of Presidente Prudente/SP and understand the role its play in health surveillance for visceral leishmaniasis. Was performed cartographic information on the epidemiological situation of the visceral leishmaniasis and the type ZS offered in the counties belonging of study. Of the 45 counties studied, 62.2% have fully structured ZS; 6.7% have no physical structure and partially function; 4.4% do not work and 26.7% do not possess. We conclude that, is of great relevance, the role played by ZSs in health surveillance and there is a high number of counties that do not have structured ZS, a fact that can make it difficult to control the visceral leishmaniasis, favoring the dissemination in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cadernos de Saude Publica is the property of Escola Nacional de Saude Publica Sergio Arouca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe clinical presentation of leishmaniasis and in South America, the dog (Canis familiaris) is the major source of infection in an anthropozoonotic cycle. Their epidemiological profile has been changed since 80's from rural to urban. In 2011, the disease urban emergence was demonstrated in the central region of Rio de Janeiro municipality by clusters of canine cases, mainly in Caju neighborhood, in addition to areas of historical endemism in the city. In this sense, this research aimed to characterize the panorama of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in this territory, based on the georeferencing of the positive cases from 2011 to 2014, referring to the laboratory results of the canine serological surveys conducted by the Paulo Darcoso Filho Unit (UPDF). The Campo Grande neighborhood presented the highest number of positive animals (121), followed by the Caju neighborhood (95). Considering the number of collections, the Caju neighborhood showed the highest case frequency with 27.7% (95/374), followed by Campo Grande with 25.5% (76/1076). For land use, Caju demonstrated predominant urban use, while the historical transmission regions were predominantly forest areas and modified forest. The results point to the high degree of positivity in a neighborhood with recent circulation of the parasite. With these data, we propose a greater systematization of the blood collections by epidemiological surveillance of the municipality, prioritizing neighborhoods where there are more positive animals and also those that have similar environmental characteristics, being potential areas of transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cadernos de Saude Publica is the property of Escola Nacional de Saude Publica Sergio Arouca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Atencao Primaria a Saude is the property of Revista de Atencao Primaria a Saude and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Na América do Sul, alguns canídeos silvestres são considerados reservatórios naturais da Leishmania chagasi. A resposta imunológica desses animais à Leishmania é pouco conhecida, havendo a necessidade de métodos diagnósticos adequados para esse fim. No presente estudo, é descrita a padronização do ensaio imunoenzimático indireto (ELISA) para o diagnóstico sorológico de leishmaniose visceral em canídeos silvestres brasileiros. Foram estudadas amostras de soro e plasma de 12 canídeos cativos: sete lobos-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus), três raposinhas (Lycalopex vetulus) e dois cachorros-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). As amostras de um C. brachyurus e uma L. vetulus, cativos em área endêmica para LV, que apresentavam doença clínica e positividade em testes de Imunofluorescência Indireta e Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase, foram utilizadas como controles positivos. Foram comparados os conjugados anti-IgG de cão e proteína A, ambos ligados a peroxidase, cujos testes detectaram quatro (04/12) e três (03/12) C. brachyurus soropositivos para anticorpos anti-Leishmania sp., respectivamente. As médias das densidades ópticas (DOs) das amostras negativas foram nitidamente mais baixas do que as médias das DOs dos positivos tanto no ELISA com anti-IgG de cão (4,8 vezes) como com proteína A (15,5 vezes). Os soros de três C. brachyurus positivos no ELISA indireto foram avaliados por Western blotting e identificaram 22 bandas, sendo imunodominantes as de peso molecular de 19, 22, 24, 45 e 66 kDa. Os testes ELISA com a proteína A e o conjugado anti-IgG de cão apresentaram respectivamente concordância excelente (Kappa = 1; pIn South America, some wild canids are considered natural reservoirs of Leishmania chagasi. The immunological response of wild canids to Leishmania is not well understood, and the development of diagnostic methods is necessary for such purpose. In the present study, the standardization of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazilian species of wild canids is described. Serum and plasma samples from 12 captive wild canids were studied: seven from maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), three from hoary foxes (Lycalopex vetulus), and two from crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous). Samples from C. brachyurus and L. vetulus, both captive in an endemic area for VL, presenting clinical disease and positivity in Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction and Polymerase Chain Reaction tests were used as positive controls. The antibody anti-dog IgG and Protein A, both conjugated with horseradish peroxidase, were compared in indirect ELISA tests which detected four (04/12) and three (03/12) seropositive C. brachyurus for anti-Leishmania antibodies, respectively. The ELISA tests were able to clearly distinguish negative from positive samples, as the mean optical density (OD) of the negative samples was 4.8 and 15.5 times lower than those of the positive ones either using anti-dog IgG and Protein A, respectively. Samples from three ELISA - positive C. brachyurus were analyzed by Western blotting and identified immunodominant bands of 19, 22, 24, 45 and 66 kDa, among 22 protein bands detected. The ELISAs with protein A and anti-dog IgG showed respectively excellent (Kappa = 1.0; p

This study analyzed factors associated with asymptomatic Leishmania chagasi infection in family members and neighbors of patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 361 individuals in the counties comprising Ilha de São Luís (São Luís Island) in Maranhão State, Brazil. The Montenegro skin test (MST) and serology by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to detect infection. Odds ratios (OR) and prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated by multilevel logistic regression and Poisson regression, respectively. The rates of positive reactions were 71.3% for MST and 9.7% for ELISA. The variable associated with infection according to MST was living in the same household as the index case (PR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.03-1.78). According to ELISA, the statistically significant variables were: living in the county of Raposa (OR = 3.56; 95%CI: 1.24-10.19) and living in the same household as the index case (OR = 2.70; 95%CI: 1.19-6.08). Family members of individuals with LV are at increased risk of infection. Priority control measures should target these families.Este estudo transversal analisou os fatores associados à infecção assintomática por Leishmania chagasi em familiares e vizinhos de pacientes com leishmaniose visceral (LV) e foi realizado com 361 indivíduos nos municípios que compõem a Ilha de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil. Foram realizadas a Intradermorreação de Montenegro (IDRM) e a sorologia por Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) para detectar a infecção. Razões de chances (RC) e razões de prevalências (RP) e seus intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) foram estimadas por meio de regressão logística multinível e regressão de Poisson, respectivamente. A proporção de positivos foi de 71,3% para a IDRM e de 9,7% para o ELISA. A variável associada à infecção segundo a IDRM foi residir no domicílio do caso índice (RP = 1,36; IC95%: 1,03-1,78). Pelo ELISA, as variáveis com significância estatística foram: residir no Município de Raposa (RC = 3,56; IC95%: 1,24-10,19) e no domicílio do caso índice (RC = 2,70; IC95%: 1,19-6,08). Familiares de indivíduos com LV têm maior risco de infecção. Medidas de controle devem ser efetivadas e direcionadas prioritariamente a essas famílias.

A space-time analysis of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) in humans in the city of Bauru, São Paulo State, Brazil was carried out based on 239 cases diagnosed between June 2003 and October 2008. Spatial analysis of the disease showed that cases occurred especially in the city's urban areas. AVL annual incidence rates were calculated, demonstrating that the highest rate occurred in 2006 (19.55/100,000 inhabitants). This finding was confirmed by the time series analysis, which also showed a positive tendency over the period analyzed. The present study allows us to conclude that the disease was clustered in the Southwest side of the city in 2006, suggesting that this area may require special attention with regard to control and prevention measures.Uma análise espaço-temporal da leishmaniose visceral americana (LVA) em Bauru, São Paulo, Brasil, foi realizada com base em 239 casos diagnosticados entre junho de 2003 e outubro de 2008. A análise espacial da doença demonstrou que os casos ocorreram especialmente na área urbana da cidade. A incidência anual de LVA foi calculada, demonstrando que a taxa mais elevada foi verificada em 2006 (19,55/100 mil habitantes). O fato foi confirmado pela análise da série histórica, que também apresentou uma tendência positiva durante o período analisado. O presente estudo permitiu concluir que a doença esteve aglomerada na região sudoeste de Bauru no ano de 2006, e que tal área pode exigir atenção especial com relação às medidas de controle e prevenção.

The objective of this study was to design and evaluate new primers for species-specific detection of L. infantum chagasi using PCR. Two combinations of primer pairs were established with the aim of obtaining specific amplification products from the L. infantum chagasi 18S rRNA gene. The combinations of the primer pairs and the respective sizes of the PCR products, based on the U422465 GenBank reference sequence of L. infantum chagasi, were: LCS1/LCS3 (259 bp) and LCS2/LCS3 (820 bp). It was concluded that the new PCR assays optimized using the primer pairs LCS1/LCS3 and LCS2/LCS3 were effective for specific detection of L. infantum chagasi, with analytical sensitivity to detect 1 pg/µL of DNA.Objetivou-se com este trabalho construir e avaliar novos primers para a detecção espécie-específicos de L. infantum chagasi por PCR. Foram estabelecidas duas combinações de pares de primers com a finalidade de obter produtos de amplificação específicos para o gene 18S rRNA de L. infantum chagasi. As combinações dos pares de primers e os respectivos tamanhos dos produtos de PCR, previstos conforme a sequência de referência utilizada (GenBank U422465) foram: LCS1/LCS3 (259 pb); LCS2/LCS3 (820 pb). Pôde-se concluir que os novos ensaios de PCR otimizados neste estudo, empregando os pares de primers LCS1/LCS3 e LCS2/LCS3, foram efetivos para a detecção específica de L. infantum chagasi, com sensibilidade analítica para detectar 1 pg/µL de DNA.

INTRODUÇÃO: Considerada doença negligenciada pela OMS, a Leishmaniose visceral (LV) tem se expandido e urbanizado, sendo sua transmissão e expansão associadas a diversos fatores. OBJETIVO: Avaliar aspectos epidemiológicos da LV no município de Aracaju/SE, por meio de estudo retrospectivo da série histórica de LV humana e canina no período de 1999-2008. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados secundários do SINAN para os casos humanos, e o resultado dos inquéritos caninos e atendimentos da demanda passiva do Centro de Controle de Zoonoses (CCZ). RESULTADOS: Foram notificados 192 casos autóctones de LV humana, sendo 63,5% do gênero masculino. Crianças entre 1 e 4 anos foram mais acometidas (29,2%), seguidas de adultos entre 20-29 anos (15,6%) e de crianças entre 5-9 anos (15,1%). A letalidade geral foi de 8,9%, sendo mais acentuada em pessoas entre 60 a 69 anos (60%); 32,3% dos casos autóctones realizaram sorologia para HIV, com positividade de 6,9%. A confirmação laboratorial foi realizada principalmente mediante a imunofluorescência indireta isolada (71,1%). Dos 58.161 cães que realizaram sorologia a positividade foi de 5,4%, sendo 87,0% dos inquéritos realizados anualmente pelo CCZ, com uma positividade de 4,4%. Dos 7.501 cães trazidos ao CCZ por diversas queixas, o exame sorológico foi reagente em 12,0%. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados denotam o caráter endêmico da LV no município, mostrando a necessidade de ações que permitam a diminuição do risco para a população, principalmente aquela onde a incidência e a letalidade são maiores, como melhorias no diagnóstico da LV, assim como na co-infecção com HIV e no monitoramento da população canina, entre outros.INTRODUCTION: Considered as a neglected disease by the WHO, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has expanded and urbanized. Its transmission and expansion have been linked to several factors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological aspects of VL in the city of Aracaju/SE, through retrospective studies of the historical series of human and canine VL in the 1999-2008 period. METHODS: Secondary data from SINAN (Information System for Reportable Diseases) for human cases were used. Data from canine surveys and from the Zoonosis Control Center´s (ZCC) passive demand were used for canine cases. RESULTS: 192 autochthonous cases of human VL were reported, and 63.5% were male. Children aged 1-4 years were the most affected (29.2%), followed by adults aged 20-29 years (15.6%) and children aged 5-9 years (15.1%). General mortality was 8.9%, and it was higher for the 60-69 year age group (60%); 32.3% of autochthonous cases performed serology for HIV, with a 6.9% positivity. Laboratory results were confirmed mostly by indirect isolated immunofluorescence (71.1%). 58,161 dogs were serologically tested for VL, with a positivity rate of 5.4%, while 87.0% of the surveys conducted annually by the ZCC, have a 4.4%positivity rate for VL. Of the 7,501 dogs that were brought to the ZCC for multiple complaints, the serological test was positive in 12.0%. CONCLUSION: Data show the endemicity of VL in the city, revealing the need for actions to reduce the risk of the population, mostly for the group with higher incidence and mortality, such as improvement in the diagnosis of VL and its HIV-associated infection, along with monitoring of the dog population, among others.

Montes Claros in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, was considered an intense transmission area for visceral leishmaniasis. This study evaluated sand fly fauna after insecticide application. Captures were performed in 10 districts from September 2005 to August 2006 with CDC light traps inside and outside each residence. Cypermethrin was sprayed in two cycles during November/2005 and May/2006. The 636 specimens collected, belonging to 10 species, were predominantly Lutzomyia longipalpis (79%), and most frequently males (70%). The highest percentage of specimens were captured in areas surrounding domiciles (85.8%). The main species were observed to be sensitive to treatment with the insecticide. The results showed a reduction in the number of sand flies collected after use of cypermethrin in homes and annexes, and with residual effect lasting from two to four months.Montes Claros foi considerada área de transmissão intensa para leishmaniose visceral no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Este trabalho avaliou a fauna de flebotomíneos após a aplicação do inseticida. Entre setembro de 2005 e agosto de 2006, foram realizadas capturas com 20 armadilhas luminosas CDC em 10 bairros do município, no intra e no peridomicílio de cada residência. Dois ciclos de borrifação com cipermetrina foram realizados nos meses de novembro/2005 e maio/2006. Coletou-se 636 exemplares pertencentes a 10 espécies, com predominância de Lutzomyia longipalpis (79%). Machos foram coletados com maior frequência (70%). O peridomicílio apresentou a maior porcentagem dos espécimens capturados (85,8%). Observou-se que as principais espécies foram sensíveis ao tratamento com o inseticida. Os resultados mostraram uma redução do número de flebotomíneos coletados devido ao uso de cipermetrina nos domicílios e seus anexos, mas com efeito residual atuante entre dois e quatro meses.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic infectious disease that can cause to a severe, potentially life-threatening chronic condition in humans. Risk factors for infection in urban areas have been associated with poor living conditions, the presence of sand fly vectors and infected pets. This study aimed to describe sand fly and canine infection in the neighborhoods of human visceral leishmaniasis occurrence in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, central-western Brazil, reported between January 2005 and December 2006. A total of 1,909 sand flies were collected. They were predominantly males and the most frequent species were Lutzomyia cruzi (81.25%), Lutzomyia whitmani (13.88%) and Lutzomyia longipalpis (2.62%). The sand fly density was not significantly correlated with the variation of environmental factors. The prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the neighborhoods studied was 26.82% and it was found that areas with high density of vectors coincided with areas of high prevalence of dogs and those with the highest rates of human cases. The study of vectors and other potential hosts are essential for a good understanding of visceral leishmaniasis and the related public health concerns, aiming at the prevention and control of leishmaniasis in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State.A leishmaniose visceral é uma doença infecciosa sistêmica, de evolução crônica grave, potencialmente fatal para o homem. Os fatores de risco para a infecção em áreas urbanas têm sido associados às precárias condições de moradia, à presença de flebotomíneos vetores e de animais domésticos infectados. O presente trabalho objetivou descrever a fauna flebotomínica e infecção canina nos bairros de ocorrência da leishmaniose visceral humana no município de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, notificados no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2006. Foram coletados 1.909 flebotomíneos, as espécies mais frequentes foram Lutzomyia cruzi (81,25%), Lutzomyia whitmani (13,88%) e Lutzomyia longipalpis (2,62%). A densidade de flebotomíneos não apresentou correlação significativa com a variação dos fatores ambientais. A prevalência de leishmaniose visceral canina nos bairros foi de 26,82% e observou-se que as regiões com grande densidade de vetores coincidem com áreas de alta prevalência em cães e áreas nas quais foi detectado o maior número de casos humanos. O estudo de vetores e outros possíveis hospedeiros são imprescindíveis para um bom entendimento da doença a fim de gerar benefícios para a saúde pública, visando à prevenção e o controle das leishmanioses no município de Cuiabá e no Estado de Mato Grosso.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe chronic disease caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi. Better knowledge on the effects caused by this disease can help develop adequate clinical management and treatment. Parasitological and immunohistochemical studies were performed golden hamsters Mesocricetus auratus infected with bone marrow from individuals with VL in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, central-west Brazil. The effects of parasitism in the spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and brain of the animals were examined. Eighteen hamsters were inoculated intraperitoneally, and six healthy animals were used as negative controls. The animals were kept in the animal house and checked for clinical signs. Specimens of each organ were examined for the presence of amastigotes. Immunohistochemical technique was performed in all brain specimens and organs negative on the direct examination of parasites. Direct examination of amastigotes was positive in the spleen and liver of all infected animals; 33.3% showed the parasite in the kidneys and lungs, and 16.7% in the heart. Parasitic forms were seen in 83.3% (15/18) of the brain examined. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the results of the direct examination, except in two specimens of lung tissue and in the brain specimens. Other studies are needed to further clarify the effect of the parasite in the central nervous system.A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença crônica grave, causada pelo parasito Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi. Esclarecer as alterações provocadas pela doença é fundamental para que se adotem condutas clínicas e de tratamento adequadas. Com o objetivo de analisar a infecção experimental em hamsters da linhagem golden, Mesocricetus auratus, infectados com tecido de medula óssea de pacientes com LV no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, foram realizados estudos parasitológicos e de imunomarcação. Foi verificada a distribuição do parasitismo no baço, fígado, rim, pulmão, coração e encéfalo desses animais. Foram utilizados 18 hamsters experimentalmente inoculados via intra-peritoneal, e seis animais sadios como controles negativos. Os animais foram mantidos em biotério de experimentação e observados, em busca de alterações clínicas. Com fragmentos de cada órgão, procedeu-se a confecção de lâminas por aposição para pesquisa de amastigotas. Nos órgãos com resultado negativo na pesquisa direta do parasito, e em todas as amostras de encéfalo, foi realizada a técnica de imunohistoquímica. A pesquisa direta de amastigotas foi positiva no baço e fígado de todos os animais infectados; 33,3% apresentaram o parasito em rim e pulmão, e 16,7% no coração. Quando realizada a pesquisa em encéfalo, formas parasitárias foram observadas em 83,3% (15/18) dos animais. A imunomarcação confirmou os resultados da pesquisa direta, exceto em duas amostras de tecido pulmonar e nas amostras de encéfalo. Mais estudos são necessários, para esclarecer o real papel do parasito no sistema nervoso central.

The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of the local canine population in the Krenak indigenous community to detect parasites of the genus Leishmania and identify the circulating species and the proportion of asymptomatic dogs, while investigating associations between canine infection and the dogs' sex, age, and hair length. A seroepidemiological survey was performed, including 63 dogs. All the animals underwent clinical examination to verify the presence of characteristic signs, and serum samples were taken for serological tests (ELISA, IIF). Infected dogs culled by the health service were necropsied and the material was analyzed using molecular diagnostic techniques. The cross-sectional study detected a 46% prevalence rate, and the circulating species was Leishmania (L.) chagasi. The statistical analysis showed no association between infection and the independent variables. The study generated data on the epidemiological situation with canine infection in the area, which was previously unknown.Foi realizado um estudo seccional para detectar, na população canina, a presença de parasitos do gênero Leishmania e a espécie circulante, a proporção de cães assintomáticos, investigando concomitantemente a existência de associações entre a infecção canina e as variáveis: sexo, idade e tipo de pelo dos cães. Para o estudo seccional, foi realizado um inquérito censitário, que avaliou 63 cães. Todos passaram por uma avaliação clínica para verificar a presença de sintomas característicos da infecção; amostras de soro foram coletadas para os testes sorológicos (ELISA, RIFI). Os cães positivos retirados pelo serviço de saúde foram necropsiados, e o material, analisado pelas técnicas de diagnóstico molecular. O estudo seccional realizado detectou uma prevalência de 46%, sendo a espécie circulante a Leishmania (L.) chagasi. A análise estatística não detectou nenhuma associação entre infecção e as variáveis investigadas. Este estudo possibilitou a geração de dados sobre a situação epidemiológica da infecção canina na área, o que antes era desconhecido.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been shown to provide a rapid and sensitive technique for Leishmania detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique of noninvasive conjunctival swabs (CS) as a sampling method for molecular screening for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in a group of 42 police dogs, all of them vaccinated against VL, and to compare the results with those obtained by serological tests. The serological assays were performed independently by three laboratories. Laboratories 1 and 2 were private laboratories and laboratory 3 was the National Reference Laboratory. The first serological screening performed by laboratory 1 showed 15 reactive dogs and 4 indeterminate. Laboratory 2 confirmed only 3 reactive dogs and 2 indeterminate. Laboratory 3 confirmed 7 reactive dogs and 3 indeterminate. The PCR diagnosis using the CS procedure was performed on all 42 animals and was able to detect Leishmania DNA in 17 dogs. The PCR assay confirmed all the cases that were simultaneously reactive in the serological tests by two laboratories. The results showed that the CS technique was a sensitive and practical method for sample collection, thus allowing reliable diagnostic tests through PCR.A PCR (do inglês Polymerase Chain Reaction) tem demonstrado ser uma técnica rápida e sensível para detecção de Leishmania. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a técnica não invasiva do swab conjuntival na identificação por PCR de animais infectados em um grupo de 42 cães policiais, todos vacinados contra a Leishmaniose Visceral (VL), e comparar os resultados com aqueles obtidos pelos testes sorológicos. Os ensaios sorológicos foram realizados independentemente por três laboratórios. Os laboratórios 1 e 2 eram privados. O laboratório 3 era o Laboratório de Referência Nacional. A primeira triagem sorológica realizada pelo laboratório 1 apresentou 15 cães reativos e 4 indeterminados. O laboratório 2 confirmou apenas 3 cães reativos e 2 animais indeterminados. O laboratório 3 confirmou 7 cães reativos e 3 cães foram classificados como indeterminados. O diagnóstico pela PCR, utilizando o procedimento do swab conjuntival, foi realizado em todos os 42 animais e foi capaz de detectar DNA de Leishmania em 17 cães. A PCR confirmou todos os casos simultaneamente reativos nos testes sorológicos de dois laboratórios. Os resultados demonstraram que o swab conjuntival é um método sensível e prático para coleta de amostra, permitindo um diagnóstico consistente através da PCR.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi descrever as análises da série cronológica e determinar a tendência da leishmaniose visceral em humanos e cães para o município de Belo Horizonte, de 1993 a 2007. De 1994, quando surgiram os primeiros casos da doença, até 2007, foram registrados 994 casos humanos autóctones com 116 óbitos. De 1993 a 2007, foram analisadas 1.492.401 amostras de sangue canino com percentual de positividade de 5,9%, utilizando-se os testes de enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) como triagem e de imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) como confirmatório. As análises indicaram que a leishmaniose visceral apresentou tendência crescente dos coeficientes de incidência em humanos e de prevalência em cães, e observaram-se arquétipos distintos dessa tendência, retratando o momento histórico de transição endêmica. A leishmaniose visceral em cães não apresentou características de distribuição sazonal, e não foi possível concluir a existência ou não de ciclicidade do fenômeno. A leishmaniose visceral em humanos e cães tem ampla distribuição espacial nas nove regionais administrativas com risco diferenciado de acometimento da doença, apesar da presença das fontes de infecção e dos susceptíveis em todo o município.The chronological series analysis and the tendencies of both human and canine visceral leishmaniasis were determined in Belo Horizonte city, from 1993 to 2007. From 1994, when the first cases of the disease were reported, until 2007, 994 human cases were recorded, which led to 116 deaths. From 1993 to 2007, 1,492,401 samples of canine blood were analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as screening test and by the Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFI) as confirmatory test. The rate of positive results was 5.9%. The analyses indicated that the visceral leishmaniasis presents a tendency of increasing the coefficient of incidence in humans and prevalence in dogs and different archetypes of this tendency were observed portraying historical moment of endemic transition. Canine visceral leishmaniasis did not show a seasonal distribution, and it was not possible to determine whether the phenomenon was cyclic or not. Human and canine visceral leishmaniasis showed a broad spatial distribution in the nine administrative sectors with a differentiated risk of illness, in spite of the presence either of the sources of infection or the susceptible individuals in the whole county.

Avaliaram-se alterações espermáticas associadas à infecção por leishmaniose no sêmen de cães naturalmente infectados, utilizando-se, durante oito semanas consecutivas, ejaculados de seis cães soronegativos e seis cães soropositivos. As amostras foram colhidas uma vez por semana e avaliadas quanto ao volume, concentração, motilidade, vigor, morfologia espermática, integridade da cromatina, avaliação simultânea da integridade da membrana plasmática, acrossoma e potencial mitocondrial. Concomitantemente foram dosadas a proteína total do plasma seminal e sanguíneo. A leishmaniose visceral causou aumento dos defeitos maiores e menores nos espermatozoides dos animais acometidos pelo estágio moderado a severo da doença. Em estágios mais avançados da enfermidade, a integridade das membranas acrossomal e plasmática foi afetada negativamente. Não foi possível estabelecer um critério quanto à avaliação do potencial mitocondrial. A incidência de alterações morfológicas nos animais acometidos não promoveu aumento de injurias à cromatina. Todos os animais com leishmaniose apresentaram hiperproteinemia do sêmen.The spermatic changes associated with the natural infection in dogs by Leishmania sp was evaluated during eight consecutive weeks, using ejaculates of six seronegative and six seropositive dogs. The samples were collected once a week and evaluated for volume, concentration, motility, vigor, sperm morphology, chromatin integrity, simultaneous evaluation of the plasmatic membrane integrity, acrosome, and mitochondrial potential. The total proteins of the seminal plasma and blood were measured. The visceral leishmaniasis caused increase of major and minor defects in spermatozoa of animals attacked by moderate to severe stages of the disease. In more advanced stages of the illness, the acrosomal and plasmatic membranes integrity was adversely affected. It was not possible to establish a pattern refering the evaluation of the mitochondrial potential. The incidence of morphological changes in the seropositive animals did not promote an increase of injuries to the chromatin. All animals with leishmaniasis presented hyperproteinemia of the semen.

Urban increase of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil is associated with the adaptation of its vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis, to environments modified by humans. The present study reports the results of an entomological monitoring of L. longipalpis and the effect of environmental variables on its population density. Sandflies were captured in the municipality of Mossoró, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, from January 2005 to December 2006. Two CDC light traps were placed monthly for four consecutive nights in the peridomicile of selected households. Data analysis was based on the chi-square test and linear regression. A total of 2,087 sandflies were captured, 99.86% of which were L. longipalpis. A higher proportion of females were captured (p < 0.05). Monthly analysis of the variables temperature, relative humidity and rainfall did not show a significant influence on population density. However, there were seasonal differences: approximately 70% of sand flies were captured during the rainy season (p < 0.05). The predominant species, L. longipalpis, is present in substantial number, representing a public health risk. Therefore, because of higher prevalence during the rainy season, we recommend intensified VL control measures before and during this season to reduce the risk of disease transmission.No Brasil, o crescimento urbano da leishmaniose visceral (LV) está associado com a adaptação do seu vetor, Lutzomyia longipalpis, aos ambientes modificados pelo homem. Este estudo relata a vigilância entomológica de L. longipalpis e os efeitos das variáveis ambientais sobre a sua densidade populacional. Os flebotomíneos foram capturados no município de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, no Nordeste do Brasil, a partir de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2006. Duas armadilhas tipo CDC foram colocadas mensalmente durante quatro noites consecutivas no peridomicílio das casas escolhidas. A análise dos dados foi baseada no teste Qui-quadrado e regressão linear. Um total de 2.087 flebotomíneos foram capturados, dos quais 99,86% foram L. longipalpis. Mais fêmeas do que machos foram capturados (p < 0,05). Na análise mensal das variáveis ambientais a temperatura, umidade relativa e a chuva não tiveram impacto significativo sobre a densidade populacional de L. longipalpis. No entanto, houve diferenças sazonais: aproximadamente 70% dos flebotomíneos foram capturados durante a estação chuvosa (p < 0,05). Assim, L. longipalpis, a espécie predominante, representa um risco à saúde pública. Portanto, devido à maior prevalência no período chuvoso, recomendamos intensificar as medidas de controle da LV antes e durante este período para reduzir o risco de transmissão da doença.

Analisou-se o risco de se contrair leishmaniose visceral (LV) e a presença de animais em residências de Belo Horizonte/MG, em 2006. O estudo de caso-controle foi feito por meio de visitas domiciliares, aplicação de questionário e registro de imagens da residência. A estimativa de risco foi mensurada por comparação de condições de moradia entre dois grupos: 1- constituído por 82 casos humanos de LV ocorridos em 2004 e 2- 164 controles (vizinhos dos casos). Os domicílios pertencentes ao grupo 1 foram os que apresentaram os maiores percentuais de presença de animais. Observou-se, pela análise univariada, que a presença de patos, roedores, pássaros e galinhas aumenta o risco de ocorrer LV em 4,18; 1,81; 1,57; e 1,47 vezes, respectivamente. Para os proprietários de cães, o aumento no risco de contrair LV é equivalente a 2,17 vezes e está relacionado ao número de cães no domicílio. O risco de contrair LV é maior 1,87 vezes para moradores com um cão e 3,36 vezes para moradores com dois cães, quando comparados a pessoas que não possuem esses animais.This study evaluated the animal presence in dwellings and the risk for transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 2006. A case-control study was conducted by means of dwelling visits, direct interviews, and image register in the houses. The risk estimates were produced comparing the dwelling condition between two groups: 1) 82 human cases of VL recorded in 2004; and 2) 164 controls (neighbors of the first). The cases presented a higher proportion in the animal presence compared to controls. Using an unconditional logistic regression, it was selected the presence of ducks with an OR of 4.18 (CI 95% - 0.74 to 23.32); rodents with an OR of 1.81 (CI 95% - 0.96 to 3.39); birds with an OR of 1.56 (CI 95% - 0.90 to 2.69), and chicken with an OR of 1.47 (CI 95% - 0.74 to 2.90). The owners of dogs were 2.17 more likely to have VL than those who did not have dogs, and this estimate increased with the number of dogs in the house. For those who had only one dog, the OR was 1.87, while for those who owned two dogs at home, the OR increased to 3.36; when compared to people who did not own those animals.

INTRODUÇÃO: A leishmaniose é uma doença infecciosa crônica que pode variar de um espectro que inclui o acometimento cutâneo isolado com manifestação oligossintomática até o acometimento sistêmico com manifestações clínicas importantes. O desenvolvimento de infecção em cada tipo de leishmaniose (visceral ou tegumentar) depende da interação complexa e intrigante entre os fatores de virulência do patógeno e a resposta imunológica do hospedeiro. Análises de soros de pacientes infectados por Leishmania demonstraram a existência de autoanticorpos contra componentes celulares e humorais, além de imunocomplexos circulantes e anticorpos contra a imunoglobulina G (fator reumatoide). Pacientes com leishmaniose visceral podem apresentar sintomas que mimetizam o quadro clínico encontrado em pacientes com diagnóstico de Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES), dificultando o diagnóstico precoce e tratamento. OBJETIVOS: Identificar o perfil de autoanticorpos e a dosagem de complemento em pacientes com diagnóstico de leishmaniose visceral ou tegumentar e correlacionar o quadro clínico destes pacientes com o de pacientes com diagnóstico de LES. MÉTODOS: Pesquisou-se a ocorrência de autoanticorpos e dosagem de complemento no soro de 90 pacientes, sendo 45 deles com leishmaniose visceral e 45 com a forma tegumentar. RESULTADOS: Os autoanticorpos estatisticamente significativos presentes nos pacientes com leishmaniose visceral foram: Fator Antinuclear (FAN) positivo (4,4%) ou em baixa titulação (8,9%) e anticorpo anticardiolipina do tipo IgG positivo (17,8%) ou indeterminado (8,9%). Encontrou-se, ainda, diminuição do complemento sérico C3 em 17,8% dos pacientes e anticorpo anti-Leishmania positivo > 1/80 em todos os pacientes com leishmaniose visceral. CONCLUSÕES: A forma visceral da leishmaniose pode correlacionar-se positivamente com a presença de autoanticorpos, possivelmente pelo desencadeamento de uma resposta sistêmica predominantemente humoral do tipo Th2, constituindo-se em diagnóstico diferencial obrigatório com LES, principalmente nas áreas endêmicas.INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is a chronic infectious disease whose spectrum can vary from isolate cutaneous involvement with oligosymptomatic manifestations to systemic involvement with clinically important manifestations. The development of the infection of each type of leishmaniasis (visceral or cutaneous) depends on a complex and intriguing interaction between virulence factors of the pathogen and the immune response of the host. Analysis of sera of with Leishmania infection demonstrates the presence of autoantibodies against cellular and humoral components, besides circulating immune complexes and anti-IgG antibodies (rheumatoid factor). Patients with visceral leishmaniasis can present symptoms that mimic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), hindering early diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVES: To identify the profile of autoantibodies and complement levels of patients with visceral or cutaneous leishmaniasis and to correlate their clinical presentation to those of patients with SLE. METHODS: The presence of autoantibodies and complement levels of 90 patients, 45 with visceral leishmaniasis and 45 with cutaneous leishmaniasis, was determined. Results: The presence of statistically significant autoantibodies in patients with visceral leishmaniasis included: antinuclear antibody (ANA), positive (4.4%) or in low titers (8.9%), and IgG anticardiolipin antibody, positive (17.8%) or undetermined (8.9%). A reduction in C3 levels was also seen in 17.8% of the patients and anti-Leishmania antibodies > 1/80 in all patients with visceral leishmaniasis. CONCLUSIONS: Visceral leishmaniasis can have a positive correlation with the presence of autoantibodies, possibly by triggering a predominantly humoral, systemic, type Th2 response, representing an obligatory differential diagnosis with SLE, especially in endemic areas.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo pesquisar a ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral em cães com sinais clínicos compatíveis, procedentes de clínicas veterinárias das diferentes regiões do Estado do Paraná e em caso positivo verificar a autoctonia dos mesmos. Dos animais com suspeita clínica e epidemiológica de LV, foi coletada amostra de sangue para realização de hemograma, provas bioquímicas, sorologia, cultura do parasito, PCR e RAPD. Os cães portadores de quadro clínico, como febre, hiperqueratose, onicogrifose e emagrecimento exagerado, tiveram gânglio poplíteo e/ou medula óssea puncionados e o conteúdo inoculado em meio de cultivo NNN. A extração de DNA do parasito em sangue e cultura foi realizada pelo método fenol/clorofórmio. A amplificação de DNA do protozoário foi feita por PCR e RAPD. Dos 24 animais analisados, o parasito foi isolado em 19 cães. As técnicas moleculares permitiram identificar 14 isolados como L. (Leihmania) infantum e cinco como L. (Viannia) braziliensis. A análise epidemiológica dos casos permitiu determinar o local de transmissão e definir que todos os cães com LV diagnosticados eram casos alóctones, ou seja eram importados de regiões endêmicas. Sugere-se que a migração dos cães de regiões endêmicas para regiões indenes poderá permitir a instalação de novos focos, desde que o agente encontre ecótopo adequado e vetor específico (Lutzomyia longipalpis).The south region is the only area in Brazil that does not present autochthonous cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), however, in the state of Parana, dogs and humans have been found showing a VL compatible clinical profile. In view of this problem, the present work aimed at isolating and identifying the parasite and determining the cases autochthony. All animals clinically suspect of VL were clinically evaluated, and had samples of their blood collected for hemoculture (NNN culture medium), serology, PCR and RAPD-PCR, hemogram, and biochemical assays. The dogs presenting VL clinical profile had their lymph nodes and/or bone marrow punctured and their content inoculated in NNN culture medium. The protozoan isolated was identified by PCR and PCR-RAPD. Strains of Leishmania were isolated in 19 out of the 24 studied animals. Fourteen isolates were identified as L. (Leishmania) infantum, and five were L. (Viannia) braziliensis. In the epidemiological analysis, it was possible to determine that all dogs with L. (L.) infantum being allochthonous cases. Leishmaniasis is a zoonose that has the domestic dog as reservoir, the migration ofsuch animals can disseminate the parasite to other regions, provided the agent finds an adequate ecotope and a specific vector (Lutzomyia longipalpis).

Nas Américas, a leishmaniose visceral canina é causada por Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi, um protozoário intracelular obrigatório do sistema fagocítico mononuclear; as principais alterações histológicas associadas a essa doença ocorrem nos em órgãos linfóides. Apesar de o cão ser considerado o principal mantenedor e disseminador da leishmaniose no ambiente urbano, são escassos estudos dos aspectos histopatológicos e histomorfométricos, em cães naturalmente infectados com L. chagasi, que investiguem a interação entre o parasito e a matriz extracelular. Este estudo visou caracterizar e quantificar as alterações dos componentes celulares e da matriz extracelular (colágenos I e III) do linfonodo poplíteo de 22 cães com infecção natural por L. chagasi detectada através da reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIF) e compará-las com as alterações encontradas no linfonodo poplíteo de 10 cães não-infectados, negativos na RIF e clinicamente saudáveis. Fragmentos dos linfonodos foram seccionados longitudinalmente, processados rotineiramente para exame histológico e corados por hematoxilina-eosina. Cortes adicionais do mesmo linfonodo incluídos em glicol metacrilato foram corados pelo azul de toluidina para histomorfometria. Linfonodos de cães infectados apresentaram linfadenopatia generalizada, aumento do tamanho e do número dos folículos linfóides, hipertrofia da cápsula e hiperplasia linfóide significativa. Nos linfonodos de cães do grupo infectado, a análise quantitativa de fibras colágenas mostrou significativo predomínio do colágeno I sobre o colágeno III. Esses resultados demonstram que cães infectados por L. chagasi apresentam degradação dos constituintes da matriz extracelular e conseqüente destruição do arcabouço linfóide, alterando a morfologia do órgão.In the Americas, canine visceral leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi, an obligatory intracellular parasite of the phagocytic-monocytic system; the main histological changes associated with this disease occur in the lymphoid organs. Although dogs are considered to be the main carriers and disseminators of leishmaniasis in urban areas, there are few studies on the histopathologic and histomorphometric aspects in dogs naturally infected by L.chagasi analyzing the interaction between parasite and extracellular matrix. The current study characterize and quantify changes in the cellular and extracellular matrix (collagens type I and III) components of the popliteal lymph node from of 22 dogs with the natural infection by L. chagasi confirmed by indirect immuno-fluorescence assay (IFA) and compare theses findings with those fund in the popliteal lymph node from 10 non-infected dogs, that reacted negative in the IFA, and were clinically healthy. Lymph node fragments were longitudinally sliced and sections were processed for routine histopathology and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. For histomorphometry, additional sections from the same lymph node were fixed in glycol methacrylate and stained with toluidine blue. Lymph nodes from affected dogs were systemically enlarged, had increased numbers of lymphoid follicles, capsule hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and significant hyperplasia of lymphoid cells. In the lymph nodes from infected dogs, quantitative analyses of collagen fibers revealed predominance of type I collagen over type III fibers. These results demonstrate that dogs infected by L.chagasi experience degradation of the extracellular matrix components and consequently destruction of the lymphoid framework, thus altering nodal morphology.

A model for the dissemination of information on visceral leishmaniasis from schoolchildren to their families was evaluated in two schools in Caeté, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Age ranged from 9 to 17 years in the two schools, one receiving the intervention (with 92 students) and the other serving as the control (96 students). All the students attended a class and received a pamphlet on visceral leishmaniasis. The intervention consisted of a homework assignment in which the student discussed the class content and pamphlet with a family member. Knowledge by family members (n = 100) on visceral leishmaniasis was evaluated with a pre and post-intervention questionnaire applied by a health agent, who also completed a form on hygiene around the household as observed during the home visit. A significant improvement was observed in knowledge and hygiene (e.g., sweeping of leaves, fruit, and branches from the yards) among the families that were exposed to the intervention (p < 0.05). The spread of information on visceral leishmaniasis by schoolchildren can contribute to measures for preventing the disease.Modelo de disseminação da informação sobre a leishmaniose visceral por escolares aos seus familiares foi avaliado em duas escolas no Município de Caeté, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Em ambas as escolas, intervenção (92 alunos) e controle (96 alunos), as idades dos alunos variaram de 9 a 17 anos. Todos assistiram a uma aula e receberam um panfleto sobre a doença. A intervenção consistiu de uma tarefa de casa, na qual o aluno discutia com o familiar o conteúdo da aula e do folheto. O conhecimento dos familiares (n = 100) sobre a leishmaniose visceral foi avaliado por meio de questionário antes e após a intervenção, aplicado por um agente de saúde, que também preenchia um formulário sobre as condições de limpeza no peridomicílio, no momento da visita. Observou-se melhora significativa do conhecimento sobre a enfermidade e da limpeza relacionada à retirada de folhas entre as famílias que receberam a intervenção (p < 0,05). A disseminação da informação sobre a leishmaniose visceral por escolares pode contribuir para as ações de prevenção da doença.

The objective of this study was to identify socioeconomic and environmental factors associated with the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Teresina, Piauí State, Brazil. This was an ecological study based on 1,744 cases reported from 1991 to 2000, and the city's neighborhoods served as the unit of analysis. Mean annual incidence rates were related to socioeconomic and demographic indicators and a vegetation index derived from remote sensing images by means of spatial multiple linear regression models. The neighborhoods with the highest incidence rates were mostly located in the city's peripheral areas. Multivariate analysis identified an interaction between population growth and the vegetation index, so that areas with high population growth and abundant vegetation showed the highest incidence rates. The percentage of households with piped water was inversely associated with visceral leishmaniasis incidence. Spatial distribution of visceral leishmaniasis in Teresina during the 1990s was heterogeneous, and incidence of the disease was associated with the peripheral neighborhoods with the heaviest vegetation cover, subject to rapid occupation and lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure.O objetivo deste estudo é identificar fatores sócio-ambientais associados à incidência de leishmaniose visceral na área urbana de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil. Este estudo ecológico é baseado em 1.744 casos ocorridos entre 1991 e 2000 e tem como unidade de análise os bairros da cidade. As taxas de incidências anuais médias foram relacionadas a indicadores sócio-econômicos e demográficos e a um índice de vegetação derivado de imagem de sensoriamento remoto por meio de modelos de regressão linear múltipla espacial. Os bairros que apresentaram maiores incidências estavam majoritariamente localizados nas regiões periféricas da cidade. Na análise multivariada identificou-se uma interação entre crescimento populacional e índice de vegetação, de forma que áreas com alto crescimento populacional e com vegetação abundante apresentaram as maiores taxas de incidência da doença. O percentual de domicílios com água canalizada esteve inversamente associado à incidência da leishmaniose visceral. A distribuição espacial da leishmaniose visceral na área urbana de Teresina durante a década de 1990 foi heterogênea, estando sua incidência associada aos bairros periféricos com maior cobertura vegetal, submetidos à ocupação rápida e sem infra-estrutura sanitária adequada.