Awareness of visceral leishmaniasis and its relationship to canine infection in riverside endemic areas in Northeastern Brazil

The aim of this study was to identify potential blood feeding sources ofL. (L.) longipalpisspecimens from populations in Northeastern Brazil, endemic areas of American Visceral Leishmaniasis (AVL) and its correlation with the transmission ofL. (L.) i. chagasi. The ELISA technique was applied using bird, dog, goat, opossum, equine, feline, human, sheep, and rodent antisera to analyze 609 females, resulting in an overall positivity of 60%. In all municipalities, females showed higher positivity for bird followed by dog antiserum and sand fly specimens were also positive for equine, feline, human, sheep, goat, opossum, and rodent antisera. The finding for 17 combinations of two or three types of blood in some females corroborates the opportunistic habit of this sand fly species. The results demonstrating the association betweenL. (L.) longipalpisand opossum suggest the need for further evaluation of the real role of this synanthropic mammal in the eco-epidemiology of AVL.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Genetic epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in northeastern Brazil.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.1002145.10604 ◽

2001 ◽

Author(s):

Terri Beaty

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Genetic Epidemiology ◽

Northeastern Brazil

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High Incidence of Zika or Chikungunya Infection among Pregnant Women Hospitalized Due to Obstetrical Complications in Northeastern Brazil—Implications for Laboratory Screening in Arbovirus Endemic Area

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13050744 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 744

Author(s):

Iracema J. A. A. Jacques ◽

Leila Katz ◽

Marília A. Sena ◽

Ana B. G. Guimarães ◽

Yasmim L. Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Clinical Data ◽

Obstetric Complications ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽

Obstetrical Complications ◽

Risk Pregnancy ◽

Endemic Areas ◽

A Prospective Study

The diagnostic of arbovirus-related obstetric complications in high-risk pregnancy and childbirth care is challenging, especially in endemic areas. We conducted a prospective study to track active or recent Zika (ZIKV), dengue (DENV), or chikungunya (CHIKV) virus infection among hospitalized pregnant women (PW) with obstetric complications in a hospital at the epicenter of Zika outbreak and ZIKV-related microcephaly in Brazil. Clinical data and blood samples were collected at enrollment and 10 days after the admission of study participants, between October 2018 and May 2019. Further clinical data were extracted from medical records. Samples were screened by molecular and serological tests. Out of 780 participants, 93.1% (95% CI: 91.1–94.7%) presented previous DENV exposure (IgG). ZIKV, CHIKV, and/or DENV laboratory markers of recent or active infection were detected in 130 PW, yielding a prevalence of 16.6% (95% CI: 14.2–19.5%); 9.4% (95% CI: 7.4–11.7%), 7.4% (95% CI: 5.7–9.7%), and 0.38% (95% CI: 0.1–1.2%) of CHIKV, ZIKV, and DENV infections, respectively. Most ZIKV infections were detected by molecular assays (89.6%), while CHIKV infections were detected by serology (95.9%). Our findings highlight the need for arbovirus infections screening in PW with obstetrical complications, potentially associated to these infections in endemic areas regardless of the signs or symptoms suggestive of arboviral disease.

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Clinical and laboratory profiles of visceral leishmaniasis among adult patients admitted to Felege Hiwot Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211036787 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110367

Author(s):

Berhanu Tarekegn ◽

Ayanaw Tamene

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Leishmania Donovani ◽

Clinical Presentation ◽

Winter Season ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Sand Fly ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Vector Borne Disease ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Endemic Areas

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania donovani transmitted by sand fly species. It is the third most common vector-borne disease globally. Visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in Ethiopia with an estimated annual incidence ranging from 3700 to 7400 cases. This research aimed to assess the clinical presentations and laboratory profiles of visceral leishmaniasis for early diagnosis and timely initiation of management. Objective: To describe the clinical and laboratory manifestation and diagnostic modalities of visceral leishmaniasis among adult patients admitted to Felege Hiwot Hospital, from 1 September 2016 to 30 August 2019. Method: Institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 141 patients admitted to Felege Hiwot Hospital from 1 September 2016 to 30 August 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the clinical presentation and laboratory profiles of patients with visceral leishmaniasis. Results: Among a total of 141 enrolled patients in the study, males were affected 13-fold. Most of them were travelers to endemic areas during the winter season for labor work. The mean duration of illness was 48 days. Common symptoms were fever (96.5%), weightless (82.5%), jaundice (18.4%), vomiting/diarrhea (13.5%), and bleeding episodes (11.3%). Splenomegaly was seen in 98.6%, ascites in 35.5%, and lymphadenopathy in 9.9%. Lymphadenopathy was seen significantly in HIV patients (40%). Anemia was seen in 95%, thrombocytopenia in 90.2%, leukopenia in 86.4%, and pancytopenia in 79.4%. Half of the patients had coinfection. Neutropenic sepsis was seen in 21.3%. The diagnosis was made by tissue aspiration in 65% of patients. Conclusion: The majority of patients who were diagnosed to have visceral leishmaniasis were young male adults who traveled to the endemic areas seasonally. Fever and splenomegaly were seen as the commonest clinical presentation. Lymphadenopathy occurred in high frequency among HIV co-infected patients. Anemia was the commonest hematologic finding.

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Seroprevalence and risk factors for canine visceral leishmaniasis in the endemic area of Dias D'Ávila, State of Bahia, Brazil

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical ◽

10.1590/s0037-86822010000400013 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 43 (4) ◽

pp. 400-404 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Laura Cristina Pinho de Oliveira ◽

Rondinelli Ribeiro de Araújo ◽

Carlos Roberto Alves ◽

Eliame Mouta-Confort ◽

Jorge Alberto López ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Indirect Immunofluorescence ◽

Close Contact ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Domestic Dogs ◽

Mixed Breed ◽

Rural Zone ◽

Normochromic Anemia ◽

Canine Infection ◽

Immunoenzymatic Assays

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an important zoonosis in relation to public health systems. Dogs are the main domestic reservoir. This study aimed to investigate occurrences of canine VL in Dias D'Ávila, State of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: The prevalence was evaluated by means of clinical and laboratory tests on a population of 312 domestic dogs from 23 localities in this municipality, using indirect immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic assays. RESULTS: Among the animals examined, 3.2% and 6.7% showed signs of VL, confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic assays, respectively, with a distribution of 29.9% (24 dogs) in the rural zone and 4.9% (288 dogs) in the urban zone (p = 0.001). The clinical evaluation on seropositive dogs showed both asymptomatic animals (2.4%) and symptomatic animals (47.6%), along with other abnormalities (e.g. normocytic and normochromic anemia, with leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia). Observations relating to phenotypic characteristics (e.g. sex, age, breed and hair) did not present statistical significance, although high seropositivity among male, short-haired and mixed-breed dogs was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that VL was a predominantly rural zoonosis and that close contact between poultry and domestic dogs significantly increased the risk of canine infection in this region.

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Visceral leishmaniasis and Acquired Immunodeficiency Sydrome (AIDS): case report

Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo ◽

10.1590/s0036-46651994000400015 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

pp. 385-387 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

G.M. de C. Viana ◽

D.S. Lewi ◽

P. Olzon ◽

C.M. Freire ◽

V.M. Morelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Case Report ◽

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Opportunistic Infection ◽

Immunocompromised Patients ◽

Developing Regions ◽

Disseminated Tuberculosis ◽

Endemic Diseases ◽

Acquired Immunodeficiency ◽

Endemic Areas

This is a case report that describe an association of AIDS, visceral leishmaniasis and probable disseminated tuberculosis. Due to the spread of AIDS in developing areas worldwide this association would be more frequently, seen on subjects from endemic areas where this protozoonosis is prevalent. More than one opportunistic infection related with the endemic diseases of the developing regions can be associated with those immunocompromised patients.

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Increased detection of schistosomiasis with Kato-Katz and SWAP-IgG-ELISA in a Northeastern Brazil low-intensity transmission area

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical ◽

10.1590/s0037-86822012000400019 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 510-513 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Teiliane Rodrigues Carneiro ◽

Marta Cristhiany Cunha Pinheiro ◽

Sara Menezes de Oliveira ◽

Ana Lúcia de Paula Hanemann ◽

José Ajax Nogueira Queiroz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Serological Test ◽

Laboratory Diagnosis ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Transmission Area ◽

Elisa Technique ◽

Endemic Areas

INTRODUCTION: The laboratory diagnosis of schistosomiasis is based mainly on the detection of parasite eggs in stool samples through the Kato-Katz (KK) technique, reading one slide by test. However, a widely known limitation of parasitological methods is reduced sensitivity, particularly in low endemic areas. METHODS: To increase sensitivity, we conducted further slide readings from the same stool sample using the parasitological method associated with a serological test. We used the KK method (three slides) and the IgG anti-Schistosoma mansoni-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique to diagnose schistosomiasis in low endemic areas in the Brazilian State of Ceará. Fecal samples and sera from 250 individuals were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen percent and 47.2% of samples were positive in parasitological tests and serological tests, respectively. Parasitological methods showed that 32 (80%) individuals tested positive on the first slide, 6 (15%) on the second slide, and 2 (5%) on the third. The performance of the ELISA test in the diagnosis, using the KK method as diagnostic reference, showed a negative predictive value of 100%, with specificity and positive predictive values of 62.8% and 33.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the increase from one to three slides analyzed per sample using the KK technique was shown to be a useful procedure for increasing the diagnostic sensitivity of this technique.

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Splenic Nodules: Canine Visceral leishmaniasis?

Acta Scientiae Veterinariae ◽

10.22456/1679-9216.108488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 ◽

Author(s):

Gilsan Aparecida De Oliveira ◽

Vitória Aline Santos Sarmento ◽

Isabelle Vanderlei Martins Bastos ◽

Alberon Ribeiro De Araújo ◽

Lígia Buzzá Roo De Mendonça ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Differential Diagnosis ◽

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Animal Health ◽

Rapid Test ◽

Good Alternative ◽

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Biochemical Alterations ◽

University Center ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Endemic Areas

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a parasitic disease of high lethality caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum in Brazil and is often related to splenomegaly. However, splenic nodules in dogs, although frequent, have not previously been reported as associated with CVL, but with neoplastic diseases. Considering that most dogs infected are oligosymptomatic or asymptomatic and that splenic nodules are common to other diseases, it is prudent to differentially diagnose CVL in view of its high zoonotic potential and lethality. The objective of the study was to describe a case of splenomegaly with splenic nodules associated with CVL in an asymptomatic dog treated with 2% miltefosina. Case: A 5-year-old male Rottweiler with 41 kg, with a history of inappetence, apathy and weight loss was referred to the Veterinary Medicine School Clinic of the Cesmac University Center, Maceió, AL, Brazil. However, during palpation a slight increase in the spleen was noted. Hematological, hemoparasite, biochemical and abdominal ultrasonographic examinations were requested to clarify the clinical suspicion of hemoparasitosis. The hematological and biochemical results respectively showed the following: normocytic normochromic anemia, hyperproteinemia and thrombocytopenia, in addition to hypoalbuminemia, with elevated total protein levels. The test for hemoparasites was negative. Ultrasonography showed mixed echogenicity suggestive of nodules. The rapid test for Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and L. infantum was performed. It was positive only for L. infantum. ELISA, IFAT and qPCR tests were performed to confirm the result. The test showed a cut-off result of 0.371 for ELISA, positive for RIFI at a cut-off of 1:40 and qPCR with less than 1 fg and with amplification above 36 cycles. In view of these results, treatment with 2% miltefosine at a dose of 1 mL/ 10 kg was started once a day, after feeding, for 28 days. The animal was monitored throughout treatment and re-evaluated every 10 days for 30 days, showing signs of clinical development, presenting satisfactory results.Discussion: Canine splenomegaly can be associated with a variety of disease possibilities. In asymptomatic canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL), the slight increase in spleen and the presence of splenic nodules may lead to a false diagnosis. Splenic nodules may be associated with dogs of advanced age and may be due to lymphoid nodular hyperplasia, which causes nodules with echogenicity, hyperechoic regions with well demarcated irregularity, with centralized hypoechoic areas and an absence of hematological and biochemical alterations. The cause of splenomegaly associated with nodules may be difficult to diagnose and require much time and effort. Therefore, diseases such as visceral leishmaniasis of high lethality must be the priority in differential diagnosis in endemic areas in order to minimize the risk of transmission. In addition to allowing an early intervention aiming at good animal health results and preventive measures, such as the use of repellent collars that reduce the risk of phlebotomo infection. The differential diagnosis of CVL is necessary in endemic areas, even in asymptomatic dogs that may present splenic alterations suggestive of other diseases. Treatment with 2% miltefosine was shown to be, in this case, effective at reducing the splenic nodules and a good alternative for the quality of life of the animal.

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Molecular detection of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs from Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal region of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-6485 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 41 ◽

Author(s):

Álvaro Felipe L.R. Dias ◽

Arleana B.P.F. Almeida ◽

Luciano Nakazato ◽

Valéria R.F. Sousa

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Molecular Detection ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Epidemiological Survey ◽

Mato Grosso ◽

Canine Infection ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Comparison Of The Results ◽

Low Prevalence

ABSTRACT: The increasing expansion of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Brazilian territory evidences the need for studies focused on the main reservoir of this parasite: the dog. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological survey in the municipality of Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal region of the state of Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and qualitative SYBR®Green real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to diagnose canine VL (CVL) and characterize the factors associated with this infection. Of the 402 dogs that had blood samples collected, 31 presented the parasite DNA, representing a prevalence of 7.71% in the population studied. Positivity indices for PCR and qPCR were 3.48 (14/402) and 7.21% (29/402), respectively. Comparison of the results obtained by both techniques showed moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.5364). Of the independent variables analyzed, presence of clinical signs (p≤0.05) was the only one associated with CVL. Based on this study, we conclude that VL is a circulating disease, with relatively low prevalence, in dogs of Barão de Melgaço/MT, and that the presence of clinical signs is the only variable associated with canine infection.

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