Background: American cutaneous leishmaniasis is a commonly neglected, vector-borne tropical parasitic disease that is a major public health concern in Brazil. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main species associated with the disease. Accurate diagnosis is based on epidemiological surveillance, clinical assessment, and laboratory testing. Leishmania (V.) braziliensis has been detected in several wild and synanthropic mammals. Their epidemiological role has not been entirely elucidated. This study aimed to assess potential L. braziliensis infections in asymptomatic domestic animals, by molecular and serological testing in endemic areas, in the metropolitan region of Recife.Methods: Blood samples and conjunctival fluids were collected from 232 animals (canids, felids, equines, and caprines) for the detection of L. braziliensis using molecular tests (conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR and qPCR]). For immunological detection, blood samples from 115 dogs were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Real-time quantitative PCR showed positive results for blood and conjunctival samples in all investigated species. The results of the blood and conjunctival samples were 68.2% and 26.9% in Canis familiaris, 100% and 41.7% in Felis catus, 77.3% and 30.8% in Equus caballus/Equus asinus, and 50% and 33.3% in Capra hircus samples, respectively. Conclusions:Results from this study adds valuable information to our understanding of the role of asymptomatic domestic animals, L. braziliensis life cycle, and American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Northeast Brazil.

This study was conducted to characterize the transmission cycle of the tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) in an old colonization area at Pernambuco State, Brazil. The aims were to identify autochthonous cases, sandflies fauna, domestic animals as possible reservoir hosts and the Leishmania species involved in this endemic area. A total of 168 suspected human cases of TL and 272 domestic animals (canine, feline, equine, goat, and sheep) were included. The sandflies were captured and identified by species. Patients were predominantly male and the average age was 37+18.1 years old. Of 85 patients who had skin lesions, 25.6% of them had direct positive smears for TL and 34 isolates were identified as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. The confirmation for TL diagnosed by molecular detection (PCR) was almost three times more sensitive than the direct test [p < 0.001; PR = 2.72] associated with clinical examination. The Kappa test on PCR between two different specimens, biopsy, and skin lesion swab was 60.8% (p < 0.001). More than 200 specimens of sandflies (80 males and 159 females) were captured and identified as Lutzomyia whitmani (99.6%) and Lu. evandroi (0.4%). The detection of L. (V.) braziliensis by Real-Time PCR in the blood of a captured fed female was positive in 59.3% of Lu. whitmani. Of the 272 domestic animals included, 61.76% were male (n = 168). Thirty-six animals (13.2%) had lesions compatible with TL (34 dogs, 1 cat and 1 sheep) and 3 of them, all dogs, had lesions on the snout, showing destruction of cartilage and mucosa. The study suggests the participation of domestic animals as possible reservoirs. However, further studies are necessary to better understand the transmission cycle and take recommended measures in order to control the disease.

As leishmanioses são causadas por várias espécies de protozoários do gênero Leishmania, que acometem pele e/ou mucosas e vísceras. Essas doenças são caracterizadas por apresentarem diferentes manifestações clínicas e epidemiológicas. A espécie de L. (V.) braziliensis (a principal encontrada em Pernambuco) pode causar desde a forma de pele-evoluindo para cura espontânea; como a forma mucosa-que pode causar lesões desfigurantes a leishmaniose tegumentar americana (LTA). Os indivíduos participantes da pesquisa foram de ambos os sexos, com várias idades, oriundos do município de Moreno, Região Metropolitana do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. Esses pacientes foram recrutados após anamnese a partir de demanda espontânea no serviço de dermatologia do Hospital Oswaldo Cruz e foram obtidas amostras de saliva através do método de coleta não invasiva. Essas foram transportadas ao Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia do Departamento de Imunologia do Instituto Aggeu Magalhães-FIOCRUZ-PE, onde foram submetidas ao teste molecular (qPCR), para o alvo kDNA1, específico para o diagnóstico da infecção. Além desse, foram feitos os testes convencionais utilizados para a identificação da doença (pesquisa direta e cultura). Do total de 35 amostras de fluido salivar, dez apresentaram-se compatíveis com LTA. Esses resultados mostram o potencial da coleta nãoinvasiva, como amostra de escolha para o diagnóstico com boa performance quando associada ao teste molecular. A coleta não invasiva, aqui demonstrada, é um método sensível, prático e confortável ao paciente, podendo também ser utilizado em pediatria. Além de permitir a detecção e quantificação por qPCR do DNA de Leishmania spp., a saliva usada em técnica de diagnóstico, pode auxiliar a confirmação da LTA, visando o bem estar e saúde do paciente.