Research of ticks, tick-borne diseases and trypanosomatids in wild animals in the Mato Grosso and Pará states

Abstract

This project aims to conduct the epidemiological survey of tick-borne diseases (Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Hepatozoon, Babesia, Borrelia, and Coxiella) and trypanosomatids (Trypanosoma and Leishmania) in wild animals of Mato Grosso and Pará states. Samples of fragments of organs (spleen and lung) and ticks removed from wild animals will be submitted to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. It is expected to analyze the role of wildlife as reservoirs of these diseases in the region studied. Some of these important zoonotic diseases, such as rickettsial diseases (Brazilian spotted fever), are highly lethal disease in Brazil. The test results of the ticks by PCR may indicate potential vectors of the agents surveyed. In addition, PCR protocols to be used with generic primers associated with DNA sequencing for each genus of parasite, could result in discovery of agents never before reported in the study area, or even in Brazil. (AU)