Molecular diagnosis for Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma spp. from blood and conjunctival swab in captive primates

Abstract

Leishmaniasis are zoonoses caused by protozoa of the family Trypanosomatidae and genus Leishmania, having as vector different species of sandflies phlebotomines belonging to the genus Lutzomyia in the Americas and Phlebotomus in the Old World. Among the forms of presentation, it may manifest as cutaneous and visceral, presenting several Leishmania species: Leishmania (L.) infantum, agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the New World and several species responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis, such as Leishmania (L. ) amazonensis, Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, Leishmania (L.) major, and others. The Trypanosomatidae family also includes Trypanosoma protozoans of broad medical and veterinary interest, as it infects several vertebrates, including humans, and uses a range of insects as vectors. One of the most well-known trypanosomes is Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas' disease, which infects humans and wild animals, including non-human primates, which can be infected by a variety of trypanosomes present in the environment, such as zoos. The objective of the work will be the research of Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma spp. in 50 captive primates from the Zoological Garden of Salvador, Northeastern region of Brazil. Blood samples and secretions from the conjunctival swab will be collected using the serological technique of Immunofluoresce Antibody Test (IFAT) for Leishmania infantum, Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis e Trypanosoma cruzi and the conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (cPCR) techniques through the amplification of protozoan DNA and later, genetic sequencing and phylogenetic inferences, allowing the identification of the parasite species. Therefore, it is intended in this study to perform the research of Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma spp. in non-human primates in order to establish preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission of the disease to animal handlers and the visiting public. (AU)