LIMEIRA, C. H.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8279520565328523; LIMEIRA, Clécio Henrique.
Resumo:
Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are infections caused by protozoa belonging to the genera
Leishmania and Trypanosoma, respectively, considered the most important within the
Trypanosomatidae family, due to their zoonotic character. Classified as neglected tropical
diseases, they occur with greater prevalence in poor countries, causing economic, social and
political problems. This thesis was divided into three chapters, which aimed to describe
epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of infection by Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma
cruzi in equids. In chapter I, a systematic review with meta-analysis about the clinical
characteristics and prevalence of leishmaniasis in equids was developed. The main symptoms
of leishmaniasis in equids are cutaneous (papules, nodules, ulcers, crusts), self-limiting and
mainly located on the head and limbs. The meta-analysis showed a combined prevalence of
25%. In conclusion, it was shown that leishmaniasis in equids is a benign disease and should
be included as a differential diagnosis for skin diseases in these species. In chapter II, a survey
of Leishmania infantum infection in donkeys and mules in semi-arid conditions in Brazil was
carried out. Whole blood from 72 equidae (65 donkeys and 7 mules) was used to perform
molecular diagnosis through the Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technique. A
total of 25% samples (18/72) were positive in the qPCR, with no significant difference between
species, sex and abandonment status of the animals (yes or no). Donkeys and mules living in
rural area of the semiarid region of Brazil have a high frequency of infection by L. infantum,
and it is valid to attribute importance to these species in the epidemiological cycle of
leishmaniasis. Chapter III aimed to detect Trypanosoma cruzi infection in donkeys and mules
from rural areas of the Brazilian semiarid region. Whole blood from 72 equidae (65 donkeys
and 7 mules) were analyzed by Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nested-PCR). A total of
51.39% samples (37/72) were positive. Phylogenetic analysis identified the TcI and TcII types
of T. cruzi. This is the first report of T. cruzi infection in donkeys and mules in Brazil, and their
way of life, the adaptability of vectors in the Caatinga and the socioeconomic characteristics of
the semi-arid population create interactions that can favor the transmission and overlap of wild,
peridomestic and domestic cycles of T. cruzi infection.