BACKGROUND In Brazil, transmission of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis has expanded geographically over the last decades, with both clinical forms occurring simultaneously in the same area. OBJECTIVES This study characterised the clinical, spatial, and temporal distribution, and performed entomological surveillance and natural infection analysis of a leishmaniasis-endemic area. METHODS In order to characterise the risk of leishmaniasis transmission in Altos, Piauí, we described the clinical and socio-demographic variables and the spatial and temporal distribution of cases of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) and American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) cases and identified potential phlebotomine vectors. FINDINGS The urban area concentrated almost 54% of ACL and 86.8% of AVL cases. The temporal and spatial distribution of AVL and ACL cases in Altos show a reduction in the number of risk areas, but the presence of permanent disease transmission foci is observed especially in the urban area. 3,808 phlebotomine specimens were captured, with Lutzomyia longipalpis as the most frequent species (98.45%). Of the 35 females assessed for natural infection, one specimen of Lu. longipalpis tested positive for the presence of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis DNA. MAIN CONCLUSION Our results indicate the presence of risk areas for ACL and AVL in the municipality of Altos and highlight the importance of entomological surveillance to further understand a possible role of Lu. longipalpis in ACL transmission. Brazil decades leishmaniasisendemic endemic Piauí sociodemographic socio demographic (AVL (ACL vectors 54 868 86 8 86.8 3808 3 808 3,80 captured 98.45%. 9845 98.45% . 98 45 (98.45%) Lu DNA 5 86. 380 80 3,8 984 98.45 9 4 (98.45% 38 3, 98.4 (98.45 98. (98.4 (98. (98 (9 (

Resumo Uma alta frequência de leishmaniose felina tem sido relatada em vários países. No entanto, muitas informações sobre a progressão da doença em gatos ainda precisam ser esclarecidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência de alterações clinicopatológicas em gatos infectados por Leishmania infantum. Um total de 60 gatos foi dividido em três grupos de 20 animais cada: controle, suspeitos e infectados. Todos os 60 gatos foram submetidos à hemograma e testes bioquímicos. Amostras de soro de 20 animais com leishmaniose também foram utilizadas para diagnosticar o vírus da imunodeficiência felina e o vírus da leucemia felina. Um total de cinco dos animais infectados foram necropsiados para estudo histopatológico. Os principais achados clínicos nos gatos com leishmaniose foram linfadenomegalia (65%), alopecia (55%), lesões ulcerativas na pele e emagrecimento (40%), nódulos cutâneos (25%), redução significativa de hemácias (p=0,0005) e hematócrito (p=0,0007), hiperplasia no baço 4/5(80%), presença de Leishmania no baço 2/5(40%), hepatite 3/5(60%), degeneração hepática 4/5(80%) e nefropatia inflamatória 3/5(60%). Concluiu-se que gatos com leishmaniose apresentaram alterações clínicas, hematológicas e histopatológicas significativas compatíveis com infecção por L. infantum. A observação de linfadenomegalia, emagrecimento, lesões cutâneas e baixa concentração de hemácias, contribui significativamente para o diagnóstico e análise da progressão da leishmaniose felina. países entanto esclarecidas infantum 6 2 cada controle bioquímicos histopatológico 65%, 65 65% , (65%) 55%, 55 55% (55%) 40%, 40 40% (40%) 25%, 25 25% (25%) p=0,0005 p00005 p 0 0005 (p=0,0005 p=0,0007, p00007 p=0,0007 0007 (p=0,0007) 4/580%, 4580 4/5 80% 4 5 80 2/540%, 2540 2/5 2/5(40%) 3/560%, 3560 3/5 60% 3 3/5(60%) 4/580% 4/5(80% 3/560%. . Concluiuse Concluiu se clínicas L (65% (55% (40% (25% p=0,000 p0000 000 (p=0,000 (p=0,0007 580 458 45 4/ 8 540 2/540% 254 2/ 2/5(40% 560 3/560% 356 35 3/ 3/5(60% 4/580 4/5(80 (65 (55 (40 (25 p=0,00 p000 00 (p=0,00 58 54 2/540 2/5(40 56 3/560 3/5(60 4/58 4/5(8 (6 (5 (4 (2 p=0,0 p00 (p=0,0 2/54 2/5(4 3/56 3/5(6 4/5( ( p=0, p0 (p=0, 2/5( 3/5( p=0 (p=0 p= (p= (p

Abstract A high frequency of feline leishmaniasis has been reported in several countries. However, much information about disease progression in cats still needs to be clarified. This study aimed to verify the occurrence of clinicopathological changes in cats infected with Leishmania infantum. A total of 60 cats were divided into three groups of 20 animals each: control, suspects, and infected. All 60 cats underwent blood count and biochemical analyses. Serum samples from 20 animals with leishmaniasis were also used to diagnose feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus. A total of five of the infected animals underwent necropsy for a histopathological study. The main clinical findings in cats with leishmaniasis were lymphadenomegaly (65%), alopecia (55%), ulcerative skin lesions and weight loss (40%), skin nodules (25%), a significant reduction in red blood cells (p=0.0005) and hematocrit (p=0.0007), hyperplasia in spleen 4/5(80%), presence of Leishmania in the spleen 2/5(40%), hepatitis 3/5(60%), liver degeneration 4/5(80%) and inflammatory nephropathy 3/5(60%). It was concluded that cats with leishmaniasis presented significant clinical, hematological, and histopathological alterations compatible with L. infantum infection. The observation of lymphadenomegaly, weight loss, skin lesions and low concentration of red blood cells, contributes significantly to the diagnosis and analysis of progression of feline leishmaniasis. countries However clarified 6 2 each control suspects analyses 65%, 65 65% , (65%) 55%, 55 55% (55%) 40%, 40 40% (40%) 25%, 25 25% (25%) p=0.0005 p00005 p 0 0005 (p=0.0005 p=0.0007, p00007 p=0.0007 0007 (p=0.0007) 4/580%, 4580 4/5 80% 4 5 80 2/540%, 2540 2/5 2/5(40%) 3/560%, 3560 3/5 60% 3 3/5(60%) 4/580% 4/5(80% 3/560%. . hematological L infection (65% (55% (40% (25% p=0.000 p0000 000 (p=0.000 (p=0.0007 580 458 45 4/ 8 540 2/540% 254 2/ 2/5(40% 560 3/560% 356 35 3/ 3/5(60% 4/580 4/5(80 (65 (55 (40 (25 p=0.00 p000 00 (p=0.00 58 54 2/540 2/5(40 56 3/560 3/5(60 4/58 4/5(8 (6 (5 (4 (2 p=0.0 p00 (p=0.0 2/54 2/5(4 3/56 3/5(6 4/5( ( p=0. p0 (p=0. 2/5( 3/5( p=0 (p=0 p= (p= (p

Resumo A infecção por Leishmania infantum em gatos tem sido relatada em vários países, incluindo o Brasil. No entanto, a transmissão da leishmaniose visceral (LV) de gatos para outro hospedeiro ainda não foi comprovada. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a possibilidade de transmissão de L. infantum de gatos para cães. Para verificar a possibilidade de transmissão da LV do gato para o cão, foi realizado xenodiagnóstico em um gato com LV, utilizando-se 55 fêmeas de Lutzomyia longipalpis. Cinco dias depois, 40 insetos foram dissecados para verificar a infecção por Leishmania. As 15 fêmeas restantes foram alimentadas em um cão saudável. A possível infecção no cão foi verificada por meio de exames clínicos, sorológicos, parasitológicos e PCR, três, seis e doze meses após a infecção. Todas as 55 fêmeas de L. longipalpis ficaram visivelmente ingurgitadas. Promastigotas de Leishmania foram detectadas em 27,5% dos insetos dissecados. A infecção por Leishmania no cão foi confirmada na primeira avaliação. O sequenciamento do DNA do parasito isolado do gato confirmou a infecção por L. infantum e apresentou 99% de similaridade com sequências de DNA de L. infantum de cães. Através deste estudo, foi possível confirmar a transmissão experimental de L. infantum de um gato doméstico para um cão doméstico através do seu vetor biológico L. longipalpis.

Abstract Leishmania infantum infection in cats has been reported in several countries, including Brazil. However, the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) from cats to another host has not been proven yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the possibility of L. infantum transmission from cats to dogs. In order to verify the possibility of VL transmission from the cat to the dog, xenodiagnosis was carried out in a VL-positive cat, using 55 female Lutzomyia longipalpis. Five days later, 40 insects were dissected to verify Leishmania infection. The remaining 15 females were fed in a healthy dog. The potential infection of the dog was verified through clinical, serological, parasitological examinations, and PCR, at three, six, and twelve months post-infection. All 55 L. longipalpis females became visibly engorged. Leishmania promastigotes were detected in 27.5% of the dissected insects. Leishmania infection in the dog was confirmed upon first evaluation. DNA sequencing of the parasite isolated from the cat confirmed L. infantum infection and showed 99% similarity with the L. infantum DNA sequences from the dogs. Through this study, it was possible to confirm the L. infantum experimental transmission from a domestic cat to a domestic dog through its biological vector L. longipalpis.

The aim of this study was to identify and describe intestinal lesions caused by helminths in red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) and yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) reared in captivity in the Zoo and Botanical Park of Teresina, Piauí State, Brazil. The parasitological evaluation of 142 of these tortoises revealed that all were parasitized by helminths (ascarids and strongyles), which were identified by light and electron microscopy as Atractis thapari and Chapiniella variabilis. The 12 most parasitized tortoises (six per species) were euthanized, and samples of small and large intestine were evaluated by histopathology. Macroscopically, all small and large intestines had hyperaemia. Microscopically, hyperaemia (12/12), diffuse goblet cell hyperplasia (8/ 12) and submucosa oedema (1/12) were observed in the small intestine. Hyperaemia was observed in the large intestine, varying from discrete to intense (12/12) and focally extensive and severe transmural granulomatous enteritis (1/12).

El estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar y describir lesiones intestinales ocasionadas por helmintos en jabutis (Chelonoidis carbonarius y Chelonoidis denticulatus) criados en cautiverio en el Parque Zoobotánico de Teresina, estado de Piauí, Brasil. La evaluación parasitológica de 142 de estas tortugas reveló que todas estaban parasitadas por helmintos (ascarídeos y estrongilideos), que fueron identificados por medio de microscopio de luz y microscopio electrónico como Atractis thapari y Chapiniella variabilis. Los 12 animales más parasitados (seis de cada especie) fueron eutanasiados y muestras de intestino delgado y grueso fueron evaluadas por histopatología. Macroscópicamente, todos los intestinos, tanto delgado como grueso, presentaron hiperemia. Microscópicamente, en el intestino delgado se observó hiperemia (12/12), hiperplasia difusa de células caliciformes (8/12) y edema de submucosa (1/12). En el intestino grueso se observó hiperemia, variando entre discreta a intensa (12/12) y enteritis transmural granulomatosa focalmente extensa e intensa (1/12).

Resumo Atractis thapari Petter, 1966, um nematoide atractídeo, foi coletado parasitando o intestino grosso de jabutis, Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824) (Cc) e C. denticulatus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Cd) no Parque Zoobotânico, município de Teresina, estado do Piauí, Brasil. A identificação taxonômica foi baseada nos caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos usando microscopias de campo claro e eletrônica de varredura. O presente estudo adiciona novas observações na morfologia, principalmente relacionadas as papilas bucais, poro excretor, deirídeos, e extremidade posterior de machos e fêmeas. Os índices parasitários de prevalência (P), intensidade média (IM), abundância média (AM) e amplitude de variação de infecção (AI) de A. thapari em ambos jabutis foram P = 100%, IM = 154.667, AM = 154.667, AI = 5.500-588.500 (Cc); P = 100%, I M= 93.639, AM = 93.639, AI = 1.000-224.500 (Cd). Este registro confirma a ocorrência de A. thapari na região Neotropical, América do Sul, Brasil, e expande a um novo hospedeiro, o jabuti C. carbonarius. É sugerido um ajuste no manejo dos hospedeiros objetivando melhora das suas condições higiênico sanitárias.

Abstract Atractis thapari Petter, 1966, an atractid nematode, was collected parasitizing the large intestine of tortoises of the species Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824) (Cc) and C. denticulatus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Cd) (Testudinidae) in the Zoobotanical Park of the municipality of Teresina, state of Piauí, Brazil. Taxonomic identification was based on morphological and morphometrical features, and using bright-field and scanning electron microscopy. The present study adds new observations on the morphology of A. thapari, mainly relating to mouth papillae, the excretory pore, deirids, and male and female posterior ends. The parasitic indices of prevalence (P), mean intensity (MI), mean abundance (MA) and range of infection (RI) for A. thapari in these two tortoise species were: P = 100%, MI = 154,667, MA = 154,667, RI = 5,500-588,500 (Cc); P = 100%, MI = 93,639, MA = 93,639, RI = 1,000-224,500 (Cd). This report confirms the occurrence of A. thapari in Neotropical region, South America, Brazil, and extends its occurrences to a new host, the tortoise C. carbonarius. Adjustment of host management with the aim of improving hygiene and health conditions is suggested.

Resumo Chapiniella variabilis (Chapin, 1924), um nematoide estrongilídeo, foi coletado parasitando o intestino grosso de jabutis, Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824) e C. denticulatus (Linnaeus, 1766) do Parque Zoobotânico, município de Teresina, estado do Piauí, Brasil. A identificação taxonômica foi baseada nos caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos usando microscopias de campo claro e eletrônica de varredura. O presente estudo adiciona novas observações na morfologia, principalmente relacionadas as papilas bucais, elementos externos e internos da coroa-foliar, poro excretor, deirídeos, e extremidade posterior de machos e fêmeas. Os índices parasitários de prevalência (P), intensidade média (IM), abundância média (AM) e amplitude de variação de infecção (AI) de C. variabilis em ambos jabutis foram P = 100%, IM = 833,3, AM = 833,3, AI = 500-1.500 (Cc); P = 100%, IM = 472,2, AM = 472,2, AI = 333-500 (Cd). Este registro aumenta a ocorrência de C. variabilis a um novo hospedeiro, C. carbonarius, e a um outro estado do Brasil, na região Neotropical da América do Sul. É sugerido um ajuste no manejo dos hospedeiros objetivando melhora das suas condições higiênico sanitárias.

Abstract Chapiniella variabilis (Chapin, 1924), a strongylid nematode, was collected parasitizing the large intestine of the tortoises Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824) (Cc) and C. denticulatus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Cd) in the Zoobotanical Park of the municipality of Teresina, state of Piauí, Brazil. The taxonomic identification was based on morphological and morphometric features, using bright-field and scanning electron microscopy. The present study adds new observations on the morphology, mainly relating to the mouth papillae, external and internal leaf-crown elements, excretory pore, deirids and male and female posterior end. The parasitic indices of prevalence (P), mean intensity (MI), mean abundance (MA) and range of infection (RI) of C. variabilis in these two tortoise species were: P = 100%, MI = 833.3, MA = 833.3, RI = 500-1,500 (Cc); P = 100%, MI = 472.2, MA = 472.2, RI = 333-500 (Cd). This record expands occurrences of C. variabilis to a new host, C. carbonarius, and to another state in Brazil, in the Neotropical region of South America. Adjustment to host management with the aim of improving hygiene and health conditions is suggested.

Abstract INTRODUCTION The control of reservoirs for Leishmania infantum -induced zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis requires the identification of dogs posing a population risk. Here, we assessed the performance of several assays to identify Lutzomyia longipalpis infectious dogs. METHODS We evaluated 99 dogs that were positive for visceral leishmaniasis based on parasite identification. Serological analyses were performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence antibody tests in 1:40 and 1:80 dilutions, rapid dual path platform tests, immunochromatographic assay with a recombinant rK39 antigen, fast agglutination screening tests, and direct agglutination tests. We also performed PCR to analyze peripheral blood and xenodiagnosis. RESULTS Forty-six dogs infected at least one L. longipalpis specimen. Although the serological test sensitivities were above 85% for detecting L. longipalpis infectious dogs, none showed a satisfactory performance, as both specificity (0.06 to 13%) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (45 to 53%) were low. The PCR results were also weak, with a sensitivity of 30%, specificity of 72%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 51%. The infected L. longipalpis proportion was higher among asymptomatic dogs than symptomatic dogs. Among the symptomatic dogs, those with ulceration-free skin diseases were more infectious, with an odds ratio of 9.3 (confidence interval of 1.10 - 428.5). The larger the number of insects fed, the greater the detected infectiousness. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the imperative to develop novel technologies for identifying the infectious dogs that transmit L. infantum for the benefit of public health.

ABSTRACT Dogs are considered the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum. This protozoan causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL), an uncontrolled urban zoonosis in Brazil. Serological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on peripheral blood were performed to identify infected dogs in scenarios of higher and lower prevalence of the disease (Teresina and Vitória). One-hundred infected and 57 non-infected animals from Teresina and 100 non-infected animals from Vitória were studied. Animal selection was not dependent on previous serology. The sensitivity (Teresina) and specificity (Teresina and Vitória) were as follows: indirect antibody fluorescence (IFAT) cut-off of 1:40 (IFAT 1:40): 96%, 18%, and 76%; IFAT 1:80: 90%, 33%, and 93%; direct agglutination test (DAT): 96%, 33%, and 98%; fast agglutination screening test (FAST): 93%, 68%, and 100%; immunochromatographic assay with a recombinant rK39 antigen (rK39): 88%, 74%, and 98%; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): 91%, 79%, and 98%; rapid dual-path platform test (TR DPP®): 98%, 60%, and 98%; and blood PCR: 29%, 93%, and 97%, respectively. In the high transmission area, none of the tests adequately discriminated L. infantum-infected from non-infected dogs. However, in the high transmission city, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of FAST, DAT, ICrK39, ELISA and TR DPP® was high.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, culling of seropositive dogs is one of the recommended strategies to control visceral leishmaniasis. Since infectiousness is correlated with clinical signs, control measures targeting symptomatic dogs could be more effective. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,410 dogs, predictive models were developed based on clinical signs and an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. RESULTS: The validated predictive model showed sensitivity and specificity of 86.5% and 70.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive models could be used as tools to aid control programs in focusing on a smaller fraction of dogs contributing more to infection dissemination.

A leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) é uma doença de difícil diagnóstico. Principalmente devido à presença de animais assintomáticos, a diversidade da sintomatologia clínica apresentada e também pela dificuldade em se obter uma prova diagnóstica que reúna alta sensibilidade e especificidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a presença de L. (infantum) chagasi em meio de cultura, utilizando-se sedimento urinário. Foram utilizados neste experimento, 70 cães provenientes do Hospital Veterinário Universitário da Universidade Federal do Piauí e do Centro de Controle de Zoonoses de Teresina, com raça, sexo e idade variada. Foram realizados exames sorológicos: TR DPP® Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (DPP) e Ensaio Imunoenzimático Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (ELISA), exames parasitológicos de amostras de medula e/ou linfonodo e cultura de sedimento urinário. Em 61,0% (43/70) dos animais estudados, observou-se presença de Leishmania em medula e/ou linfonodo, e destes 9,30% (4/43) foram positivos na cultura de sedimento urinário. Nos exames sorológicos, 70,0% (49/70) dos animais apresentavam-se reativos no DPP e 78,2% (55/70) no ELISA. Pode-se concluir, neste estudo, que é possível diagnosticar a LVC por meio da cultura de sedimento urinário.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is difficult to diagnosis, mainly due to the presence of asymptomatic animals, the diversity of clinical symptoms and the difficulty in obtaining diagnostic evidence of high sensitivity and specificity. The purpose of this study was to diagnose CVL in urinary sediment of 70 dogs of different breeds, sexes and ages from the veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Piauí and Zoonosis Control Center of Teresina, Brazil. The serological tests were TR DPP® for CVL and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for CVL, parasitological exams of bone marrow and lymph nodes and urine sediment cultures. Leishmania was detected in the bone marrow and/or lymph node of 61.0% of the animals (43/70), and urine sediment culture was positive in 9.30% (4/43) of these animals. In the serological exams, 70.0% (49/70) were reactive using the DPP and 78.2% (55/70) were reactive using ELISA. The goal of this study was to diagnose the presence of L. (infantum) chagasi in a culture of urinary sediment.

A dificuldade de manutenção do rebanho em condições sanitárias adequada compromete a eficiência da criação de caprinos, principalmente em relação ao controle de endoparasitas. O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar a sensibilidade de matrizes da raça Anglonubiana a nematoides gastrintestinais, considerando as cabras estratificadas por estágio fisiológico (lactantes e não lactantes) dentro de três classes de idade. Utilizou-se as características: Ovos por grama de fezes (OPG), Grau de anemia (indicado pelo método Famacha©), Peso e Escore da condição corporal e porcentagem de coletas de fezes cujo valor do OPG foi igual a Zero, variável utilizada para demonstrar a resposta ao antihelmintico, disponibilizadas pelo banco de dados dessa raça na UFPI. Os dados são referentes ao período de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2011. As cabras em lactação apresentaram maior valor médio de OPG, maior grau de anemia, menor escore corporal e menor quantidade de coleta de fezes com valor de OPG zero, que as cabras não lactantes, independentemente da classe de idade considerada. Assim, a lactação aumenta a sensibilidade a endoparasitismo em matrizes da raça Anglonubiana. A elevação do OPG tende a se mostrar associada ao maior grau de anemia determinado pelo método Famacha©, que levam a redução da condição corporal.

The difficulty of maintaining adequate sanitary herd health conditions compromises the efficiency of goat breeding, especially in relation to parasite control. The goal with this study was to evaluate the sensibility of female Anglo-Nubiangoats to gastrointestinal nematodes. The does were evaluated stratified by physiological stage (lactating and non-lactating) in three age classes. The following characteristics were used: eggs per gram of feces (EPG), degree of anemia (according to the Famacha© method), weight and body condition score and percentage of fecal samples with EPG value equal to Zero, variable used to demonstrate the response to anthelmintic, available in the breed database at UFPI. Data is available for the period from January 2009 to December 2011. Lactating female goats had higher EPG mean value, higher degree of anemia, lower body condition score and fewer feces sampled with zero EPG value, when compared to non-lactating goats, regardless of the age group considered. Therefore, lactation increases sensitivity to endoparasitism in female Anglo-Nubian goats. Elevation of EPG tends to appear associated with an increased degree of anemia determined by the Famacha© method, leading to a reduction of body condition.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a presença de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii e Leishmania infantum em cães atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, onde não há relatos de ocorrência de N. caninum e T. gondii em cães. Amostras de soro de 530 cães de ambos os sexos, diferentes idades e raças do município de Teresina e cidades vizinhas, foram analisados utilizando três testes de imunofluorescência indireta para cada um dos três agentes. Associação entre os parasitas e o sexo, a raça e a idade dos cães foram analisadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado (p > 0,05). Ocorrência de anticorpos para N. caninum, T. gondii e L. infantum foi de 3,2, 18,0 e 78,1%, respectivamente. Toxoplasma gondii foi mais freqüente em cães mais velhos (p > 0,05), enquanto L. infantum apresentou maior freqüência em animais com idade entre um e três anos (p > 0,05). Para avaliar possíveis associações entre a presença de anticorpos anti-N. caninum e anti-T. gondii com infecção por Leishmania, outros 240 cães foram selecionados, sendo 120 positivos e 120 negativos para leishmaniose, por métodos parasitológicos e sorológicos. Nenhuma associação foi encontrada entre a positividade para Leishmania e para os coccídios (p > 0,05). Os resultados confirmam a exposição de cães a esses parasitas no Estado do Piauí.

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum in dogs attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, where there are no reports of the occurrence of N. caninum and T. gondii in dogs. Serum samples from 530 dogs of genders, different ages and breeds from the municipality of Teresina and nearby towns were analyzed using three indirect fluorescent antibody tests, each one targeting one of the three agents. The associations between the parasites and gender, breed and age of the dogs were assessed by the chi-square test (p > 0.05). The occurrence of antibodies to N. caninum, T. gondii and L. infantum was 3.2, 18.0 and 78.1%, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii was more frequently found in older dogs (p < 0.05) whereas L. infantum was more common in animals aged between 1 to 3 years (p < 0.05). In order to evaluate potential associations between the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies and Leishmania infection, 240 dogs were selected (120 positive and 120 negative for Leishmania spp.), based on serological and parasitological diagnoses. No association was found between Leishmania spp. and the coccidian parasites (p > 0.05). The results confirm the exposure of dogs to these parasites in the State of Piauí.

No Brasil, o controle do vetor Lutzomyia longipalpis é uma das principais estratégias utilizadas para limitar a expansão da leishmaniose visceral americana. Entretanto, poucos são os estudos sobre a infecção natural destes flebotomíneos por espécies de Leishmania. Um estudo sobre a infecção natural de Lu. longipalpis por Leishmania sp. foi realizado no bairro Bela Vista, Teresina, Piauí, um dos principais focos urbanos da leishmaniose visceral americana no Brasil. Entre fevereiro de 2004 e janeiro de 2005 realizaram-se 180 capturas usando-se armadilhas luminosas do tipo CDC. Foram dissecadas e examinadas, em média, dez fêmeas por captura para detecção de formas evolutivas de Leishmania sp., identificando-se 1.832 exemplares de Lu. longipalpis e seis de Lu. whitmani. Vinte (1,1%) espécimes, todas de Lu. longipalpis, estavam infectadas com as formas procíclica e nectomonada de Leishmania sp., localizadas, principalmente, na porção posterior do trato digestivo. O maior percentual de insetos infectados foi encontrado quatro meses após o período de maior precipitação pluviométrica, sugerindo que variáveis climáticas podem contribuir para a predição não apenas da abundância destes dípteros, mas também do seu grau de infecção natural.

In Brazil, control of the vector Lutzomyia longipalpis is one of the main strategies used to limit the expansion of American visceral leishmaniasis. However, studies on the ecology of this sand fly are rare, especially regarding its natural infection with species of Leishmania. A study of the natural infection of Lu. longipalpis by Leishmania sp. was carried out in the Bela Vista neighborhood in the city of Teresina, Piauí State, Brazil, an important area of American visceral leishmaniasis transmission. From February 2004 to January 2005, sand flies were captured with CDC light traps. Approximately 10 female sand flies in each capture were dissected and examined for the presence of evolutionary forms of Leishmania sp. Two sand fly species were identified: 1,832 were Lu. longipalpis and six Lu. whitmani. Twenty female sand flies (1.1%), all Lu. longipalpis, were infected with procyclic and nectomonad forms of Leishmania sp., found mostly in the hindgut. Higher proportions of infected sand flies were found four months after the rainy season, suggesting that environmental factors may predict not only vector abundance (as already known) but also their level of infection.

No Brasil, o controle do vetor Lutzomyia longipalpis é uma das principais estratégias utilizadas para limitar a expansão da leishmaniose visceral americana. Entretanto, poucos são os estudos sobre a infecção natural destes flebotomíneos por espécies de Leishmania. Um estudo sobre a infecção natural de Lu. longipalpis por Leishmania sp. foi realizado no bairro Bela Vista, Teresina, Piauí, um dos principais focos urbanos da leishmaniose visceral americana no Brasil. Entre fevereiro de 2004 e janeiro de 2005 realizaram-se 180 capturas usando-se armadilhas luminosas do tipo CDC. Foram dissecadas e examinadas, em média, dez fêmeas por captura para detecção de formas evolutivas de Leishmania sp., identificando-se 1.832 exemplares de Lu. longipalpis e seis de Lu. whitmani. Vinte (1,1%) espécimes, todas de Lu. longipalpis, estavam infectadas com as formas procíclica e nectomonada de Leishmania sp., localizadas, principalmente, na porção posterior do trato digestivo. O maior percentual de insetos infectados foi encontrado quatro meses após o período de maior precipitação pluviométrica, sugerindo que variáveis climáticas podem contribuir para a predição não apenas da abundância destes dípteros, mas também do seu grau de infecção natural.

In Brazil, control of the vector Lutzomyia longipalpis is one of the main strategies used to limit the expansion of American visceral leishmaniasis. However, studies on the ecology of this sand fly are rare, especially regarding its natural infection with species of Leishmania. A study of the natural infection of Lu. longipalpis by Leishmania sp. was carried out in the Bela Vista neighborhood in the city of Teresina, Piauí State, Brazil, an important area of American visceral leishmaniasis transmission. From February 2004 to January 2005, sand flies were captured with CDC light traps. Approximately 10 female sand flies in each capture were dissected and examined for the presence of evolutionary forms of Leishmania sp. Two sand fly species were identified: 1,832 were Lu. longipalpis and six Lu. whitmani. Twenty female sand flies (1.1%), all Lu. longipalpis, were infected with procyclic and nectomonad forms of Leishmania sp., found mostly in the hindgut. Higher proportions of infected sand flies were found four months after the rainy season, suggesting that environmental factors may predict not only vector abundance (as already known) but also their level of infection.