Abstract In order to overcome the challenges of discovering new antiprotozoal drugs, we synthesized a new class of hybrids based on S-allylCysteine Ester/Caffeic Acid Amide and evaluated four of them against Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium falciparum. Hybrid 6 exhibited good activity on T. cruzi with an EC50 value of 5.45 µM, whereas hybrid 3 was active over P. falciparum with an EC50 of 18.08 µM. All hybrids displayed a good selectivity index on P. falciparum. Molecular docking computations indicated that several hybrids have good binding affinities towards the protozoa related enzymes (Cruzipain or Falcipain-2) when compared against current inhibitors. In silico studies showed that conjugates 1-3 and 6 fulfilled optimal ADME characteristics, suggesting them as safe alternatives for oral treatment of protozoal infections.

Resumen Los conejos han jugado un papel importante en los procesos de investigación oftalmológica, sin embargo, en el medio ha existido una deficiencia de equipos sensibles en la medición de la presión intraocular para esta especie. Para comparar la presión intraocular (PIO) medida con la tonometría de rebote (TONOVET Plus®) y aplanación (TONO-PEN VET®) en conejos Nueva Zelanda sanos y tratados con Amlodipino, fueron usados doce conejos Nueva Zelanda, machos, sanos, de 5 meses de edad y distribuidos en dos grupos con 6 individuos cada uno. El grupo experimental recibió Amlodipino® en una dosis de 5 mg/kg, una vez al día durante un mes. La presión arterial y la presión intraocular se midieron antes del tratamiento y 6 h después del tratamiento en un período de un mes. Se observa una tendencia donde el grupo de animales tratados con amlodipino® presenta valores más bajos que el grupo control, tanto en presión sistólica como diastólica. La presión sistólica del grupo control mostró un promedio de 116,5 ± 7,9 mmHg y 117,4 ± 8,9 mmHg y el grupo de tratamiento mostró un promedio de 113,6 ± 7,9 mmHg y 111,8 ± 10,0 mmHg (pretratamiento y postratamiento respectivamente). Tonometría: los valores obtenidos con el TONOVET Plus® (19 ± 3 mmHg) son en promedio superiores a los valores obtenidos con el TONO-PEN VET® (17 ± 3 mmHg). Fue posible demostrar la relación entre la presión arterial sistémica y la presión intraocular en conejos blancos Nueva Zelanda. La tonometría de rebote mostró menos variabilidad en los resultados que la tonometría de aplanamiento. Este estudio confirmó que ambos tonómetros son confiables para medir la PIO en conejos.

Abstract Rabbits have played an important role in ophthalmological research processes, however in the environment there has been a deficiency of sensitive equipment in measurement of intraocular pressure for this species. To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with rebound (TONOVET Plus®) and applanation (TONO-PEN VET®) tonometry in healthy New Zealand rabbits treated with Amlodipine. Twelve healthy male New Zealand white rabbits, 5 months old; two groups with 6 individuals were used in this study. The experimental group was given Amlodipine® at a dose of 5 mg/kg, once a day for a month. Blood pressure and intraocular pressure were measurement before treatment and 6 h after treatment in a period of one month. A trend is noted where the group of animals treated with amlodipine® presents lower values than the control group, both in systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure of the control group showed an average of 116.5 ± 7.9 mmHg and 117.4 ± 8.9 mmHg and the treatment group showed an average of 113.6 ± 7.9 mmHg and 111.8 ± 10.0 mmHg (pretreatment and posttreatment respectively). Tonometry: the values obtained using the TONOVET Plus® (19 ± 3 mmHg) are on average higher than the values obtained using the TONO-PEN VET® (17 ± 3 mmHg). It was possible to demonstrate the relationship between systemic blood pressure and intraocular pressure in New Zealand white rabbits. Rebound tonometry showed less variability in results than applanation tonometry. This study confirmed that both tonometers are reliable for measuring IOP in rabbits.

Resumo Os coelhos têm desempenhado um papel importante nos processos de pesquisa oftalmológica, porém no meio tem havido uma deficiência de equipamentos sensíveis na medida da pressão intraocular para esta espécie. Comparar a pressão intraocular (PIO) medida com tonometria de rebote (TONOVET Plus®) e de aplanação (TONO-PEN VET®) em coelhos saudáveis da Nova Zelândia tratados com Amlodipina®. Foram utilizados neste estudo doze coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia, machos saudáveis, 5 meses de idade; distribuído em dois grupos com 6 indivíduos cada um. O grupo experimental recebeu Amlodipina® na dose de 5 mg / kg, uma vez ao dia durante um mês. A pressão arterial e a pressão intraocular foram medidas antes do tratamento e 6 horas após o tratamento em um período de um mês. Nota-se uma tendência onde o grupo de animais tratados com amlodipina® apresenta valores inferiores ao grupo controle, tanto na pressão sistólica quanto na diastólica. A pressão sistólica do grupo controle apresentou média de 116,5 ± 7,9 mmHg e 117,4 ± 8,9 mmHg e o grupo tratamento apresentou média de 113,6 ± 7,9 mmHg e 111,8 ± 10,0 mmHg (pré-tratamento e pós-tratamento, respectivamente). Tonometria: os valores obtidos com o TONOVET Plus® (19 ± 3 mmHg) são em média superiores aos valores obtidos com o TONO-PEN VET® (17 ± 3 mmHg). Foi possível demonstrar a relação entre a pressão arterial sistêmica e a pressão intraocular em coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia. A tonometria de rebote mostrou menos variabilidade nos resultados do que a tonometria de aplanação. Este estudo confirmou que ambos os tonômetros são confiáveis para medir a PIO em coelhos.

Resumen Ante la necesidad de desarrollar nuevos medicamentos para el tratamiento de la leishmaniasis cutánea que sean efectivos, seguros, de mayor aceptación entre los pacientes, fáciles de administrar en los entornos rurales y más económicos, en el presente estudio se evaluó in vitro e in vivo el potencial terapéutico y el perfil de citotoxicidad de un extracto etanólico y un extracto glicólico de las ramas de Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze y sus respectivas formulaciones: loción y emulsión. Asimismo, se validó la utilidad de las dos formulaciones como tratamiento tópico en diez pacientes con leishmaniasis cutánea no complicada. Ambos extractos fueron activos contra Leishmania braziliensis en concentraciones de menos de 22 μg/mL, tuvieron baja toxicidad en las células U-937 y HL60 cuando se administraron en forma pura y en las células Hep G2 y Detroit 551 cuando se administraron en concentraciones de menos de 20 %. Ni los extractos ni las formulaciones fueron irritantes o corrosivos y no causaron ningún otro tipo de toxicidad dérmica. La exposición de fibroblastos al extracto glicólico y a las formulaciones favoreció su migración y la reparación de la monocapa luego de 16 horas de contacto, permitiendo cierres de la brecha entre 33,9 y 70,9 %. Tanto los extractos como las formulaciones favorecieron la curación completa de los hámsteres con leishmaniasis cutánea en porcentajes mayores al 80 %. La loción y la emulsión se absorben y penetran en la piel después de su aplicación y, aunque se alcanzan a detectar en plasma hasta las 24 h (la loción) o las 6 h (la emulsión) de la aplicación, la mayor parte queda retenida en la piel. Por último, el tratamiento de los diez pacientes con la loción y la emulsión logró la curación completa de las lesiones con la reparación de la piel dañada y sin efectos adversos. En conclusión, los resultados demostraron las propiedades leishmanicidas y cicatrizantes de C. spinosa, lo que le permitiría ser una alternativa segura para el tratamiento local de la leishmaniasis cutánea. Es necesario validar estos resultados en ensayos clínicos controlados y determinar la eficacia y la seguridad del tratamiento con los productos fitoterapéuticos de C. spinosa.

Abstract Given the need to develop new drugs for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, not only effective and safe, but also more widely accepted by patients, easily administered in rural settings and cheaper, in the present study the in vitro and in vivo therapeutic potential and cytotoxicity profile of an ethanolic and a glycolic extracts obtained from the branches of Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze and their respective formulations (lotion and emulsion) were evaluated. Finally, the usefulness of the two formulations as topical treatment was validated in 10 patients with uncomplicated CL. Both extracts were active against L. braziliensis at concentrations <22 μg / mL, with low toxicity in U-937 and HL60 cells when administered pure and for Hep G2 and Detroit 551 cells when administered at concentrations <20%. Neither the extracts nor the formulations were irritating or did not cause any corrosive or any other sign of dermal toxicity. The exposure of fibroblasts to the glycolic extract and to the formulations favored the migration of fibroblasts and repair of the monolayer after 16 h of contact, allowing the closing of the gap between 33.9% and 70.9%. Both the extracts and the formulations favored the complete cure of the hamsters with cutaneous leishmaniasis in percentages greater than 80%. After being applied to the skin, lotion and emulsion are absorbed, penetrate, and although they can be detected in plasma up to 24 hours (the lotion) or 6 hours (the emulsion) after application, most of the products it is retained in the skin. Lastly, the treatment of 10 patients with the lotion and the emulsion showed the complete healing of the lesions with the repair of the damaged skin and without adverse effects. In conclusion, the results demonstrate leishmanicidal and healing properties for C. spinosa that give it the potential to become a safe alternative for the local treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is necessary to validate these results in controlled clinical trials and determine the efficacy and safety of treatment with C. spinosa phytotherapeutic products.

Abstract: A Perkin type condensation reaction between quinaldine and 8-hydroxyquinaldine with aromatic aldehydes, three styrylquinolines were synthesized: (E)-2-ethoxy-4-(2-(8-hydroxyquinolin-2-il)vinyl)phenyl acetate (1), 2-[(E)-2-(2-acetiloxy-5-nitrophenyl)ethenyl] quinoline (2), 2-[(E)-2-(3-methoxyiphenyl)ethenyl] quinoline (3). The leishmanicidal potential in vitro employing flow cytometry was determined and the cytotoxicity by MTT method, was evaluated. The compounds (1) y (2) showed to be active against Leishmania (V) panamensis with lethal dose 50%) (LD50) de 0.2 and 2.5 µg/mL, LD50 de 2.8 and 5.9 µg/mL and selectivity index of 14.0 and 2.4, respectively, compared to the drug control amphotericin B. The structures of these compounds were confirmed using spectroscopic techniques from analysis: IR, 1H and 13C NMR, COSY, HMQC, HMBC and DEPT experiments. Three styrylquinolines were synthesized with performance of 40.3%, 72.0% and 80.0% respectively, styrylquinolines (1) and (2) showed good leishmanicidal potential with inhibition percentages of 67.5 y 74.9 respectively.

Resumen: A partir de la reacción de condensación tipo Perkin entre quinaldina y la 8-hidroxiquinaldina con aldehídos aromáticos se sintetizaron tres estirilquinolinas: (E)-2-etoxi-4-(2-(8-hidroxiquinolin-2-il)vinil)fenil acetato (1), 2-[(E)-2-(2-acetiloxi-5-nitrofenil)etenil] quinolina (2), 2-[(E)-2-(3-metoxifenil)etenil] quinolina (3). Se determinó potencial leishmanicida in vitro empleando citometría de flujo y citotoxicidad por el método MTT. Los compuestos (1) y (2) mostraron ser activos contra Leishmania (V) panamensis con valores de concentración letal 50% (CL50) de 0.2 y 2.5 µg/mL, CL50 de 2.8 y 5.9 µg/mL e índices de selectividad de 14.0 y 2.4, respectivamente, comparados con el medicamento control anfotericina B. Las estructuras de estos compuestos se confirmaron empleando técnicas espectroscópicas de análisis como IR, RMN-1H y 13C, COSY, HMQC, HMBC y experimentos DEPT. Se sintetizaron tres estirilquinolinas con rendimientos de 40.3%, 72.0% y 80.0% respectivamente, las estirilquinolinas (1) y (2) mostraron buen potencial leishmanicida con porcentajes de inhibición de 67.5 y 74.9 respectivamente.

ABSTRACT Citrus fruits are recognized as an important source of bioactive molecules such as limonin and nomilin. However, these molecules exhibit low bioavailability, therefore, obtaining these molecules using biotechnological techniques may be an alternative to harvesting them directly from fruits. The aim of this study was to quantify and identify limonoids in the dichloromethane extracts of Citrus seeds of Criolla orange, Oneco tangerine, Tangerine-lemon, Sour orange and Valencia orange from department of Antioquia-Colombia by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Although in all the samples total glycosidic free limonoids were present, Oneco tangerine seeds had the highest concentration, followed by Tangerine-lemon seeds, equivalent to 0.75% and 0.53% per total dry weight, respectively. These results suggest Oneco tangerine seeds may be used as an elite material for biotechnological processes looking for increased production of limonoids to support research and drug development.

Resumen Introducción. El estudio de la interacción entre el parásito, el vector y los huéspedes mamíferos, incluido el hombre, permite entender el comportamiento de la leishmaniasis. Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de especies del género Lutzomyia y detectar la infección por Leishmania spp. en Didelphis marsupialis en un área endémica de leishmaniasis visceral. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron flebotomíneos y D. marsupialis con trampas CDC y Tomahawk™, respectivamente. Las especies de Lutzomyia se identificaron usando la clave de Young y Duncan, 1994. Se tomaron biopsias de oreja, cola y muestras de sangre de D. marsupialis para diagnosticar Leishmania spp. mediante la amplificación de un fragmento del gen de la proteína de choque térmico de 70 kD. Resultados. Se identificaron siete especies de Lutzomyia: Lu. evansi, Lu. gomezi, Lu. panamensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. cayennensis cayennensis, Lu. rangeliana y Lu. trinidadensis. Las tres primeras especies son reconocidas como vectores en el país por estar implicadas en la transmisión de Leishmania spp. En total, 65 muestras de tejidos de oreja, cola y de sangre provenientes de 19 D. marsupialis fueron negativas para Leishmania spp. en la PCR-HSP70. Conclusiones. La presencia de flebotomíneos con importancia epidemiológica en la zona evaluada representa un riesgo de transmisión. Asimismo, Lu. panamensis es reportada por primera vez en El Bledo (Carmen de Bolívar). La ausencia de Leishmania spp. en D. marsupialis podría sugerir que esta especie no tiene un papel importante en el ciclo de transmisión de Leishmania en la vereda El Bledo, por lo que es necesario profundizar en estudios longitudinales para corroborar esta hipótesis.

Abstract Introduction: The study of the interaction between the parasite, the vector and the mammalian hosts, including man, allows to understand the behavior of the leishmaniases. Objective: To determine the presence of Lutzomyia species and to detect the Leishmania infection in Didelphis marsupialis in an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis. Materials and methods: Phlebotomine fauna and individuals of D. marsupialis were collected with CDC and Tomahawk™ traps, respectively. The species of Lutzomyia were identified using the Young and Duncan key (1994). Ear and tail biopsies and blood samples from D. marsupialis were taken to identify the Leishmania species by amplifying a fragment of the gene associated with the 70 kD heat shock protein. Results: Seven Lutzomyia species were identified: Lu. evansi, Lu. gomezi, Lu. panamensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. cayennensis cayennensis, Lu. rangeliana and Lu. trinidadensis. The first three species have epidemiological importance in Colombia because of their implications in the transmission of the Leishmania parasite. Sixty-five tissue samples from 19 D. marsupialis individuals were negative for Leishmania spp. Conclusions: The presence of the Lutzomyia species that have been identified as vectors for Leishmania inside and around houses in the village of El Bledo, in El Carmen de Bolívar represents a risk of infection. Furthermore, the presence of Lu. panamensis is reported for first time in El Carmen de Bolívar in Colombia. Although the lack of detection of Leishmania spp. in D. marsupialis samples may suggest that D. marsupialis does not play an important role in the transmission cycle of Leishmania in this region, it is necessary to carry out further longitudinal studies to confirm this hypothesis.

Abstract Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a high-morbidity, vector-borne disease endemic to Colombia. Unlike conventional systemic antileishmanial therapy, intralesional meglumine antimoniate administration has fewer adverse effects and can be as effective and safe. We describe 12 patients treated with intralesional meglumine antimoniate: seven with primary and five with recurrent lesions. The majority (11/12) met all cure criteria after 1-7 sessions of meglumine antimoniate administration (1-5 mL). Adverse effects comprised mainly of local pain and edema. Intralesional meglumine antimoniate administration could be an excellent alternative treatment for uncomplicated CL; however, controlled clinical trials are needed to test the efficacy and safety thereof.

Abstract The phytochemical study was carried out and the antioxidant and leishmanicidal activity of the Pilocarpus alvaradoi species was evaluated. Identification of the compounds was performed by the analysis of NMR-1H, 13C and MS data. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH• and ABTS•+ methods; the leishmanicidal potential in vitro was measured against strains of Leishmania (V) panamensis by flow cytometry and cytotoxicity by the MTT method. Of this species, six compounds were isolated and identified: a coumarin, an alkaloid, three sterols and a fatty acid. The ethanolic bark extract showed low cytotoxicity with a CL50 of 70.5 μg/ml and a good leishmanicidal potential with an EC50 of 30.7 μg/ml compared to amphotericin B. The extracts of Pilocarpus alvaradoi constitute an important source of metabolites with biological activity; and the substances obtained are reported for the first time for this specie.

Resumen Se realizó el estudio fitoquímico y se evaluó la actividad antioxidante y leishmanicida de la especie Pilocarpus alvaradoi. La identificación de los compuestos se realizó mediante el análisis de datos de RMN-1H, 13C y EM. La actividad antioxidante se evaluó usando los métodos DPPH• y ABTS•+; el potencial leishmanicida in vitro fue medido frente a cepas de Leishmania (V) panamensis mediante citometría de flujo y la citotoxicidad por el método MTT. De esta especie se aislaron e identificaron seis compuestos: una cumarina, un alcaloide, tres esteroles y un ácido graso. El extracto etanólico de corteza mostró baja citotoxicidad con una CL50 de 70.5 µg/ml y un buen potencial leishmanicida con una CE50 de 30.7 µg/ml comparado con la Anfotericina B. Los extractos de Pilocarpus alvaradoi constituyen una importante fuente de metabolitos con actividad biológica; y las sustancias obtenidas son reportadas por primera vez para esta especie.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a tropical disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The current drugs for CL may be effective but have serious side effects; hence, alternatives are urgently needed. Although plant-derived materials are used for the treatment of various diseases in 80% of the global population, the validation of these products is essential. Gelatin capsules containing dried Artemisia annua leaf powder were recently developed as a new herbal formulation (totum) for the oral treatment of malaria and other parasitic diseases. Here, we aimed to determine the usefulness of A. annua gel capsules in CL. METHODS: The antileishmanial activity and cytotoxicity of A. annua L. capsules was determined via in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, a preliminary evaluation of its therapeutic potential as antileishmanial treatment in humans was conducted in 2 patients with uncomplicated CL. RESULTS: Artemisia annua capsules showed moderate in vitro activity in amastigotes of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis; no cytotoxicity in U-937 macrophages or genotoxicity in human lymphocytes was observed. Five of 6 (83.3%) hamsters treated with A. annua capsules (500mg/kg/day) for 30 days were cured, and the 2 examined patients were cured 45 days after initiation of treatment with 30g of A. annua capsules, without any adverse reactions. Both patients remained disease-free 26 and 24 months after treatment completion. CONCLUSION: Capsules of A. annua L. represent an effective treatment for uncomplicated CL, although further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate its efficacy and safety.

A phytochemical study and evaluation of leishmanicidal activity of Esenbeckia litoralis species (Rutaceae) to obtain secondary metabolites with high biological potential were carried out and completed. The obtained extracts were fractionated using chromatographic techniques and the compounds were identified by spectroscopic analysis including infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and Mass Spectrometry; the leismanicidal activity was determined by flow cytometry and cytotoxicity by MTT method. Seven compounds were isolated and identified: Flindersiamine (1), 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-W-methylacridone (2), Maculosidine (3), Kokusaginine (4), Maculine (5), Dictamine (6) and Gardenin B (7). The compound 2 and the ethyl acetate extract of bark showed moderate activity against the parasite of Leishmania panamensis with an IC50 = 37.5 and 9.2 μg/ml respectively. The study showed the presence of active metabolites with leishmanicidal potential in these extracts, which could represent an alternative therapy for treatment of the leishmaniasis.

Se realizó el estudio fitoquímico y la evaluación de la actividad leishmanicida de la especie Esenbeckia litoralis (Rutaceae) para obtener metabolitos secundarios mayoritarios con potencial biológico. Los extractos obtenidos se fraccionaron empleando técnicas cromatográficas y los compuestos se identificaron mediante el análisis de datos espectroscópicos: Infrarrojo, Resonancia Magnética Nuclear y Espectrometría de Masas; la actividad leishmanicida se determinó por citometría de flujo y la citotoxicidad por el método MTT. Se aislaron e identificaron siete compuestos: Flindersiamina (1), 1-hidroxi-3-metoxi-W-metilacridona (2), Maculosidina (3), Kokusaginina (4), Maculina (5), Dictamina (6) y Gardenina B (7). El compuestos 2 y el subextracto en acetato de etilo de corteza mostraron una moderada actividad frente a Leishmania (V) panamensis con un IC50 de 37.5 y 9.2 μg/ml respectivamente. El estudio muestra la presencia de metabolitos activos con potencial leishmanicida en estos extractos, lo que podría representar una alternativa terapéutica para el tratamiento de la enfermedad parasitaria conocida como leishmaniosis.

Las leishmaniasis son endémicas en >98 países con 14 millones de infectados. Leishmania sobrevive en los mamíferos aún después del tratamiento pero se desconoce su capacidad de persistir en piel sana e infectar vectores. Para demostrar la migración de Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis a piel sana, su persistencia en estos sitios durante estados crónicos de infección y la infectividad de los parásitos persistentes para Lutzomyia longipalpis, se inocularon 10 hámsters intradérmicamente en pata con 2x10(7)promastigotes de L. (V.) panamensis. Los hámsters se sacrificaron a las 13 (fase aguda) y 53 (fase crónica) semanas post-infección. Biopsias de lesión, piel sana y otros tejidos se analizaron por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) con el gen Hsp70 y qPCR con el gen DNA polymerase. La transmisión de los parásitos a Lu. longipalpis se determinó mediante xenodiagnóstico. Todas las muestras de fase aguda (excepto oreja contralateral) y todas las muestras de fase crónica fueron positivas, aunque la positividad en fase crónica fue menor que en fase aguda. Dos animales de fase aguda y un animal de fase crónica fueron infecciosos al vector, después de alimentarse sobre la lesión. No hubo ningún insecto positivo en los alimentados sobre piel sana. Se reporta por primera vez la diseminación y persistencia de L. (V) panamensis, y se confirma la persistencia en un periodo de 53 semanas. Sin embargo la carga parasitaria en tejidos diferentes al sitio de inóculo fue baja y no se detectó su transmisión al vector. La PCR con Hsp70 y qPCR con DNA polymerase son técnicas útiles en la determinación del estatus infeccioso en los hospederos vertebrados.

Leishmaniasis are endemic in >98 countries with 14 million people infected. Leishmania survives in mammal hosts even after treatment but the capacity to persist in healthy skin and infect sandflies from these sites is poorly understood. To demonstrate migration of Leishmania (V.) panamensis into healty skin, persistence in these sites during chronic stages of infection and infectivity of persistant parasites to Lutzomyia longipalpis 10 hamsters were inoculated intradermally in the hind footpad, with 2x10(7) L. (V.) panamensis promastigotes. Hamsters were sacrificed at 13 (acute phase) and 53 (chronic phase) weeks post-infection. Biopsies from lesion, healty skin and othert tissues were screened by Hsp70 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA polymerase qPCR. Transmission of parasites to sandflies was determined by xenodiagnosis. Positivity was observed in all samples of acute infection group except the contralateral ear and chronic infection group, although the percentage of positivity in chronic infection was lower than that for acute infection. Two animals of the acute infection group and one from the chronic infection group were infective to sand flies after feeding over the lesion site. No infections were found in sandflies fed from healthy skin. Dissemination and persistence of L. (V.) panamensis was reported for first time and persisntace is confirmed for a period of 53 weeks. However, parasite load in tissues different from the inoculation site was lower and transmission to the sand fly vectors from these sites was not observed. Hsp70 PCR and qPCR are useful techniques for determining infection status of vertebrate hosts.

Introducción. La región momposina es una de las zonas de mayor interés en Colombia para estudiar nuevos escenarios epidemiológicos de la enfermedad de Chagas. Objetivo. Determinar el riesgo epidemiológico de infección con Trypanosoma cruzi en seis poblaciones humanas de la región momposina, según el patrón climático bimodal característico de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hicieron cuatro muestreos, dos en época de lluvia y dos en sequía. Las heces de triatominos, como también muestras de sangre de humanos y otros animales mamíferos reservorios, se evaluaron por ELISA, IFI y PCR. Además, para determinar factores de riesgo se analizaron las condiciones de las viviendas, el estado alimentario de triatominos y la participación de los perros en el ciclo de transmisión. Resultados. Los insectos y mamíferos, incluyendo los humanos, presentaron altas tasas de infección por T. cruzi , con diferencias entre las épocas climáticas y según la vegetación asociada. Las tasas de infección por T. cruzi en perros fue de 15 % y, en humanos, de 16,8 %. La gran densidad de población de insectos, el alto porcentaje de insectos alimentados y la alta tasa de infección, indican que en la época seca hay mayor riesgo de infección. Conclusión. Se confirma la presencia y circulación de un foco peridoméstico de T. cruzi y se describen algunos factores de riesgo eco-epidemiológicos para la zona, que sugieren nuevos escenarios epidemiológicos para la enfermedad de Chagas en Colombia.

Introduction: The Momposina region is one of the most interesting areas to study new epidemiological scenarios for Chagas disease in Colombia. Objectives: To determine the presence of a source of peridomestic transmission of T. cruzi and its epidemiological risk in the Momposina region, based on the bimodal weather pattern characteristic of Colombia. Materials and methods: Four surveys over two years (two in the rainy season and two during the dry one) were conducted. Triatomines feces and blood samples from human and reservoirs were evaluated for presence of antibodies and parasites by ELISA, IFI and PCR. The conditions of housing, feeding triatomine state and involvement of dogs in the transmission were assessed. Results. High rates of infection with T. cruzi in insects and wild animals were found. Infection rates of T. cruzi in dogs (15%) and humans (16.8%) were found. The results obtained in this study indicated that in the dry season there is increased risk of infection with T. cruzi , given the higher population density of insects, the higher percentage of fed insects and the higher rate of infection. Conclusion: These results confirm the presence and movement of a peridomestic outbreak of T. cruzi and describes some risk factors for the eco-epidemiological area, suggesting new epidemiological scenarios for Chagas disease in Colombia.