Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis co-infection in dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: evaluation by specific PCR and RFLP-PCR assays

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2014 Mar-Apr;47(2):243-6. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0007-2013.

Abstract

Introduction: During a diagnostic evaluation of canine visceral leishmaniasis (VL), two of seventeen dogs were found to be co-infected by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi.

Methods: Specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR (RFLP-PCR) assays were performed.

Results: PCR assays for Leishmania subgenus identification followed by RFLP-PCR analysis in biopsies from cutaneous lesions and the spleen confirmed the presence of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in those fragments.

Conclusions: This report reinforces the importance of using serological and molecular techniques in the epidemiological surveillance of canine populations in endemic areas in which both diseases are known to co-exist. In such cases, a reassessment of the control measures is required.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Coinfection / diagnosis
  • Coinfection / epidemiology
  • Coinfection / veterinary
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology
  • Dogs
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / veterinary
  • Leishmania braziliensis / genetics*
  • Leishmania infantum / genetics*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / epidemiology
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / veterinary*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / epidemiology
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / veterinary*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
  • Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan