Evidence of a sylvatic enzootic cycle of Leishmania infantum in the State of Amapá, Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:  Leishmania infantum was considered to be absent from Amapá until 2017 when canine infection was detected. However, there is a lack of knowledge about which reservoir species are involved in transmission in this region.

METHODS:  Between 2014 and 2016, 86 samples from wild mammals and 74 from domestic dogs were collected in Wajãpi Indigenous Territory and were tested for the presence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of Leishmania.

RESULTS:  The DNA of Le. infantum was detected in two rodent samples, Dasyprocta sp. and Proechimys cuvieri.

CONCLUSIONS:  This is the first evidence characterizing a sylvatic transmission cycle of Le. infantum in the State of Amapá.

Keywords: Leishmania infantum; Amapá; Enzootic cycle; ITS1; HSP70