Canine antibody response to Lutzomyia longipalpis saliva in endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis

Resposta de anticorpos caninos à saliva de Lutzomyia longipalpis em área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral

Autores

Luís Fábio da Silva Batista, Vânia Lúcia Ribeiro da Matta, Thaise Yumie Tomokane, Acácio Duarte Pacheco, Fernando Tobias Silveira, Claudio Nazaretian Rossi, Mary Marcondes, Márcia Dalastra Laurenti.

Abstract

Introduction: Canine exposure to Lutzomyia longipalpis bites and the potential of Leishmania infantum transmissibility for the vector were evaluated. Methods: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-Lu longipalpis saliva and -L. infantum, and blood parasite load were determined in dogs from endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis. Results: Blood parasitism was similar between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. IgG anti-L. infantum was higher in symptomatic dogs, but IgG anti-Lu. longipalpis saliva was mostly observed in higher titers in asymptomatic dogs, indicating vector preference for feeding on asymptomatic dogs.
Conclusions: Our data suggest a pivotal role of asymptomatic dogs in L. infantum transmission in endemic areas.

Keywords

Canine leishmaniasis. Anti-Lutzomyia longipalpis saliva antibody. Transmissibility.

Palavras-chave

Leishmaniose canina. Anticorpo anti-Lutzomyia longipalpis saliva. Transmissibilidade.