Antonia Franco - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Antonia Franco
International journal of nanomedicine, 2016
Coordination compounds of pentavalent antimony have been, and remain, the first-line drugs in lei... more Coordination compounds of pentavalent antimony have been, and remain, the first-line drugs in leishmaniasis treatment for >70 years. Molecular forms of Sb (V) complexes are commercialized as sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam(®)) and meglumine antimoniate (MA) (Glucantime(®)). Ever-increasing drug resistance in the parasites limits the use of antimonials, due to the low drug concentrations being administered against high parasitic counts. Sb(5+) toxicity provokes severe side effects during treatment. To enhance therapeutic potency and to increase Sb (V) concentration within the target cells, we decided to try a new active substance form, a hydrosol of Sb2O5·nH2O nanoparticles (NPs), instead of molecular drugs. Sb2O5·nH2O NPs were synthesized by controlled SbCl5 hydrolysis in a great excess of water. Sb2O5·nH2O phase formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The surface of Sb (V) NPs was treated with ligands with a high affinity for target cell membrane receptors. The mean parti...
Revista Pan-Amazônica de Saúde, 2011
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 2009
Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis (CL-Lguy) is endemic in the Bra... more Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis (CL-Lguy) is endemic in the Brazilian Amazon, differing from L. braziliensis infection in clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects. T-cell reactivity to leishmanial antigens possibly involved in the pathogenesis of CL-Lguy was studied herein. Variable lymphoproliferative responses (LPRs) to Leishmania antigens were found among the 23 studied patients, and 50% of them showed low or no response to these antigens. Active disease was associated with an enrichment of leishmanial-reactive T lymphocytes, mainly TCD4(+). High and low interferon (IFN)-gamma producers were observed. TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-5 were consistently detected. CL-Lguy displayed low antibody response in comparison to L. braziliensis patients. CL caused by L. braziliensis presented positive LPRs and higher IFN-gamma production but undetectable IL-5. L. guyanensis seems to induce a down-regulation of the immune system compared with L. ...
Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2010
Purpose To test the antimicrobial properties of the extracts of stems and leaves of Ginja cherry ... more Purpose To test the antimicrobial properties of the extracts of stems and leaves of Ginja cherry plant. Both stems and leaves are waste in the production of the cherry liquor and they could be valorised by extracting valuable compounds, making the process more environmentally sustainable. Methods The ethanol extracts from both stems and leaves were analysed by LC-ESI/MS to determine the phenolic composition. They were tested against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus MSSA, Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Flavobacterium sp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella), using the disk diffusion technique and the broth dilution technique. Results The extracts showed good antibacterial properties towards Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The values of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) were lower for Gram positive bacteria (10-15 mg/ml) than for Gram negative ones (10-100 mg/ml). The values of Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were between 2 and 4 times higher than the MICs. Conclusions The waste from Ginja cherry plants can be successfully employed to extract valuable compounds such as polyphenols, with antibacterial properties.
Microbial Ecology, 2005
The culturable bacteria colonizing the rhizosphere of plants growing in the area of discharge of ... more The culturable bacteria colonizing the rhizosphere of plants growing in the area of discharge of a tannery effluent were characterized. Relative proportions of aerobic, denitrifying, and sulfate-reducing bacteria were determined in the rhizosphere of Typha latifolia, Canna indica, and Phragmites australis. Aerobic bacteria were observed to be the most abundant group in the rhizosphere, and plant type did not seem to influence the abundance of the bacterial types analyzed. To isolate bacteria able to degrade polyphenols used in the tannery industry, enrichments were conducted under different conditions. Bacterial cultures were enriched with individual polyphenols (tannins Tara, Quebracho, or Mimosa) or with an undefined mixture of tannins present in the tannery effluent as carbon source. Cultures enriched with the effluent or Tara tannin were able to degrade tannic acid. Six bacterial isolates purified from these mixed cultures were able to use tannic acid as a sole carbon source in axenic culture. On the basis of 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis, these isolates were closely related to organisms belonging to the taxa Serratia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Klebsiella oxytoca, Herbaspirillum chlorophenolicum, and Pseudomonas putida.
Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
Twenty-three isolates of Leishmania sp from patients in the municipalities of Rio Preto da Eva an... more Twenty-three isolates of Leishmania sp from patients in the municipalities of Rio Preto da Eva and Manaus were characterized and identified by means of isoenzyme electrophoresis and the degree of similarity between the organisms was analyzed. The results indicated that Leishmania guyanensis and Leishmania naiffi were present in these two environments and that the Leishmania naiffi samples were heterogenous.
Revista Pan-Amazônica de Saúde, 2014
Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical, 2008
ABSTRACT
Revista Pan-Amazônica de Saúde, 2011
Revista de Patologia Tropical, 2009
... Roberto Daibes Naiff Júnior, 1 Francimeire Gomes Pinheiro, 2 Maricleide de Farias Naiff, 2 Il... more ... Roberto Daibes Naiff Júnior, 1 Francimeire Gomes Pinheiro, 2 Maricleide de Farias Naiff, 2 Ilner de Souza ... 80% dos casos de LTA são provenientes de assentamentos rurais ao longo da Rodovia AM-010. ... 4 Hospital Universitário Getúlio Vargas (HUGV/UFAM), Amazonas, Brasil ...
The fecal samples of 94 children between 3 to 6 years of age were submitted to laboratory analysi... more The fecal samples of 94 children between 3 to 6 years of age were submitted to laboratory analysis. The spontaneous sedimentation method was used. 49 out of 94 (52.12%) yielded positive results. For mono- association, 22.34% were positive for protozoan and 11.70% for helminthes. The helminthiasis showed the following prevalence: 3 years of age: (0%); 4 years of age: Ascaris
Journal of Immunology Research, 2014
The authors discuss in this paper the role of inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and regulatory cyt... more The authors discuss in this paper the role of inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and regulatory cytokines in patients infected with different species of Leishmania in Amazonas State, Brazil. A comparative analysis was made of serum concentrations of these cytokines in the peripheral blood of 33 patients infected with cutaneous leishmaniasis. The isolates were identified as Leishmania guyanensis, L. naiffi, and L. amazonensis. Most (64%) of the patients were male ranging in age from 18 to 58 years. Protein expression profiles of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-, TNF-, and IL-17 cytokines were shown to vary significantly between infected and noninfected (control group) individuals and according to the Leishmania species. Infection caused by L. guyanensis accounted for 73% of the cases and patients with this parasite also showed higher concentrations of IL-2, IFN-, IL-4, and IL-17 when compared to infection by L. amazonensis. Patients with infection caused by L. naiffi showed higher concentration of the cytokines analyzed when compared to uninfected patients; however, there was no statistically significant difference with the other species analyzed. of CL, ranging from the mild cutaneous form (localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, LCL) to multiple non ulcerative nodules (diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, DCL) and the disfiguring mucosal form (mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, MCL) [2]. In Brazil, American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is notable for its wide distribution, occurring in all states. In the State of Amazonas, in 2011 alone, 2,230 new cases were notified and the transmission occurred mainly in the cities of Manaus (752 cases), Presidente Figueiredo (213), and Rio Preto da Eva (203) [3]. In the Amazon Basin, seven species of Leishmania have been identified as causative agents of ACL. Six such species belong to the subgenus Viannia, Leishmania (V.) braziliensis, L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) lainsoni, L. (V.) naiffi, L. (V.) shawi, and L.
Revista de Patologia Tropical, 2014
Parasitology, 1996
In this study, we have analysed enzyme polymorphism among a group of protozoan parasites of the g... more In this study, we have analysed enzyme polymorphism among a group of protozoan parasites of the genus Endotrypanum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). Seventeen stocks of Endotrypanum spp. isolated from sloths (Choloepus didactylus and C. juruanus) in the Amazon Region of Brazil were analysed by enzyme electrophoresis, and their electromorphic profiles were compared with reference strains reported previously. The 16 enzymic loci were analysed, and the strains were classified into zymodemes, each representing parasites with unique enzyme profiles. Each zymodeme was considered as an elementary taxon, and using numerical analyses (cladistic, agglomerative hierarchical and ordination techniques) the genus was shown to be monophyletic and the 12 zymodemes characterized could be divided into 3 groups (A, B, C). The heterogeneous population (which may represent a complex of parasite species or strains variants) showed, however, no correlation with the origin (i.e. host species involved or geographic area of isolation) of Endotrypanum stocks. Eight isolates of Endotrypanum sp. from Rondônia State (Brazil) and a parasite strain from Panama were clustered together into a zymodeme, which was phenetically closely related to the E. monterogeii from Costa Rica. The data indicate that E. schaudinni is a species complex.
Neotropical Entomology, 2010
The presence of Lutzomyia conviti Ramirez Perez, Martins & Ramirez, previously found only in Vene... more The presence of Lutzomyia conviti Ramirez Perez, Martins & Ramirez, previously found only in Venezuela and Colombia, is recorded for the fi rst time in Brazil. Lutzomyia conviti is now added to the 229 species of Lutzomyia already registered in Brazil and to the 44 identifi ed in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas state. Both sexes of L. conviti were collected in 2007 and 2008 with CDC light traps in an environment of primary vegetation represented by fi rm land forest. The distribution range of the species is cited and discussed.
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2006
Lutzomyia longipalpis females received single and mixed infections with Endotrypanum and Leishman... more Lutzomyia longipalpis females received single and mixed infections with Endotrypanum and Leishmania. Two biological parameters were analyzed: the percentage of infected females and the distribution of flagellates in the gut of the females. The principal comparisons were performed between (1) two strains of Endotrypanum, (2) cloned versus primary sample of one strain of Endotrypanum, (3) Endotrypanum versus Leishmania guyanensis, and (4) the pattern of flagellates behaviour by optical microscopy in females with single or mixed infection versus the identification of parasites isolated from digestive tracts by isoenzyme electrophoresis. Flagellates of Endotrypanum showed distinct patterns of infection suggesting that there is variation between and within strains. The distribution of Endotrypanum and L. guyanensis differed significantly in relation to the colonization of the stomodeal valve. In co-infection with L. guyanensis, a large number of flagellates were seen to be plentifully infecting the stomodeal valve in significantly more specimens than in females infected by Endotrypanum only. However, the electrophoretic profiles of isoenzymes of parasites recovered from all co-infected specimens corresponded to Endotrypanum. This suggests that the mere correlation sand fly infection-biochemical analysis of isolates may induce parasitological incorrect consideration.
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 1997
A large number of Endotrypanum stocks (representing an heterogeneous population of strains) have ... more A large number of Endotrypanum stocks (representing an heterogeneous population of strains) have been screened against a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) derived for selected species of Endotrypanum or Leishmania, to see whether this approach could be used to group/differentiate further among these parasites. Using different immunological assay systems, MAbs considered specific for the genus Endotrypanum (E-24, CXXX-3G5-F12) or strain M6159 of E. schaudinni (E-2, CXIV-3C7-F5) reacted variably according to the test used but in the ELISA or immunofluorescence assay both reacted with all the strains tested. Analyses using these MAbs showed antigenic diversity occurring among the Endotrypanum strains, but no qualitative or quantitative reactivity pattern could be consistently related to parasite origin (i.e., host species involved) or geographic area of isolation. Western blot analyses of the parasites showed that these MAbs recognized multiple components. Differences existed either in the epitope density or molecular forms associated with the antigenic determinants and therefore allowed the assignment of the strains to specific antigenic groups. Using immunofluorescence or ELISA assay, clone E-24 produced reaction with L. equatorensis (which is a parasite of sloth and rodent), but not with other trypanosomatids examined. Interestingly, the latter parasite and the Endotrypanum strains crossreacted with a number of MAbs that were produced against members of the L. major-L. tropica complex.
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2000
A comparison of kDNA restriction-endonuclease fragment patterns from strains representing selecte... more A comparison of kDNA restriction-endonuclease fragment patterns from strains representing selected Endotrypanum zymodemes was done by schizodeme analysis. As the degree of heterogeneity within mini-circles varied among species or strains of Endotrypanum, the fingerprint obtained with each of the restriction enzymes was unique for each of these parasites. The data have revealed that this trypanosomatid genus is much more complex than it was originally thought to be.
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2013
This study reports the distribution, ecotopes and fauna diversity of sandflies captured in five t... more This study reports the distribution, ecotopes and fauna diversity of sandflies captured in five training bases on a military reserve in Manaus, state of Amazonas (AM). A total of 10,762 specimens were collected, which were distributed among 58 species, with the highest number recorded at Base Instruction 1 (BI1). A higher rate of species richness was found at the Base Instruction Boina Rajada and low levels of diversity associated with a high abundance index with the clear dominance of Lutzomyia umbratilis, Lutzomyia ruii and Lutzomyia anduzei were found at BI1. The abundance of Lu. umbratilis raises the possibility of outbreaks of American cutaneous leishmaniasis by the main vector of the disease in AM.
Acta Tropica, 2008
Parasites of wild primates are important for conservation biology and human health due to their h... more Parasites of wild primates are important for conservation biology and human health due to their high potential to infect humans. In the Amazon region, non-human primates are commonly infected by Trypanosoma cruzi and T. rangeli, which are also infective to man and several mammals. This is the first survey of trypanosomiasis in a critically endangered species of tamarin, Saguinus bicolor (Callitrichidae), from the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. Of the 96 free-ranging specimens of S. bicolor examined 45 (46.8%) yielded blood smears positive for trypanosomes. T. rangeli was detected in blood smears of 38 monkeys (39.6%) whereas T. cruzi was never detected. Seven animals (7.3%) presented trypanosomes of the subgenus Megatrypanum. Hemocultures detected 84 positive tamarins (87.5%). Seventy-two of 84 (85.7%) were morphologically diagnosed as T. rangeli and 3 (3.1%) as T. cruzi. Nine tamarins (9.4%) yielded mixed cultures of these two species, which after successive passages generated six cultures exclusively of T. cruzi and two of T. rangeli, with only one culture remaining mixed. Of the 72 cultures positive for T. rangeli, 62 remained as established cultures and were genotyped: 8 were assigned to phylogenetic lineage A (12.9%) and 54 to lineage B (87.1%). Ten established cultures of T. cruzi were genotyped as TCI lineage (100%). Transmission of both trypanosome species, their potential risk to this endangered species and the role of wild primates as reservoirs for trypanosomes infective to humans are discussed.
International journal of nanomedicine, 2016
Coordination compounds of pentavalent antimony have been, and remain, the first-line drugs in lei... more Coordination compounds of pentavalent antimony have been, and remain, the first-line drugs in leishmaniasis treatment for >70 years. Molecular forms of Sb (V) complexes are commercialized as sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam(®)) and meglumine antimoniate (MA) (Glucantime(®)). Ever-increasing drug resistance in the parasites limits the use of antimonials, due to the low drug concentrations being administered against high parasitic counts. Sb(5+) toxicity provokes severe side effects during treatment. To enhance therapeutic potency and to increase Sb (V) concentration within the target cells, we decided to try a new active substance form, a hydrosol of Sb2O5·nH2O nanoparticles (NPs), instead of molecular drugs. Sb2O5·nH2O NPs were synthesized by controlled SbCl5 hydrolysis in a great excess of water. Sb2O5·nH2O phase formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The surface of Sb (V) NPs was treated with ligands with a high affinity for target cell membrane receptors. The mean parti...
Revista Pan-Amazônica de Saúde, 2011
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 2009
Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis (CL-Lguy) is endemic in the Bra... more Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis (CL-Lguy) is endemic in the Brazilian Amazon, differing from L. braziliensis infection in clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects. T-cell reactivity to leishmanial antigens possibly involved in the pathogenesis of CL-Lguy was studied herein. Variable lymphoproliferative responses (LPRs) to Leishmania antigens were found among the 23 studied patients, and 50% of them showed low or no response to these antigens. Active disease was associated with an enrichment of leishmanial-reactive T lymphocytes, mainly TCD4(+). High and low interferon (IFN)-gamma producers were observed. TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-5 were consistently detected. CL-Lguy displayed low antibody response in comparison to L. braziliensis patients. CL caused by L. braziliensis presented positive LPRs and higher IFN-gamma production but undetectable IL-5. L. guyanensis seems to induce a down-regulation of the immune system compared with L. ...
Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2010
Purpose To test the antimicrobial properties of the extracts of stems and leaves of Ginja cherry ... more Purpose To test the antimicrobial properties of the extracts of stems and leaves of Ginja cherry plant. Both stems and leaves are waste in the production of the cherry liquor and they could be valorised by extracting valuable compounds, making the process more environmentally sustainable. Methods The ethanol extracts from both stems and leaves were analysed by LC-ESI/MS to determine the phenolic composition. They were tested against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus MSSA, Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Flavobacterium sp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella), using the disk diffusion technique and the broth dilution technique. Results The extracts showed good antibacterial properties towards Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The values of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) were lower for Gram positive bacteria (10-15 mg/ml) than for Gram negative ones (10-100 mg/ml). The values of Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were between 2 and 4 times higher than the MICs. Conclusions The waste from Ginja cherry plants can be successfully employed to extract valuable compounds such as polyphenols, with antibacterial properties.
Microbial Ecology, 2005
The culturable bacteria colonizing the rhizosphere of plants growing in the area of discharge of ... more The culturable bacteria colonizing the rhizosphere of plants growing in the area of discharge of a tannery effluent were characterized. Relative proportions of aerobic, denitrifying, and sulfate-reducing bacteria were determined in the rhizosphere of Typha latifolia, Canna indica, and Phragmites australis. Aerobic bacteria were observed to be the most abundant group in the rhizosphere, and plant type did not seem to influence the abundance of the bacterial types analyzed. To isolate bacteria able to degrade polyphenols used in the tannery industry, enrichments were conducted under different conditions. Bacterial cultures were enriched with individual polyphenols (tannins Tara, Quebracho, or Mimosa) or with an undefined mixture of tannins present in the tannery effluent as carbon source. Cultures enriched with the effluent or Tara tannin were able to degrade tannic acid. Six bacterial isolates purified from these mixed cultures were able to use tannic acid as a sole carbon source in axenic culture. On the basis of 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis, these isolates were closely related to organisms belonging to the taxa Serratia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Klebsiella oxytoca, Herbaspirillum chlorophenolicum, and Pseudomonas putida.
Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
Twenty-three isolates of Leishmania sp from patients in the municipalities of Rio Preto da Eva an... more Twenty-three isolates of Leishmania sp from patients in the municipalities of Rio Preto da Eva and Manaus were characterized and identified by means of isoenzyme electrophoresis and the degree of similarity between the organisms was analyzed. The results indicated that Leishmania guyanensis and Leishmania naiffi were present in these two environments and that the Leishmania naiffi samples were heterogenous.
Revista Pan-Amazônica de Saúde, 2014
Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical, 2008
ABSTRACT
Revista Pan-Amazônica de Saúde, 2011
Revista de Patologia Tropical, 2009
... Roberto Daibes Naiff Júnior, 1 Francimeire Gomes Pinheiro, 2 Maricleide de Farias Naiff, 2 Il... more ... Roberto Daibes Naiff Júnior, 1 Francimeire Gomes Pinheiro, 2 Maricleide de Farias Naiff, 2 Ilner de Souza ... 80% dos casos de LTA são provenientes de assentamentos rurais ao longo da Rodovia AM-010. ... 4 Hospital Universitário Getúlio Vargas (HUGV/UFAM), Amazonas, Brasil ...
The fecal samples of 94 children between 3 to 6 years of age were submitted to laboratory analysi... more The fecal samples of 94 children between 3 to 6 years of age were submitted to laboratory analysis. The spontaneous sedimentation method was used. 49 out of 94 (52.12%) yielded positive results. For mono- association, 22.34% were positive for protozoan and 11.70% for helminthes. The helminthiasis showed the following prevalence: 3 years of age: (0%); 4 years of age: Ascaris
Journal of Immunology Research, 2014
The authors discuss in this paper the role of inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and regulatory cyt... more The authors discuss in this paper the role of inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and regulatory cytokines in patients infected with different species of Leishmania in Amazonas State, Brazil. A comparative analysis was made of serum concentrations of these cytokines in the peripheral blood of 33 patients infected with cutaneous leishmaniasis. The isolates were identified as Leishmania guyanensis, L. naiffi, and L. amazonensis. Most (64%) of the patients were male ranging in age from 18 to 58 years. Protein expression profiles of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-, TNF-, and IL-17 cytokines were shown to vary significantly between infected and noninfected (control group) individuals and according to the Leishmania species. Infection caused by L. guyanensis accounted for 73% of the cases and patients with this parasite also showed higher concentrations of IL-2, IFN-, IL-4, and IL-17 when compared to infection by L. amazonensis. Patients with infection caused by L. naiffi showed higher concentration of the cytokines analyzed when compared to uninfected patients; however, there was no statistically significant difference with the other species analyzed. of CL, ranging from the mild cutaneous form (localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, LCL) to multiple non ulcerative nodules (diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, DCL) and the disfiguring mucosal form (mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, MCL) [2]. In Brazil, American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is notable for its wide distribution, occurring in all states. In the State of Amazonas, in 2011 alone, 2,230 new cases were notified and the transmission occurred mainly in the cities of Manaus (752 cases), Presidente Figueiredo (213), and Rio Preto da Eva (203) [3]. In the Amazon Basin, seven species of Leishmania have been identified as causative agents of ACL. Six such species belong to the subgenus Viannia, Leishmania (V.) braziliensis, L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) lainsoni, L. (V.) naiffi, L. (V.) shawi, and L.
Revista de Patologia Tropical, 2014
Parasitology, 1996
In this study, we have analysed enzyme polymorphism among a group of protozoan parasites of the g... more In this study, we have analysed enzyme polymorphism among a group of protozoan parasites of the genus Endotrypanum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). Seventeen stocks of Endotrypanum spp. isolated from sloths (Choloepus didactylus and C. juruanus) in the Amazon Region of Brazil were analysed by enzyme electrophoresis, and their electromorphic profiles were compared with reference strains reported previously. The 16 enzymic loci were analysed, and the strains were classified into zymodemes, each representing parasites with unique enzyme profiles. Each zymodeme was considered as an elementary taxon, and using numerical analyses (cladistic, agglomerative hierarchical and ordination techniques) the genus was shown to be monophyletic and the 12 zymodemes characterized could be divided into 3 groups (A, B, C). The heterogeneous population (which may represent a complex of parasite species or strains variants) showed, however, no correlation with the origin (i.e. host species involved or geographic area of isolation) of Endotrypanum stocks. Eight isolates of Endotrypanum sp. from Rondônia State (Brazil) and a parasite strain from Panama were clustered together into a zymodeme, which was phenetically closely related to the E. monterogeii from Costa Rica. The data indicate that E. schaudinni is a species complex.
Neotropical Entomology, 2010
The presence of Lutzomyia conviti Ramirez Perez, Martins & Ramirez, previously found only in Vene... more The presence of Lutzomyia conviti Ramirez Perez, Martins & Ramirez, previously found only in Venezuela and Colombia, is recorded for the fi rst time in Brazil. Lutzomyia conviti is now added to the 229 species of Lutzomyia already registered in Brazil and to the 44 identifi ed in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas state. Both sexes of L. conviti were collected in 2007 and 2008 with CDC light traps in an environment of primary vegetation represented by fi rm land forest. The distribution range of the species is cited and discussed.
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2006
Lutzomyia longipalpis females received single and mixed infections with Endotrypanum and Leishman... more Lutzomyia longipalpis females received single and mixed infections with Endotrypanum and Leishmania. Two biological parameters were analyzed: the percentage of infected females and the distribution of flagellates in the gut of the females. The principal comparisons were performed between (1) two strains of Endotrypanum, (2) cloned versus primary sample of one strain of Endotrypanum, (3) Endotrypanum versus Leishmania guyanensis, and (4) the pattern of flagellates behaviour by optical microscopy in females with single or mixed infection versus the identification of parasites isolated from digestive tracts by isoenzyme electrophoresis. Flagellates of Endotrypanum showed distinct patterns of infection suggesting that there is variation between and within strains. The distribution of Endotrypanum and L. guyanensis differed significantly in relation to the colonization of the stomodeal valve. In co-infection with L. guyanensis, a large number of flagellates were seen to be plentifully infecting the stomodeal valve in significantly more specimens than in females infected by Endotrypanum only. However, the electrophoretic profiles of isoenzymes of parasites recovered from all co-infected specimens corresponded to Endotrypanum. This suggests that the mere correlation sand fly infection-biochemical analysis of isolates may induce parasitological incorrect consideration.
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 1997
A large number of Endotrypanum stocks (representing an heterogeneous population of strains) have ... more A large number of Endotrypanum stocks (representing an heterogeneous population of strains) have been screened against a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) derived for selected species of Endotrypanum or Leishmania, to see whether this approach could be used to group/differentiate further among these parasites. Using different immunological assay systems, MAbs considered specific for the genus Endotrypanum (E-24, CXXX-3G5-F12) or strain M6159 of E. schaudinni (E-2, CXIV-3C7-F5) reacted variably according to the test used but in the ELISA or immunofluorescence assay both reacted with all the strains tested. Analyses using these MAbs showed antigenic diversity occurring among the Endotrypanum strains, but no qualitative or quantitative reactivity pattern could be consistently related to parasite origin (i.e., host species involved) or geographic area of isolation. Western blot analyses of the parasites showed that these MAbs recognized multiple components. Differences existed either in the epitope density or molecular forms associated with the antigenic determinants and therefore allowed the assignment of the strains to specific antigenic groups. Using immunofluorescence or ELISA assay, clone E-24 produced reaction with L. equatorensis (which is a parasite of sloth and rodent), but not with other trypanosomatids examined. Interestingly, the latter parasite and the Endotrypanum strains crossreacted with a number of MAbs that were produced against members of the L. major-L. tropica complex.
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2000
A comparison of kDNA restriction-endonuclease fragment patterns from strains representing selecte... more A comparison of kDNA restriction-endonuclease fragment patterns from strains representing selected Endotrypanum zymodemes was done by schizodeme analysis. As the degree of heterogeneity within mini-circles varied among species or strains of Endotrypanum, the fingerprint obtained with each of the restriction enzymes was unique for each of these parasites. The data have revealed that this trypanosomatid genus is much more complex than it was originally thought to be.
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2013
This study reports the distribution, ecotopes and fauna diversity of sandflies captured in five t... more This study reports the distribution, ecotopes and fauna diversity of sandflies captured in five training bases on a military reserve in Manaus, state of Amazonas (AM). A total of 10,762 specimens were collected, which were distributed among 58 species, with the highest number recorded at Base Instruction 1 (BI1). A higher rate of species richness was found at the Base Instruction Boina Rajada and low levels of diversity associated with a high abundance index with the clear dominance of Lutzomyia umbratilis, Lutzomyia ruii and Lutzomyia anduzei were found at BI1. The abundance of Lu. umbratilis raises the possibility of outbreaks of American cutaneous leishmaniasis by the main vector of the disease in AM.
Acta Tropica, 2008
Parasites of wild primates are important for conservation biology and human health due to their h... more Parasites of wild primates are important for conservation biology and human health due to their high potential to infect humans. In the Amazon region, non-human primates are commonly infected by Trypanosoma cruzi and T. rangeli, which are also infective to man and several mammals. This is the first survey of trypanosomiasis in a critically endangered species of tamarin, Saguinus bicolor (Callitrichidae), from the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. Of the 96 free-ranging specimens of S. bicolor examined 45 (46.8%) yielded blood smears positive for trypanosomes. T. rangeli was detected in blood smears of 38 monkeys (39.6%) whereas T. cruzi was never detected. Seven animals (7.3%) presented trypanosomes of the subgenus Megatrypanum. Hemocultures detected 84 positive tamarins (87.5%). Seventy-two of 84 (85.7%) were morphologically diagnosed as T. rangeli and 3 (3.1%) as T. cruzi. Nine tamarins (9.4%) yielded mixed cultures of these two species, which after successive passages generated six cultures exclusively of T. cruzi and two of T. rangeli, with only one culture remaining mixed. Of the 72 cultures positive for T. rangeli, 62 remained as established cultures and were genotyped: 8 were assigned to phylogenetic lineage A (12.9%) and 54 to lineage B (87.1%). Ten established cultures of T. cruzi were genotyped as TCI lineage (100%). Transmission of both trypanosome species, their potential risk to this endangered species and the role of wild primates as reservoirs for trypanosomes infective to humans are discussed.