Navegando por Autor "Mayrink, Wilson"
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Item American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Southeast Brazil : space-time clustering.(1999) Coelho, George Luiz Lins Machado; Assunção, Renato; Mayrink, Wilson; Caiaffa, Waleska TeixeiraItem Antigenicity of a whole parasite vaccine as promising candidate against canine leishmaniasis.(2008) Giunchetti, Rodolfo Cordeiro; Reis, Alexandre Barbosa; Lemos, Denise da Silveira; Martins Filho, Olindo Assis; Oliveira, Rodrigo Corrêa de; Bethony, Jeffrey Michael; Vale, André Macedo; Quetz, Josiane da Silva; Bueno, Lilian Lacerda; Silva, João Carlos França da; Nascimento, Evaldo do; Mayrink, Wilson; Fujiwara, Ricardo ToshioHuman visceral leishmaniasis, one of the most important zoonoses, is caused by the protozoaLeishmania chagasi(syn. L. infantum ) and is present as a fatal disease common in South America and Europe where dogs and wild canids are the main reservoirs. A vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis would be an important tool in the control of this disease in dogs. Although the current strategies for vac-cination against leishmaniasis are based on the use of recombinant antigens, killed vaccines are still attractive in terms of stability of their biochemical composition and antigenicity, cost, and safety. Here we evaluate the immunogenicity of a whole parasite vaccine as a prom-ising candidate against canine leishmaniasis, demonstrated by cellular reactivity, changes in the cellular profile of the peripheral blood and by the differential production of immunoglobulins. Our results showed that immunization elicited mainly a strong cellular reactivity and increase in T-lymphocytes, particularly the subpopulation CD8 + that would be related to the control of tissue parasitism. In addi-tion, a higher production of anti- Leishmania total IgG, characterized by mixed isotypes profile (IgG1 and IgG2), was demonstrated.Item Cluster randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Caratinga microregion, south-east Brazil.(2013) Mayrink, Wilson; Mendes, Alekson Mendonça; Paula, Jair Cecílio de; Siqueira, Liliane Maria Vidal; Marrocos, Simone de Resende; Dias, Edelberto Santos; Andrade, Hélida Monteiro de; Coelho, George Luiz Lins MachadoThe eco-epidemiological complexity of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) has made it difficult to devise an efficient strategy for management of the disease, and development of an effective vaccine remains the most promising approach. The objective of the study was to determine the reduction in incidence of ACL following intramuscular administration of two doses of a killed Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis vaccine.Item Comparative evaluation of phenol and thimerosal as preservatives for a candidate vaccine against American cutaneous leishmaniasis.(2010) Mayrink, Wilson; Tavares, Carlos Alberto Pereira; Deus, Rosângela Barbosa de; Pinheiro, Melina Barros; Guimarães, Tânia Mara Pinto Dabés; Andrade, Hélida Monteiro de; Costa, Carlos Alberto da; Toledo, Vicente de Paulo Coelho Peixoto deFor decades thimerosal has been used as a preservative in the candidate vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis, which was developed by Mayrink et al. The use of thimerosal in humans has been banned due to its mercury content. This study addresses the standardization of phenol as a new candidate vaccine preservative. We have found that the proteolytic activity was abolished when the test was conducted using the candidate vaccine added to merthiolate (MtVac) as well as to phenol (PhVac). The Montenegro’s skin test conversion rates induced by MtVac and by PhVac was 68.06% and 85.9%, respectively, and these values were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The proliferative response of peripheral mononuclear blood cells shows that the stimulation index of mice immunized with both candidate vaccines was higher than the one in control animals (p < 0.05). The ability of the candidate vaccines to induce protection in C57BL/10 mice against a challenge with infective Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes was tested and the mice immunized with PhVac developed smaller lesions than the mice immunized with MtVac. Electrophoresis of phenol-preserved antigen revealed a number of proteins, which were better preserved in PhVac. These results do in fact encourage the use of phenol for preserving the immunogenic and biochemical properties of the candidate vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis.Item Comparison among three polymerase chain reaction assays on detection of DNA from Leishmania in biological samples from patients with american cutaneous leishmaniasis.(2012) Silva, João Guilherme Lino da; Silva, Thiago Miranda da; Peloso, Eduardo de Figueiredo; Coelho, George Luiz Lins Machado; Mayrink, Wilson; Ariosa, Marília Caixeta Franco; Silva, Paulo Márcio de Faria e; Marques, Marcos JoséIntrodução: Analisou-se a positividade da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) na detecção de DNA de Leishmania em pacientes. Métodos: DNA extraído foi submetido a L150/L152, 13Y/13Z e PCR seminested (snPCR). Resultados: Resultados foram evidenciados por bandas de aproximadamente 120; 720 e 670pb para L150/L152, 13Y/13Z e snPCR, respectivamente. Positividades para L150/L152, 13Y/13Z e snPCR foram 76,9; 56,4 e 69,2 (p > 0,05), para suspeitos; e 93,7; 68,7 e 84,4 (p < 0,05) para confirmados, respectivamente. Conclusões: Resultados preliminares mostraram que os ensaios, principalmente L150/L152 e snPCR, podem detectar DNA de Leishmania e têm potencial para diagnóstico laboratorial das leishmanioses.Item Comparison of polymerase chain reaction with other laboratory methods for the diagnosis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis by polymerase chain reaction.(2006) Marques, Marcos José; Volpini, Ângela Cristina; Coelho, George Luiz Lins Machado; Pinto, Jackson Machado; Costa, Carlos Alberto da; Mayrink, Wilson; Genaro, Odair; Romanha, Alvaro JoséAn evaluation of 5 laboratory methods for diagnosing American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) was carried out on patients from an endemic area of Brazil. From 164 patients presenting cutaneous lesions, and suspected to have ACL, 133 (81.1%) were confirmed for the disease by Montenegro skin test (MST) and/or parasitologic examination (PE). In both groups of patients, the positivity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was similar to that of immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and higher than that of MST and PE ( P b .05). In the group of patients suspected to have ACL, PCR presented the same positivity as PE and MST together. No correlation between positivity of the laboratory methods and clinical or epidemiologic aspects was observed. Our data confirmed the value of PCR as an alternative laboratory method for diagnosing ACL, especially for those patients with negative PE and MST.Item Despite Leishvaccine and Leishmune ® trigger distinct immune profiles, their ability to activate phagocytes and CD8 + T-cells support their high-quality immunogenic potential against canine visceral leishmaniasis.(2008) Araújo, Márcio Sobreira Silva; Andrade, Renata Aline de; Vianna, Leonardo Rocha; Mayrink, Wilson; Reis, Alexandre Barbosa; Avelar, Renato Sathler; Carvalho, Andréa Teixeira de; Andrade, Mariléia Chaves; Melo, Maria Norma; Martins Filho, Olindo AssisPhenotypic features of peripheral blood leukocytes have been investigated as a prerequisite to characterize the protective immunity attributed to both Leishvaccine and Leishmune ® . Our results showed that either those vaccine were accompanied by distinct profiles on innate immune compartment. While Leishvaccine promoted early changes in phenotypic fea-tures of neutrophils and eosinophils with late involvement of monocytes, Leishmune ® induced early and persistent activation of neutrophils and monocytes, without changes on eosinophil activation status. Regarding the adaptive immunity, Leishvaccine sponsored a mixed profile, associated with phenotypic changes of T and B-lymphocytes. Major phenotypic changes in CD4 + T-cells with transient activation of CD8 + T-cell, besides decreased frequency of B-cell expressingItem Epidemiology of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the endemic area of Montes Claros Municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.(2003) Silva, João Carlos França da; Costa, Roberto Teodoro da; Siqueira, Ari M.; Coelho, George Luiz Lins Machado; Costa, Carlos Alberto da; Mayrink, Wilson; Vieira, Edvá P.; Silva, Jaime Costa daThe Montes Claros City is located in an endemic area for visceral leishmaniosis in the Minas Gerais State, Brazil.With the implementation of a program for the control of visceral leishmaniosis in 1994, a sectional study was carried out to evaluate the infection by viscerotropic Leishmania in the population of dogs from Montes Claros, basically using indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Blood samples were collected on filter paper from 33,937 dogs, representing 96.1% of the canine local population. The prevalence for visceral leishmaniosis was found to be 9.7% in the municipality, being 9.9% in the urban area and 8.8% in the rural area. The annual incidence showed to be 64.3/1000 dogs. Prevalence of infection was not correlated with dogs age. The most affected breeds were: Boxer (24.6%) and Cocker (26.9%); Mongrel dogs had a prevalence of 7.8%. Short-hair animals had a prevalence of 11.9%, while long-furred animals had a prevalence of 8.9%. The isoenzymatic profile indicated that Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi was the visceral leishmaniosis etiological agent in Montes Claros City, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The main geographical areas for the parasite transmission were identified, and control measures were immediately started. The role of the dog as a reservoir for L. chagasi was confirmed. It was demonstrated that short-furred animals are at a higher risk of acquiring visceral leishmaniosis than the long-furred dogs.Item Establishment of a microplate assay for flow cytometric assessment and it is use for the evaluation of age-related phenotypic changes in canine whole blood leukocytes.(2005) Reis, Alexandre Barbosa; Carneiro, Cláudia Martins; Carvalho, Maria das Graças; Carvalho, Andréa Teixeira de; Giunchetti, Rodolfo Cordeiro; Mayrink, Wilson; Genaro, Odair; Oliveira, Rodrigo Corrêa de; Martins Filho, Olindo AssisThe effectiveness of flow cytometric assays for canine use is still requiring standardization. Despite several studies using purified mononuclear cells, no methodology or reference ranges are available for immunophenotyping of whole blood leukocytes (WBL). Fresh and pre-fixed WBL were used to identify cell-subsets, (Thy-1 + /CD5 + /CD4 + /CD8 + /CD21 + and CD14 + ) and measure MHC-II, CD45RA/CD45RB expression. We described here an efficient method for fast quantification of canine-WBL, using pre-fix in a microplate assay, which allows long-term sample storage prior to phenotyping. Decreased percentage of CD5 + -T-cells within the lymphocyte-gate and increased percentage of CD21 + -B-cells were observed in young animals, which led to higher T/B cell ratios in middle-aged dogs. Lower numerical counts of Thy-1 + , CD4 + , CD8 + and CD21 + lymphocyte were observed when compared to young animals. In addition, we identified an age-related decline of MHC-II/ CD45RA expression by lymphocytes. We proposed an improved method for phenotyping of canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) that has significant use for researchers and veterinary clinicians. The hematological changes of senescence previously identified on PBMC could be adequately reproduced on features identified by whole blood. Furthermore, this study supplies normal range references as baseline standards for clinical purposes, besides specific immunological parameters to monitor canine aging process.Item Evaluation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using crude Leishmania and recombinant antigens as a diagnostic marker for canine visceral leishmaniasis.(2005) Rosário, Eliza Yoshie do; Genaro, Odair; Silva, João Carlos França da; Costa, Roberto Teodoro da; Mayrink, Wilson; Reis, Alexandre Barbosa; Carneiro, MariângelaThe performances of ELISA assays with different antigen preparations, such as Leishmania amazonensis or L. chagasi lysates and the recombinant antigens rK-39 and rK-26, were compared using sera or eluates from dried blood collected on filter paper to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies in dogs from a visceral leishmaniasis-endemic area in Brazil. Of 115 IFAT-reactive dogs at 1:40 titre, 106 (92.2%) were positive in parasitological exams (skin and/or spleen). These animals were compared to healthy animals (n = 25), negative for IFAT at a titre of 1:40 and parasitological exams. The sensitivities of crude and recombinant antigens were similar and remarkably high for both sera and eluates (97-100%). Specificity was higher than 96% for sera and eluates for different antigens, except for L. chagasi antigen using eluates (88%). Concordance values among the tests were higher either for sera or eluates (J = 0.95-1.00). High concordances were observed between sera and eluates tested with different antigens (kappa = 0.93-0.97). Crude and recombinant antigens identified different clinical phases of canine leishmaniasis. These results show that eluates could be used in canine surveys to identify L. chagasi infection. Recombinant antigens added little when compared to crude antigen in identifying positive dogs. Cross-reactivity with other diseases whose distribution often overlaps VL-endemic areas is a limitation of crude antigen use however.Item Histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of the hepatic compartment associated with parasitism and serum biochemical changes in canine visceral leishmaniasis.(2008) Giunchetti, Rodolfo Cordeiro; Mayrink, Wilson; Carneiro, Cláudia Martins; Oliveira, Rodrigo Corrêa de; Martins Filho, Olindo Assis; Marques, Marcos José; Tafuri, Wagner Luiz; Reis, Alexandre BarbosaThe immunopathological evaluation of the hepatic compartment associated with parasitism and biochemical findings are essential for understanding the genesis of hepatomegaly in anine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Three clinical groups of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi[i.e., asymptomatic (AD, n = 12), oligosymptomatic (OD,n = 12) and symptomatic (SD,n = 17)] were assessed and compared with a group of non-infected dogs (NID,n = 11). Intense reaction of the Kupffer cells, capsule and portal inflammation, and the presence of intralobular granulomas, were observed in the different clinical groups. Dogs in the SD group presented a higher frequency of parasitism compared with the AD group. Inflammatory alterations were more intense in the SD group and were associated with parasit-ism. Our results indicated an association between histological liver changes and the progression of biochemical alterations according to pro-gression of clinical forms of CVL, and the direct relationship between clinical symptoms and frequency of hepatic parasitism.Item Histopathological features, parasite density and cell phenotype of the popliteal lymph node in canine visceral leishmaniasis.(2008) Giunchetti, Rodolfo Cordeiro; Martins Filho, Olindo Assis; Carneiro, Cláudia Martins; Mayrink, Wilson; Marques, Marcos José; Tafuri, Washington Luiz; Oliveira, Rodrigo Corrêa de; Reis, Alexandre BarbosaWhile enlargement of popliteal lymph nodes (LN) is frequently described in canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), there are few histopathologic studies of lymph nodes during this chronic immunopathological condition.Besides a detailed histopathologic analysis, we have characterized the parasite load andmajor immunophenotypic features of theLNin Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi-infected dogs. Our major histopathological findings highlight that hypertrophy/hyperplasia of LN cortical and medullary zones was the principal characteristic observed in asymptomatic dogs (AD), whereas atrophy of LN cortical zone was predominant in symptomatic animals (SD). The LN parasite density detected by anti-Leishmania immunohistochemical assay or expressed as Leishman Donovan Units was also highly correlated with the skin parasitism, the most reliable parameter to decode the clinical status of CVL. The major LN immunophenotypic changes during ongoing CVL were an increased frequency of T-lymphocytes, particularly CD8+ T-cells, upregulation of MHC-II expression by lymphocytes and decreased levels of CD21+ B-cells. Our findings further demonstrated that changes in the LNB-lymphocyte compartment exhibited a negative correlation with the skin parasite load. Conversely, we also showed evidence for a positive association between skin parasitismandLNT-cell-mediated immunity, suggesting thatT-cells, especiallyCD8+ lymphocytes, may have a Type-2 immunological profile in this lymphoid tissue in response to CVL.Item Histopathology, parasite density and cell phenotypes of the popliteal lymph node in canine visceral leishmaniasis.(2008) Giunchetti, Rodolfo Cordeiro; Martins Filho, Olindo Assis; Carneiro, Cláudia Martins; Mayrink, Wilson; Marques, Marcos José; Tafuri, Wagner Luiz; Oliveira, Rodrigo Corrêa de; Reis, Alexandre BarbosaWhile enlargement of popliteal lymph nodes (LN) is frequently described in canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), there are few histopathologic studies of lymph nodes during this chronic immunopathological condition. Besides a detailed histopathologic analysis, we have characterized the parasite load and major immunophenotypic features of the LN inLeishmania (Leishmania ) chagasi-infected dogs. Our major histopathological findings highlight that hypertrophy/hyperplasia of LN cortical and medullary zones was the principal characteristic observed in asymptomatic dogs (AD), whereas atrophy of LN cortical zone was predominant in symptomatic animals (SD). The LN parasite density detected by anti- Leishmania immunohistochemical assay or expressed as Leishman Donovan Units was also highly correlated with the skin parasitism, the most reliable parameter to decode the clinical status of CVL. The major LN immunophenotypic changes during ongoing CVL were an increased frequency of T-lymphocytes, particularly CD8 + T-cells, up-regulation of MHC-II expression by lymphocytes and decreased levels of CD21 + B-cells. Our findings further demonstrated that changes in the LN B-lymphocyte compartment exhibited a negative correlation with the skin parasite load. Conversely, we also showed evidence for a positive association between skin parasitism and LN T-cell-mediated immunity, suggesting that T-cells, especially CD8 + lymphocytes, may have a Type-2 immunological profile in this lymphoid tissue in response to CVL.Item Immuno-biochemical evaluations of phenol and thimerosal as antigen preservatives in Montenegro skin test.(2006) Mayrink, Wilson; Coelho, George Luiz Lins Machado; Guimarães, Tânia Mara Pinto Dabés; Andrade, Hélida Monteiro de; Peres, Elúzia de Castro; Costa, Carlos Alberto da; Toledo, Vicente de Paulo Coelho Peixoto deMontenegro skin test (MST) represents the main complementary diagnostic test for tegumentary leishmaniases (TL) in endemic regions. Most antigen formulations used for the MST contain thimerosal as preservative. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, recommended reducing or eliminating thimerosal from vaccines and other biological reagents and the Agˆencia Nacional de Vigilˆancia Sanit´aria (ANVISA) in Brazil, prohibited the use of mercurial compounds in immunobiologicals. In the search for an alternative stabilizer, phenol and thimerosal were tested as antigen preservatives in MST. Formulations were tested when fresh and after a 12-month storage at 4 ◦C in TL confirmed mice and human patients, and were evaluated for protein constitution by SDS-PAGE, Western blot and anti-gp63 ELISA. In mice, a decrease in the diagnostic effectiveness in merthiolate formulation was observed after a 12-month storage. SDS-PAGE, Western blot and anti-gp63 ELISA analyses showed a degradation of antigen proteins in both formulations after 12-month storage and that phenol-preserved antigen was quantitatively and qualitatively better than the merthiolate-preserved one. In patients, the average of induration diameter was larger in fresh antigens (p < 0.05). However, storage time did not jeopardize their diagnostic capacity.No non-specific reactions produced by phenol or merthiolate were observed neither in humans nor in mice. Phenol could be a good alternative to replace the merthiolate in MST, and despite the proteolytic activity, antigens remain viable for at least 12 months.Item Immunochemotherapy in american cutaneous leishmaniasis : immunological aspects before and after treatment.(2001) Toledo, Vicente de Paulo Coelho Peixoto de; Mayrink, Wilson; Gollob, Kenneth John; Oliveira, Milton Adriano Pelli de; Costa, Carlos Alberto da; Genaro, Odair; Pinto, J. A.; Afonso, Luís Carlos CroccoIn this study, we evaluated the immune response of patients suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with two distinct protocols. One group was treated with conventional chemotherapy using pentavalent antimonium salts and the other with immunochemotherapy where a vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis was combined with the antimonium salt. Our results show that, although no differences were observed in the necessary time for complete healing of the lesions between the two treatments, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients treated by chemotherapy showed smaller lymphoproliferative responses at the end of the treatment than those from patients in the immunochemotherapy group. Furthermore, IFN-production was also different between the two groups. While cells from patients in the chemotherapy group produced more IFN-at the end of treatment, a significant decrease in this cytokine production was associated with healing in the immunochemotherapy group. In addition, IL-10 production was also less intense in this latter group. Finally, an increase in CD8+ -IFN-producing cells was detected in the chemotherapy group. Together these results point to an alternative treatment protocol where healing can be induced with a decreased production of a potentially toxic cytokine.Item Immunogenicity in dogs of three recombinant antigens (TSA, LeiF and LmSTI1) potential vaccine for canine visceral leishmaniasis.(2005) Fujiwara, Ricardo Toshio; Vale, André Macedo; Silva, João Carlos França da; Costa, Roberto Teodoro da; Quetz, Josiane da Silva; Martins Filho, Olindo Assis; Reis, Alexandre Barbosa; Oliveira, Rodrigo Corrêa de; Coelho, George Luiz Lins Machado; Bueno, Lilian Lacerda; Bethony, Jeffrey Michael; Frank, Glen; Nascimento, Evaldo do; Genaro, Odair; Mayrink, Wilson; Reed, Steven G.; Campos Neto, AntonioControl of canine visceral leishmaniasis (VL) remains a difficult and serious problem mostly because there is no reliable and effective vaccine available to prevent this disease. A mixture of three recombinant leishmanial antigens (TSA, LeIF and LmSTI1) encoded by three genes highly conserved in the Leishmania genus have been shown to induce excellent protection against infection in both murine and simian models of cutaneous leishmaniasis. A human clinical trial with these antigens is currently underway. Because of the high degree of conservation, these antigens might be useful vaccine candidates for VL as well. In the present study, using the dog model of the visceral disease, we evaluated the immunogenicity of these three antigens formulated with two different adjuvants, MPL-SE® and AdjuPrime®. The results were compared with a whole parasite vaccine formulated with BCG as the adjuvant. In order to investigate if sensitization with the recombinant antigens would result in recognition of the corresponding native parasite antigens upon infection, the animals were exposed for four weeks after the termination of the immunization protocol with the recombinant antigens to a low number of L. chagasi promastigotes, an etiological agent of VL. Immune response was evaluated by quantitative ELISA in the animal sera before and after exposure to the viable parasites. Both antigen specific IgG1 and IgG2 antibody levels were measured. Immunization of dogs with the recombinant antigens formulated in either MPL-SE® or AdjuPrime® resulted in high antibody levels particularly to LmSTI1. In addition, this immunization although to low levels, resulted in the development of antibody response to the whole parasite lysate. Importantly, experimental exposure with low numbers of culture forms of L. chagasi promastigotes caused a clear boost in the immune response to both the recombinant antigens and the corresponding native molecules. The boost response was predominantly of the IgG2 isotype in animals primed with the recombinant antigens plus MPL-SE®. In contrast, animals primed with the recombinant antigens formulated in AdjuPrime® as well as animals vaccinated with crude antigen preparation responded with mixed IgG1/IgG2 isotypes. These results point to the possible use of this antigen cocktail formulated with the adjuvant MPL-SE® in efficacy field trials against canine VL.Item Immunological changes in canine peripheral blood leukocytes triggered by immunization with first or second generation vaccines against canine visceral leishmaniasis.(2011) Araújo, Márcio Sobreira Silva; Andrade, Renata Aline de; Avelar, Renato Sathler; Magalhães, Camila Paula; Carvalho, Andréa Teixeira de; Andrade, Mariléia Chaves; Campolina, Sabrina Sidney; Melo, Maria Norma; Vianna, Leonardo Rocha; Mayrink, Wilson; Reis, Alexandre Barbosa; Malaquias, Luiz Cosme Cotta; Rocha, Luciana Morais; Martins Filho, Olindo AssisIn this study, we summarized the major phenotypic/functional aspects of circulating leuko-cytes following canine immunization with Leishvaccine and Leishmune ®. Our findings showed that Leishvaccine triggered early changes in the innate immunity (neutrophils and eosinophils) with late alterations on monocytes. Conversely, Leishmune ® induced early phenotypic changes in both, neutrophils and monocytes. Moreover, Leishvaccine triggered mixed activation-related phenotypic changes on T-cells (CD4 + and CD8 +) and B-lymphocytes, hereas Leishmune® promoted a selective response, mainly associated with CD8 + T-cell activation. Mixed cytokine profile (IFN- /IL-4) was observed in Leishvaccine immunized dogs whereas a selective pro-inflammatory pattern (IFN- /NO) was induced by Leishmune ® vaccination. The distinct immunological profile triggered by Leishvaccine and Leishmune ® may be a direct consequence of the distinct biochemical composition of these immunobiological, i.e. complex versus purified Leishmaniaantigen along with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) versus saponin adjuvant. Both immunobiologicals are able to acti-vate phagocytes and CD8 + T-cells and therefore could be considered as a putative vaccines against canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL)Item Immunotherapy, immunochemotherapy and chemotherapy for American cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.(2006) Mayrink, Wilson; Botelho, Ana Cristina de Carvalho; Magalhães, Paulo Araújo; Batista, Sebastião Mariano; Lima, Antonio de Oliveira; Genaro, Odair; Costa, Carlos Alberto da; Melo, Maria Norma; Michalick, Marilene Susan Marques; Williams, Paul; Dias, Magno; Caiaffa, Waleska Teixeira; Nascimento, Evaldo do; Coelho, George Luiz Lins MachadoO tratamento de primeira escolha para leishmaniose tegumentar americana é o antimonial pentavalente. Embora este tratamento seja na maioria das vezes efetivo e indicado, devem ser consideradas as desvantagens tais como efeitos colaterais, longa duração do tratamento e contra-indicação para cardiopatas, nefropatas, idosos, grávidas e outras condições. Com o advento da vacina antileishmaniose tegumentar americana para fins profiláticos e terapêuticos, associando-a ou não a outros fármacos, muitas pesquisas têm sido desenvolvidas, sendo a vacina a principal entre os atuais recursos no tratamento e prevenção da leishmaniose tegumentar americana. Em conclusão, a associação do antimônio com a vacina (imunoquimioterapia) apresentou o mesmo índice de cura em relação ao tratamento padrão (100%), e ainda reduziu o volume do sal em 17,9% e o tempo de cura significativamente, de 87 para 62 dias; conseqüentemente, reduzindo os efeitos colaterais.Item Importance of Lutzomyia longipalpis in the dynamics of transmission of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the endemic area of Porteirinha Municipality, Minas Gerais, Brazil.(2005) Silva, João Carlos França da; Barata, Ricardo Andrade; Costa, Roberto Teodoro da; Michalsky, Érika Monteiro; Coelho, George Luiz Lins Machado; Vieira, Edvá P.; Prata, Aluízio; Mayrink, Wilson; Nascimento, Edvaldo; Dias, Consuelo Latorre Fortes; Silva, Jaime C.; Dias, Edelberto SantosA study of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae), the primary vector of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL), and the canine form of the disease, was carried out in Porteirinha. The city is situated in the northern part of the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais and is an endemic area of AVL. Systematic phlebotomine captures were performed in seven districts with previously reported cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis, during 2 years (January 2000– December 2001). A total of 2328 specimens of L. longipalpis were captured. The association between the local climate variables and the population density of L. longipalpis was evaluated and rainfall was determined to be a major factor, with increased populations during the rainy season (October–March). At the same time period, blood samples from every dog domiciled in the same seven districts, in total 14,077 animals, were analyzed for infection by viscerotropic Leishmania using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Accumulated incidence rates of canine VL per district varied from 3.40 to 14.34 for the 2-year period. A positive correlation between the population density of L. longipalpis and the canine cases of visceral leishmaniasis in Porteirinha was observed.Item Isotype patterns of immunoglobulins : hallmarks for clinical status and tissue parasite density in brazilian dogs naturally infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi.(2006) Reis, Alexandre Barbosa; Carvalho, Andréa Teixeira de; Vale, André Macedo; Marques, Marcos José; Giunchetti, Rodolfo Cordeiro; Mayrink, Wilson; Guerra, Luanda Liboreiro; Andrade, Renata Aline de; Oliveira, Rodrigo Corrêa de; Martins Filho, Olindo AssisThe role of anti-leishmanial immune response underlying the susceptibility/resistance during canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) has been recognized throughout ex vivo and in vitro investigations. Recently, we demonstrated that immunoglobulin levels (Igs), as well as the parasite load are relevant hallmarks of distinct clinical status of CVL. To further characterize and upgrade the background on this issue, herein, we have evaluated, inLeishmania ( Leishmania ) chagasinaturally infected dogs, the relationship between tissue parasitism (skin, bone marrow, spleen, liver and lymph node), the CVL clinical status (asymptomatic (AD), with no suggestive signs of the disease; oligosymptomatic (OD), with maximum three clinical signs—opaque bristles; localized alopecia and moderate loss of weight; symptomatic (SD), serologically positive with severe clinical signs of visceral leishmaniasis), and the humoral immunological profile of anti-Leishmania immunoglobulins (IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgM, IgA and IgE). Our major statistically significant findings revealed distinct patterns of tissue parasite density within L. chagasi-infected dogs despite their clinical status, pointing out the spleen and skin as the most relevant sites of high parasitism during ongoing CVL. Parasite density of bone marrow and spleen were the most reliable parasitological markers to decode the clinical status of CVL. Moreover, the parasite density of bone marrow better correlates with most anti- Leishmania Igs reactivity. Additionally, a prognostic hallmark for canine visceral leishmaniasis was found, highlighting strong correlation between IgG1 and asymptomatic disease, but with IgA, IgE and IgG2 displaying better association with symptomatic disease. The new aspects of this study highlighted pioneer findings that correlated the degree of tissue parasite density (low (LP), medium (MP) and high (HP) parasitism) with distinct patterns of anti- Leishmania Igs reactivity. In this scope, our data re-enforce the anti- Leishmania IgG but with IgA reactivity as the better marker for overall tissue parasitism. The association between clinical status, Ig profile and the tissue parasitism support a novel investigation on the impact of humoral immune response and susceptibility/resistance mechanism during ongoing CVL