Detecção de Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis através de PCR convencional e qPCR em amostras de saliva de pacientes de região endêmica do estado de Pernambuco

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is caused by several protozoan species of the genus Leishmania, which affect the skin and or mucous membranes and viscera. These diseases are characterized by their clinical and epidemiological manifestations. The species of L. (Viannia) braziliensis (the main one found in Pernambuco) can cause a cutaneous form - evolving to spontaneous cure; as a mucosa formed by American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ACL). The research participants were from both sexes, with varied ages, coming from several regions of the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The patients were recruited after anamnesis from the need for technical and dermatological assistance at Oswaldo Cruz Hospital and where saliva samples were collected through the noninvasive collection method. These were transported to the Immunoparasitology Laboratory of the Immunology Department of the Aggeu Magalhães Institute - FIOCRUZ-PE, where they were submitted to molecular tests (PCR and qPCR). The molecular targeting was kDNA, specific for the diagnosis of Leishmania (V.) braziliensis. In addition, experimental tests were performed to identify the disease. From the total of 41 salivary solution samples, 26 showed positivity in both molecular tests for LTA. The noninvasive collection is a sensitive therapy, practical and comfortable to the patient, allowing detection and quantification by PCR and qPCR of Leishmania spp. DNA, the saliva utilized in the diagnostic technique may help in the confirmation of LTA, aiming at a better prognosis for patients.