Genetic variability and geographical diversity of the main Chagas' disease vector Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera: Triatominae) in Brazil based on ribosomal DNA intergenic sequences.

Studies were made on the ribosomal DNA intergenic region, comprising complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1, 5.8S, and ITS-2 sequences, of populations of the triatomine Panstrongylus megistus, the most important vector of Chagas' disease in Brazil since Triatoma infestans eradication. Specimens were from 26 localities of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Sergipe states.

[Allochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Paraná, Brazil: epidemiological implications].

The south region is the only area in Brazil that does not present autochthonous cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), however, in the state of Paraná, dogs and humans have been found showing a VL compatible clinical profile. In view of this problem, the present work aimed at isolating and identifying the parasite and determining the cases autochthony. All animals clinically suspect of VL were clinically evaluated, and had samples of their blood collected for hemoculture (NNN culture medium), serology, PCR and RAPD-PCR, hemogram, and biochemical assays.

Comparison of serological and parasitological methods for cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosis in the state of Paraná, Brazil.

We evaluated the effectiveness of serological and parasitological methods for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) diagnosis in patients from the central region of Paraná state, southern Brazil. Five groups were compared: clinical diagnosis, parasitological diagnosis, communicants, inhabitants of a non-endemic area and carriers of other etiologies. Two antigens were prepared from promastigotes of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis for indirect immunofluorescence assay, ELISA and immunoblotting.

A new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the central area of Paraná State, southern Brazil.

We report a new endemic zone of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the central area of the State of Paraná (Municipality of Prudentópolis), in southern Brazil. This region was not previously considered endemic for CL, and this work constitutes the first report of CL endemicity there. Leishmaniasis was confirmed by smear, culture, and ELISA.

Molecular diagnosis of leishmaniosis in the Paraná state of southern Brazil.

The objective of the present study was to establish a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for the diagnosis of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniosis from autochthonous cases in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil as well as imported cases. We sought to determine its utility and accuracy compared with smears and present culture methods. To standardize PCR samples, skin and mucosal punch biopsies from human lesions were performed on patients living in different regions of the Paraná state (76 cases) and other endemic areas of Brazil and Argentina (7 cases).

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: epidemiology of canine cutaneous leishmaniasis in the State of Paraná (Brazil).

The present study examines the role that dogs play in the maintenance of the Leishmania cycle in the State of Paraná, Southern Brazil. Dogs were examined in three regions where cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic or epidemic (R1-Vale da Ribeira; R2-Central region of Paraná State and R3-Northern region). To determine serum prevalence rates ELISA was used.

Eco-epidemiological survey of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis American cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Ribeira Valley River, Paraná State, Brazil.

Leishmaniasis is endemic since last century in Adrianópolis Municipality, Ribeira Valley and is a serious public health. A study carried out during 1993-2003 on epidemiological surveys conducted in rural communities showed 339 new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) detected from four municipalities (Adrianópolis, Cerro Azul, Doutor Ulysses and Rio Branco do Sul). A larger prevalence of cutaneous lesions was observed in rural workers (36%), women with domestic activities (18%), and younger students (31%).

[Epidemiological and clinical study of 332 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the north of Parana State from 1993 to 1998].

Cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in northern Parana State have been reported since the 1950's, but towards the end of the 1980's there has been an increase in the number of human infections. From 1993 to 1998, a study was carried out in an attempt to define the epidemiological profile of leishmaniasis in this region. A total of 316 cases of CL were reported from 35 municipal districts and 16 imported cases.