Detection of Leishmania infantum in Lutzomyia longipalpis captured in Campo Grande, MS

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania (Ross, 1903) and is the focus of considerable attention in human and veterinary medicine. In the city of Campo Grande, MS, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis is Leishmania infantum (= L. chagasi) primary vector, comprising approximately 92.9% of the local sandfly population, is Lutzomyia longipalpis. The aim of this work was to compare real-time PCR with PCR as a tool for the detection of the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) of L. infantum in sandflies. Sandflies of this species were caught, and a total of 38 samples with 1-4 individuals in each sample were obtained; these were distributed across 13 districts and divided between seven urban areas of the city of Campo Grande, MS. Three positive samples were found by PCR and, when using real-time PCR, this was able to detect the presence of this agent in 6 of the 13 districts sampled, which were all located on the outskirts of the city, where indicates the greater enzootic potential of these regions, as they are closer to natural forest reserves. We conclude that real-time PCR can be used for epidemiological studies of L. infantum.