SUSANA ANGELICA ZEVALLOS LESCANO
Projetos de Pesquisa
Unidades Organizacionais
Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina
LIM/06 - Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose e outras Parasitoses, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina
LIM/06 - Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose e outras Parasitoses, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina
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- Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of strongyloidiasis in indigenous communities and healthcare professionals from Brazil(2023) SANTAREM, Vamilton Alvares; DOLINE, Fernando Rodrigo; SANTOS, Joao Henrique Farinhas dos; FERREIRA, Isabella Braghin; GOMES, Bruna Barroso; MEISEL, Dirce Mary Correa; BIONDO, Leandro Meneguelli; LESCANO, Susana Angelica Zevallos; GRYSCHEK, Ronaldo Cesar Borges; GIUFFRIDA, Rogerio; SANTOS, Andrea Pires dos; KMETIUK, Louise Bach; PAULA, Fabiana Martins de; BIONDO, Alexander WelkerAuthor summaryHuman strongyloidiasis, caused mainly by nematoda Strongyloides stercoralis, with estimate of infecting around 613.9 million people worldwide, and may play a pivotal role in causing morbidity in aboriginals and indigenous populations worldwide. Nevertheless, prevalence and risk factors for Strongyloides stercoralis in Brazilian indigenous populations remains to be fully established. The present study was the first comparative report of S. stercoralis seroprevalence in indigenous population and healthcare professionals. A high seroprevalence to Strongyloides stercoralis in indigenous communities of Brazil along with even higher exposure of healthcare professionals was reported and should be considered as vulnerability and health worker exposure. Male and adult indigenous persons were more likely seropositive as associated risk factors, while having septic tank as a sanitary facility represented a protective factor for S. stercoralis exposure. Thus, the present study has alerted for the public health concerns of strongyloidiasis in such vulnerable populations, particularly when lacking sanitation conditions. Finally, a further One Health approach may contribute for better understanding the strongyloidiasis exposure including the environmental, animal, and human components to battle this important parasitic neglected disease in indigenous communities. Strongyloides stercoralis, a pathogenic roundworm, is considered endemic in several tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Indigenous populations have the highest soil-transmitted helminthiases-related mortality rates, but the prevalence and risk factors associated with S. stercoralis in Brazilian indigenous populations have not been established. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for S. stercoralis in indigenous communities and the healthcare professionals serving them in Brazil. Indigenous populations living in nine communities and healthcare professionals were tested for anti- S. stercoralis antibodies by ELISA. A questionnaire was used to assess socio-epidemiological information. Associated risk factors for seropositivity were tested by chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, using bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Overall, 174/463 (37.6%; CI 95%: 33.3-42.1) indigenous persons and 77/147 (52.4%; 95% CI: 44.3-60.3) healthcare professionals were seropositive for anti- S. stercoralis antibodies. Seropositivity among the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.0016; OR = 0.547; 95% CI: 0.376-0.796) and revealed that healthcare professionals were 1.83 times more likely to be seropositive. The multivariate analysis showed that being male or being adult were also risk factors, while having a septic tank as a sanitary facility represented a protective factor for S. stercoralis exposure in indigenous persons. None of the variables evaluated were associated with S. stercoralis exposure in the professional group. The study herein has reported a high seroprevalence to Strongyloides stercoralis in indigenous communities of Brazil and healthcare professionals, warning for potential public health concerns of strongyloidiasis in such populations.
- N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)Pentanamide, a Simplified Derivative of Albendazole, Displays Anthelmintic Properties against the Nematode Toxocara canis(2022) SILVA, Tais C.; MENGARDA, Ana C.; LEMES, Bruna L.; LESCANO, Susana A. Z.; SOUZA, Dalete Christine S.; LAGO, Joao Henrique G.; MORAESA, Josue deInfections caused by parasitic helminths have enormous health, social, and economic impacts worldwide. The treatment and control of these diseases have been dependent on a limited set of drugs, many of which have become less effective, necessitating the search for novel anthelmintic agents. In this study, a simplified compound, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide (N4MP), based on the structure of the most widely used anthelmintic (albendazole), was chemically prepared using 4-anisidine and pentanoic acid. N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)pentanamide was evaluated in vitro against the nematode Toxocara canis, an ascarid roundworm of animals that can infect humans. Similar to albendazole, bioassays showed that N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide affected the viability of parasites in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Interestingly, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide showed a profile of lower cytotoxicity to human and animal cell lines than albendazole. Pharmacokinetic, drug-likeness, and medicinal chemistry friendliness studies demonstrated an excellent drug-likeness profile for N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide as well as an adherence to major pharmaceutical companies' filters. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrate that the molecular simplification of albendazole to give N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide may be an important pipeline in the discovery of novel anthelmintic agents. IMPORTANCE Infections caused by parasitic helminths have enormous health, social, and economic impacts worldwide. The treatment and control of these diseases have been dependent on a limited set of drugs, many of which have become less effective, necessitating the search for novel anthelmintic agents. Considering this scenario, the present study reports the preparation of N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide (N4MP), a simplified molecule based on the structure of the most widely used anthelmintic (albendazole). N4MP was evaluated in vitro against the nematode Toxocara canis, a common ascarid roundworm of domestic animals that can infect humans. Similar to albendazole, bioassays showed that N4MP affected the viability of parasites in a time- and concentration-dependent manner but displayed a profile of lower cytotoxicity to human and animal cell lines than albendazole. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the molecular simplification of albendazole to give N4MP may be an important pipeline in the discovery of novel anthelmintic agents.
- Serosurvey of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. co-infection in pregnant women in low-income areas of Brazil(2024) PEREIRA, Edlayne Larissa Gretter Machado; FERREIRA, Isabella Braghin; VICTORINO, Roberta Brinholi; LESCANO, Susana Angelica Zevallos; GIUFFRIDA, Rogerio; KMETIUK, Louise Bach; BIONDO, Alexander Welker; SANTAREM, Vamilton AlvaresIntroduction: Despite human toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis having been listed among the top six most neglected parasitic zoonoses worldwide, presenting similar associated risk factors and transmission routes, few studies have been conducted in pregnant women and the consequences of concurrent infection remain to be fully established. Accordingly, the present study has serologically assessed the co-infection and associated risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. in pregnant women, assisted by the public Unified National Health System (SUS) in southeastern Brazil. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected and tested for IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by chemiluminescence immunoassay and against Toxocara spp. by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to gather socioeconomic information to assess the risk factors associated with seropositivity to toxocariasis/toxoplasmosis by univariate analysis followed by logistic regression. Results: Overall, seropositivity was 69/280 (24.6, 95% CI: 19.96-30.01) for T. gondii and 56/280 (20.0, 95% CI: 15.73-25.08) for Toxocara spp. Co-infection was observed in 25/280 (8.9, 95% CI: 6.12-12.85) pregnant women, with increased odds (OR: 3.3, CI 95%: 1.77-6.14, p = 0.0002). Logistic regression revealed that a higher educational level (high school or college) significantly reduced the likelihood of co-infection seropositivity, owning cats increased the odds of toxocariasis, and older pregnant women presented significantly higher T. gondii seropositivity. Conclusion: Co-infection herein highlights the importance of educational programs in the prevention of toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and other high-risk populations.
- One health approach to toxocariasis in quilombola communities of southern Brazil(2023) SANTAREM, Vamilton Alvares; PANAZZOLO, Giovanni Kalempa; KMETIUK, Louise Bach; DOMINGUES, Orlei Jose; FERREIRA, Isabella Braghin; SOUZA FILHO, Roberto Teixeira de; FARINHAS, Joao Henrique; DOLINE, Fernando Rodrigo; LESCANO, Susana Angelica Zevallos; BIONDO, Leandro Meneguelli; GIUFFRIDA, Rogerio; BIONDO, Alexander Welker; FAVERO, Giovani MarinoBackground Toxocariasis has been listed among the most neglected parasitic diseases worldwide, with approximately one fifth of the global population exposed, particularly those living under poverty. In Brazil, communities of descendants of enslaved blacks (quilombola) have historically had some of the highest rates of vulnerability and poverty, characterized by lack of health assistance, poor quality of life, and nutritional insecurity.Methods A cross-sectional sampling of quilombola individuals living in four communities of southern Brazil, as well as their dogs and the soil, was carried out from December 2021 to March 2022. Sociodemographic and other information such as water source, alimentary habits, and dog and cat ownership were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire for assessing toxocariasis risk factors. Human serum samples were tested by ELISA for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibody detection was carried out on dog feces and hair, and soil samples were surveyed for presence of Toxocara spp. eggs.Results Overall, 172/208 individuals (82.7%, 95% CI = 77.0-87.2) were seropositive, the highest seroprevalence rate to date in Brazil. Male gender (P = 0.029), educational level (P = 0.026), and drinking water source (P = 0.043) were associated with seropositivity by univariate analysis. Final logistic regression revealed increased odds (P = 0.017, OR = 7.6, 95% CI = 1.5-42.7) to have seropositivity in individuals > 50 years old (< 10 years old). As expected, individuals with soil contact were more likely seropositive (P = 0.038, OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.1-18.8). Although retrieved in only 5/96 (5.2%) dog feces, Toxocara spp. eggs were found in 18/60 (30.0%) soil samples.Conclusions The high vulnerability and seroprevalence observed in quilombola communities clearly demand a One Health approach for detection, monitoring, and prevention of infection by Toxocara spp. in both human and dog populations.
- Risk factors for toxocariasis during incarceration: the One Health intervention approach(2023) SANTAREM, Vamilton Alvares; PINTO, Gabriel Luis Brucinski; SOUZA FILHO, Roberto Teixeira de; FERREIRA, Isabella Braghin; LESCANO, Susana Angelica Zevallos; GONZALES, William Henry Roldan; KOSLOSKI, Jully; RIBEIRO, Juliano; GIUFFRIDA, Rogerio; SANTOS, Andrea Pires dos; KMETIUK, Louise Bach; BIONDO, Alexander WelkerDespite potential exposure to soil-transmitted helminths, especially when stray dogs and cats are present, toxocariasis in inmate populations remains to be established. Accordingly, the present study assessed the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis at the Women's State Penitentiary of Parana, Brazil. A total of 234/370 (63.2%; 95% CI 58.2-68.0) women inmates and 28/87 (32.2%; 95% CI 23.3-42.6) correctional officers were seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG by ELISA, with inmates 2.62-fold more likely positive (p = 0.00000026). The univariate model has identified that non-white (OR = 1.58, p = 0.047) and older than 39 years (OR = 1.28, p = 0.032) inmates were associated with mild but significant odds for seropositivity. Elementary or higher educational level was considered a protective factor for seropositivity. The presence of Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 10/15 (66.7%) collected soil samples by centrifuge-flotation in Zinc Sulfate, and molecular analysis by PCR identified only Toxocara cati in these eggs. An intervention program was established with regular trap-neuter-release, with gradual removal for adoption (donation campaigns), treatment, and euthanasia when necessary (particularly due to advanced sporotrichosis). In addition, an educational awareness agenda was proposed, aiming to reduce soil contamination and accidental intake by the incarcerated population. A total of 40 feral cats were trapped, 20 males and 20 females, mostly adults. After trapping, 36 cats were neutered, treated, and microchipped in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Federal University of Parana. Five trapped feral cats were euthanized, four diagnosed with advanced sporotrichosis, and one already neutered cat (not herein) with complications due to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Female inmates presented higher seroprevalence for Toxocara spp. antibodies when compared to correctional officers, significantly associated with age, selfdeclared ethnicity (non-white), and lack of formal education. Despite the non-natural scenario of a state penitentiary, the One Health approach of Toxocara spp. has highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the study and its relevance in understanding the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental factors, particularly impacting female inmates. Further studies should establish the rate of inmate infection over time while deprived of liberty.
- One health approach to toxocariasis in Brazilian indigenous populations, their dogs, and soil contamination(2023) SANTAREM, Vamilton Alvares; DOLINE, Fernando Rodrigo; FERREIRA, Isabella Braghin; FARINHAS, Joao Henrique; BIONDO, Leandro Meneguelli; SOUZA FILHO, Roberto Teixeira de; PETTAN-BREWER, Christina; GIUFFRIDA, Rogerio; LESCANO, Susana Angelica Zevallos; SANTOS, Andrea Pires dos; KMETIUK, Louise Bach; BIONDO, Alexander WelkerIntroduction: Although socioeconomic vulnerability and lifestyle factors may contribute to the transmission of Toxocara spp., no study has investigated indigenous populations in Brazil using the One Health approach. Methods: Accordingly, this study assessed anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in Brazilian indigenous people and healthcare professionals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Presence of Toxocara spp. eggs (feces and hair) in dogs as definitive hosts and in soil samples of the indigenous communities were also recovered and molecularly investigated. Results: Overall, 342/463 (73.9%) indigenous individuals and 46/147 (31.3%) non-indigenous healthcare professionals were seropositive for Toxocara spp. In addition, T. canis eggs were retrieved from 9/194 (4.6%) dog fecal samples and 4/204 (2.0%) dog hair samples, mainly from the Parana State communities (3/42; 7.1%). Soil contamination was observed only in the Parana State communities (36/90; 40.0%), with the molecular detection of T. canis. River water consumption was also associated with indigenous seropositivity (Odds ratio, 11.4). Discussion: Indigenous individuals in Parana State communities were 2.72-fold more likely to be seropositive than those in Sao Paulo State, likely due to a lack of sanitary infrastructure. In this scenario, a primarily soil-transmitted disease may also have become waterborne, with embryonated eggs probably spread to water supplies by rain. Full-time healthcare professionals in daily contact with indigenous communities were 9.2-fold more likely to be seropositive than professionals who visited sporadically, suggesting exposure to Toxocara spp. during their work and raising health concerns. In addition, the findings herein showed a significantly higher seroprevalence in indigenous people than in healthcare workers (.2 = 85.5; p < 0.0001), likely due to overtime exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, Brazilian indigenous communities are highly exposed to toxocariasis, with poor infrastructure and contact with contaminated river water as associated risk factors and a higher risk of infection in healthcare professionals working full-time in these communities.
- Human Toxocariasis: 2010 to 2020 Contributions from Brazilian Researchers(2021) CHIEFFI, Pedro Paulo; LESCANO, Susana Angelica Zevallos; FONSECA, Gabriela Rodrigues e; SANTOS, Sergio Vieira dosThis is a review of the published contributions made by Brazilian researchers between 2010 and 2020 on the natural history of human toxocariasis and the effects of human toxocariasis on nonhuman paratenic hosts.
- One Health approach on human seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies, Toxocara spp. eggs in dogs and sand samples between seashore mainland and island areas of southern Brazil(2021) DELAI, Ruana Renostro; FREITAS, Aaronson Ramathan; KMETIUK, Louise Bach; MERIGUETI, Yslla Fernanda Fitz Balo; FERREIRA, Isabella Braghin; LESCANO, Susana Angelica Zevallos; GONZALES, William Henry Roldan; BRANDAO, Ana Perola Drulla; BARROS-FILHO, Ivan Roque de; PETTAN-BREWER, Christina; FIGUEIREDO, Fabiano Borges; SANTOS, Andrea Pires dos; PIMPAO, Claudia Turra; SANTAREM, Vamilton Alvares; BIONDO, Alexander WelkerToxocariasis, caused by Toxocara spp. nematodes, is among the top 5 neglected parasitic diseases worldwide; however, no comprehensive study to date has serologically compared infections in people and their dogs and environmentally contaminated soil or sand of mainland and island locations. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in traditional human seashore populations, the presence of eggs in dogs' feces and hair, and the presence of eggs in environmental samples from islands compared to the adjacent mainland of southern Brazil. Overall, 212/328 (64.6%) people were positive for Toxocara spp. antibodies, including 125/190 (65.8%) island and 87/138 (63.0%) mainland residents. For dog samples, 12/115 (10.43%) were positive for the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs, all from dogs living in islands, and 22/104 (21.15%) dog hair samples contained eggs of Toxocara spp. Environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 50/130 (38.46%) samples from all sampled sites. No significant association was found between risk factors (age, sex, educational level, monthly income, owning dogs or cats, ingestion of treated water, and consumption of raw or uncooked meat) and Toxocara spp. seropositivity. The present study is the first concurrent report on people, their dogs, and environmental contamination of Toxocara spp. The high prevalence we observed in the seashore populations of both in island and mainland areas may be caused by exposure to contaminated sand and climatic factors favoring frequent exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, seashore lifestyle and living conditions of both island and mainland areas may have predisposed higher contact with infected pets and contaminated soil, favoring the high prevalence of toxocariasis.