Journal de recherche clinique et expérimentale en dermatologie
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Laboratory Monitoring of Individuals with Subclinical Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Infections in Southern Brazil

Sandra Mara Alessi Aristides, Marcos Vinícius Zandonadi Bernal, Herintha Coeto Neitzke-Abreu, Nádia Baggio Ratti, Maria Valdrinez Campana Lonardoni and Thaís Gomes Verzignassi Silveira

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has a high incidence worldwide. Most individuals with CL develop the cutaneous form, but subclinical infections may occur.

Objective: The present study used different laboratory methods [polymerase chain reaction (PCR), indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and enzyme reaction immunoassay (ELISA)] to investigate the incidence, and monitor individuals with subclinical infections.

Patients and methods: The six individuals with subclinical infections included residents of a CL endemic area. Collections of biological material were carried out for nearly three years.

Results: Two of these individuals were positive for Leishmania, one of them by PCR and the other by PCR, IIF and ELISA after previous negative results.

Conclusion: The presence of a subclinical infection suggests the development of an appropriate immune response that can control replication of the parasite and maintain the integrity of the tissue. Individuals with subclinical infections must be correctly diagnosed and monitored using different methods, because of the possibility of the development of the mucosal form, and may serve as reservoirs for the insect vector.