DETECÇÃO MOLECULAR DE Leishmania spp. EM PESSOAS QUE VIVEM COM O VÍRUS DA IMUNODEFICIÊNCIA HUMANA (PVHIV) ATENDIDOS EM SERVIÇOS DE REFERÊNCIA DE MATO GROSSO DO SUL

Abstract

Introduction Leishmaniasis are zoonotic diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by infected female phlebotomine sandflies, representing a significant public health challenge, especially in tropical regions. Coinfection with HIV worsens leishmaniasis due to immunosuppression, compromising the control of the parasite and enhancing its systemic dissemination. Objective This study aimed to identify cases of leishmaniasis in people living with HIV in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, using molecular methods. Materials and Methods Between March and May 2023, 103 participants were selected from reference services, where questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic and epidemiological data. Additionally, medical records were analyzed to obtain information on viral load and TCD4+ cell count. Whole blood samples were collected to detect Leishmania spp. Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), targeting KDNA and LnPCR with SSUrRNA as the target. Results Of the 103 participants, 2 were positive for both molecular techniques, while 11 were positive only for KDNA or SSUrRNA. Most cases were concentrated in Campo Grande-MS, with a predominance of men and an average age of 40 years. Many of the affected individuals were white, had low educational levels, or were dog owners. The undetectable viral load in participants positive for Leishmania PCR, as well as the average TCD4+ lymphocyte count, was similar to that observed in the group of HIV carriers with negative Leishmania PCR results. Conclusion The positivity of asymptomatic Leishmania/HIV coinfection, assessed by PCR among the participants of this study, was 12.62% (13/103), highlighting the importance of molecular diagnosis to identify this condition in patients living with HIV.