Dados do Trabalho

Título

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in former black-slave (quilombola) communities of southern Brazil

Introdução

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are obligate bacteria that may infect and cause anemia in mammalian species. Human detection of hemoplasmas has been mostly reported in individuals with close contact with animals, including immunocompromised patients, veterinarians, researchers, farmers, and travelers.

Objetivo (s)

The present study aimed to assess hemoplasma infection in quilombola individuals from four different Brazilian quilombola communities located in rural areas of the Paraná State, southern Brazil.

Material e Métodos

This study has been approved by Ethics Committee for Human Health of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (protocol 53828121.1.0000.0105). A total of 10 mL of human blood samples were collected by certified nurses via cephalic puncture, after signed consent. Human samples were screened by a universal hemoplasma qPCR assay to detect hemoplasma 16S rDNA gene (~200 bp). Positive samples were sequenced using the WideSeq method.

Resultados e Conclusão

A total of 12/208 (5.8%) quilombola individuals were positive for hemoplasma by qPCR, and with only one positive individual presented anemia (Packed Cell Volume: 33%). Results of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing confirmed Mycoplasma heamocanis infection in two human samples. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study of hemoplasma detection in quilombola individuals. Similarly to farmers and other individuals in close contact with animals and potential vectors, results herein highlighted for hemoplasma infection in quilombola individuals. Further studies should be conducted to fully establish the clinical outcomes of M. haemocanis infection in humans.

Palavras Chave

One health; Public health; Mycoplasma heamocanis