T-cell receptor Vβ repertoire of CD8+ T-lymphocyte subpopulations in cutaneous leishmaniasis patients from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), the immune response is mainly mediated by T-cells. The role of CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes, which are related to healing or deleterious functions, in affecting clinical outcome is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate T-cell receptor diversity in late-differentiated effector (LDE) and memory CD8⁺ T-cell subsets in order to create a profile of specific clones engaged in deleterious or protective CL immune responses. Healthy subjects, patients with active disease (PAD) and clinically cured patients were enrolled in the study. Total CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes showed a disturbance in the expression of the Vβ2, Vβ9, Vβ13.2, Vβ18 and Vβ23 families. The analyses of CD8⁺T-lymphocyte subsets showed high frequencies of LDE CD8⁺T-lymphocytes expressing Vβ12 and Vβ22 in PAD, as well as effector-memory CD8⁺ T-cells expressing Vβ22. We also observed low frequencies of effector and central-memory CD8⁺ T-cells expressing Vβ2 in PAD, which correlated with a greater lesion size. Particular Vβ expansions point to CD8⁺ T-cell clones that are selected during CL immune responses, suggesting that CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes expressing Vβ12 or Vβ22 are involved in a LDE response and that Vβ2 contractions in memory CD8⁺T-cells are associated with larger lesions.

Avaliação do risco epidemiológico e do desempenho dos programas de controle de tuberculose nas Regiões de Saúde do estado de Santa Catarina, 2003 a 2010* / Evaluation of epidemiologic risk and Tuberculosis Control Program performance by health regions, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2003-2010

Avaliar o risco epidemiológico e o desempenho dos programas de controle de tuberculose segundo Regiões de Saúde do estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, no período de 2003 a 2010. Métodos: estudo ecológico com dados fornecidos pela vigilância epidemiológica estadual, compreendendo 4 indicadores de risco e 11 de desempenho do programa; calculou-se a mediana de cada indicador por Região e atribuiu-se pontos conforme a distribuição percentilar, permitindo-se a criação de um índice de gravidade. Resultados: verificou-se a existência de diferentes níveis de risco de morbimortalidade e distintos índices de desempenho das ações de controle da tuberculose nas Regiões de Saúde; o índice de gravidade permitiu identificar 6 Regiões de maior gravidade, 9 intermediárias e 6 de menor gravidade, com diferenças nos escores de risco e desempenho (p<0,001). Conclusão: evidenciou-se grande variedade de nichos de gravidade distribuídos nas diversas Regiões, bem como diversidade no empenho da gestão administrativa para seu enfrentamento...

To evaluate epidemiologic risk and Tuberculosis Control Program performance by Health Region in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, 2003-2010. Methods: this was an ecological study using state epidemiologic surveillance data comprising 4 risk indicators and 11 Tuberculosis Program performance indicators; we calculated the median for each indicator by region and gave scores according to percentile ranking. A severity index was thus created. Results: different levels of morbi-mortality risk and distinct Tuberculosis control performance indexes were found in the regions; the severity index created allowed us to identify six regions with high severity, nine intermediate and six with low severity, although there were differences in risk and performance scores (p<0.001). Conclusion: a great variety was found in the distribution of pockets of disease severity in the different regions, as was diversity in health management efforts to overcome them...

Effects of typified propolis on mutans streptococci and lactobacilli: a randomized clinical trial / Efeitos da própolis tipificada nos estreptococcos do grupo mutans e lactobacilos: ensaio clínico randomizado

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial the effects of typified propolis and chlorhexidine rinses on salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LACT). Methods: One hundred patients were screened for salivary levels of MS >100,000 CFUs/mL of saliva. All patients presented with at least one cavitated decayed surface. Sixty patients met entry criteria. Subjects were adults 18-55 years old. After restoration of cavitated lesions patients were randomized to 3 experimental groups:1) PROP-alcohol-free 2% typified propolis rinse (n= 20); 2) CHX- 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse; 3) PLplacebo mouthrinse. Patients rinsed unsupervised 15 mL of respective rinses twice a day for 1 min for 28 days. Patients were assessed for the salivary levels of MS (Dentocult SM) and LACT (Dentocult LB) at baseline, 7-day, 14-day, and at 28-day visits (experimental effects) and at 45-day visit (residual effects). General linear models were employed to analyze the data. Results: PROP was superior to CHX at 14-day and 28-day visits in suppressing the salivary levels of MS (p < .05). PROP was superior to PL at all visits (p < .01). The residual effects of PROP in suppressing the salivary levels of MS could still be observed at the 45-day visit, where significant differences between PROP and CHX (p < .05), were demonstrated. PROP was significantly superior than CHX in suppressing the levels of salivary LACT at the 28-day visit (p < .05). Conclusion: Typified propolis rinse was effective in suppressing cariogenic infections in caries-active patients when compared to existing and placebo therapies.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar, em um estudo randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo-controlado os efeitos da própolis tipificada e clorexidina sobre os níveis salivares de estreptococos do grupo mutans (EM) e lactobacilos (LACT). Métodos: Cem pacientes foram selecionados para níveis salivares de MS > 100.000 UFC/mL de saliva. Todos os pacientes apresentaram pelo menos uma superfície cariada com cavitação. Sessenta pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os indivíduos eram adultos com 18-55 anos de idade. Após a restauração das lesões cavitadas, os pacientes foram randomizados para três grupos experimentais: 1) PROP- bochecho livre de álcool de 2% de própolis tipificada (n = 20), 2) CHX- bochecho de clorexidina 0,12%, 3) PL- bochecho placebo. Os participantes bochecharam sem supervisão 15 mL dos enxaguatórios duas vezes por dia, durante 1 minuto, durante 28 dias. Os pacientes foram avaliados para os níveis salivares de MS (Dentocult SM) e LACT (Dentocult LB) na linha de base, e após 7 dias, 14 dias, 28 dias (efeitos experimentais) e 45 dias (efeitos residuais). Modelos lineares foram utilizados para analisar os dados. Resultados: PROP foi superior ao CHX nas visitas de 14 dias e de 28 dias na supressão dos níveis salivares de SM (p < 0,05). PROP foi superior ao PL em todas as visitas (p < 0,01). Os efeitos residuais de PROP na supressão dos níveis salivares de MS ainda foi observado na visita de 45 dias, onde diferenças significativas entre PROP e CHX (p < 0,05) foram demonstradas. PROP foi significativamente superior a CHX na supressão dos níveis salivares de LACT na visita de 28 dias (p < 0,05). Conclusão: O enxaguatório de própolis tipificada foi eficaz na supressão de infecções cariogênicas em pacientes com atividade de cárie quando comparado a terapias existentes e ao placebo

Kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 exacerbates infection with Leishmania amazonensis in murine macrophages

In Leishmania amazonensis, kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (KMP-11) expression increases during metacyclogenesis and is higher in amastigotes than in promastigotes, suggesting a role for this protein in the infection of the mammalian host. We show that the addition of KMP-11 exacerbates L. amazonensis infection in peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice by increasing interleukin (IL)-10 secretion and arginase activity while reducing nitric oxide (NO) production. The doses of KMP-11, the IL-10 levels and the intracellular amastigote loads were strongly, positively and significantly correlated. The increase in parasite load induced by KMP-11 was inhibited by anti-KMP-11 or anti-IL-10 neutralising antibodies, but not by isotype controls. The neutralising antibodies, but not the isotype controls, were also able to significantly decrease the parasite load in macrophages cultured without the addition of KMP-11, demonstrating that KMP-11-induced exacerbation of the infection is not dependent on the addition of exogenous KMP-11 and that the protein naturally expressed by the parasite is able to promote it. In this study, the exacerbating effect of KMP-11 on macrophage infection with Leishmania is for the first time demonstrated, implicating it as a virulence factor in L. amazonensis. The stimulation of IL-10 production and arginase activity and the inhibition of NO synthesis are likely involved in this effect.

Indicação da prova tuberculínica e infecção latente da tuberculose em HIV-positivos, Município de Blumenau, Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, 2004-2009 / Tuberculin skin test prescription and tuberculosis latent infection treatment in HIV-positive, Municipality of Blumenau, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2004-2009

OBJETIVO: determinar a indicação à prova tuberculínica (PT) e tratamento para infecção latente da tuberculose (ILTB) pelo Serviço de Atendimento Especializado em DST/aids (SAE-DST/aids) do município de Blumenau, estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. MÉTODO: estudo transversal, em prontuários de pacientes HIV-positivos ingressantes entre 2004 e 2009; análises estatísticas foram estabelecidas pelos testes exato de Fisher, t de Student e qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: dos 693 pacientes, 56,6 por cento tinham aids e 96,23 por cento tinham indicação para PT, embora somente 16,29 por cento realizaram-na; a prescrição da PT foi de 23,46 por cento mas apenas 1,31 por cento realizou tratamento; fatores clínicos, como comorbidades relacionadas ao HIV, tiveram associação estatística com a prescrição da PT em 19,58 por cento dos não prescritos e 14,01 por cento dos prescritos (p<0,01); houve diferença estatística na frequência de indicação pelos médicos do serviço avaliado. CONCLUSÃO: os dados evidenciam que as recomendações para prescrição da PT em pacientes HIV-positivos e o tratamento da ILTB não estão sendo cumpridas pelo SAE/DST/aids de Blumenau-SC.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the indication of Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) treatment by the Specialized HIV/AIDS Healthcare Services (SHS-STD/AIDS) in Blumenau, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. METHODS: cross-sectional study with records of HIV-positive patients admitted between 2004 and 2009; statistical analysis were established using Fisher exact, t Student and chi-squared tests. RESULTS: among 693 patients, 56.6 per cent had aids and 96.23 per cent had indication to TST, although only 16.29 per cent performed it; TST prescription was 23.46 per cent but only 1.31 perc ent did the treatment; clinical featuressuch as HIV-related comorbidities were statistically associated with TST prescription in 19.58 per cent non-prescribed and 14.01 per cent prescribed (p<0.01); there was statistical difference in the proportion of indication among the physicians of the assessed service. CONCLUSION: data indicates that the recommendations to TST prescription in patients HIV-positiveand LTBI treatment are not being accomplished by the SHS-STD/AIDS of Blumenau-SC.

Kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 is present in promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and its surface expression increases during metacyclogenesis

Kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (KMP-11), a protein present in all kinetoplastid protozoa, is considered a potential candidate for a leishmaniasis vaccine. A suitable leishmaniasis vaccine candidate molecule must be expressed in amastigotes, the infective stage for mammals. However, the expression of KMP-11 in Leishmania amastigotes has been a subject of controversy. We evaluated the expression of this molecule in logarithmic and stationary growth phase promastigotes, as well as in amastigotes, of Leishmania amazonensis by immunoblotting, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, using a monoclonal antibody against KMP-11. We found that KMP-11 is present in promastigotes and amastigotes. In both stages, the protein was found in association with membrane structures (at the cell surface, flagellar pocket and intracellular vesicles). More importantly, its surface expression is higher in amastigotes than in promastigotes and increases during metacyclogenesis. The increased expression of KMP-11 in metacyclic promastigotes, and especially in amastigotes, indicates a role for this molecule in the parasite relationship with the mammalian host. The presence of this molecule in amastigotes is consistent with the previously demonstrated immunoprotective capacity of vaccine prototypes based on the KMP-11-coding gene and the presence of humoral and cellular immune responses to KMP-11 in Leishmania-infected humans and animals.

Análise das impressões digitais de DNA e de fatores de virulência de linhagens de Helicobacter pylori / Analysis of molecular fingerprint and virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori strains

RACIONAL: Helicobacter pylori é hoje aceito como o principal agente etiológico de gastrite em seres humanos e fator de risco para úlcera péptica e câncer gástrico. A evolução da infecção está relacionada a diversos fatores, inclusive bacterianos, como presença do gene cagA e o genótipo vacA s1m1, associados ao desenvolvimento de úlcera e adenocarcinoma gástrico. A técnica de RAPD ("random amplified polimorphic") tem sido amplamente utilizada para obtenção de impressões digitais de DNA para examinar a similaridade entre linhagens. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a presença de cagA e alelos do vacA em amostras de H. pylori e associar os achados com a doença apresentada e também investigar possível clonicidade entre os fatores de virulência e as doenças com a impressão digital de DNA gerada pelo RAPD-PCR. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas 112 amostras provenientes de pacientes com diferentes laudos endoscópicos: gastrite (n = 41), esofagite de refluxo (n = 14), úlcera gástrica (n = 19) e úlcera duodenal (n = 38). A análise dos fatores de virulência da bactéria foi feita por PCR e as impressões digitais de DNA foram estabelecidas pelo método de RAPD-PCR. RESULTADOS: Os resultados obtidos indicam que houve uma associação significativa entre úlcera duodenal e o mosaico vacA s1m1. Analisando-se os padrões de bandas geradas pelo RAPD-PCR, sete diferentes dendogramas foram construídos e não foi possível detectar associação significativa entre os agrupamentos, sugerindo que as amostras não possuem perfil clonal. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados reforçam a importância do gene vacA como um marcador de virulência do H. pylori. O RAPD da impressão digital de DNA realizado foi incapaz de associar o padrão de bandas com as enfermidades e os genótipos de vacA e cagA.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is now accepted as the most important agent of gastritis in humans, as well as a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma. The outcome of the infection is related to several factors, among them bacterial ones such as cagA and vacA s1m1 genotype. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR, has been used to generate DNA fingerprints to evaluate similarity among strains within a bacterial species. AIM: To assess the association between RAPD fingerprinting, virulence factors and the disease. METHODS: H. pylori was isolated from 112 patients (41 with gastritis; 19 with gastric ulcers; 38 with duodenal ulcer disease; and 14 with gastroesophageal reflux disease). Allelic variants of cagA and vacA were identified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the fingerprints were generated by RAPD-PCR. RESULTS: There was a strong association between the genotype vacA s1m1 and duodenal ulcers. Although RADP-PCR is a very useful tool in genotyping H. pylori, no significant correlation between the diseases studied and DNA fingerprint was detected neither with fingerprint and different vacA and, cagA genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The extension of our analysis to patients with well-characterized gastric diseases may provide significant information on the relationship between vacA genotypes and clinical outcomes of H. pylori infection.

Quantitative real-time PCR for the clinical detection of Helicobacter pylori

Accurate diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection is very important in both clinical practice and research. We evaluated the sensitivity of real-time PCR (RT-PCR) for the detection and quantification of Helicobacter pylori using DNA from 91 human gastric biopsy samples divided into three groups: 46 biopsies from untreated patients who according to the references methods were considered H. pylori-negative (group A); 35 biopsies from patients previously treated against H. pylori and considered to be cured by "gold standard" tests (group B); and 10 biopsies from patients H. pylori-positive by all available methods (group C). The sensitivity of the RT-PCR assay was higher than that of standard methods. Of the 81 patients considered to be uninfected according to the references methods, 16 were H. pylori-positive by PCR, 10 of which were patients who had received H. pylori eradication therapy and 6 were untreated patients. Based on these findings we recommend that RT-PCR should be use in addition to standard methods in clinical studies to monitor the results of H. pylori eradication therapy.

The influence of endoscopic procedures upon the contamination of Helicobacter pylori cultures

RACIONAL E OBJETIVOS: Dentre os vários métodos diagnósticos empregados na detecção da infecção por Helicobacter pylori, o diagnóstico histológico e a análise microbiológica de biopsia gástrica são consideradas as técnicas mais sensíveis. Entretanto, a sensibilidade da cultura de H. pylori pode ser reduzida pela presença de outras bactérias. Desse modo, avaliou-se a eficácia da desinfecção do endoscópio e a influência dos procedimentos endoscópicos na contaminação da cultura bacteriana. Para tal, as duas primeiras endoscopias durante 28 dias consecutivos foram estudadas. A sala de endoscopia, o fórceps e o canal do endoscópio foram analisados antes e depois do início dos procedimentos endoscópicos rotineiros. Depois da desinfecção, uma simulação de coleta de biopsia foi realizada para verificar a presença das bactérias gástricas. RESULTADOS: A desinfecção do endoscópio foi capaz de remover todos os organismos do fórceps e do canal do endoscópio. As bactérias não-H. pylori mais freqüentemente detectadas foram Streptococcus bovis, Enterobacter hormaechei e Staphylococcus aureus. Em alguns casos a sensibilidade da cultura do H. pylori foi reduzida pela presença de bactérias contaminantes. CONCLUSAO: Não houve risco de transmissão de microorganismos quando fórceps esterilizados e desinfecção adequada foram empregadas. A presença de S. bovis e E. hormaechei parece ser comum na microflora gástrica; por outro lado, a detecção de P. aeruginosa e S. aureus indica que a manipulação de biopsias pode ser responsável pela contaminação da cultura por essas bactérias.

An intermittent schedule is better than continuous regimen of antimonial therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This study reviews a series of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases diagnosed and treated in outpatient units in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, where the intermittent schedule of antimonial therapy was replaced by the continuous regimen. Both schedules were based on daily intramuscular injections of pentavalent antimonial. Forty-nine subjects received the intermittent regimen, consisting of three ten-day series alternated with ten-day rest intervals whereas seventy-one patients received the continuous regimen during 20 consecutive days. The study groups had similar composition regarding age, sex and clinical condition. The cure rate was significantly higher in the group receiving the intermittent schedule than in the group receiving continuous therapy (89.8 percent vs 63.3 percent). Moreover, loss to follow-up was significantly more frequent in the group receiving continuous therapy (19.7 percent vs 4.1 percent in the intermittent therapy). Under field conditions, the intermittent regimen provided higher effectiveness and adherence than the continuous schedule

A experiência do dieese em pesquisa e conhecimento / x

O texto situa o nascimento do Dieese com o objetivo singular de realizar pesquisas e estudos a partir da ótica da classe trabalhadora. O Dieese nasce para tentar produzir conhecimento em bases científicas, visando apoiar a disputa da classe trabalhadora pela distribuição de renda nacional. Relaciona os momentos de transformação da sociedade brasileira às principais pesquisas e atividades desenvolvidas pela instituição. Assim, os estudos e as pesquisas (inflação, custo de vida, cesta básica, salário mínimo, política salarial, emprego e desemprego, educação) surgem "datados" historicamente na vida do Departamento e estão ligados aos desafios daquele momento para os trabalhadores.

This article describes the birth of the institution Dieese, created with the sole purpose of carrying out research from the perspective of the working class. Dieese seeks to produce scientifically based knowledge in support of workers' demands for more equitable income distribution. This article links historical turning points affecting Brazilian society to the institution's major research projects and activities. Thus, the various studies (inflation, cost of living, the staple goods index, the minimum wage, wage policy, employment/unemployment and education) appear chronologically within the history of Dieese and reflect the challenges facing the working class at each particular moment.

Satisfacción de las necesidades básicas insatisfechas / Satisfaction of the unsatisfied basic necessities

Presenta una de las vías más efectivas para que los países puedan mejorar de manera importante la calidad de vida de sus poblaciones, en lo que hace referencia a la prestación de servicios públicos domiciliarios, en particular agua potable, alcantarillado, tratamiento de aguas residuales, recolección y tratamiento de residuos sólidos, drenaje urbano, control de vectores, etc. Para ello existen diversas tecnologías de bajo costo, que pueden ser usadas para reemplazar las tecnologías tradicionales de alto costo, como son los llamados alcantarillados condominiales o en régimen de condominio, alternativa que los gobiernos pueden adoptar para disminuir los deficits de alcantarillado de las comunidades y consecuentemente mejorar las condiciones de bienestar de las poblaciones menos favorecidas

Escapulectomia na seqüela de fratura: relato de caso / Scapulectomy for malunion: case report

The author report a case of scapular fracture with malunion and functional impairment, treated with partial scapulectomy with an excellent functional outcome (UCLA-Shoulder Rating Scale). Apparently, only one similar case has been reported to date.

Atypical Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania braziliensis in an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patient: T-cell Responses and Remission of Lesions Associated with Antigen Immunotherapy

An atypical case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated mucocutaneous lesions due to Leishmania braziliensis is described. Many vacuolated macrophages laden with amastigote forms of the parasite were found in the lesions. Leishmanin skin test and serology for leishmaniasis were both negative. The patient was resistant to therapy with conventional drugs (antimonial and amphotericin B). Interestingly, remission of lesions was achieved after an alternative combined therapy of antimonial associated with immunotherapy (whole promastigote antigens). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and stimulated in vitro with Leishmania antigens to test the lymphoproliferative responses (LPR). Before the combined immunochemotherapy, the LPR to leishmanial antigens was negligible (stimulation index - SI=1.4). After the first course of combined therapy it became positive (SI=4.17). The antigen responding cells were predominantly T-cells (47.5 percent) most of them with CD8+ phenotype (33 percent). Very low CD4+ cells (2.2 percent) percentages were detected. The increased T-cell responsiveness to leishmanial antigens after combined therapy was accompanied by interferon-g (IFN-g) production as observed in the cell culture supernatants. In this patient, healing of the leishmaniasis lesions was associated with the induction of a specific T-cell immune response, characterized by the production of IFN-g and the predominance of the CD8+ phenotype among the Leishmania-reactive T-cells

Tumor necrosis factor-æ in human American tegumentary leishmaniasis

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine produced by activated macrophages and other cells. In order to verify whether the serum levels of TNF-alpha in American tegumentary leishmaniasis patients are associated with the process of cure or aggravation of the disease, 41 patients were studied: 26 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and 15 of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). During active disease the serum levels of TNF-alpha of MCL patients were significantly higher than those of CL patients and control subjects (healthy individuals and cutaneous lesions from other etiologies). The MCL patients had serum titers of TNF-alpha significantly lower at the end of antimonial therapy than before therapy. After a six-month follow-up, the MCL patients had serum levels of TNF-alpha similar to those observed at the end of the therapy as well as to those of Cl patients and control subjects. No significant variation in the serum levels of TNF-alpha was observed in CL patients throughout the study period (before, at the end of therapy and after a six-month follow-up). The possible relationship between the high TNF-alpha serum levels and severity of the disease is discussed.

Identification of GTPase genes in the protozoa parasites Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania amazonensis

A PCR based assay was designed in order to amplify putative ras gene sequences of the GTPase superfamily eventually present in Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi. A set of primers corresponding to the conserved motifs G1 and G3 of the GTP binding proteins was synthesized. Sequencing of six PCR products (three from Leishmania and three from Trypanosoma) identified, however, two other different GTPases. The 270 bp L. amazonensis clone, pLef-11, shared an amino acid identity of around 80 percent with an eukaryotic elongation factor 1a of protein synthesis. On the other hand, the 168 bp T. cruzi clone, pTCr1, demonstrated over 60 percent amino acid identity to ras-related proteins of the rab-YPT-SEC4 family involved in control of vesicular traffic. To our knowledge, this is the first report of GTP binding protein genes in trypanosomatids

Indirect immunofluorescence test in new world Leishmaniasis: serological and clinical relation-ship

O teste de imunofluorescência indireta (IF) para a detecçäo de anticorpos anti-Leismania nas classes IgG e IgM foi realizado em soros de indivíduos dos seguintes grupos: 214 pacientes com leismaniose cutânea, quatro pacientes com leismaniose mucocutânea, 28 indivíduos sadios com intradermorreaçäo de Montenegro (IDRM) positiva, 29 indivíduos sadios com IDRM negativa e 16 pacientes com leishmaniose visceral. Os indivíduos dos quatro primeiros grupos eram provenientes de uma área da periferia da cidade do Rio de Janeiro (Jacarepaguá) onde a leishmaniose tegumentar causada por Leishmania braziliensis brasiliensis é endêmica. Entre os pacientes com leishmaniose cutânea foi observado que os títulos de IF-IgM foram significantemente mais altos nos casos com menos de quatro meses de evoluçäo do que em pacientes com períodos mais longos de evoluçäo da doença e que os títulos de IF-IgG foram significantemente mais altos em pacientes com lesöes múltiplas do que nos portadores de lesäo única. Os pacientes com leishmaniose visceral tiveram títulos de IF-IgG significantemente superiores aos dos pacientes com leishamiose cutânea. zum grupo de 28 indivíduos selecionados entre os 214 pacientes com leishmaniose cutânea tiveram seus títulos de IF (IgG e IgM) comparados aos de dois grupos controles constituídos de indivíduos sadio, moradores na área endêmica com IDRM respectivamente positiva e negativa. Títulos de IF-IgG e IF-IgM significantemente superiores foram encontrados no grupo com doença ativa. O mesmo grupo de pacientes apresentou título de IF-IgG significantemente mais baixos após a terapêutica antimonial do que durante a mesma