263823 Isolation of T. Cruzi and Leishmania in wild mammals and domestic dogs in El Paso County Regions 9 and 10

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM

Jacqueline Mariscal , College of Health Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX
Rodrigo Armijos, MD, ScD , Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX
Margaret Weigel, PhD , Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX
Ken Waldrup, DVM, PhD , Zoonotic Control Branch HSR 9/10, Regional Veterinarian, El Paso, TX
New World Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic protozoal disease caused by various species of the genus Leishmania. Many mammals have been described as hosts of Leishmania and some of them are considered to play an important role as reservoirs. Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). It is well recognized that T. Cruzi is endemic in the United States, as evidenced by infections reported in domestic dogs and a wide range of mammalian wildlife species. This study will seek to identify T. Cruzi and Leishmania in wild mammals which include rodents, raccoons, and also in domestic dogs in the El Paso County and surrounding areas (Regions 9 and 10).DNA extraction and amplification of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania from wild rodent and canine heart, spleen, and skin tissue will be conducted for the identification of all Leishmania species and T. cruzi by PCR using the IRB-P control gene.

Learning Areas:
Basic medical science applied in public health
Other professions or practice related to public health
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control

Learning Objectives:
Identify T. Cruzi and Leishmania in wild mammals which include rodents, raccoons, and also in domestic dogs in the El Paso County and surrounding areas (Regions 9 and 10).

Keywords: Zoonoses, Communicable Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: My research background working on Influenza has provided me with the knowledge and valuable laboratory skills that I am applying in this research project. I have also conducted research internationally, working with health care professionals to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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