University studies use of protein in leishmaniasis treatment
All the studies have been conducted in Brazil, with no interference from abroad (Wilson Dias/Agência Brasil)
Scientists from the University of São Paulo (USP) are studying the use of proteins produced by the human body to prevent, treat and eliminate leishmaniasis. The ultimate purpose of the research, which started six years ago, is to develop a vaccine or medicine capable of fighting the disease.
According to USP researcher and biologist Djalma de Souza Lima Júnior, studies have revealed that the infection with a parasite named Leishmania induces the production of certain proteins in human cells. The scientists have observed that some of them have the ability to control how the parasite breeds in the human body.
“It's a natural process. Leishmania enters the cell, and the cell has the tools to try to control replication,” he explains.
The idea behind the vaccine is to attempt to stimulate the creation of immunity by the cell. According to Lima Júnior, there is no vaccine against the illness; treatment is all there is available to us. “But drugs are extremely toxic and not totally efficacious: the parasite doesn't leave the body,” he said.
The disease is transmitted by the bite of the mosquito Phlebotomus infected by leishmaniasis. The parasite remains within the person's body for the rest of their life. What doctors do, Lima Júnior explains, is merely treat the symptoms. When suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis—the focus of the research—the patient shows painless sores with raised outlines, lesions on mucous membranes and the nose, sore throat, hoarseness and cough.
“In some [patients] symptoms disappear by themselves. They show sores on their skin, as demonstrated by studies, and these wounds heal naturally.” After treatment, some patients may still show symptoms of leishmaniasis again at some point in their lives.
Leishmaniasis has been ed in the country since 1909. According to the Ministry of Health, approximately 21 thousand cases are reported every year. The North shows the highest rate, 54.4 cases for every group of 100 thousand inhabitants; followed by the Central-West, with 22.9 cases for every 10 thousand inhabitants; and the Northeast, in which 14.2 cases are notified for every 100 thousand people. The scholar also says that leishmaniasis can also be found in other Latin American countries, as well as Africa and Asia.
In order to reach the population, the vaccine or medicine based on the findings of the research needs to be further studied and tested, which might take years. Lima Júnior believes, however, that the initial data are fairly promising. All the studies have been conducted in Brazil, with no interference from abroad.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: University studies use of protein in leishmaniasis treatment
