Fiotec is part of a project developed by Fiocruz Pernambuco, which invests, among others, in the diagnosis of highly complex visceral leishmaniasis (VL), infectious disease which may attack people and animals. The institution is responsible for acquiring input used in the production of rapid triage tests, in addition to working on contracting professionals who develop the research.

Instituto Aggeu Magalhães recently disclosed the creation of a 100% national funding to be aggregated to testing for diagnosing leishmaniasis. In laboratory, the Fiocruz team was able to create different versions of a synthetic protein generated from the union of fragments from several proteins of the protozoan which causes the disease, the Leishmania infantum. With that new laboratory-produced protein (or recombinant antigen), the interaction with the antibody present in humans or animals positive for VL is possible, identifying if that sample is infected by the cause of the disease or not.

The support of Fiotec is also on the next step in the production of the protein, in which it is forwarded to the Immunobiological Technology Institute (Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz), in Rio de Janeiro, in specific temperature to ensure its stability. In Campus Manguinhos of the Foundation, the input is finally aggregated to the rapid serological test device. The Rio de Janeiro institute also participated in the previous stages of development and assessment of the proposed test.

The new antigen has as much efficacy in symptomatic dogs as in asymptomatic dogs positive for visceral leishmaniasis, improving the applicability of the exam regarding the existing ones in the market. The expectation is that it can be aggregated to the rapid serological test used by the Unified Health System (SUS), when all necessary steps are finished. There is currently no national product with such efficiency, requiring importing input used in testing for humans and another for dogs.

Visceral leishmaniasis
It is transmitted by the bite of an insect called phlebotomus, or popularly known as “sand fly.” The female fly must bite an infected dog, which works as the main urban area reservoir for the protozoan Leishmania infantum, and then bite a human, transmitting the disease. On men, the disease is considered chronic and systemic and may reach several organs. It can cause anemia, weight loss, weakness, long-term fever, increased liver and spleen. An early diagnosis and beginning of the treatment in short notice are essential to avoid the worsening and complications, including death. The treatment is available on the SUS (Unified Health System) for free.

Source: Fiocruz Pernambuco portal.