Project coordination
University of Salford
Partners
University College London
Manchester Metropolitan University
Universidade Estadual da Paraíba
Universidade Federal do Piauí
Universidade Estadual do Ceará
Centro Universitário Aparício Carvalho
Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso
ICAS, Brazil
Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá
Virginia Tech
Universidad de Málaga
Hospital Giselda Trigueiro - Natal/RN
Universidade Federal do Pernambuco
Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima
Aim: As a primary objective, this research seeks to address significant knowledge gaps by exploring the geographic distribution and prevalence of both M. leprae and M. lepromatosis in armadillos collected from 10 states in Brazil.
Full project title: Unveiling the zoonotic dynamics of Leprosy in Brazil: a molecular exploration and surveillance approach
Project summary
This project aims to investigate the transmission dynamics of M. leprae between humans and armadillos in Brazil. Armadillos are regularly hunted in Brazil, and there is evidence suggesting that contact between humans and armadillos increases the risk of contracting leprosy. In contrast, in the United States, where interactions between humans and armadillos are less frequent, leprosy is acknowledged as a disease that can spread from these animals to humans. Brazil reports a significant number of leprosy cases each year (around 28,000), and it is known that two groups of armadillos, Dasypus and Euphractus, can naturally carry the leprosy bacteria, M. leprae. However, the mechanisms behind M. leprae transmission from armadillos to humans in Brazil are still poorly understood.
In this context, this project will attempt to find answers to three main questions: 'How common is leprosy among armadillos in Brazil?', 'Are there different types of the leprosy bacteria in armadillos?' and 'Does the same bacterial strain occur in armadillos and humans?'.
To tackle these questions, we have assembled a diverse team of researchers and conservationists from 10 states in Brazil. The research team will work closely together with local communities to collect and analyse samples from hunted armadillos to better understand leprosy prevalence in these wild animals. Samples of humans affected by leprosy will also be analysed to compare with the strains found in armadillos.
Conventional and new DNA sequencing techniques will be used to analyse the genome of the bacteria responsible for leprosy in both human and armadillo populations. The research will focus not only on detecting the bacteria causing leprosy but also on investigating their genetic similarity and potential resistance to treatment. By elucidating the M. leprae transmission routes between humans and armadillos, the project aims to enhance public health interventions for disease prevention and control.