Natural environmental water sources in endemic regions of northeastern Brazil are potential reservoirs of viable Mycobacterium leprae.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The detection of live Mycobacterium leprae in soil and animals other than humans suggests that the environment plays a role in the transmission of leprosy.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of viable M. leprae in natural water sources used by the local population in five municipalities in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil.

Methods

Samples were collected from 30 different sources. Viable bacilli were identified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the M. leprae gyrA gene and sequencing of the PCR products. Physicochemical properties of each water source were also assessed.

Findings

M. leprae gyrA mRNA was found in 23 (76.7%) of the water sources. No association was found between depth of

SUBMITTER: Arraes MLBM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5719548 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature