Identificação de biomarcadores nutricionais relacionados ao desenvolvimento de hanseníase em associação com a infecção pelo S. mansoni

Abstract

Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, whose manifestations are influenced by the host's immune response. Helminth infections and micronutrient deficiencies may coexist with leprosy, suppressing the immune response. This study aimed to identify nutritional biomarkers associated with developing leprosy and coinfection by S. mansoni. A longitudinal study was conducted by the NUPqHANS/CNPq group, which randomly selected 1,200 participants from Governador Valadares/MG and surrounding areas. Blood and urine samples were collected. Antibody reactivity to the Leprosy IDRI diagnostic 1 (LID-1) antigen was performed using a Multiplex assay (CDC-USA). Presumptive detection of schistosomiasis was performed using the Urine CCA Kit. The presence of anti-SEA and anti-SWAP antibodies was verified by ELISA (CPqRR/FIOCRUZ/BH), and the levels of vitamin D, A, and Ferritin were analyzed in a partner laboratory. Of the 1200 participants, 81 presented anti-LID antibodies (LID+). These were monitored for confirmation of leprosy and grouped into three groups: LID(+)Schisto(-)ND (N=33), LID(+)Schisto(+)ND (N=26), and LID(+)Schisto(-)D (N=19). The results highlight that the levels of vitamin A and D were significantly lower in the group diagnosed with leprosy (LID(+)Schisto(-)D). Both vitamins were shown to be effective biomarkers to distinguish between the LID(+)Schisto(-)ND and LID(+)Schisto(-)D groups, as well as between the LID(+)Schisto(+)ND and LID(+)Schisto(-)D groups. Furthermore, higher ferritin levels were associated with the severity of the health condition (LID(+)Schisto(+)ND and LID(+)Schisto(-)D). Thus, it can be concluded that nutritional markers are regulated differently depending on the presence of one or both infections and leprosy.