Investigation of zoonotic agents in armadillos (Mammalia: Cingulata) of the species Euphractus sexcinctus in the Caatinga biome

Environmental surveillance through the epidemiological investigation of zoonotic agents is fundamental for a better understanding of endemic areas and possible new outbreaks, besides being used as a measure of prevention and control of zoonoses. Tatus are members of the order Cingulata and, mainly in the Northeast of Brazil, are responsible for direct and indirect contact with humans through the consumption of their meat, hunting, crafts of their shell and domestication of these animals. These situations expose humans to pathogens known as zoonotic, such as Leptospira, Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. Among the species of armadillos studied, the armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is the most researched in the Americas. However, the most abundant and widely distributed armadillo species in the Northeast of Brazil is the armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus). This research project aims to acquire information on the epidemiological chain and the participation of E. sexcinctus in diseases of zoonotic potential through direct and indirect research of infectious agents in the municipality of Mossoró, state of Rio Grande do Norte. Serological, parasitological (when applicable), immunoassay (where applicable) and molecular tests will be used and the occurrence or absence of the aforementioned pathogens is expected to be identified as well as to establish the genotyping related to the species in question. If the expected results are obtained we can provide detailed information that will help in the development of prophylaxis and disease control strategies, highlighting the best clarification of epidemiology involving humans and possible wild reservoirs. In addition, we will provide subsidies for complementary studies on other possible zoonoses coming from six-banded armadillos.