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de Sá FAP, Andrade JFM, Miranda TC, Cunha-Filho M, Gelfuso GM, Lapteva M, Kalia YN, Gratieri T. Enhanced topical paromomycin delivery for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment: Passive and iontophoretic approaches. Int J Pharm 2023; 648:123617. [PMID: 37977289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Conventional treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a neglected vector-borne infectious disease, can frequently lead to serious adverse effects. Paromomycin (PAR), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, has been suggested for the topical treatment of disease-related lesions, but even when formulated in high drug-loading dosage forms, presents controversial efficacy. The presence of five ionizable amino groups hinder its passive cutaneous penetration but make PAR an excellent candidate for iontophoretic delivery. The objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of using iontophoresis for cutaneous PAR delivery and to propose a topical passive drug delivery system that could be applied between iontophoretic treatments. For this, in vitro iontophoretic experiments evaluated different application durations (10, 30, and 360 min), current densities (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mA/cm2), PAR concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 %), and skin models (intact and impaired porcine skin). In addition, 1 % PAR hydrogel had its penetration profile compared to 15 % PAR ointment in passive transport. Results showed iontophoresis could deliver suitable PAR amounts to dermal layers, even in short times and with impaired skin. Biodistribution assays showed both iontophoretic transport and the proposed hydrogel delivered higher PAR amounts to deeper skin layers than conventional ointment, even though applying 15 times less drug. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PAR drug delivery enhancement by iontophoresis. In summary, the association of iontophoresis with a topical application of PAR gel seems appropriate for improving cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A P de Sá
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jayanaraian F M Andrade
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Thamires C Miranda
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Marcilio Cunha-Filho
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M Gelfuso
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria Lapteva
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yogeshvar N Kalia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Taís Gratieri
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Alotaibi H, Aldossari A, Alnasser S. Impetiginous Cutaneous Leishmaniasis after COVID-19 Infection in a Patient with Poor Cardiac Profile: A Case Report and Literature Review. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:443. [PMID: 37755904 PMCID: PMC10536164 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence has been rising in the past couple of decades. Standard therapy often includes antileishmanial drugs; however, due to their low safety and toxicity threshold, alternative treatments are being investigated. The association between COVID-19 and cutaneous leishmaniasis remains unclear and exploring this connection may offer crucial insights into the pathophysiology of and treatment strategies for infected patients. In this article, we describe a case of a male patient with a history of cardiac and other comorbidities who presented with cutaneous leishmaniasis in the form of impetigo-like skin lesions after being infected with COVID-19. Due to the patient's poor cardiac profile, sodium stibogluconate was not used and an alternative therapeutic approach was employed. The patient was treated with oral terbinafine, cryotherapy on specific lesions, and a course of cephalexin. Following the course of treatment and subsequent follow-up, the patient exhibited complete resolution and healing of the lesions with scarring, and no active lesions or recurrence were observed. This case highlights the potential for alternative treatment strategies for cutaneous leishmaniasis in patients with comorbidities and emphasizes the importance of further research to better understand the link between COVID-19 and cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Alotaibi
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11472, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Sultan Alnasser
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11472, Saudi Arabia;
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3
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Singh R, Kashif M, Srivastava P, Manna PP. Recent Advances in Chemotherapeutics for Leishmaniasis: Importance of the Cellular Biochemistry of the Parasite and Its Molecular Interaction with the Host. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050706. [PMID: 37242374 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a category 1 neglected protozoan disease caused by a kinetoplastid pathogen called Leishmania, is transmitted through dipteran insect vectors (phlebotomine, sand flies) in three main clinical forms: fatal visceral leishmaniasis, self-healing cutaneous leishmaniasis, and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Generic pentavalent antimonials have long been the drug of choice against leishmaniasis; however, their success is plagued with limitations such as drug resistance and severe side effects, which makes them redundant as frontline therapy for endemic visceral leishmaniasis. Alternative therapeutic regimens based on amphotericin B, miltefosine, and paromomycin have also been approved. Due to the unavailability of human vaccines, first-line chemotherapies such as pentavalent antimonials, pentamidine, and amphotericin B are the only options to treat infected individuals. The higher toxicity, adverse effects, and perceived cost of these pharmaceutics, coupled with the emergence of parasite resistance and disease relapse, makes it urgent to identify new, rationalized drug targets for the improvement in disease management and palliative care for patients. This has become an emergent need and more relevant due to the lack of information on validated molecular resistance markers for the monitoring and surveillance of changes in drug sensitivity and resistance. The present study reviewed the recent advances in chemotherapeutic regimens by targeting novel drugs using several strategies including bioinformatics to gain new insight into leishmaniasis. Leishmania has unique enzymes and biochemical pathways that are distinct from those of its mammalian hosts. In light of the limited number of available antileishmanial drugs, the identification of novel drug targets and studying the molecular and cellular aspects of these drugs in the parasite and its host is critical to design specific inhibitors targeting and controlling the parasite. The biochemical characterization of unique Leishmania-specific enzymes can be used as tools to read through possible drug targets. In this review, we discuss relevant metabolic pathways and novel drugs that are unique, essential, and linked to the survival of the parasite based on bioinformatics and cellular and biochemical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjeet Singh
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Mohammad Kashif
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Prateek Srivastava
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Partha Pratim Manna
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
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Olías-Molero AI, de la Fuente C, Cuquerella M, Torrado JJ, Alunda JM. Antileishmanial Drug Discovery and Development: Time to Reset the Model? Microorganisms 2021; 9:2500. [PMID: 34946102 PMCID: PMC8703564 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Leishmania species. The disease affects humans and animals, particularly dogs, provoking cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral processes depending on the Leishmania sp. and the host immune response. No vaccine for humans is available, and the control relies mainly on chemotherapy. However, currently used drugs are old, some are toxic, and the safer presentations are largely unaffordable by the most severely affected human populations. Moreover, its efficacy has shortcomings, and it has been challenged by the growing reports of resistance and therapeutic failure. This manuscript presents an overview of the currently used drugs, the prevailing model to develop new antileishmanial drugs and its low efficiency, and the impact of deconstruction of the drug pipeline on the high failure rate of potential drugs. To improve the predictive value of preclinical research in the chemotherapy of leishmaniasis, several proposals are presented to circumvent critical hurdles-namely, lack of common goals of collaborative research, particularly in public-private partnership; fragmented efforts; use of inadequate surrogate models, especially for in vivo trials; shortcomings of target product profile (TPP) guides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Olías-Molero
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.O.-M.); (C.d.l.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Concepción de la Fuente
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.O.-M.); (C.d.l.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Montserrat Cuquerella
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.O.-M.); (C.d.l.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Juan J. Torrado
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - José M. Alunda
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.O.-M.); (C.d.l.F.); (M.C.)
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Wang D, Kuzma ML, Tan X, He TC, Dong C, Liu Z, Yang J. Phototherapy and optical waveguides for the treatment of infection. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:114036. [PMID: 34740763 PMCID: PMC8665112 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant microbes, it is imperative to seek alternative means for infection control. Optical waveguides are an auspicious delivery method for precise administration of phototherapy. Studies have shown that phototherapy is promising in fighting against a myriad of infectious pathogens (i.e. viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa) including biofilm-forming species and drug-resistant strains while evading treatment resistance. When administered via optical waveguides, phototherapy can treat both superficial and deep-tissue infections while minimizing off-site effects that afflict conventional phototherapy and pharmacotherapy. Despite great therapeutic potential, exact mechanisms, materials, and fabrication designs to optimize this promising treatment option are underexplored. This review outlines principles and applications of phototherapy and optical waveguides for infection control. Research advances, challenges, and outlook regarding this delivery system are rigorously discussed in a hope to inspire future developments of optical waveguide-mediated phototherapy for the management of infection and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingbowen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Research Institute, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Michelle Laurel Kuzma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Research Institute, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Xinyu Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Research Institute, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Academy of Orthopedics, Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510280, China
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Cheng Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Research Institute, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Zhiwen Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Research Institute, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Merson L, Bourner J, Jalloh S, Erber A, Salam AP, Flahault A, Olliaro PL. Clinical characterization of Lassa fever: A systematic review of clinical reports and research to inform clinical trial design. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009788. [PMID: 34547033 PMCID: PMC8486098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research is urgently needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality of Lassa fever (LF), including clinical trials to test new therapies and to verify the efficacy and safety of the only current treatment recommendation, ribavirin, which has a weak clinical evidence base. To help establish a basis for the development of an adaptable, standardised clinical trial methodology, we conducted a systematic review to identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of LF and describe how LF has historically been defined and assessed in the scientific literature. METHODOLOGY Primary clinical studies and reports of patients with suspected and confirmed diagnosis of LF published in the peer-reviewed literature before 15 April 2021 were included. Publications were selected following a two-stage screening of abstracts, then full-texts, by two independent reviewers at each stage. Data were extracted, verified, and summarised using descriptive statistics. RESULTS 147 publications were included, primarily case reports (36%), case series (28%), and cohort studies (20%); only 2 quasi-randomised studies (1%) were found. Data are mostly from Nigeria (52% of individuals, 41% of publications) and Sierra Leone (42% of individuals, 31% of publications). The results corroborate the World Health Organisation characterisation of LF presentation. However, a broader spectrum of presenting symptoms is evident, such as gastrointestinal illness and other nervous system and musculoskeletal disorders that are not commonly included as indicators of LF. The overall case fatality ratio was 30% in laboratory-confirmed cases (1896/6373 reported in 109 publications). CONCLUSION Systematic review is an important tool in the clinical characterisation of diseases with limited publications. The results herein provide a more complete understanding of the spectrum of disease which is relevant to clinical trial design. This review demonstrates the need for coordination across the LF research community to generate harmonised research methods that can contribute to building a strong evidence base for new treatments and foster confidence in their integration into clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Merson
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Bourner
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Astrid Erber
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alex Paddy Salam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Piero L. Olliaro
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Alsaad R, Hameed M. The First Record of Zoonotic Genes of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis among Human, Dogs, and Sandflies by Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction and Phylogenetic Analyses. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the zoonotic diseases that is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. The study aimed to diagnosed CL in human, dogs, and sandflies by PCR, and identification the zoonotic gene of CL by the nested PCR technique. A total of 100 patients with CL, 237 of owned-dogs, and 147 females sandflies collected. (88%) of humans samples, (95.77% skin biopsies and 20.69% of blood samples) of dogs, and (40.58%) of sandflies tissues were positive for L. major, while L. tropica infection was positive in (12%) of humans, in (4.23% symptomatic, and 6.89% asymptomatic) of dogs, and in (27.54%) of sandflies samples. The sequence ID of the local L. major in human were registered in NCBI as (MW421598.1, MW421599.1, MW421600.1), in dogs (MW421601.1, MW421602.1, MW421603.1), and sandflies (MW421604.1, MW421605.1, MW421606.1). While L. tropica in human were registered in NCBI as (MW421604.1, MW421605.1, MW421606.1), in dogs (MW421428.1, MW421429.1), and in sandflies (MW421430.1, MW421431.1). To our knowledge, this is the first study that contributes to the diagnosis of CL spp. in three different hosts (human, dogs, and sandflies) at the same time, particularly in Iraq and in Middle East countries.
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Martins SS, Barroso DH, Rodrigues BC, da Motta JDOC, Freire GSM, Pereira LIDA, Kurisky PS, Gomes CM, Sampaio RNR. A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial: Oral Miltefosine and Pentavalent Antimonials Associated With Pentoxifylline for the Treatment of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:700323. [PMID: 34277476 PMCID: PMC8281031 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.700323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), which can present as either cutaneous (CL) or mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), is endemic in South America, and first-line antimonial treatments are known for their wide range of adverse effects (AEs). Growing reports of drug resistance increase the urgency of the need for better treatment options. The objective of this pilot clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of and AEs associated with the oral combination of miltefosine and pentoxifylline based on a post hoc analysis. Methods A pilot, randomized, open-label clinical trial was performed. The experimental group (M+P) received 50 mg twice a day (BID) miltefosine and 400 mg three times a day (TID) pentoxifylline, and the control group (A+P) received 20 mg Sb+V/kg/day intravenously and 400 mg TID pentoxifylline. Patients with ML received treatment for 28 days, and patients with CL received treatment for 20 days. Results Forty-three patients were included: 25 with ML and 18 with CL caused by L.(V.) braziliensis. AEs were more frequent in the A+P group (p=0.322), and there was a need for treatment interruption due to severe AEs (p=0.027). Patients with CL had a higher chance of achieving a cure (p=0.042) and a higher risk of AEs (p=0.033). There was no difference in the chance of a cure based on the treatment (p=0.058). Conclusion In this pilot randomized clinical trial, M+P treatment and A+P treatment yielded similar cure rates, and the former was associated with a lower risk of AEs. Future studies with more patients and longer follow-up are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Sales Martins
- Pós-Graduação de Ciências da Saúde da Faculdade de Ciências Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Daniel Holanda Barroso
- Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Pós-Graduação de Ciências Médicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Laboratório de Dermatomicologia da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Bruna Côrtes Rodrigues
- Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Pós-Graduação de Ciências Médicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Patrícia Shu Kurisky
- Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Pós-Graduação de Ciências Médicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ciro Martins Gomes
- Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Pós-Graduação de Ciências Médicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Laboratório de Dermatomicologia da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Raimunda Nonata Ribeiro Sampaio
- Pós-Graduação de Ciências da Saúde da Faculdade de Ciências Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Pós-Graduação de Ciências Médicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Laboratório de Dermatomicologia da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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Azhar A, Connell HE, Haas C, Surla J, Reed D, Kamboj S, Love GL, Bennani Y. Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Louisiana - one-year follow-up: A case report. World J Clin Infect Dis 2021; 11:19-26. [DOI: 10.5495/wjcid.v11.i1.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports of leishmaniasis are scarce in North America. It is considered to be one of the neglected tropical diseases. It is seen in immigrants from endemic areas to United States. Treatments are not readily available in the United States. Untreated or inadequately treated cutaneous leishmaniasis not only causes localized disfigurement but can advance to more permanent and devastating mucosal disfigurement and perforation, if caused by a species that can also cause mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.
CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old human immunodeficiency virus negative male immigrant from Honduras presented to the emergency department of our facility in Louisiana with a 2-mo history of a left lower extremity ulcer. It started as a painless blister that progressed in size and developed into other smaller lesions tracking up the thigh and became tender and erythematous. Clinically looked nontoxic and healthy. He was afebrile. Blood tests, except inflammatory markers, were within normal limits. The cellulitis of the leg was treated with 6 d of vancomycin that also relieved the pain. Skin biopsy was obtained, and histopathology was suspicious for leishmania. Polymerase chain reaction/deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing done by centers for disease control and prevention confirmed the diagnosis as Leishmania panamensis. There was no involvement of naso-oropharyngeal mucosa, confirmed by otolaryngology. The patient was treated with miltefosine for 28 d. Clinic follow-up after approximately 11 mo revealed a healed skin ulcer.
CONCLUSION Cutaneous leishmaniasis should be in the differential diagnosis of skin ulcers of travelers from endemic areas. Awareness regarding diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis needs to be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashaur Azhar
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Hillary E Connell
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Christopher Haas
- Department of Dermatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Jelena Surla
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Devin Reed
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Sanjay Kamboj
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Gordon L Love
- Jack Perry Strong Professor and Chair, Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Yussef Bennani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
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Leishmaniasis immunopathology-impact on design and use of vaccines, diagnostics and drugs. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:247-264. [PMID: 32152715 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00788-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a disease complex caused by 20 species of protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania. In humans, it has two main clinical forms, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous or tegumentary leishmaniasis (CL), as well as several other cutaneous manifestations in a minority of cases. In the mammalian host Leishmania parasites infect different populations of macrophages where they multiply and survive in the phagolysosomal compartment. The progression of both VL and CL depends on the maintenance of a parasite-specific immunosuppressive state based around this host macrophage infection. The complexity and variation of immune responses and immunopathology in humans and the different host interactions of the different Leishmania species has an impact upon the effectiveness of vaccines, diagnostics and drugs.
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11
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Kämink S, Abdi A, Kamau C, Ashraf S, Ansari MA, Qureshi NA, Schallig H, Grobusch MP, Fernhout J, Ritmeijer K. Failure of an Innovative Low-Cost, Noninvasive Thermotherapy Device for Treating Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania tropica in Pakistan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:1373-1379. [PMID: 31595864 PMCID: PMC6896852 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected parasitic skin disease, is endemic in Pakistan, where Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major are the causative protozoan species. Standard treatment with antimonial injections is long, painful, and costly; has toxic side effects; and is not always available in public hospitals. Small pilot studies have previously evaluated a low-cost and noninvasive hand-held exothermic crystallization thermotherapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis (HECT-CL) device. We aimed to further establish the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of HECT-CL in L. tropica. In a prospective observational study, patients with parasitological confirmation of CL were treated using the HECT-CL heat pack for 3 minutes with an initial temperature of 52–53°C for 7 consecutive days. Dried blood spot samples were taken for species identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Effectiveness was assessed by using medical photographs and measurements of the lesion size at baseline and subsequent follow-up visits, for up to 180 days. We intended to enroll 317 patients. The HECT-CL treatment was easy to apply and well tolerated. Species identification demonstrated the presence of L. tropica. Interim analysis of 56 patients showed a failure rate of 91% at follow-up (median 45 days after treatment, interquartile range 30–60 days). Enrollment of patients was prematurely suspended because of futility. This study showed a high failure rate for HECT-CL thermotherapy in this setting. Leishmania tropica is known to be less sensitive to antileishmanial drugs, more temperature-resistant, and spontaneous healing is slower than that in L. major. More research is needed to identify low-cost, effective, and more patient-friendly treatment for L. tropica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzette Kämink
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Médecins Sans Frontières, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Abdi
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Charity Kamau
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shakil Ashraf
- Mohtama Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan
| | | | - Naveeda Akhtar Qureshi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Parasitology Laboratory, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Henk Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Parasitology Unit, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jena Fernhout
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Activity of Chitosan and Its Derivatives against Leishmania major and Leishmania mexicana In Vitro. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01772-19. [PMID: 31871082 PMCID: PMC7038302 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01772-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for safe, efficacious, affordable, and field-adapted drugs for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, which newly affects around 1.5 million people worldwide annually. Chitosan, a biodegradable cationic polysaccharide, has previously been reported to have antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and immunostimulatory activities. There is an urgent need for safe, efficacious, affordable, and field-adapted drugs for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, which newly affects around 1.5 million people worldwide annually. Chitosan, a biodegradable cationic polysaccharide, has previously been reported to have antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and immunostimulatory activities. We investigated the in vitro activity of chitosan and several of its derivatives and showed that the pH of the culture medium plays a critical role in antileishmanial activity of chitosan against both extracellular promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania major and Leishmania mexicana. Chitosan and its derivatives were approximately 7 to 20 times more active at pH 6.5 than at pH 7.5, with high-molecular-weight chitosan being the most potent. High-molecular-weight chitosan stimulated the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species by uninfected and Leishmania-infected macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner at pH 6.5. Despite the in vitro activation of bone marrow macrophages by chitosan to produce nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, we showed that the antileishmanial activity of chitosan was not mediated by these metabolites. Finally, we showed that rhodamine-labeled chitosan is taken up by pinocytosis and accumulates in the parasitophorous vacuole of Leishmania-infected macrophages.
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Erber AC, Arana B, Ben Salah A, Bennis I, Boukthir A, Castro Noriega MDM, Cissé M, Cota GF, Handjani F, López-Carvajal L, Marsh K, Medina DM, Plugge E, Lang T, Olliaro P. Patients' preferences of cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment outcomes: Findings from an international qualitative study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007996. [PMID: 32092059 PMCID: PMC7058360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a disease that often affects exposed skin areas and may heal leaving lifelong scars. Patients' expectations from treatment are rarely considered in drug development for CL. An initiative aiming to address shortcomings in clinical trial design and conduct for CL treatments involving the researchers' community is on-going. This manuscript presents patient-preferred outcomes for CL and an assessment on how to consider these in the conduct of future trials. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We report preferred treatment outcomes by 74 patients with confirmed CL in endemic regions of Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Iran, Morocco, Peru and Tunisia during individual in-depth interviews. Beyond outcomes customarily considered in trials (such as lesion appearance and adverse events), patients talked about a large number of outcomes related to quality of life, such as pain, scar formation, and others affecting their work and daily activities. They also reported fears around getting rid of the parasite, disease recurrence, and possible sequelae. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The study results provide a rich insight into important outcomes for CL treatments, as well as related topics, from the perspective of a diverse patient population. Among the outcomes identified, we argue that those related to quality of life as well as recurrence should be included to a greater extent for assessment in clinical trials, and discuss the suitability of measurement instruments such as the Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI). Interviews also point out the potential need to address concerns related to parasitological cure or scar formation, such as social stigmatization and disability. In addition, patients should be given information in order to clarify reported misconceptions. This study therefore suggests a methodology for consulting CL patients on outcomes as elements of clinical trial design, and how to incorporate these outcomes in trials. It also discusses how reported outcomes could be addressed in clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid C. Erber
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Byron Arana
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Afif Ben Salah
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Issam Bennis
- National School of Public Health, Rabat, Morocco
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - María del Mar Castro Noriega
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento de Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | | | | | - Farhad Handjani
- Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Liliana López-Carvajal
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dalila Martínez Medina
- Facultad de Medicina “Alberto Hurtado”, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Dermatológicas y Tropicales, Hospital Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Emma Plugge
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- UK Collaborating Centre for the WHO Health in Prisons Programme, Public Health England, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Trudie Lang
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Piero Olliaro
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Special Programme for Research & Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO/TDR), Geneva, Switzerland
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14
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Route map for the discovery and pre-clinical development of new drugs and treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 11:106-117. [PMID: 31320296 PMCID: PMC6904839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although there have been significant advances in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and several novel compounds are currently in pre-clinical and clinical development for this manifestation of leishmaniasis, there have been limited advances in drug research and development (R & D) for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Here we review the need for new treatments for CL, describe in vitro and in vivo assays, models and approaches taken over the past decade to establish a pathway for the discovery, and pre-clinical development of new drugs for CL. These recent advances include novel mouse models of infection using bioluminescent Leishmania, the introduction of PK/PD approaches to skin infection, and defined pre-clinical candidate profiles.
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Shirzadi MR. Lipsosomal amphotericin B: a review of its properties, function, and use for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Res Rep Trop Med 2019; 10:11-18. [PMID: 31118866 PMCID: PMC6500877 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s200218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Leishmania includes a number of protozoan parasites that cause a wide range of infections named leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis may be appear in three clinical forms — cutaneous (CL), visceral, and mucocutaneous (MCL) — with variation in their presentation and severity: diffuse CL and post–kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis). The prevalent signs of CL are nonhealing ulcers on exposed skin, but infected patients may have other dermatologic symptoms. In the 1960s, amphotericin B deoxycholate was introduced as a second-line therapy for CL and MCL. However, widespread administration of the agent was prevented, due to its renal and systemic toxicity, high price, and obstacles to intravenous use in leishmaniasis-endemic regions. Amphotericin B binds to ergosterol in the photogenic cell membranes and causes changes in membrane permeability, leakage of ions, and finally cell death. Compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate, a higher dose of liposomal amphotericin B should be administered to show the treatment effect. A high percentage of liposomal amphotericin B is “fastened” in the liposome and not biologically effective. Amphotericin B deoxycholate has some toxic effects, and liposomal amphotericin B is meaningfully less toxic compared to it. Treatment options for CL are limited, due to variation in species causing CL and pharmacokinetic issues. Amphotericin B is effective against some particular forms of CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Shirzadi
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Sainz-Gaspar L, Rosón E, Llovo J, Vázquez-Veiga H. Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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17
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Uribe-Restrepo A, Cossio A, Desai MM, Dávalos D, Castro MDM. Interventions to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis in children: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006986. [PMID: 30550538 PMCID: PMC6310290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Case management in children with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is mainly based on studies performed in adults. We aimed to determine the efficacy and harms of interventions to treat CL in children. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of clinical trials and cohort studies, assessing treatments of CL in children (≤12 years old). We performed structured searches in PubMed, CENTRAL, LILACS, SciELO, Scopus, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), clinicaltrials.gov and Google Scholar. No restrictions regarding ethnicity, country, sex or year of publication were applied. Languages were limited to English, Spanish and Portuguese. Two reviewers screened articles, completed the data extraction and assessment of risk of bias. A qualitative summary of the included studies was performed. RESULTS We identified 1092 records, and included 8 manuscripts (6 Randomized Clinical Trials [RCT] and 2 non-randomized studies). Most of the articles excluded in full-text review did not report outcomes separately for children. In American CL (ACL), 5 studies evaluated miltefosine and/or meglumine antimoniate (MA). Their efficacy varied from 68-83% and 17-69%, respectively. In Old-World CL (OWCL), two studies evaluated systemic therapies: rifampicin and MA; and one study assessed efficacy of cryotherapy (42%, Per Protocol [PP]) vs intralesional MA (72%, PP). Few studies (4) provided information on adverse events (AEs) for children, and no serious AEs were reported in participants. Risk of bias was generally low to unclear in ACL studies, and unclear to high in OWCL studies. CONCLUSION Information on efficacy of treatment for CL in children is scarce. There is an unmet need to develop specific formulations, surveillance of AEs, and guidelines both for the management of CL and clinical trials involving the pediatric population. REGISTRATION The protocol of this review was registered in the PROSPERO International register of systematic reviews, number CRD42017062164.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Uribe-Restrepo
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
- Unidad Clínica de Leishmaniasis, Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
| | - Alexandra Cossio
- Unidad Clínica de Leishmaniasis, Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Mayur M. Desai
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Diana Dávalos
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - María del Mar Castro
- Unidad Clínica de Leishmaniasis, Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
- EDCTP/TDR Fellow. European Vaccine Initiative, UniversitätsKlinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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El Hajj R, Bou Youness H, Lachaud L, Bastien P, Masquefa C, Bonnet PA, El Hajj H, Khalifeh I. EAPB0503: An Imiquimod analog with potent in vitro activity against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006854. [PMID: 30462645 PMCID: PMC6248897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic infection classified by the WHO as one of the most uncontrolled spreading neglected diseases. Syria is endemic for Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major, causing CL in the Eastern Mediterranean. The large-scale displacement of Syrian refugees exacerbated the spread of CL into neighboring countries. Therapeutic interventions against CL include local, systemic and physical treatments. The high risk for drug-resistance to current treatments stresses the need for new therapies. Imiquimod is an immunomodulatory drug with a tested efficacy against L. major species. Yet, Imiquimod efficacy against L. tropica and the molecular mechanisms dictating its potency are still underexplored. In this study, we characterized the effect of Imiquimod against L. tropica and L. major, and characterized the molecular mechanisms dictating its anti-leishmanial efficacy against both strains. We also investigated the potency and molecular mechanisms of an Imiquimod analog, EAPB0503, against these two strains. We have tested the effect of Imiquimod and EAPB0503 on macrophages infected with either L. major, L. tropica strains, or patient-derived freshly isolated L. tropica parasites. The anti-amastigote activity of either drugs was assessed by quantitative real time PCR (RT-PCR) using kinetoplast specific primers, confocal microscopy using the Glycoprotein 63 (Gp63) Leishmania amastigote antibody or by histology staining. The mechanism of action of either drugs on the canonical nuclear factor kappa- B (NF-κB) pathway was determined by western blot, and confocal microscopy. The immune production of cytokines upon treatment of infected macrophages with either drugs was assessed by ELISA. Both drugs reduced amastigote replication. EAPB0503 proved more potent, particularly on the wild type L. tropica amastigotes. Toll-Like Receptor-7 was upregulated, mainly by Imiquimod, and to a lesser extent by EAPB0503. Both drugs activated the NF-κB canonical pathway triggering an immune response and i-NOS upregulation in infected macrophages. Our findings establish Imiquimod as a strong candidate for treating L. tropica and show the higher potency of its analog EAPB0503 against CL. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic infection caused by Leishmania (L.) parasites. In the Old World and the Near East, CL is mainly caused by L. major and L. tropica. The ongoing Syrian war and the resulting massive population displacement led to an alarming increase in the incidence of CL, in Syria and its surrounding countries. Current therapies against CL lead to partial or complete cure in L. major infections but are less effective against L. tropica. These therapies associate with several limitations, including patients’age, immune system, repetitive painful injections, high cost, poor availability, and mainly systemic toxicity. Therefore, it is of high interest to seek for novel drugs against CL. We assessed the activity of an immunomodulatory drug and its analog against L. major and L. tropica parasites and showed their potency. Importantly, the analog proved more efficient against the wild type L. tropica strain. These results highlight the promising efficacy of immuno-modulatory drugs against CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana El Hajj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hanady Bou Youness
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Laurence Lachaud
- Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Bastien
- Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Carine Masquefa
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- * E-mail: (HEH); (IK)
| | - Ibrahim Khalifeh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- * E-mail: (HEH); (IK)
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Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2018; 110:249-251. [PMID: 29961547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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20
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Erber AC, Arana B, Bennis I, Ben Salah A, Boukthir A, Castro Noriega MDM, Cissé M, Cota GF, Handjani F, Kebede MG, Lang T, López Carvajal L, Marsh K, Martinez Medina D, Plugge E, Olliaro P. An international qualitative study exploring patients' experiences of cutaneous leishmaniasis: study set-up and protocol. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e021372. [PMID: 29909372 PMCID: PMC6009565 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lack of investments in drug development, lack of standardisation of clinical trials and the complexity of disease presentations contribute to the current lack of effective, safe and adapted treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). One aspect concerns outcomes affecting patients' quality of life (QoL): these are hardly assessed in trials, despite potential functional and/or aesthetic impairment caused by CL, which typically affects disadvantaged and vulnerable people living in rural areas. Here, we describe the approach used to bring perspectives of patients with CL into designing and assessing treatments. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This international qualitative study uses interviews with patients to explore their experiences with CL to (1) elicit outcomes and eligibility criteria for clinical trials important to them and (2) to better understand their needs and views about the disease and their requirements and expectations from treatment. Here, we describe the set-up of this collaborative study and the protocol. Data collection is ongoing.The protocol includes study design, preparation, conduct and analysis of individual interviews with approximately 80 patients in seven countries (Burkina Faso, Brazil, two sites in Colombia, Iran, Morocco, Peru and Tunisia) where CL is prevalent. Principal investigators and sites were selected through an open call, and two workshops were organised for protocol development and training in conduct and analysis of qualitative health research. Patient recruitment aims at covering a maximum variation of experiences. Transcripts will be analysed to identify outcomes and eligibility criteria as well as further topics that are expected to emerge from the interviews, such as direct and indirect costs related to CL, its psychological impact, preferred modes of drug administration and traditional treatments. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study received ethical approval by the responsible committees of each of the participating institutions. Findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, scientific meetings and to participants and their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Christine Erber
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Byron Arana
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Issam Bennis
- National School of Public Health, Rabat, Morocco
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Afif Ben Salah
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University (AGU), Manama, Bahrain
| | | | - Maria del Mar Castro Noriega
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento de Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- EDCTP/TDR Fellow, European Vaccine Initiative (EVI), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Gláucia Fernandes Cota
- Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou (CPqRR), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Farhad Handjani
- Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mairie Guizaw Kebede
- Ayder Referral Hospital, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Trudie Lang
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Liliana López Carvajal
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dalila Martinez Medina
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Dermatológicas y Tropicales, Hospital Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Emma Plugge
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Piero Olliaro
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Special Programme for Research & Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO/TDR), Geneva, Switzerland
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Hilerowicz Y, Koren A, Mashiah J, Katz O, Sprecher E, Artzi O. Fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser followed by topical sodium stibogluconate application: A treatment option for pediatric cutaneous leishmaniasis. Pediatr Dermatol 2018; 35:366-369. [PMID: 29574997 DOI: 10.1111/pde.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a protozoan zoonotic parasitic infection with cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral manifestations. Israel is endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a self-limited disease but is associated with scarring, which is often a source of psychological and social burden for patients. Scars can be especially devastating for children and teenagers. A wide range of physical and medical approaches is used to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis, among which intralesional injections of sodium stibogluconate rank among the most frequently used. Unfortunately, despite being effective, this therapeutic modality can be very painful. Fractional ablative laser creates a controlled mesh-like pattern of tissue ablation in the skin that promotes dermal remodeling and collagen production while at the same time facilitating enhanced delivery of topically applied medications. METHODS Patients were treated with fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser followed by immediate topical application of sodium stibogluconate. All children were diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis prior to treatment initiation.. RESULTS Ten children were treated. One leishmania tropica-positive girl failed to respond. The other nine patients achieved clinical cure and demonstrated good to excellent final cosmesis. Self-rated patient satisfaction and tolerance were high No adverse effects were observed or reported during treatment. CONCLUSION Fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser followed by topical sodium stibogluconate application appears to be a safe and promising treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis infection in children. Future controlled studies are required to validate these findings and compare this technique with traditional approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Hilerowicz
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Koren
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jacob Mashiah
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Pediatric Dermatology Clinic, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Oren Katz
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eli Sprecher
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Pediatric Dermatology Clinic, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofir Artzi
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Health economic evaluation of moist wound care in chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis ulcers in Afghanistan. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:12. [PMID: 29444705 PMCID: PMC5812215 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The present health economic evaluation in Afghanistan aims to support public health decision makers and health care managers to allocate resources efficiently to appropriate treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) elicited by Leishmania tropica or Leishmania major. Methods A decision tree was used to analyse the cost and the effectiveness of two wound care regimens versus intra-lesional antimony in CL patients in Afghanistan. Costs were collected from a societal perspective. Effectiveness was measured in wound free days. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental net monetary benefit (NMB) were calculated. The model was parameterized with baseline parameters, sensitivity ranges, and parameter distributions. Finally, the model was simulated and results were evaluated with deterministic and probability sensitivity analyses. Final outcomes were the efficiency of the regimens and a budget impact analysis in the context of Afghanistan. Results Average costs per patients were US$ 11 (SE = 0.016) (Group I: Intra-dermal Sodium Stibogluconate [IL SSG]), US$ 16 (SE = 7.58) (Group II: Electro-thermo-debridement [ETD] + Moist wound treatment [MWT]) and US$ 25 (SE = 0.48) (Group III: MWT) in patients with a single chronic CL ulcer. From a societal perspective the budget impact analysis shows that the regimens’ drug costs are lower than indirect disease cost. Average effectiveness in wound free days are 177 (SE = 0.36) in Group II, 147 (SE = 0.33) in Group III, and 129 (SE = 0.27) in Group I. The ICER of Group II versus Group I was US$ 0.09 and Group III versus Group I US$ 0.77, which is very cost-effective with a willingness-to-pay threshold of US$ 2 per wound free day. Within a Monte-Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analysis Group II was cost-effective in 80% of the cases starting at a willingness-to-pay of 80 cent per wound free day. Conclusions Group II provided the most cost-effective treatment. The non-treatment alternative is not an option in the management of chronic CL ulcers. MWT of Group III should at least be practiced. The cost-effectiveness of Group III depends on the number of dressings necessary until complete wound closure. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi: 10.1186/s40249-018-0389-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Olliaro P, Grogl M, Boni M, Carvalho EM, Chebli H, Cisse M, Diro E, Fernandes Cota G, Erber AC, Gadisa E, Handjani F, Khamesipour A, Llanos-Cuentas A, López Carvajal L, Grout L, Lmimouni BE, Mokni M, Nahzat MS, Ben Salah A, Ozbel Y, Pascale JM, Rizzo Molina N, Rode J, Romero G, Ruiz-Postigo JA, Gore Saravia N, Soto J, Uzun S, Mashayekhi V, Vélez ID, Vogt F, Zerpa O, Arana B. Harmonized clinical trial methodologies for localized cutaneous leishmaniasis and potential for extensive network with capacities for clinical evaluation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006141. [PMID: 29329311 PMCID: PMC5785032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Progress with the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been hampered by inconsistent methodologies used to assess treatment effects. A sizable number of trials conducted over the years has generated only weak evidence backing current treatment recommendations, as shown by systematic reviews on old-world and new-world CL (OWCL and NWCL). Materials and methods Using a previously published guidance paper on CL treatment trial methodology as the reference, consensus was sought on key parameters including core eligibility and outcome measures, among OWCL (7 countries, 10 trial sites) and NWCL (7 countries, 11 trial sites) during two separate meetings. Results Findings and level of consensus within and between OWCL and NWCL sites are presented and discussed. In addition, CL trial site characteristics and capacities are summarized. Conclusions The consensus reached allows standardization of future clinical research across OWCL and NWCL sites. We encourage CL researchers to adopt and adapt as required the proposed parameters and outcomes in their future trials and provide feedback on their experience. The expertise afforded between the two sets of clinical sites provides the basis for a powerful consortium with potential for extensive, standardized assessment of interventions for CL and faster approval of candidate treatments. The term ‘cutaneous leishmaniasis’ (CL) includes a range of manifestations affecting the skin caused by Leishmania parasites across several continents. While not life-threatening, CL can be invalidating and disfiguring, or become complicated. Today, there is no satisfactory treatment for CL that is effective and safe. Faced with no investments into developing drugs for CL, clinical researchers have tried many treatments over the years, but little progress has been made. One of the reasons is the lack of standardized methodologies in conducting these trials which makes it difficult to collate and compare results. Clinical researchers now realize that their efforts can be brought to fruition if common methodologies are available and applied. This paper summarizes the principles and parameters agreed upon by researchers of how to identify patients and how to measure treatment effects in a way that will make it possible to gather convincing evidence of whether a treatment works or not. Adhering to these principles will allow faster progress towards offering better care to patients with this neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Olliaro
- Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Vaccinology, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Max Grogl
- U.S. Naval Medical Unit No.6 Peru, Lima, Peru
| | - Marina Boni
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Houda Chebli
- Direction de l’Épidémiologie et de Lutte contre les Maladies, Division des Maladies Transmissibles, Service des Maladies Parasitaires, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mamoudou Cisse
- Université Polytechnique de Bobo-Dioulasso, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Ermias Diro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Astrid C. Erber
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Farhad Handjani
- Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alejandro Llanos-Cuentas
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Liliana López Carvajal
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Lise Grout
- Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Mourad Mokni
- Dermatology Department, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Afif Ben Salah
- Service d'épidémiologie médicale, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Yusuf Ozbel
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Juan Miguel Pascale
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Nidia Rizzo Molina
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Joelle Rode
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Romero
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Nancy Gore Saravia
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
| | - Jaime Soto
- Fundación Nacional de Dermatología (FUNDERMA), Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
| | - Soner Uzun
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Ivan Dario Vélez
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Florian Vogt
- Unit of HIV and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Olga Zerpa
- Instituto Medico la Floresta, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Byron Arana
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
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Heras‐Mosteiro J, Monge‐Maillo B, Pinart M, Lopez Pereira P, Reveiz L, Garcia‐Carrasco E, Campuzano Cuadrado P, Royuela A, Mendez Roman I, López‐Vélez R. Interventions for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 12:CD005067. [PMID: 29192424 PMCID: PMC6485999 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005067.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by a parasitic infection, is considered one of the most serious skin diseases in many low- and middle-income countries. Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis (OWCL) is caused by species found in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and India. The most commonly prescribed treatments are antimonials, but other drugs have been used with varying success. As OWCL tends to heal spontaneously, it is necessary to justify the use of systemic and topical treatments. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2008. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of therapeutic interventions for the localised form of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis. SEARCH METHODS We updated our searches of the following databases to November 2016: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS. We also searched five trials registers and checked the reference lists of included studies for further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We wrote to national programme managers, general co-ordinators, directors, clinicians, WHO-EMRO regional officers of endemic countries, pharmaceutical companies, tropical medicine centres, and authors of relevant papers for further information about relevant unpublished and ongoing trials. We undertook a separate search for adverse effects of interventions for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in September 2015 using MEDLINE. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of either single or combination treatments in immunocompetent people with OWCL confirmed by smear, histology, culture, or polymerase chain reaction. The comparators were either no treatment, placebo/vehicle, and/or another active compound. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias and extracted data. We only synthesised data when we were able to identify at least two studies investigating similar treatments and reporting data amenable to pooling. We also recorded data about adverse effects from the corresponding search. MAIN RESULTS We included 89 studies (of which 40 were new to this update) in 10,583 people with OWCL. The studies included were conducted mainly in the Far or Middle East at regional hospitals, local healthcare clinics, and skin disease research centres. Women accounted for 41.5% of the participants (range: 23% to 80%). The overall mean age of participants was 25 years (range 12 to 56). Most studies lasted between two to six months, with the longest lasting two years; average duration was four months. Most studies were at unclear or high risk for most bias domains. A lack of blinding and reporting bias were present in almost 40% of studies. Two trials were at low risk of bias for all domains. Trials reported the causative species poorly.Here we provide results for the two main comparisons identified: itraconazole (200 mg for six to eight weeks) versus placebo; and paromomycin ointment (15% plus 10% urea, twice daily for 14 days) versus vehicle.In the comparison of oral itraconazole versus placebo, at 2.5 months' follow up, 85/125 participants in the itraconazole group achieved complete cure compared to 54/119 in the placebo group (RR 3.70, 95% CI 0.35 to 38.99; 3 studies; 244 participants). In one study, microbiological or histopathological cure of skin lesions only occurred in the itraconazole group after a mean follow-up of 2.5 months (RR 17.00, 95% CI 0.47 to 612.21; 20 participants). However, although the analyses favour oral itraconazole for these outcomes, we cannot be confident in the results due to the very low certainty evidence. More side effects of mild abdominal pain and nausea (RR 2.36, 95% CI 0.74 to 7.47; 3 studies; 204 participants) and mild abnormal liver function (RR 3.08, 95% CI 0.53 to 17.98; 3 studies; 84 participants) occurred in the itraconazole group (as well as reports of headaches and dizziness), compared with the placebo group, but again we rated the certainty of evidence as very low so are unsure of the results.When comparing paromomycin with vehicle, there was no difference in the number of participants who achieved complete cure (RR of 1.00, 95% CI 0.86, 1.17; 383 participants, 2 studies) and microbiological or histopathological cure of skin lesions after a mean follow-up of 2.5 months (RR 1.03, CI 0.88 to 1.20; 383 participants, 2 studies), but the paromomycin group had more skin/local reactions (such as inflammation, vesiculation, pain, redness, or itch) (RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.67 to 3.01; 4 studies; 713 participants). For all of these outcomes, the certainty of evidence was very low, meaning we are unsure about these results.Trial authors did not report the percentage of lesions cured after the end of treatment or speed of healing for either of these key comparisons. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There was very low-certainty evidence to support the effectiveness of itraconazole and paromomycin ointment for OWCL in terms of cure (i.e. microbiological or histopathological cure and percentage of participants completely cured). Both of these interventions incited more adverse effects, which were mild in nature, than their comparisons, but we could draw no conclusions regarding safety due to the very low certainty of the evidence for this outcome.We downgraded the key outcomes in these two comparisons due to high risk of bias, inconsistency between the results, and imprecision. There is a need for large, well-designed international studies that evaluate long-term effects of current therapies and enable a reliable conclusion about treatments. Future trials should specify the species of leishmaniasis; trials on types caused by Leishmania infantum, L aethiopica, andL donovani are lacking. Research into the effects of treating women of childbearing age, children, people with comorbid conditions, and those who are immunocompromised would also be helpful.It was difficult to evaluate the overall efficacy of any of the numerous treatments due to the variable treatment regimens examined and because RCTs evaluated different Leishmania species and took place in different geographical areas. Some outcomes we looked for but did not find were degree of functional and aesthetic impairment, change in ability to detect Leishmania, quality of life, and emergence of resistance. There were only limited data on prevention of scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Heras‐Mosteiro
- Rey Juan Carlos UniversityDepartment of Preventive Medicine and Public Health & Immunology and MicrobiologyAvda. Atenas s/nAlcorcónMadridSpain28922
- Ramón y Cajal University HospitalDepartment of Preventive Medicine and Public HealthMadridSpain
| | - Begoña Monge‐Maillo
- Ramón y Cajal University HospitalTropical Medicine & Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases DepartmentCarretera de Colmenar Viejo km. 9,100MadridSpain28034
| | - Mariona Pinart
- c/o Cochrane Skin Group, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UKNottinghamUK
| | - Patricia Lopez Pereira
- Ramón y Cajal University HospitalDepartment of Preventive Medicine and Public HealthMadridSpain
| | | | - Emely Garcia‐Carrasco
- National Referral Centre for Tropical DiseasesInfectious Diseases DepartmentCtra Colmenar, Km 9,100.MadridSpain28034
| | - Pedro Campuzano Cuadrado
- Rey Juan Carlos UniversityDepartment of Preventive Medicine and Public Health & Immunology and MicrobiologyAvda. Atenas s/nAlcorcónMadridSpain28922
| | - Ana Royuela
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute,Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro‐MajadahondaDepartment of BiostatisticsMajadahondaSpain28222
| | - Irene Mendez Roman
- The University of Nottinghamc/o Cochrane Skin GroupA103, King's Meadow CampusLenton LaneNottinghamSpainNG7 2NR
| | - Rogelio López‐Vélez
- Ramón y Cajal University HospitalTropical Medicine & Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases DepartmentCarretera de Colmenar Viejo km. 9,100MadridSpain28034
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Heras‐Mosteiro J, Monge‐Maillo B, Pinart M, Lopez Pereira P, Garcia‐Carrasco E, Campuzano Cuadrado P, Royuela A, Mendez Roman I, López‐Vélez R. Interventions for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 11:CD005067. [PMID: 29149474 PMCID: PMC6486265 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005067.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by a parasitic infection, is considered one of the most serious skin diseases in many low- and middle-income countries. Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis (OWCL) is caused by species found in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and India. The most commonly prescribed treatments are antimonials, but other drugs have been used with varying success. As OWCL tends to heal spontaneously, it is necessary to justify the use of systemic and topical treatments. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2008. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of therapeutic interventions for the localised form of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis. SEARCH METHODS We updated our searches of the following databases to November 2016: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS. We also searched five trials registers and checked the reference lists of included studies for further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We wrote to national programme managers, general co-ordinators, directors, clinicians, WHO-EMRO regional officers of endemic countries, pharmaceutical companies, tropical medicine centres, and authors of relevant papers for further information about relevant unpublished and ongoing trials. We undertook a separate search for adverse effects of interventions for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in September 2015 using MEDLINE. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of either single or combination treatments in immunocompetent people with OWCL confirmed by smear, histology, culture, or polymerase chain reaction. The comparators were either no treatment, placebo/vehicle, and/or another active compound. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias and extracted data. We only synthesised data when we were able to identify at least two studies investigating similar treatments and reporting data amenable to pooling. We also recorded data about adverse effects from the corresponding search. MAIN RESULTS We included 89 studies (of which 40 were new to this update) in 10,583 people with OWCL. The studies included were conducted mainly in the Far or Middle East at regional hospitals, local healthcare clinics, and skin disease research centres. Women accounted for 41.5% of the participants (range: 23% to 80%). The overall mean age of participants was 25 years (range 12 to 56). Most studies lasted between two to six months, with the longest lasting two years; average duration was four months. Most studies were at unclear or high risk for most bias domains. A lack of blinding and reporting bias were present in almost 40% of studies. Two trials were at low risk of bias for all domains. Trials reported the causative species poorly.Here we provide results for the two main comparisons identified: itraconazole (200 mg for six to eight weeks) versus placebo; and paromomycin ointment (15% plus 10% urea, twice daily for 14 days) versus vehicle.In the comparison of oral itraconazole versus placebo, at 2.5 months' follow up, 85/125 participants in the itraconazole group achieved complete cure compared to 54/119 in the placebo group (RR 3.70, 95% CI 0.35 to 38.99; 3 studies; 244 participants). In one study, microbiological or histopathological cure of skin lesions only occurred in the itraconazole group after a mean follow-up of 2.5 months (RR 17.00, 95% CI 0.47 to 612.21; 20 participants). However, although the analyses favour oral itraconazole for these outcomes, we cannot be confident in the results due to the very low certainty evidence. More side effects of mild abdominal pain and nausea (RR 2.36, 95% CI 0.74 to 7.47; 3 studies; 204 participants) and mild abnormal liver function (RR 3.08, 95% CI 0.53 to 17.98; 3 studies; 84 participants) occurred in the itraconazole group (as well as reports of headaches and dizziness), compared with the placebo group, but again we rated the certainty of evidence as very low so are unsure of the results.When comparing paromomycin with vehicle, there was no difference in the number of participants who achieved complete cure (RR of 1.00, 95% CI 0.86, 1.17; 383 participants, 2 studies) and microbiological or histopathological cure of skin lesions after a mean follow-up of 2.5 months (RR 1.03, CI 0.88 to 1.20; 383 participants, 2 studies), but the paromomycin group had more skin/local reactions (such as inflammation, vesiculation, pain, redness, or itch) (RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.67 to 3.01; 4 studies; 713 participants). For all of these outcomes, the certainty of evidence was very low, meaning we are unsure about these results.Trial authors did not report the percentage of lesions cured after the end of treatment or speed of healing for either of these key comparisons. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There was very low-certainty evidence to support the effectiveness of itraconazole and paromomycin ointment for OWCL in terms of cure (i.e. microbiological or histopathological cure and percentage of participants completely cured). Both of these interventions incited more adverse effects, which were mild in nature, than their comparisons, but we could draw no conclusions regarding safety due to the very low certainty of the evidence for this outcome.We downgraded the key outcomes in these two comparisons due to high risk of bias, inconsistency between the results, and imprecision. There is a need for large, well-designed international studies that evaluate long-term effects of current therapies and enable a reliable conclusion about treatments. Future trials should specify the species of leishmaniasis; trials on types caused by Leishmania infantum, L aethiopica, andL donovani are lacking. Research into the effects of treating women of childbearing age, children, people with comorbid conditions, and those who are immunocompromised would also be helpful.It was difficult to evaluate the overall efficacy of any of the numerous treatments due to the variable treatment regimens examined and because RCTs evaluated different Leishmania species and took place in different geographical areas. Some outcomes we looked for but did not find were degree of functional and aesthetic impairment, change in ability to detect Leishmania, quality of life, and emergence of resistance. There were only limited data on prevention of scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Begoña Monge‐Maillo
- Ramón y Cajal University HospitalTropical Medicine & Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases DepartmentCarretera de Colmenar Viejo km. 9,100MadridSpain28034
| | - Mariona Pinart
- c/o Cochrane Skin Group, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UKNottinghamUK
| | - Patricia Lopez Pereira
- Ramón y Cajal University HospitalDepartment of Preventive Medicine and Public HealthMadridSpain
| | - Emely Garcia‐Carrasco
- National Referral Centre for Tropical DiseasesInfectious Diseases DepartmentCtra Colmenar, Km 9,100.MadridSpain28034
| | - Pedro Campuzano Cuadrado
- Rey Juan Carlos UniversityDepartment of Preventive Medicine and Public Health & Immunology and MicrobiologyAvda. Atenas s/nAlcorcónMadridSpain28922
| | - Ana Royuela
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute,Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro‐MajadahondaDepartment of BiostatisticsMajadahondaSpain28222
| | - Irene Mendez Roman
- The University of Nottinghamc/o Cochrane Skin GroupA103, King's Meadow CampusLenton LaneNottinghamSpainNG7 2NR
| | - Rogelio López‐Vélez
- Ramón y Cajal University HospitalTropical Medicine & Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases DepartmentCarretera de Colmenar Viejo km. 9,100MadridSpain28034
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Galvão EL, Rabello A, Cota GF. Efficacy of azole therapy for tegumentary leishmaniasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186117. [PMID: 29016694 PMCID: PMC5633178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several controlled and uncontrolled studies addressing azole antifungal drugs for cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis have been published with inconclusive results. We conducted a systematic literature review of studies evaluating the efficacy and toxicity associated with azole therapy for tegumentary leishmaniasis. Methodology PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and the Cochrane manual were followed, and the review methodology was registered (PROSPERO; CRD42016048668). Sources included the EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, LILACS, and IBECS databases along with a manual search of references from evaluated studies. Additional resources such as Google Scholar and clinicaltrials.gov were also searched. We included all studies reporting cure rate after cutaneous or mucosal leishmaniasis treatment with systemic azole drugs, regardless of their design. R software was used to estimate global rates of success and adverse events with each drug. The main outcome of interest was clinical cure, defined as complete re-epithelialization of all lesions. Results A total of 37 studies involving 1259 patients that reported outcomes after fluconazole (9), ketoconazole (14) and itraconazole (15) treatments were included. Only 14 (38%) were randomized controlled trials (RCT). The pooled azole final efficacy rate was 64% (CI95%: 57–70%) for all studies and 60% (CI95%: 50–70%) (p = 0.41) if only RCTs studies were considered. Twenty-four studies were conducted in the Old World and 13 studies in the Americas. The final efficacy rate according to New and Old World were 62% (CI95%: 43–77%) and 66% (CI95%: 58–73%), respectively. The final efficacy rate of azoles according to species were 89% (CI95%: 50–98%) for L. mexicana; 88% for L. infantum (CI95%: 27–99%); 80% for L. donovani; 53% (CI95%: 29–76%) for L. major; 49% for L. braziliensis (CI95%: 21–78%); and 15% (CI95%: 1–84%) for L. tropica. The cure rates were similar among the fluconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole group arms (p = 0.89), specifically 61% (CI95%: 48–72%), 64% (CI95%: 44–80%) 65% (CI95%: 56–72%), respectively. Adverse events during fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole therapy were reported in 7% (CI95%: 3–14%), 12% (CI95% 8–19%) and 13% (CI95%: 6–29%) of treated patients, respectively, without difference among them (p = 0.35). This systematic review included studies with small samples and both non-comparative and non-randomized studies and the main limitation was the low quality of the available studies. Conclusions Available evidence suggests that fluconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole have similar and modest efficacy rates for tegumentary leishmaniasis treatment. There is insufficient evidence to support the exclusive use of azole therapy as a single agent for leishmaniasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endi Lanza Galvão
- Pesquisa Clínica e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecto-Parasitárias–Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou—Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Ana Rabello
- Pesquisa Clínica e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecto-Parasitárias–Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou—Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gláucia Fernandes Cota
- Pesquisa Clínica e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecto-Parasitárias–Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou—Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Abstract
New drugs and treatments for diseases caused by intracellular pathogens, such as leishmaniasis and the Leishmania species, have proved to be some of the most difficult to discover and develop. The focus of discovery research has been on the identification of potent and selective compounds that inhibit target enzymes (or other essential molecules) or are active against the causative pathogen in phenotypic in vitro assays. Although these discovery paradigms remain an essential part of the early stages of the drug R & D pathway, over the past two decades additional emphasis has been given to the challenges needed to ensure that the potential anti-infective drugs distribute to infected tissues, reach the target pathogen within the host cell and exert the appropriate pharmacodynamic effect at these sites. This review will focus on how these challenges are being met in relation to Leishmania and the leishmaniases with lessons learned from drug R & D for other intracellular pathogens.
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Borghi SM, Fattori V, Conchon-Costa I, Pinge-Filho P, Pavanelli WR, Verri WA. Leishmania infection: painful or painless? Parasitol Res 2016; 116:465-475. [PMID: 27933392 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5340-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The complex life cycle and immunopathological features underpinning the interaction of Leishmania parasites and their mammalian hosts poses frequent poorly explored and inconclusively resolved questions. The altered nociceptive signals over the course of leishmaniasis remain an intriguing issue for nociceptive and parasitology researchers. Experimental investigations have utilized behavioral, morphological, and neuro-immune approaches in the study of experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The data generated indicates new venues for the study of the pathological characteristics of nociceptive processing in this parasitic disease. Leishmania-induced pain may be easily observed in mice and rats. However, nociceptive data is more complex in human investigations, including the occurrence of painless lesions in mucocutaneous and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Data from recent decades indicate that humans can also be affected by pain-related symptoms, often distinct from the region of body infection. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying such variable nociceptive states in humans during the course of leishmaniasis are an active area of research. The present article reviews nociception in leishmaniasis, including in experimental models of CL and clinical reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio M Borghi
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Victor Fattori
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Phileno Pinge-Filho
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Wander R Pavanelli
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Waldiceu A Verri
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil.
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Nath-Chowdhury M, Sangaralingam M, Bastien P, Ravel C, Pratlong F, Mendez J, Libman M, Ndao M. Real-time PCR using FRET technology for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis species differentiation. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:255. [PMID: 27141967 PMCID: PMC4855858 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1531-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, there has been a re-emergence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in endemic countries and an increase in imported cases in non-endemic countries by travelers, workers, expatriates, immigrants, and military force personnel. Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused primarily by Leishmania major, L. tropica and L. aethiopica. Despite their low sensitivity, diagnosis traditionally includes microscopic and histopathological examinations, and in vitro cultivation. Several conventional PCR techniques have been developed for species identification, which are time-consuming and labour-intensive. Real-time PCR using SYBR green dye, although provides rapid detection, may generate false positive signals. Therefore, a rapid and easy method such as a FRET-based real-time PCR would improve not only the turn-around time of diagnosing Old World cutaneous Leishmania species but will also increase its specificity and sensitivity. Methods A FRET-based real-time PCR assay which amplifies the cathepsin L-like cysteine protease B gene encoding a major Leishmania antigen was developed to differentiate L. major, L. tropica, and L. aethiopica in one single step using one set of primers and probes. Assay performance was tested on cutaneous and visceral strains of Leishmania parasite cultures and isolates of other protozoan parasites as well as human biopsy specimen. Results The assay readily differentiates between the three Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis species based on their melting curve characteristics. A single Tm at 55.2 ± 0.5 °C for L. aethiopica strains was distinguished from a single Tm at 57.4 ± 0.2 °C for L. major strains. A double curve with melting peaks at 66.6 ± 0.1 °C and 48.1 ± 0.5 °C or 55.8 ± 0.6 °C was observed for all L. tropica strains. The assay was further tested on biopsy specimens, which showed 100 % agreement with results obtained from isoenzyme electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing. Conclusion Currently, there are no published data on real-time PCR using FRET technology to differentiate between Old World cutaneous Leishmania species. In summary, our assay based on specific hybridization addresses the limitations of previous PCR technology and provides a single step, reliable method of species identification and rapid diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milli Nath-Chowdhury
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mugundhine Sangaralingam
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Bastien
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Centre National de Référence des Leishmanioses, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Montpellier and University Montpellier I (Faculty of Medicine), UMR CNRS 5290-IRD 224- UM1 et 2 "MIVEGEC", Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Ravel
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Centre National de Référence des Leishmanioses, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Montpellier and University Montpellier I (Faculty of Medicine), UMR CNRS 5290-IRD 224- UM1 et 2 "MIVEGEC", Montpellier, France
| | - Francine Pratlong
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Centre National de Référence des Leishmanioses, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Montpellier and University Montpellier I (Faculty of Medicine), UMR CNRS 5290-IRD 224- UM1 et 2 "MIVEGEC", Montpellier, France
| | - Juan Mendez
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Michael Libman
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada. .,J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Exploratory, Phase II Controlled Trial of Shiunko Ointment Local Application Twice a Day for 4 Weeks in Ethiopian Patients with Localized Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:5984709. [PMID: 27195014 PMCID: PMC4853951 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5984709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The clinical efficacy and safety of Shiunko ointment (phase II clinical trial) was investigated in 40 Ethiopian patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. Patients were randomized to receive treatment with Shiunko ointment or placebo (n = 20, each), applied on the lesion twice a day for 4 weeks. Clinicoparasitological assessments were performed before treatment, weekly for 4 weeks, and then 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the end of treatment. A marked reduction in lesion size was observed on week 16 of treatment in the Shiunko compared with placebo group (69% and 22% reduction, resp.). The overall rate of lesion reduction during the four weeks of treatment was significantly faster in the Shiunko group. Shiunko provided significant effect on wound closure in patients with ulcerated lesion. The clinical efficacy and tolerability of Shiunko were comparable to placebo with regard to its clinicoparasitological response (cure rate and parasitological clearance). Results of this preliminary study may suggest that Shiunko could be useful as adjuvant or as complementary treatment, not as alternatives to current treatment. Its attractive action includes fast lesion healing with a significantly smaller lesion at week 16 of treatment compared with placebo. In addition, its action was promoted in ulcerative lesions.
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A Comparison between the Effects of Glucantime, Topical Trichloroacetic Acid 50% plus Glucantime, and Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser plus Glucantime on Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesions. Dermatol Res Pract 2016; 2016:6462804. [PMID: 27148363 PMCID: PMC4842369 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6462804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Iran. Pentavalent antimonial drugs have been the first line of therapy in cutaneous leishmaniasis for many years. However, the cure rate of these agents is still not favorable. This study was carried out to compare the efficacies of intralesional glucantime with topical trichloroacetic acid 50% (TCA 50%) + glucantime and fractional carbon dioxide laser + glucantime in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Methods. A total of 90 patients were randomly divided into three groups of 30 to be treated with intralesional injection of glucantime, a combination of topical TCA 50% and glucantime, or a combination of fractional laser and glucantime. The overall clinical improvement and changes in sizes of lesions and scars were assessed and compared among three groups. Results. The mean duration of treatment was 6.1 ± 2.1 weeks in all patients (range: 2–12 weeks) and 6.8 ± 1.7, 5.2 ± 1.0, and 6.3 ± 3.0 weeks in glucantime, topical TCA plus glucantime, and fractional laser plus glucantime groups, respectively (P = 0.011). Complete improvement was observed in 10 (38.5%), 27 (90%), and 20 (87%) patients of glucantime, glucantime + TCA, and glucantime + laser groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Compared to glucantime alone, the combination of intralesional glucantime and TCA 50% or fractional CO2 laser had significantly higher and faster cure rate in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania aethiopica: A Systematic Review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004495. [PMID: 26938448 PMCID: PMC4777553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania aethiopica is the etiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Ethiopia and can cause severe and complicated cases such as diffuse CL (DCL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis or extensive CL, requiring systemic treatment. Despite the substantial burden, evidence-based treatment guidelines are lacking. We conducted a systematic review of clinical studies reporting on treatment outcomes of CL due to L aethiopica in order to help identify potentially efficacious medications on CL that can be taken forward for clinical trials. We identified a total of 24 records reporting on 506 treatment episodes of CL presumably due to L aethiopica. The most commonly used drugs were antimonials (n = 201), pentamidine (n = 150) and cryotherapy (n = 103). There were 20 case reports/series, with an overall poor study quality. We only identified two small and/or poor quality randomized controlled trials conducted a long time ago. There were two prospective non-randomized studies reporting on cryotherapy, antimonials and pentamidine. With cryotherapy, cure rates were 60-80%, and 69-85% with antimonials. Pentamidine appeared effective against complicated CL, also in cases non-responsive to antimonials. However, all studies suffered from methodological limitations. Data on miltefosine, paromomycin and liposomal amphotericin B are extremely scarce. Only a few studies are available on DCL. The only potentially effective treatment options for DCL seem to be antimonials with paromomycin in combination or pentamidine, but none have been properly evaluated. In conclusion, the evidence-base for treatment of complicated CL due to L aethiopica is extremely limited. While antimonials remain the most available CL treatment in Ethiopia, their efficacy and safety in CL should be better defined. Most importantly, alternative first line treatments (such as miltefosine or paromomycin) should be explored. High quality trials on CL due to L aethiopica are urgently needed, exploring group sequential methods to evaluate several options in parallel.
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Van Bocxlaer K, Yardley V, Murdan S, Croft SL. Drug permeation and barrier damage in Leishmania-infected mouse skin. J Antimicrob Chemother 2016; 71:1578-85. [PMID: 26903275 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pathological disorder can disrupt the barrier integrity of the skin, thereby altering the drug delivery from topical formulations to the target site. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infection of the dermal layers of the skin and manifests as a variety of skin lesions from defined nodular forms to plaques and chronic ulcers. The aim of this work was to characterize the physiology and barrier integrity of the Leishmania-infected BALB/c mouse skin and how they impacted delivery of drugs into the skin. METHODS A histological evaluation of the structural differences between uninfected and infected skin was performed using haematoxylin/eosin, elastic Van Gieson and Iba-1 stains. As a CL nodule developed and progressed, the skin pH, hydration and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) were recorded. Finally, Franz diffusion cells were used to evaluate the influence of the infection on drug delivery through the skin. RESULTS We found: (i) structural changes in both the epidermal and dermal layers due to the ingress of inflammatory cells, as shown by immunohistochemistry; (ii) a significant increase in TEWL; and (iii) significantly higher permeation of the model permeants caffeine and ibuprofen and the antileishmanial drugs buparvaquone and paromomycin, for Leishmania-infected skin compared with uninfected skin. The infection had no measurable influence on skin pH and hydration. CONCLUSIONS We report profound changes in the skin barrier physiology, function and permeability to drugs of Leishmania-infected skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Van Bocxlaer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK Department of Infection and Immunology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Vanessa Yardley
- Department of Infection and Immunology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Sudaxshina Murdan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Simon L Croft
- Department of Infection and Immunology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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Assessment of β-lapachone loaded in lecithin-chitosan nanoparticles for the topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in L. major infected BALB/c mice. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2015; 11:2003-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2015.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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González U, Pinart M, Sinclair D, Firooz A, Enk C, Vélez ID, Esterhuizen TM, Tristan M, Alvar J. Vector and reservoir control for preventing leishmaniasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 2015:CD008736. [PMID: 26246011 PMCID: PMC4561525 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008736.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is caused by the Leishmania parasite, and transmitted by infected phlebotomine sandflies. Of the two distinct clinical syndromes, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) affects the skin and mucous membranes, and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) affects internal organs. Approaches to prevent transmission include vector control by reducing human contact with infected sandflies, and reservoir control, by reducing the number of infected animals. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of vector and reservoir control interventions for cutaneous and for visceral leishmaniasis. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases to 13 January 2015: Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and WHOLIS, Web of Science, and RePORTER. We also searched trials registers for ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of vector and reservoir control interventions in leishmaniasis-endemic regions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently searched for trials and extracted data from included RCTs. We resolved any disagreements by discussion with a third review author. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 14 RCTs that evaluated a range of interventions across different settings. The study methods were generally poorly described, and consequently all included trials were judged to be at high or unclear risk of selection and reporting bias. Only seven trials reported clinical outcome data which limits our ability to make broad generalizations to different epidemiological settings and cultures. Cutaneous leishmaniasisOne four-arm RCT from Afghanistan compared indoor residual spraying (IRS), insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs), and insecticide-treated bedsheets, with no intervention. Over 15 months follow-up, all three insecticide-based interventions had a lower incidence of CL than the control area (IRS: risk ratio (RR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 0.97, 2892 participants, moderate quality evidence; ITNs: RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.56, 2954 participants, low quality evidence; ITS: RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.57, 2784 participants, low quality evidence). No difference was detected between the three interventions (low quality evidence). One additional trial of ITNs from Iran was underpowered to show a difference.Insecticide treated curtains were compared with no intervention in one RCT from Venezuela, where there were no CL episodes in the intervention areas over 12 months follow-up compared to 142 in control areas (RR 0.00, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.49, one trial, 2938 participants, low quality evidence).Personal protection using insecticide treated clothing was evaluated by two RCTs in soldiers, but the trials were underpowered to reliably detect effects on the incidence of CL (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.20, two trials, 558 participants, low quality evidence). Visceral leishmaniasisIn a single RCT of ITNs versus no intervention from India and Nepal, the incidence of VL was low in both groups and no difference was detected (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.46 to 2.15, one trial, 19,810 participants, moderate quality evidence).Two trials from Brazil evaluated the effects of culling infected dogs compared to no intervention or IRS. Although they report a reduction in seroconversion over 18 months follow-up, they did not measure or report effects on clinical disease. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Using insecticides to reduce phlebotomine sandfly numbers may be effective at reducing the incidence of CL, but there is insufficient evidence from trials to know whether it is better to spray the internal walls of houses or to treat bednets, curtains, bedsheets or clothing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urbà González
- CLĺNICA GO&FERUnit of DermatologyRiera Blanca 6‐8, L´HospitaletBarcelonaSpain08903
| | - Mariona Pinart
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL)c/ Doctor Aiguader 88BarcelonaCatalunyaSpain08003
| | - David Sinclair
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineDepartment of Clinical SciencesPembroke PlaceLiverpoolUKL3 5QA
| | - Alireza Firooz
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical SciencesNo 79 Taleqani AvenueTehranIran14166‐13675
| | - Claes Enk
- Hadassah Medical CenterDepartment of DermatologyP.O.Box 12000JerusalemIsrael91010
| | - Ivan D Vélez
- Universidad de AntioquiaPrograma de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales PECETCalle 62 52 59 SIU Laboratorio 632MedellinColombia
| | - Tonya M Esterhuizen
- Stellenbosch UniversityCentre for Evidence‐based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesTygerbergCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Mario Tristan
- International Health Central American InstituteBoard of DirectorsAv. 7 Streets 35 and 37 N 3530P.O. Box 1677‐2100‐ IHCAI FOUNDATIONSan JoséSan JoseCosta Rica2100
| | - Jorge Alvar
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)15 Chemin Louis‐DunantGenevaSwitzerland1202
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Antileishmanial Activity of Disulfiram and Thiuram Disulfide Analogs in an Ex Vivo Model System Is Selectively Enhanced by the Addition of Divalent Metal Ions. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:6463-70. [PMID: 26239994 DOI: 10.1128/aac.05131-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis are toxic, expensive, difficult to administer, and limited in efficacy and availability. Disulfiram has primarily been used to treat alcoholism. More recently, it has shown some efficacy as therapy against protozoan pathogens and certain cancers, suggesting a wide range of biological activities. We used an ex vivo system to screen several thiuram disulfide compounds for antileishmanial activity. We found five compounds (compound identifier [CID] 7188, 5455, 95876, 12892, and 3117 [disulfiram]) with anti-Leishmania activity at nanomolar concentrations. We further evaluated these compounds with the addition of divalent metal salts based on studies that indicated these salts could potentiate the action of disulfiram. In addition, clinical studies suggested that zinc has some efficacy in treating cutaneous leishmaniasis. Several divalent metal salts were evaluated at 1 μM, which is lower than the normal levels of copper and zinc in plasma of healthy individuals. The leishmanicidal activity of disulfiram and CID 7188 were enhanced by several divalent metal salts at 1 μM. The in vitro therapeutic index (IVTI) of disulfiram and CID 7188 increased 12- and 2.3-fold, respectively, against L. major when combined with ZnCl2. The combination of disulfiram with ZnSO4 resulted in a 1.8-fold increase in IVTI against L. donovani. This novel combination of thiuram disulfides and divalent metal ions salts could have application as topical and/or oral therapies for treatment of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.
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Cutaneous leishmaniasis in travellers: a focus on epidemiology and treatment in 2015. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2015; 17:489. [PMID: 26031962 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-015-0489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Imported cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a growing problem with increasing global travel to endemic areas. Returned travellers seeking care encounter significant barriers to treatment, including diagnostic delays and difficult access to anti-leishmanial drugs. Treatment recommendations in non-endemic settings are a moving target, reflecting recent developments in Leishmania diagnostics and therapeutics. Accumulating experience with molecular-based species identification has enabled species-directed therapy. Clinicians are reevaluating more toxic traditional regimens in light of newly approved therapeutic agents and emerging data on local cutaneous treatments. Referral centers are implementing treatment decision algorithms designed to maximize efficacy while minimizing adverse events. Although management strategies continue to evolve, treatment of CL in non-endemic settings remains controversial. Persistent reliance on expert opinion reflects lack of research focused on travellers and limited randomized controlled trial evidence. We herein review the current epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in travellers and species-specific evidence for available therapies.
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Giavedoni P, Iranzo P, Fuertes I, Estrach T, Alsina Gibert M. Leishmaniasis cutánea. Experiencia de 20 años en un hospital español de tercer nivel. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2015; 106:310-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Daie Parizi MH, Karvar M, Sharifi I, Bahrampour A, Heshmat Khah A, Rahnama Z, Baziar Z, Amiri R. The topical treatment of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis with the tincture of thioxolone plus benzoxonium chloride (Thio-Ben) along with cryotherapy: a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Dermatol Ther 2015; 28:140-6. [PMID: 25847678 DOI: 10.1111/dth.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A simple efficacious topical treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is still an unresolved challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the topical use of thioxolone plus benzoxonium chloride (Thio-Ben) tincture in combination with cryotherapy in comparison with intralesional meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) along with cryotherapy in treating anthroponotic CL (ACL). The study was conducted in Leishmaniasis Center in Dadbin Health Care Clinic, Kerman, Iran. Sixty-four CL lesions were randomly assigned to receive Thio-Ben plus cryotherapy (TC) (n = 32) or Glucantime plus cryotherapy (GC) (n = 32). Thio-Ben was used topically every other day and Glucantime was used intralesionally once a week for a maximum of 3 months. In both study groups, cryotherapy was administered using liquid nitrogen once every 2 weeks. Of 64 recruited lesions, 47 lesions completed the study protocol. Twenty lesions (91%) in TC group and 23 lesions (92%) in GC group showed complete cure. TC group showed faster clinical response. Pain, hypersensitivity reaction, dizziness, and nausea were only seen in GC group. This study showed that the topical use of Thio-Ben combined with cryotherapy has a good efficacy in treating ACL with the benefit that Thio-Ben has more patient compliance and less side effects than intralesional Glucantime.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehran Karvar
- Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Kerman Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abbas Bahrampour
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | - Zahra Baziar
- Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Rezvan Amiri
- Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Shakibapour M, Mahmoodi M, Hoseini SG, Rostami F, Mansurian M, Jafari R, Izadi S, Charehdar S, Hejazi SH. Therapeutic effect of acupuncture in BALB/c model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Adv Biomed Res 2015; 4:77. [PMID: 25879002 PMCID: PMC4386203 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.153904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Current research findings demonstrate that acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine, has beneficial effects on several acute and chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases. Acupuncture promotes tissue healing and regulates immune response in various disease conditions. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan from genus Leishmania. Acupuncture is supposed to accelerate healing of CL because of common mechanisms involved in the cure of the CL lesions. Materials and Methods: 60 BALB/c mice were experimentally infected with L. major strain MRHO/IR/75/ER and divided into three groups: (1) Treatment group received acupuncture 2 times a week for 5 weeks (10 sessions) with intraperitoneal diazepam as a sedative agent. (2) Diazepam control group only received diazepam the same as the treatment group. (3) Control group did not receive any intervention. Size of the lesions was measured before the experiment, on session 5 and 10 and 4 weeks after the experiment. Parasite burden was evaluated by microscopic assay as well as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: Size of the lesions decreased significantly on session 5 in treated group in comparison with session 0 (P = 0.02) while the size of the lesions increased significantly in two control groups on session 5 and 4 weeks after treatment (P = 0.04 and P = 0.01 respectively). Mean parasite burden did not show a significant difference between or within groups on session 0 and 10 by any methods. Conclusions: This investigation showed that acupuncture decreased size of the CL lesions by session 5 in the BALB/c mice model, but did not cause a significant reduction in parasite burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Shakibapour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Mahmoodi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shervin Ghaffari Hoseini
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rostami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marjan Mansurian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Jafari
- National Institute of Health Research, Health Research Station, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Izadi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sorour Charehdar
- Department of Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hejazi
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Crowe A, Slavin J, Stark D, Aboltins C. A case of imported Leishmania infantum cutaneous leishmaniasis; an unusual presentation occurring 19 years after travel. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:597. [PMID: 25428722 PMCID: PMC4262283 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0597-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania infantum is a flagellated protozoan parasite that is able to parasitize blood and tissue. Leishmania species cause a spectrum of clinical disease with cutaneous, visceral or mucosal involvement. L. infantum is recognised as a cause of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and is less commonly reported as a cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) from countries around the Mediterranean basin. This is the first report of imported L. infantum CL to Australia and is remarkable for a 19 year period between the patient's exposure to an endemic region, and the manifestation of symptoms. Case presentation A 76 year old Italian-born man presented to our institution with a non-healing lesion over his upper lip, abutting his nasal mucosa. The patient had travelled to Italy, an endemic area for L. infantum 19 years earlier but had resided in Australia, a non-endemic area since. Histopathology performed on a biopsy of the lesion demonstrated findings consistent with CL. A species specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed on the tissue detected L. infantum. The patient had complete clinical recovery following treatment with Liposomal amphotericin B at a dose of 3 mg/kg for five days followed by a subsequent 3 mg/kg dose at day ten. Conclusions L. infantum should be recognised as a cause of imported CL in returned travellers from the Mediterranean. In this case, the incubation period for L. infantum CL was at least 19 years. This case adds to the described spectrum of clinical presentations of leishmaniasis and supports the theory of parasite persistence underlying natural immunity and recurrence of disease. Clinicians should consider L. infantum CL in the differential diagnosis of a non-healing skin lesion in any patient who reports travel to the Mediterranean, even when travel occurred several years before clinical presentation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-014-0597-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Crowe
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - John Slavin
- Department of Pathology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Damien Stark
- Department of Microbiology, SydPath, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Craig Aboltins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Northwest Academic Centre, The University of Melbourne, Epping, Victoria, Australia.
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Stahl HC, Ahmadi F, Schleicher U, Sauerborn R, Bermejo JL, Amirih ML, Sakhayee I, Bogdan C, Stahl KW. A randomized controlled phase IIb wound healing trial of cutaneous leishmaniasis ulcers with 0.045% pharmaceutical chlorite (DAC N-055) with and without bipolar high frequency electro-cauterization versus intralesional antimony in Afghanistan. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:619. [PMID: 25420793 PMCID: PMC4258014 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0619-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A previously published proof of principle phase IIa trial with 113 patients from Kabul showed that bipolar high-frequency (HF) electro-cauterization (EC) of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) ulcers and subsequent moist wound treatment (MWT) closed 85% of all Leishmania (L.) tropica lesions within 60 days. Methods A three-armed phase IIb, randomized and controlled clinical trial was performed in Mazar-e-Sharif. L. tropica- or L. major-infected CL patients received intradermal sodium stibogluconate (SSG) (Group I); HF-EC followed by MWT with 0.045% DAC N-055 (Group II); or MWT with 0.045% DAC N-055 in basic crème alone (Group III). The primary outcome was complete epithelialisation before day 75 after treatment start. Results 87 patients enrolled in the trial were randomized into group I (n = 24), II (n = 32) and III (n = 31). The per-protocol analysis of 69 (79%) patients revealed complete epithelialisation before day 75 in 15 (of 23; 65%) patients of Group I, in 23 (of 23; 100%) patients of Group II, and in 20 (of 23; 87%) patients of Group III (p = 0.004, Fisher’s Exact Test). In the per-protocol analysis, wound closure times were significantly different between all regimens in a pair-wise comparison (p = 0.000039, Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) test). In the intention-to-treat analysis wound survival times in Group II were significantly different from those in Group I (p = 0.000040, Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) test). Re-ulcerations occurred in four (17%), three (13%) and seven (30%) patients of Group I, II or III, respectively (p = 0.312, Pearson Chi-Square Test). Conclusions Treatment of CL ulcers with bipolar HF-EC followed by MWT with 0.045% DAC N-055 or with DAC N-055 alone showed shorter wound closure times than with the standard SSG therapy. The results merit further exploration in larger trials in the light of our current knowledge of in vitro and in vivo activities of chlorite. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT00996463. Registered: 15th October 2009. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-014-0619-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Systematic review of biomarkers to monitor therapeutic response in leishmaniasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 59:1-14. [PMID: 25367913 DOI: 10.1128/aac.04298-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the development of new drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis. This has spurred the need for pharmacodynamic markers to monitor and compare therapies specifically for visceral leishmaniasis, in which the primary recrudescence of parasites is a particularly long-term event that remains difficult to predict. We performed a systematic review of studies evaluating biomarkers in human patients with visceral, cutaneous, and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, which yielded a total of 170 studies in which 53 potential pharmacodynamic biomarkers were identified. In conclusion, the large majority of these biomarkers constituted universal indirect markers of activation and subsequent waning of cellular immunity and therefore lacked specificity. Macrophage-related markers demonstrate favorable sensitivity and times to normalcy, but more evidence is required to establish a link between these markers and clinical outcome. Most promising are the markers directly related to the parasite burden, but future effort should be focused on optimization of molecular or antigenic targets to increase the sensitivity of these markers. In general, future research should focus on the longitudinal evaluation of the pharmacodynamic biomarkers during treatment, with an emphasis on the correlation of studied biomarkers and clinical parameters.
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Wan MT, Lin JY. Current evidence and applications of photodynamic therapy in dermatology. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2014; 7:145-63. [PMID: 24899818 PMCID: PMC4038525 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s35334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In photodynamic therapy (PDT) a photosensitizer – a molecule that is activated by light – is administered and exposed to a light source. This leads both to destruction of cells targeted by the particular type of photosensitizer, and immunomodulation. Given the ease with which photosensitizers and light can be delivered to the skin, it should come as no surprise that PDT is an increasingly utilized therapeutic in dermatology. PDT is used commonly to treat precancerous cells, sun-damaged skin, and acne. It has reportedly also been used to treat other conditions including inflammatory disorders and cutaneous infections. This review discusses the principles behind how PDT is used in dermatology, as well as evidence for current applications of PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn T Wan
- Melanoma Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Y Lin
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Species-directed therapy for leishmaniasis in returning travellers: a comprehensive guide. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2832. [PMID: 24787001 PMCID: PMC4006727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis is increasingly reported among travellers. Leishmania species vary in sensitivity to available therapies. Fast and reliable molecular techniques have made species-directed treatment feasible. Many treatment trials have been designed poorly, thus developing evidence-based guidelines for species-directed treatment is difficult. Published guidelines on leishmaniasis in travellers do not aim to be comprehensive or do not quantify overall treatment success for available therapies. We aimed at providing comprehensive species-directed treatment guidelines. Methodology/Principal Findings English literature was searched using PubMed. Trials and observational studies were included if all cases were parasitologically confirmed, the Leishmania species was known, clear clinical end-points and time points for evaluation of treatment success were defined, duration of follow-up was adequate and loss to follow-up was acceptable. The proportion of successful treatment responses was pooled using mixed effects methods to estimate the efficacy of specific therapies. Final ranking of treatment options was done by an expert panel based on pooled efficacy estimates and practical considerations. 168 studies were included, with 287 treatment arms. Based on Leishmania species, symptoms and geography, 25 clinical categories were defined and therapy options ranked. In 12/25 categories, proposed treatment agreed with highest efficacy data from literature. For 5/25 categories no literature was found, and in 8/25 categories treatment advise differed from literature evidence. For uncomplicated cutaneous leishmaniasis, combination of intralesional antimony with cryotherapy is advised, except for L. guyanensis and L. braziliensis infections, for which systemic treatment is preferred. Treatment of complicated (muco)cutaneous leishmaniasis differs per species. For visceral leishmaniasis, liposomal amphotericin B is treatment of choice. Conclusions/Significance Our study highlights current knowledge about species-directed therapy of leishmaniasis in returning travellers and also demonstrates lack of evidence for treatment of several clinical categories. New data can easily be incorporated in the presented overview. Updates will be of use for clinical decision making and for defining further research. Human leishmaniasis is caused by unicellular parasites that are injected into the skin by sand-flies, small, flying insects. Many different Leishmania species cause various manifestations of disease, both of the skin and internal organs. Leishmaniasis is a curable disease but clear guidelines on the best available treatment are lacking. Leishmania species differ in sensitivity to available drugs. Until recently, identification of the infecting Leishmania parasite was laborious, thus therapy could not precisely be targeted to the infecting species, in contrast to many other infectious diseases. Nowadays, Leishmania parasites can be identified relatively easily with new DNA techniques. We studied efficacy of therapies for diseases due to different Leishmania species, limited to the English literature. Efficacy was summarized and presented in an easy to read format. Because of difficulties with identification of parasite species in earlier studies, quality of evidence was often limited. Our findings are a major help for clinicians to easily find optimal treatment for specific patients. Moreover, our results demonstrate where additional research is needed to further improve treatment of leishmaniasis.
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van Griensven J, Carrillo E, López-Vélez R, Lynen L, Moreno J. Leishmaniasis in immunosuppressed individuals. Clin Microbiol Infect 2014; 20:286-99. [DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Wortmann
- Infectious Diseases, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Jebran AF, Schleicher U, Steiner R, Wentker P, Mahfuz F, Stahl HC, Amin FM, Bogdan C, Stahl KW. Rapid healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis by high-frequency electrocauterization and hydrogel wound care with or without DAC N-055: a randomized controlled phase IIa trial in Kabul. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2694. [PMID: 24551257 PMCID: PMC3923720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due to Leishmania (L.) tropica infection is a chronic, frequently disfiguring skin disease with limited therapeutic options. In endemic countries healing of ulcerative lesions is often delayed by bacterial and/or fungal infections. Here, we studied a novel therapeutic concept to prevent superinfections, accelerate wound closure, and improve the cosmetic outcome of ACL. Methodology/Principal Findings From 2004 to 2008 we performed a two-armed, randomized, double-blinded, phase IIa trial in Kabul, Afghanistan, with patients suffering from L. tropica CL. The skin lesions were treated with bipolar high-frequency electrocauterization (EC) followed by daily moist-wound-treatment (MWT) with polyacrylate hydrogel with (group I) or without (group II) pharmaceutical sodium chlorite (DAC N-055). Patients below age 5, with facial lesions, pregnancy, or serious comorbidities were excluded. The primary, photodocumented outcome was the time needed for complete lesion epithelialization. Biopsies for parasitological and (immuno)histopathological analyses were taken prior to EC (1st), after wound closure (2nd) and after 6 months (3rd). The mean duration for complete wound closure was short and indifferent in group I (59 patients, 43.1 d) and II (54 patients, 42 d; p = 0.83). In patients with Leishmania-positive 2nd biopsies DAC N-055 caused a more rapid wound epithelialization (37.2 d vs. 58.3 d; p = 0.08). Superinfections occurred in both groups at the same rate (8.8%). Except for one patient, reulcerations (10.2% in group I, 18.5% in group II; p = 0.158) were confined to cases with persistent high parasite loads after healing. In vitro, DAC N-055 showed a leishmanicidal effect on pro- and amastigotes. Conclusions/Significance Compared to previous results with intralesional antimony injections, the EC plus MWT protocol led to more rapid wound closure. The tentatively lower rate of relapses and the acceleration of wound closure in a subgroup of patients with parasite persistence warrant future studies on the activity of DAC N-055. Trial Registration ClinicalTrails.gov NCT00947362 In many countries of the Middle East such as Afghanistan, cutaneous leishmaniasis is a highly prevalent, chronic and stigmatizing skin disease. Poor hygiene conditions frequently aggravate the lesions due to bacterial and fungal superinfections. Classical treatments with injections of pentavalent antimony are hampered by costs, side effects, resistance development, supply and manufactural quality problems. In the present study on Afghan patients with Leishmania tropica-induced skin lesions we evaluated the clinical effect of an initial removal of lesion tissue by electrocoagulation using a bipolar high-frequency electrosurgery instrument, followed by daily moist wound treatment with or without a preparation of pharmaceutical sodium chlorite (DAC N-055). DAC N-055 is a compound with anti-infective, immunomodulatory and tissue repair-promoting effects. Our analysis revealed that the carefully performed moist wound treatment led to a rapid healing of the wounds within an average period of 6 weeks, even in the absence of the sodium chlorite preparation. This is considerably faster than the time spans previously reported for local or systemic antimony treatment. We believe that the current standard for local care of chronic wounds should also be applied to Leishmania skin lesions. If combined with an initial single high-frequency electrocoagulation, it is a highly effective, inexpensive and well-tolerated treatment option for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Fawad Jebran
- Mikrobiologisches Institut – Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schleicher
- Mikrobiologisches Institut – Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reto Steiner
- Leishmania Clinic, German Medical Service (NGO), Darwaze-e-Lahory, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Pia Wentker
- Mikrobiologisches Institut – Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Farouq Mahfuz
- Leishmania Clinic, German Medical Service (NGO), Darwaze-e-Lahory, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Hans-Christian Stahl
- Waisenmedizin e.V. Promoting Access to Care with Essential Medicine, Non-Profit Organization, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Faquir Mohammad Amin
- Leishmania Clinic, German Medical Service (NGO), Darwaze-e-Lahory, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Christian Bogdan
- Mikrobiologisches Institut – Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail: (CB); (KWS)
| | - Kurt-Wilhelm Stahl
- Waisenmedizin e.V. Promoting Access to Care with Essential Medicine, Non-Profit Organization, Freiburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (CB); (KWS)
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Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a global term for cutaneous and visceral anthroponotic and zoonotic diseases caused by the vector-borne parasites of the genus Leishmania. These diseases afflict at least 2 million people each year with more than 350 million at risk in 98 countries worldwide. These are diseases mostly of the impoverished making prevention, diagnosis and treatment difficult. Therapy of leishmaniasis ranges from local treatment of cutaneous lesions to systemic, often toxic, therapy for disseminated cutaneous, mucocutaneous and deadly visceral disease. This review is a summary of the clinical syndromes caused by Leishmania and treatment regimens currently used for various forms of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B.S. McGwire
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA and Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - A.R. Satoskar
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Microbial Interface Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA and Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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