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Zurita A, Trujillo I, Cutillas C. New records of pathogenic bacteria in different species of fleas collected from domestic and peridomestic animals in Spain. A potential zoonotic threat? Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 107:102153. [PMID: 38460359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102153] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is causing many vectors of infectious diseases to expand their geographic distribution as well as the pathogens they transmit are also conditioned by temperature for their multiplication. Within this context, it is worth highlighting the significant role that fleas can play as vectors of important pathogenic bacteria. For this purpose, our efforts focused on detecting and identifying a total of 9 bacterial genera (Rickettsia sp.; Bartonella sp.; Yersinia sp.; Wolbachia sp., Mycobacterium sp., Leishmania sp., Borrelia sp., Francisella sp. and Coxiella sp.) within fleas isolated from domestic and peridomestic animals in the southwestern region of Spain (Andalusia). Over a 19-months period, we obtained flea samples from dogs, cats and hedgehogs. A total of 812 fleas was collected for this study. Five different species were morphologically identified, including C. felis, C. canis, S. cuniculi, P. irritans, and A. erinacei. Wolbachia sp. was detected in all five species identified in our study which a total prevalence of 86%. Within Rickettsia genus, two different species, R. felis and R. asembonensis were mainly identified in C. felis and A. erinacei, respectively. On the other hand, our results revealed a total of 131 fleas testing positive for the presence of Bartonella sp., representing a prevalence rate of 16% for this genus identifying two species B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae. Lastly, both Y. pestis and L. infantum were detected in DNA of P. irritans and C. felis, respectively isolated from dogs. With these data we update the list of bacterial zoonotic agents found in fleas in Spain, emphasizing the need to continue conducting future experimental studies to assess and confirm the potential vectorial role of certain synanthropic fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, Seville 41012, Spain.
| | - Ignacio Trujillo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, Seville 41012, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, Seville 41012, Spain.
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Carneiro FM, da Cruz AB, Maia MM, Taniwaki NN, Pereira IDS, Namiyama GM, Gava R, Hiramoto RM, Vicente B, Midlej V, Mariante RM, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Extracellular Vesicles from Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum Contribute in Stimulating Immune Response and Immunosuppression in Hosts with Visceral Leishmaniasis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:270. [PMID: 38399674 PMCID: PMC10892469 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020270] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic systemic disease. In Brazil this infection is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by Leishmania species have different functions like the modulation of host immune systems and inflammatory responses, among others. This study evaluated the participation of EVs from L. (L.) infantum (Leish-EVs) in recognition of the humoral and cellular immune response of hosts with VL. Promastigotes were cultivated in 199 medium and, in the log phase of growth, they were centrifuged, washed, resus-pended in RPMI medium, and incubated for 2 to 24 h, at 25 °C or 37 °C to release Leish-EVs. This dynamic was evaluated using transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopies, as well as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The results suggested that parasite penetration in mammal macrophages requires more Leish-EVs than those living in insect vectors, since promastigotes incubated at 37 °C released more Leish-EVs than those incubated at 25 °C. Infected THP-1 cells produced high EV concentration (THP-1 cells-EVs) when compared with those from the control group. The same results were obtained when THP-1 cells were treated with Leish-EVs or a crude Leishmania antigen. These data indicated that host-EV concentrations could be used to distinguish infected from uninfected hosts. THP-1 cells treated with Leish-EVs expressed more IL-12 than control THP-1 cells, but were unable to express IFN-γ. These same cells highly expressed IL-10, which inhibited TNF-α and IL-6. Equally, THP-1 cells treated with Leish-EVs up-expressed miR-21-5p and miR-146a-5p. In conclusion, THP-1 cells treated with Leish-EVs highly expressed miR-21-5p and miR-146a-5p and caused the dysregulation of IL-10. Indirectly, these results suggest that high expression of these miRNAs species is caused by Leish-EVs. Consequently, this molecular via can contribute to immunosuppression causing enhanced immunopathology in infected hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francieli Marinho Carneiro
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Allecineia Bispo da Cruz
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Marta Marques Maia
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Noemi Nosomi Taniwaki
- Núcleo de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (N.N.T.); (G.M.N.)
| | - Ingrid de Siqueira Pereira
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
- Núcleo de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (N.N.T.); (G.M.N.)
| | - Gislene Mitsue Namiyama
- Núcleo de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (N.N.T.); (G.M.N.)
| | - Ricardo Gava
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Roberto Mitsuyoshi Hiramoto
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Bruno Vicente
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (B.V.); (V.M.); (R.M.M.)
| | - Victor Midlej
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (B.V.); (V.M.); (R.M.M.)
| | - Rafael Meyer Mariante
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (B.V.); (V.M.); (R.M.M.)
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
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Immunoinformatics Approach to Design a Multi-Epitope Nanovaccine against Leishmania Parasite: Elicitation of Cellular Immune Responses. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020304. [PMID: 36851182 PMCID: PMC9960668 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by an intracellular parasite of the genus Leishmania with different clinical manifestations that affect millions of people worldwide, while the visceral form may be fatal if left untreated. Since the available chemotherapeutic agents are not satisfactory, vaccination emerges as the most promising strategy for confronting leishmaniasis. In the present study, a reverse vaccinology approach was adopted to design a pipeline starting from proteome analysis of three different Leishmania species and ending with the selection of a pool of MHCI- and MHCII-binding epitopes. Epitopes from five parasite proteins were retrieved and fused to construct a multi-epitope chimeric protein, named LeishChim. Immunoinformatics analyses indicated that LeishChim was a stable, non-allergenic and immunogenic protein that could bind strongly onto MHCI and MHCII molecules, suggesting it as a potentially safe and effective vaccine candidate. Preclinical evaluation validated the in silico prediction, since the LeishChim protein, encapsulated simultaneously with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) into poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles, elicited specific cellular immune responses when administered to BALB/c mice. These were characterized by the development of memory CD4+ T cells, as well as IFNγ- and TNFα-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, supporting the potential of LeishChim as a vaccine candidate.
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Magri A, Caffara M, Fioravanti M, Galuppi R. Detection of Leishmania sp. kDNA in questing Ixodes ricinus (Acari, Ixodidae) from the Emilia-Romagna Region in northeastern Italy. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3331-3336. [PMID: 36076092 PMCID: PMC9556345 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07655-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To date, sand flies (Phlebotominae) are the only recognized biological vectors of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of human visceral leishmaniasis, which is endemic in the Mediterranean basin and also widespread in Central and South America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Dogs are the main domestic reservoir of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis, and the role of secondary vectors such as ticks and fleas and particularly Rhipicephalus sanguineus (the brown dog tick) in transmitting L. infantum has been investigated. In the present paper, the presence of Leishmania DNA was investigated in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from 4 rural areas included in three parks of the Emilia-Romagna Region (north-eastern Italy), where active foci of human visceral leishmaniasis have been identified. The analyses were performed on 236 DNA extracts from 7 females, 6 males, 72 nymph pools, and 151 larvae pools. Four samples (1.7%) (i.e., one larva pool, 2 nymph pools, and one adult male) tested positive for Leishmania kDNA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of Leishmania kDNA in questing I. ricinus ticks collected from a rural environment. This finding in unfed larvae, nymphs, and adult male ticks supports the hypothesis that L. infantum can have both transstadial and transovarial passage in I. ricinus ticks. The potential role of I. ricinus ticks in the sylvatic cycle of leishmaniasis should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Magri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences – Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Caffara
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences – Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marialetizia Fioravanti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences – Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences – Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
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Oral and Intragastric: New Routes of Infection by Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum? Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060688. [PMID: 35745542 PMCID: PMC9228391 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Leishmania transmission in nature is associated with the bite of an infected sandfly vector, other possible transmission routes are speculated to occur, such as the oral route. We evaluated the possibility of infection by this route in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) using Leishmania braziliensis (Lb) and Leishmania infantum (Li). Hamsters were exposed to experimental oral or intragastrical infection with axenic promastigotes, besides oral ingestion of a suspension of cultivated macrophages infected with amastigotes, lesion-fed Lutzomyia longipalpis, skin lesion or infective spleen fragment. The parasite's isolation, besides a positive PCR and IFAT, confirmed the intragastric infection by promastigote parasites. The oral ingestion of macrophages infected with L. braziliensis amastigotes was also infective. These results confirmed that Leishmania parasites could infect mammals by the intragastric route through the ingestion of promastigote forms (what can happen after a sandfly ingestion) and by the oral ingestion of infected macrophages (what can happen in nature in a predator-prey interaction). The better understanding of these alternative routes is essential to understand their transmission dynamics in nature. As far as we know, this is the first time that oral and intragastric Leishmania transmission has been experimentally demonstrated, constituting new infection routes, at least for L. infantum and L. braziliensis.
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Feline Leishmaniosis: An Emerging Public Health Problem. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8090173. [PMID: 34564567 PMCID: PMC8473070 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8090173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is the third most important vector-borne disease in humans, preceded by malaria and lymphatic filariasis, and it is considered endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, where higher temperatures favor development of its vector, sandflies. This zoonotic disease is caused by infection of protozoa Leishmania spp. and the most serious mucocutaneous and visceral form is produced by Leishmania infantum, which predominates in the Mediterranean region. The usual hosts for this parasite are dogs and humans, but an increment in cases of L. infantum infection has been observed in cats in the last years. This increase could be due to the use of sandflies repellents in dogs, obligating the parasite to looking for other hosts. The role of cats in the epidemiology of this disease is unknown, although increase of prevalence of feline leishmaniosis has been observed in endemic areas in the last years. Diagnostic techniques and treatments in cats are not standardized, which makes it difficult to establish prevalence and epidemiology of feline leishmaniosis. Furthermore, the clinical signs and immune response against Leishmania in cats are different to those in dogs, with an observed increment of drug resistance. It is necessary to increase our knowledge about L. infantum infection in cats, including clinical signs, transmission, treatments, and the role of cats in the increasing of zoonoses. Finally, new alternative treatments are required for controlling the spread of this disease in all species of mammals.
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Gontijo VS, Colombo FA, Ferreira Espuri P, Freitas PGD, Nunes JB, Alves LB, Veloso MP, Alves RB, Freitas RP, Marques MJ. In vivo evaluation of anti-Leishmania activity of alkyltriazoles and alkylphosphocholines by oral route. Exp Parasitol 2021; 226-227:108123. [PMID: 34144040 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108123] [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: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The failures in the treatment of leishmaniasis is an increasing problem around the world, especially related to resistance. Thus, we describe the synthesis and in vivo anti-Leishmania activity of alkylphosphocholine and alkyltriazoles; besides, their likely action mechanisms stem from some eventual inhibition of parasite enzymes using computational tools. These compounds were tested in an in vivo hamster model infected with Leishmania Leishmania infantum chagasi. Fifty days after parasite inoculation, the two compounds 12-azidedodecylphosphocholine (3) and 3-(1-(12-fluorododecyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)propano-1-ol (9), were separately administered once a day as oral suspensions (25 and 12.5 mg/kg/day, respectively) during ten days, and their efficacy was compared to the reference compound pentavalent antimonial Glucantime (GLU). Compound 3 significantly reduced the number of parasites in the spleen (4.93 × 102 amastigotes/g) and liver (4.52 × 103 amastigotes/g). Compound 9 reduced the number of amastigotes in the spleen to 1.30 × 104 and 1.36 × 103 amastigotes/g in the liver. GLU was the most effective overall treatment (7.50 × 101 and 2.28 × 102 amastigotes/g in the spleen and liver, respectively). The high activity levels of these compounds in vivo may stem from their high in vitro leishmanicidal activity and lipophilicity. The in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies also showed some anti-Leishmania potential. Compound 9 had more lipophilic characteristics than those of compound 3. In silico studies of the nine enzymes of compounds 3 and 9 showed significant evidence of interactions with nicotimidase and tyrosine aminotransferase, demonstrating possible inhibition enzymes present in L. (L.) infantum chagasi. These compounds could be a promising template for developing a new class of leishmanicidal agents, by oral route, and deserve further investigation to explore different therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Silva Gontijo
- Departamento de Química, ICEx, UFMG, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Fabio Antônio Colombo
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Ferreira Espuri
- Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Poliany Graziella de Freitas
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Simulação Computacional, MolMod-CS, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Juliana Barbosa Nunes
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455. Cerqueira César, São Paulo, 01246-903, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Levy Bueno Alves
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Simulação Computacional, MolMod-CS, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Márcia Paranho Veloso
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Simulação Computacional, MolMod-CS, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosemeire Brondi Alves
- Departamento de Química, ICEx, UFMG, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rossimiriam Pereira Freitas
- Departamento de Química, ICEx, UFMG, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marcos José Marques
- Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700- Centro, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
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Zurita A, Benkacimi L, El Karkouri K, Cutillas C, Parola P, Laroche M. New records of bacteria in different species of fleas from France and Spain. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 76:101648. [PMID: 33895462 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we assessed the presence of vector-borne microorganisms in different species of fleas collected from different hosts in diverse areas of South-Western Europe by molecular methods. A total of 319 fleas belonging to eight different species was tested for the presence of eight microorganisms. Wolbachia spp. endosymbionts were detected in Ctenocephalides felis, Pulex irritans, Archaeopsylla erinacei and Ctenophthalmus baeticus boisseauorum specimens. Rickettsia felis, an emerging pathogen, was detected in C. felis, A. erinacei and Ct. b. boisseauorum. Rickettsia typhi, the agent of murine typhus was detected for the first time in A. erinacei and Mycobacterium spp. were detected for the first time in fleas (C. felis, P. irritans and A. erinacei). Lastly, five different species of Bartonella were detected in fleas' DNA in this study, including a possible new bacterium belonging to this genus. With this study, we updated the knowledge of the flea-borne bacteria present in the South-West of Europe reinforcing the idea about the necessity to expand and increase the current knowledge on flea-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Professor García González 2, 41012, Seville, Spain
| | - Linda Benkacimi
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Khalid El Karkouri
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Professor García González 2, 41012, Seville, Spain
| | - Philippe Parola
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Maureen Laroche
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.
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de Figueiredo Peloso E, Merli RJ, Espuri PF, Nunes JB, Colombo FA, Sierra EJT, de Paulo DC, Dos Santos MH, Carvalho DT, Marques MJ. Investigation of 8-methoxy-3-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-6-propyl-2H-chromen-2-one as a promising coumarin compound for the development of a new and orally effective antileishmanial agent. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8465-8474. [PMID: 33021720 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05887-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Changes in host immunity and parasite resistance to drugs are among the factors that contribute to decreased efficacy of antiparasitic drugs such as the antimonial compounds pentamidine, amphotericin (AMP B) and miltefosine. Bioactive natural products could be alternatives for the development of new drugs to treat neglected human diseases such as leishmaniasis. Natural coumarins and synthetic analogues have shown leishmanicidal activity, mainly in vitro. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo leishmanicidal activity of synthetic coumarin compounds (C1-C5) in parasites Leishmania (L.) amazonensis and L. (L.) infantum chagasi. The cytotoxicity of these compounds in mammalian cells and their influence on production of reactive oxygen species was also investigated. In vitro assays showed that 8-methoxy-3-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-6-propyl-2H-chromen-2-one (C4) was as active as AMP B mainly in the amastigote form (p < 0.05); C4 presented a selectivity index (65.43) four times higher than C2 (15.4) in L. amazonensis and six times higher (33.94) than C1 (5.46) in L. infantum chagasi. Additionally, coumarin C4 reduced the H2O2 concentration 32.5% more than the control group in L. amazonensis promastigotes during the lag phase of proliferation. No interference of C4 was observed on the mitochondrial membrane potential of the parasites. In vivo, coumarin C4 in corn oil (oral route) led to a reduction in the number of amastigotes from L. infantum chagasi to 1.31 × 106 and 4.09 × 104 in the spleen and liver, respectively (p < 0.05). Thus, C4 represents a candidate for further studies aiming at new treatments of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo de Figueiredo Peloso
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, 700 Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St, Alfenas, MG, CEP 37130-001, Brazil.
| | - Rafaella Junqueira Merli
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, 700 Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St, Alfenas, MG, CEP 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Ferreira Espuri
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, 700 Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St, Alfenas, MG, CEP 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Juliana Barbosa Nunes
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathology, Medical School, São Paulo University, Sao Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Fábio Antônio Colombo
- Laboratory of Clinical Parasitology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Elkin José Torres Sierra
- Laboratory of Research in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniela Carvalho de Paulo
- Laboratory of Research in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Diogo Teixeira Carvalho
- Laboratory of Research in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos José Marques
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, 700 Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St, Alfenas, MG, CEP 37130-001, Brazil.
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Molecular identification of Leishmania in free-ranging black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) in northeastern Argentina. Acta Trop 2020; 210:105534. [PMID: 32450135 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasitological surveys of non-human primates provides an important opportunity to better understand the epidemiology, transmission dynamics and emergence risk of anthropozoonoses such as leishmaniasis, which affect human populations in several regions accross South America. Our study area, in northeastern Argentina, can be considered a southern marginal region for the presence of leishmaniases and includes the habitat of black and gold howler monkeys, Alouatta caraya. To evaluate if A. caraya serve as potential hosts in the Leishmania cycle, we used molecular methods to examine infection by Leishmania spp. in 109 howler monkeys of different ages captured between July and August 2010. External ear tissue samples were subjected to PCR amplification for the Leishmania ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) and a RFLP assay with the Hae III restriction enzyme, and finally confirmed by sequencing. Nine howler monkeys (8.3%) were infected with Le. braziliensis (2.8%), Le. amazonensis (2.8%) and/or Le. infantum (3.7%). The results also suggest a case of co-infection between Le. braziliensis and Le. amazonensis. Further, we report the first observation of Le. amazonensis in the northeastern region of Argentina. The detection of Leishmania spp. in free-ranging howler monkeys gives rise to questions about the actual prevalence of the parasite in the wild, as well as if the number of infected wild monkeys detected may present a risk of leishmaniasis emergence in surronding human populations. Anyway, the presence of Leishmania spp. in A. caraya suggests the possible importance of these monkeys in the sylvatic and periurban transmission.
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da Silva JC, Nunes JB, Gontijo VS, Malaquias LCC, de Freitas RP, Alves RB, Colombo FA, Laurenti MD, Marques MJ. LEISHMANICIDAL ACTIVITY in vivo OF A MILTEFOSINE DERIVATIVE IN Mesocricetus auratus. Acta Trop 2020; 209:105539. [PMID: 32461110 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic and systemic disease; if untreated, it can cause death in a large number of cases. The therapy is based on the use of antimonials, which have been used for over 50 years. However, cases of resistance have been reported in some countries. In this context, miltefosine (MIL) was introduced to treat antimonial unresponsive cases. Nonetheless, in recent years MIL unresponsive and relapse cases of VL have increasingly been reported. In the current study, the therapeutic potential of compound 5-(4-(3-methanesulfonatepropyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)dodecyl methanesulfonate (C11), an MIL derivative, was assessed in an experimental VL hamster model. For this purpose, golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were infected with Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi and treated daily for 10 days with C11 and MIL administered orally; in addition, Glucantime (GLU), peritoneal route, were administered at 15, 10, 50 mg/kg body weight/day, respectively. Twenty four hours after the end of treatment the animals were euthanatized; and the specimens were collected to evaluate the relative mRNA expression of cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, TGF-β, IL-4 and IL-10 in fragments of the spleen and liver; moreover, the parasitism in these organs was evaluated as well as the main histopathological alterations. The C11-treated animals showed greater expression of IL-17 and TNF-α cytokines and reduced expression of IL-10 in the spleen in comparison to the infected untreated group (UTG) (p <0.05). The C11 and GLU groups showed a significant reduction in the IgG levels in comparison to the UTG group (p <0.05). Moreover, the C11-treated animals had fewer parasites in the spleen than the UTG animals (reduction of 95.9%), as well as a greater preservation of white pulp architecture in the spleen than the UTG, GLU and MIL groups (p <0.05). For the liver, the animals from the C11 and MIL groups showed a significant increase in TNF-α relative expression in comparison to the UTG animals, which would explain the increase in the number of granulomas and the reduction in the parasitic load (p <0.05). Combined, these findings indicate that C11 is an interesting compound that should be considered for the development of new drugs against VL, mainly due to its leishmanicidal effect and immunostimulating action.
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Coyner KS, Ward JG. Pathology in Practice. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 254:813-817. [PMID: 30888276 DOI: 10.2460/javma.254.7.813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Latif AA, Nkabinde B, Peba B, Matthee O, Pienaar R, Josemans A, Marumo D, Labuschagne K, Abdelatief NA, Krüger A, Mans BJ. Risk of establishment of canine leishmaniasis infection through the import of dogs into South Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 86:e1-e11. [PMID: 31170780 PMCID: PMC6556918 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v86i1.1634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Canine leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania that affect dogs, humans and wildlife. Sandflies of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia are the primary vectors. Canine leishmaniasis is an exotic and controlled disease in South Africa. The main purpose of our risk assessment study was to evaluate the likelihood that this exotic disease could enter and be established in South Africa through importation of live dogs. Risk analysis to the spread of the disease follows the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) formal method of quantitative risk assessment documented as a step-by-step process. We have identified and discussed 11 possible risk factors involved in three steps for final assessment. The annual average number of diagnostic tests performed on imported dogs from 44 countries for 2011-2015 was 1158. Leishmania is reported to occur in 21/44 (47.7%) exporting countries. A total of 71.1% of Leishmania positive dogs were imported from these endemic countries. The yearly percentage of Leishmania positive dogs ranged from 0.2% to 2%. Three confirmed clinical and fatal cases of leishmaniasis in dogs of unidentified origin have been reported by our laboratory and the state veterinarians. The disease has been reported in neighbouring countries as well as the putative sandfly vectors. This study concluded that the risk for the introduction and degree of uncertainty of Leishmania in imported dogs in South Africa are moderate. Risk mitigation and recommendations such as investigations into possible occurrence of autochthonous leishmaniasis in the country, surveillance in its wildlife reservoirs and systematic surveillance of sandfly populations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdalla A Latif
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
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Costa SF, Trivellato GF, Rebech GT, Oliveira Dos Santos Maciel M, Melo LM, Luvizotto MCR, de Lima VMF. Eosinophilic inflammation in lymph nodes of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. Parasite Immunol 2019; 40:e12567. [PMID: 29920692 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Eosinophils are traditionally associated with the immune response against helminth parasites. However, several studies have demonstrated that these cells have a role regarding protective immunity in leishmaniasis. Here, we examined the relationship between the presence of eosinophils and parasite load in biopsy samples from dogs, obtained through fine needle puncture and aspiration of lymph nodes. Histological slides containing biopsy material from lymph nodes of dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis and healthy dogs were used to obtain baseline eosinophil counts. Subsequently, scrapings were taken from slides for DNA extraction and determination of parasite load, using real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Additionally, production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by eosinophils in the peripheral blood of dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis and healthy dogs was measured. The eosinophil percentage were higher in lymph nodes of infected group, and the parasite load showed a significant negative correlation with the eosinophil count. The production of NO and ROS by eosinophils in the peripheral blood was higher in the dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis. All the results together suggest that eosinophils may participate in antileishmanial immunity in canine visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidnei Ferro Costa
- Master's student of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Franco Trivellato
- Undergraduate student of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Torres Rebech
- Master's student of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Martins Melo
- Doctoral student of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cecília Rui Luvizotto
- Department of Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valéria Marçal Felix de Lima
- Department of Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Synthesis and evaluation of the antileishmanial activity of silver compounds containing imidazolidine-2-thione. J Biol Inorg Chem 2019; 24:419-432. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-019-01657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Dos Santos Nogueira F, Avino VC, Galvis-Ovallos F, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Moreira MAB, Romariz APPL, Molla LM, Menz I. Use of miltefosine to treat canine visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:79. [PMID: 30736866 PMCID: PMC6368741 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3323-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease with a variety of clinical signs. The main form of parasite transmission to humans and other mammalian hosts is through the bite of infected arthropod females with Lutzomyia longipalpis serving as the main vector in the Americas. Dogs are the main urban domestic reservoirs of the parasite and the main source of vector infection due to their high prevalence in endemic areas and the large number of parasites in the skin of infected animals. Although miltefosine has been used in Europe since 2002 for treatment of VL infected dogs, in the Americas the treatment of dogs has not been recommended. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate efficacy of miltefosine observing a reduction of clinical signs in infected dogs and the infectiveness to the vector by Leishmania (L.) infantum. Methods To our knowledge, this is the first controlled study using qPCR and xenodiagnosis to evaluate the efficacy of miltefosine (Milteforan®, Virbac) as a single treatment in Brazil. Thirty-five adult dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), confirmed by clinical and laboratory tests, were included in this study. They received miltefosine at a dose of 2 mg/kg every 24 h for 28 days. The dogs were observed over a three-month period, during which clinical evaluations based on a scoring system were conducted at pre-established times. Parasite load was assessed by cytology and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Transmissibility to the vector was evaluated by xenodiagnosis. Results At the end of the period, the following were observed: (i) the remission of clinical signs with a reduction in clinical scores for 94.2% of the animals; (ii) a statistically significant reduction (98.7%) in parasitic load by qPCR; and (iii) a reduction in infectivity to sand flies. After treatment, 74.2% of the animals remained or had become non-infectious. Conclusions Our study indicates that the use of miltefosine administered orally for 4 weeks contributes to a clinical improvement and reduction in infectivity of dogs to L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valdir Carlos Avino
- Departamento de Assuntos Regulatórios e Desenvolvimento da Virbac Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fredy Galvis-Ovallos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Leticia M Molla
- Departamento de Assuntos Regulatórios e Desenvolvimento da Virbac Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Menz
- Ingrid Menz Self-employed Veterinarian, São Paulo, Campinas, Brazil.
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Vakili B, Eslami M, Hatam GR, Zare B, Erfani N, Nezafat N, Ghasemi Y. Immunoinformatics-aided design of a potential multi-epitope peptide vaccine against Leishmania infantum. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 120:1127-1139. [PMID: 30172806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.08.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar, the most severe form of the disease, is endemic in more than eighty countries across the world. To date, there is no approved vaccine against VL in the market. Recent advances in reverse vaccinology could be promising approach in designing the efficient vaccine for VL treatment. In this study, an efficient multi-epitope vaccine against Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of VL, was designed using various computational vaccinology methods. Potential immunodominant epitopes were selected from four antigenic proteins, including histone H1, sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (SMT), Leishmania-specific hypothetical protein (LiHy), and Leishmania-specific antigenic protein (LSAP). To enhance vaccine immunogenicity, two resuscitation-promoting factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, RpfE and RpfB, were employed as adjuvants. All the aforesaid segments were joined using proper linkers. Homology modeling, followed by refinement and validation was performed to obtain a high-quality 3D structure of designed vaccine. Docking analyses and molecular dynamics (MD) studies indicated vaccine/TLR4 complex was in the stable form during simulation time. In sum, we expect our designed vaccine is able to induce humoral and cellular immune responses against L. infantum, and may be promising medication for VL, after in vitro and in vivo immunological assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Vakili
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Eslami
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholam Reza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bijan Zare
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nasrollah Erfani
- Institute for Cancer Research (ICR), School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Comparative analysis of real-time PCR assays in the detection of canine visceral leishmaniasis. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3341-3346. [PMID: 30088073 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6038-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are important hosts and reservoirs of leishmaniasis, a disease caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Leishmania, affecting ~12 million people worldwide. The detection of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in dogs by real-time PCR (qPCR) may improve on diagnosis, but the different qPCR methods available for Leishmania DNA detection have not been established as routine in diagnostic tools and/or epidemiologic studies for canine VL. Here, we compared three qPCR assays (DNApol, Linj31, and LDON) in the detection of VL by Leishmania infantum in spleen (n = 48; 7), skin (n = 48; 7), and whole blood (n = 44; 7) samples from serologically positive and negative dogs, respectively. Overall, the DNApol performed better than the Linj31 and LDON assays in the detection of positive samples in all tissues tested, yielding from 66.7 to 100.0% of positivity for both skin and spleen samples. For spleen samples, we observed no statistically significant differences between positive detection by the LDON and DNApol assays. Whole blood samples yielded the lowest rates of positive detection, regardless of the qPCR assay used. In contrast, positive detection of Leishmania DNA was as efficient from skin samples using the DNApol assay as from spleen samples using either the DNApol or the LDON assay. Although qPCR assays from skin samples may not be practical for use in the field, our study suggests that the DNApol and LDON assays from skin samples could be used in future to evaluate canine VL treatment in veterinary clinics.
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Feitosa APS, Chaves MM, Veras DL, de Deus DMV, Portela NC, Araújo AR, Alves LC, Brayner FA. Assessing the cellular and humoral immune response in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) infected with Leishmania infantum (Nicolle, 1908). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1421-1430. [PMID: 30207274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate aspects of the innate cellular and humoral immune response by evaluating hemocyte dynamics, phagocytosis, phenoloxidase (PO) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) (Acari: Ixodidae) infected with Leishmania infantum and to assess the persistence of parasites at time 0 and 1, 2, 5, and 7 days post-infection (dpi). The total and differential count of the five types of hemocytes circulating in the hemolymph of R. sanguineus s.l. females showed the average total number of hemocytes in the group infected with L. infantum to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) on the 1st and 2nd dpi compared to the control group. The hemocyte differential count showed that the average number of plasmatocytes and granulocytes increased significantly on the 1st, 2nd, and 5th dpi with L. infantum compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Phagocytosis assays revealed that plasmatocytes and granulocytes were able to perform phagocytosis of latex beads and L. infantum on the 1st and 2nd dpi, respectively. NO production was significantly increased (p < 0.001) on the 1st, 2nd, and 5th dpi with L. infantum and PO activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) only on the 5th dpi. L. infantum DNA was significantly increased (p < 0.001) on the 5th and 7th dpi compared to time 0. Although there are no studies describing the response of R. sanguineus s.l. to an infection with L. infantum, these results suggest that R. sanguineus s.l. activates the cellular and humoral immune response after infection with L. infantum. Further studies are however, needed to assess the impact of such a response on fighting infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula S Feitosa
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil; Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Tropical Medicine (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil.
| | - Marlos M Chaves
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil
| | - Dyana L Veras
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil; Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil
| | - Dayse M Vasconcelos de Deus
- Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil
| | - Nairomberg C Portela
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil; Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil
| | - Alberon R Araújo
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Tropical Medicine (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Luiz C Alves
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil; Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil; Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), University of Pernambuco, Rua Arnóbio Marques, 310 - Santo Amaro, Recife, PE, CEP 50.100-130, Brazil
| | - Fábio A Brayner
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil; Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP:50.740-465, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Tropical Medicine (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil.
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dos Santos Brighente KB, Cutolo AA, Motoie G, da Silva Meira-Strejevitch C, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Molecular detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in phlebotomine sandflies from a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area in northwestern of São Paulo State, Brazil. Acta Trop 2018; 181:1-5. [PMID: 29373820 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study identified the natural infection rate of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in Lutzomyia longipalpis sandflies collected in a neighborhood around a kennel, in Dracena, northwestern of São Paulo state. This region is highly endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. Insects were captured during 2-3 nights monthly for 11 months (January-November 2012) using 10 automatic light traps around a kennel in a transition between periurban and urban neighborhood. Capture aimed the determination of the minimal infection rate (MIR) on the area. A total of 1690 Lu. longipalpis were captured during the studied period. Out of them, 292 (17.25%) were females and were grouped in 165 pools containing 1 to five insects for DNA extraction and PCR analysis. Positive results for L. (L) infantum in conventional PCR and real time PCR were shown in 7.28% (12/165) and 4.85% (8/165) of the analysis respectively. These data confirm that Lu. longipalpis captured in the study area were infected by L. (L.) infantum. The MIR of sandflies during the 11 months of captures was 4.10% for female the total of 292 female sandflies collected. A high DNA concentration of L. (L.) infantum was detected on sandflies especially in kennel, chicken coop and neighboring houses, where higher abundance of hosts for blood source were present.
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Detection of Leishmania (V) guyanensis in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from Pecari tajacu. BIOMEDICA 2017; 37:208-214. [PMID: 29161493 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v37i0.3435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies identified the presence of Leishmania infantum in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and indicated the possibility that it could transmit leishmaniasis to a variety of hosts. OBJECTIVE To identify parasites of Leishmania (Viannia) spp. in ticks collected from wild animals in an endemic area for leishmaniasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed 81 individual DNA extractions from ticks collected from three Tapirus terrestris and three Pecari tajacu in Madre de Dios, Perú. Ticks were taxonomically identified and they were subsequently prepared to identify Leishmania (Viannia) spp. kDNA by PCR and the species of Leishmania by HRM-PCR. RESULTS Leishmania (Viannia) kDNA was detected in three wild ticks of the species R. microplus, collected from a collard peccary (P. tajacu) hunted in the forests of Madre de Dios. The HRM-PCR showed that one of the positive samples had a kDNA curve compatible with L. (V) guyanensis. CONCLUSION The results showed the presence of L. (V) guyanensis DNA in R. microplus possibly acquired after biting a collarde peccary. Therefore, it is important to design future studies to clarify R. microplus involvement in the transmission of leishmaniasis.
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Nanoliposomal Buparvaquone Immunomodulates Leishmania infantum-Infected Macrophages and Is Highly Effective in a Murine Model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.02297-16. [PMID: 28167544 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02297-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a fatal parasitic neglected disease affecting 1.5 million people worldwide. Based on a drug repositioning approach, the aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro immunomodulatory potential of buparvaquone (BPQ) and to establish a safe regimen to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of BPQ entrapped by negatively charged nanoliposomes (BPQ-LP) in Leishmania infantum-infected hamsters. Small-angle X-ray scattering, dynamic light scattering, and the ζ-potential were applied in order to study the influence of BPQ on the liposome structure. Our data revealed that BPQ was located in the polar-apolar interface, snorkeling the polar region, and protected against aggregation inside the lipophilic region. The presence of BPQ also decreased the Z-average hydrodynamic diameter and increased the surface charge. Compared to intravenous and intramuscular administration, a subcutaneous route was a more effective route for BPQ-LP; at 0.4 mg/kg, BPQ-LP reduced infection in the spleen and liver by 98 and 96%, respectively. Treatment for 5 days resulted in limited efficacy, but 10 days of treatment resulted in an efficacy similar to that of a 15-day regimen. The nanoliposomal drug was highly effective, with a mean 50% effective dose of 0.25 mg/kg, reducing the parasite load in bone marrow by 80%, as detected using quantitative PCR analysis. In addition, flow cytometry studies showed that BPQ upregulated cytokines as tumor necrosis factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and IL-6 in Leishmania-infected macrophages, eliminating the parasites via a nitric oxide-independent mechanism. This new formulation proved to be a safe and effective treatment for murine leishmaniasis that could be a useful candidate against visceral leishmaniasis.
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Nunes JB, Laurenti MD, Kanamura HY, Pereira AAC, Colombo FA, Marques MJ. Leishmania infantum INFECTION IN DOGS FROM THE SOUTHERN REGION OF MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 58:75. [PMID: 27828616 PMCID: PMC5096629 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201658075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic and chronic disease and dogs are the main reservoir of the etiologic agent, Leishmania infantum (syn L. chagasi). A serological and molecular investigation of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) was performed in the municipality of Alfenas, located in the southern region of Minas Gerais, where the disease is not endemic. Samples from 87 dogs were submitted to serological tests including the Dual Path Platform (DPP(r) ) CVL Bio-Manguinhos rapid test, an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), as well as molecular techniques such as a conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the RV1/RV2 primers and a quantitative PCR (qPCR) with the LinJ31, Ldon and DNApol primers. Of the 87 serum samples, eight (9.2%) were positive for Leishmania using the DPP rapid test, but only four (4.6%) were confirmed by ELISA and two (2.3%) by IFAT. In these two serologically confirmed cases, spleen and liver samples were positive by all the employed molecular and parasitological procedures performed on spleen samples. When whole blood samples were used in the molecular assays, two samples (2.3%) were positive only by qPCR. DNA extracted and amplified from the spleens of seropositive dogs was sequenced, showing 100% of similarity with the Leishmania infantum (syn L. chagasi) sequence. Thus, the first cases of CVL have been confirmed in the Alfenas region, suggesting the importance of canine surveys in non-endemic municipalities for CVL to monitor disease progression and to prevent outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Barbosa Nunes
- Federal University of Alfenas, Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Fabio Antonio Colombo
- Federal University of Alfenas, Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos José Marques
- Federal University of Alfenas, Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Alfenas, MG, Brazil
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Gonçalves LR, Filgueira KD, Ahid SMM, Pereira JS, Vale AMD, Machado RZ, André MR. Study on coinfecting vector-borne pathogens in dogs and ticks in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:407-12. [PMID: 25271465 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612014071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Since dogs presenting several vector borne diseases can show none or nonspecific clinical signs depending on the phase of infection, the assessment of the particular agents involved is mandatory. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Leishmania spp. in blood samples and ticks, collected from two dogs from Rio Grande do Norte showing suggestive tick-borne disease by using molecular techniques. DNA of E. canis, H. canis and L. infantum were detected in blood samples and R. sanguineus ticks collected from dogs. Among all samples analyzed, two showed the presence of multiple infections with E. canis, H. canis and L. infantum chagasi. Here we highlighted the need for molecular differential diagnosis in dogs showing nonspecific clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias ? FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista ? UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Kilder Dantas Filgueira
- Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido ? UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - Silvia Maria Mendes Ahid
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido ? UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - Josivânia Soares Pereira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido ? UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - André Mendes do Vale
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido ? UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias ? FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista ? UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias ? FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista ? UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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Alvåsen K, Johansson SM, Höglund J, Ssuna R, Emanuelson U. A field survey on parasites and antibodies against selected pathogens in owned dogs in Lilongwe, Malawi. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2016; 87:e1-6. [PMID: 27543039 PMCID: PMC6138158 DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v87i1.1358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to screen for selected parasites and antibody levels against vectorborne pathogens in owned dogs in Lilongwe, Malawi. The study population consisted of 100 dogs; 80 participating in vaccination-spaying campaigns and 20 visiting a veterinary clinic as paying clients. All dogs went through a general physical examination including visual examination for signs of ectoparasites. A total of 100 blood samples were analysed using commercial snap tests and 40 faecal samples by egg flotation in saturated sodium chloride. The sampled dogs had a seroprevalence of 12% for Anaplasma spp., 22% for Ehrlichia spp., 4% for Dirofilaria immitis and 1% for Leishmania spp. Eggs from Ancylostoma spp. were found in 80% of the faecal samples, whereas eggs of Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina were only present in 3%, 8% and 13% of the samples, respectively. Ectoparasites such as Ctenocephalides sp., Trichodectes sp. and ticks were present on 98%, 25% and 11%, respectively, of the campaign dogs. Among client dogs, 35% had Ctenocephalides fleas, 10% had Trichodectes lice and none had ticks. Public education and prophylactic treatment could be used to improve the animal welfare of dogs; this would most likely also have positive impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Alvåsen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
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26
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Viol MA, Guerrero FD, de Oliveira BCM, de Aquino MCC, Loiola SH, de Melo GD, de Souza Gomes AH, Kanamura CT, Garcia MV, Andreotti R, de Lima VMF, Bresciani KDS. Identification of Leishmania spp. promastigotes in the intestines, ovaries, and salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus actively infesting dogs. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3479-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Feitosa APS, Alves LC, Chaves MM, Veras DL, Silva EM, Aliança ASS, França IRS, Gonçalves GGA, Lima-Filho JL, Brayner FA. Hemocytes of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae): Characterization, Population Abundance, and Ultrastructural Changes Following Challenge with Leishmania infantum. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:1193-1202. [PMID: 26336264 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the cellular immune response of ticks, and further research on the characterization of the hemocytes of ticks is required, particularly on those of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) because of the medical and veterinary importance of this tick. The aims of this study were to characterize the morphology and the ultrastructure of the different types of hemocytes of adult R. sanguineus and to determine the population abundance and the ultrastructural changes in the hemocytes of ticks infected with Leishmania infantum. The hemocytes were characterized through light and transmission electron microscopy. Within the variability of circulating cells in the hemolymph of adult R. sanguineus, five cell types were identified, which were the prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, spherulocytes, and adipohemocytes. The prohemocytes were the smallest cells found in the hemolymph. The plasmatocytes had polymorphic morphology with vesicles and cytoplasmic projections. The granulocytes had an elliptical shape with the cytoplasm filled with granules of different sizes and electrodensities. The spherulocytes were characterized by several spherules of uniform shapes and sizes that filled the entire cytoplasm, whereas the adipohemocytes had an irregular shape with multiple lipid inclusions that occupied almost the entire cytoplasmic space. The total counts of the hemocyte population increased in the group that was infected with L. infantum. Among the different cell types, the numbers increased and the ultrastructural changes occurred in the granulocytes and the plasmatocytes in the infected group of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P S Feitosa
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901. Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901.
| | - L C Alves
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901. Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), University of Pernambuco, Rua Arnóbio Marques, 310 - Santo Amaro - Recife-PE, Brazil -CEP 50.100-130
| | - M M Chaves
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465
| | - D L Veras
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
| | - E M Silva
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
| | - A S S Aliança
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901. Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
| | - I R S França
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), University of Pernambuco, Rua Arnóbio Marques, 310 - Santo Amaro - Recife-PE, Brazil -CEP 50.100-130
| | - G G A Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
| | - J L Lima-Filho
- Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
| | - F A Brayner
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901. Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
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Špitalská E, Boldiš V, Mošanský L, Sparagano O, Stanko M. Rickettsia species in fleas collected from small mammals in Slovakia. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4333-9. [PMID: 26346455 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4713-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and epizootiological studies of Rickettsia felis and other Rickettsia spp. are very important, because their natural cycle has not yet been established completely. In total, 315 fleas (Siphonaptera) of 11 species of Ceratophyllidae, Hystrichopsyllidae and Leptopsyllidae families were tested for the presence of Rickettsia species and Coxiella burnetii with conventional and specific quantitative real-time PCR assays. Fleas were collected from five rodent hosts (Myodes glareolus, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus agrarius, Microtus subterraneus, Microtus arvalis) and three shrew species (Sorex araneus, Neomys fodiens, Crocidura suaveolens) captured in Eastern and Southern Slovakia. Overall, Rickettsia spp. was found in 10.8% (34/315) of the tested fleas of Ctenophthalmus agyrtes, Ctenophthalmus solutus, Ctenophthalmus uncinatus and Nosopsyllus fasciatus species. Infected fleas were coming from A. flavicollis, A. agrarius, and M. glareolus captured in Eastern Slovakia. C. burnetii was not found in any fleas. R. felis, Rickettsia helvetica, unidentified Rickettsia, and rickettsial endosymbionts were identified in fleas infesting small mammals in the Košice region, Eastern Slovakia. This study is the first report of R. felis infection in C. solutus male flea collected from A. agrarius in Slovakia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Vojtech Boldiš
- HPL (Ltd) Medical Laboratories, Istrijská 20, 841 07, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Ladislav Mošanský
- Institute of Parasitology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Olivier Sparagano
- Vice-Chancellor Office, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Michal Stanko
- Institute of Parasitology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Zoology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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29
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Colombo FA, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Meira CDS, Motoie G, Gava R, Hiramoto RM, de Almeida ME, da Silva AJ, Cutolo AA, Menz I. Performance of a real time PCR for leishmaniasis diagnosis using a L. (L.) infantum hypothetical protein as target in canine samples. Exp Parasitol 2015; 157:156-62. [PMID: 26297683 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis represents an important public health issue in different parts of the world, requiring that measures be put in place to control the spread of the disease worldwide. The canine leishmaniasis diagnosis is not easy based on clinical signs, since dogs may not develop the infection with recognizable signs. Thus, the laboratorial diagnosis is essential to ascertain the incidence and prevalence of canine leishmaniasis especially in areas with major control efforts. Although, the diagnosis can be performed by the use of different approaches, the molecular methods such as PCR have become an indispensable tool for leishmaniases diagnosis. A TaqMan assay for real-time PCR (Linj31-qPCR) was developed to determine the parasite occurrence in clinical cases of leishmaniasis. The assay targets an L. (L.) infantum hypothetical protein region. The specificity of the assay was verified by using Leishmania World Health Organization reference strains including parasites belonging to subgenus L. (Leishmania), subgenus L. (Viannia), other Leishmania species and Trypanosoma cruzi. The sensitivity was verified by using isolates of L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (L.) infantum. The usefulness of the assay for diagnosis was ascertained by testing 277 samples from dogs in regions endemic for visceral and/or cutaneous leishmaniasis and from regions in which leishmaniasis was not endemic in São Paulo State, Brazil. Diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) was determined on these animals by conventional PCR and three serological tests. The dog samples were divided into four groups. I, dogs with CVL (n = 101); II, dogs with other diseases and without CVL (n = 97); III, dogs with American cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 7), and, IV, dogs without CVL (n = 72) from areas where leishmaniasis was not endemic as control group. Results indicated that Linj31-qPCR was able to identify parasites belonging to subgenus L. (Leishmania) with no cross-amplification with other parasite subgenera. The Linj31-qPCR detected Leishmania parasites DNA in 98% of samples from Group I. In conclusion this methodology can be used as routine diagnostic tools to detect parasites from subgenus Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Antonio Colombo
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Micro-organismos da Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Cristina da Silva Meira
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Motoie
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Gava
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto M Hiramoto
- Nucleo de Parasitoses Sistemicas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos E de Almeida
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Service, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexandre J da Silva
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Service, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andre Antonio Cutolo
- Setor de Controle de Zoonoses e Vetores, Prefeitura Municipal de Monte Mor, Monte Mor, SP, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Menz
- Ingrid Menz Micro Empresa, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Ferreira LT, Gomes AHDS, Pereira-Chioccola VL. GENOTYPE CHARACTERIZATION OF Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis ISOLATED FROM HUMAN AND CANINE BIOPSIES WITH AMERICAN CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2015. [PMID: 26200968 PMCID: PMC4544252 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000300013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) can be caused by Leishmania
(Viannia) braziliensis complex. The evolution of ATL initially results
in lesions and can develop into disseminated or diffuse forms. The genetic
diversity of L. (V.) braziliensis in some endemic areas of Brazil
has been poorly studied, such as in the state of São Paulo. This study analyzed
the genetic diversity of L. (V.) braziliensis isolates collected
from patients and dogs with LTA from the state of São Paulo. Methods: Leishmaniasis diagnosis was determined by PCR. The 132 biopsies were collected in
different regions of Sao Paulo State, Brazil (36 municipalities). The genetic
characterization of L. (V.) braziliensis isolates was tested by
RFLP-PCR using DNA extracted from biopsies. The primer set amplified a specific
region of Leishmania internal transcribed spacers of the
ribosomal DNA locus. Results: Of the 132 samples, 52 (40%) were completely genotyped by RFLP-PCR (44 from human
patients and eight from dogs). The results showed nine distinct patterns. The
majority of the genotyped samples were from Sorocaba (30), and the others were
distributed among 14 other municipalities. The first pattern was more frequent (29
samples), followed by pattern 2 (nine samples) and pattern 3 (three samples).
Patterns 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were composed of two samples each and pattern 5 of one
sample. Conclusion: These results suggest that polymorphic strains of L. (V.)
braziliensis circulate in the state of São Paulo. These data agree
with studies from other regions of Brazil, showing great variability among the
natural populations of endemic foci.
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Abstract
American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a complex disease with a rich diversity of animal host species. This diversity imposes a challenge, since understanding ACL transmission requires the adequate identification of reservoir hosts, those species able to be a source of additional infections. In this study we present results from an ACL cross-sectional serological survey of 51 dogs (Canis familiaris), where we used diagnostic tests that measure dog's exposure to Leishmania spp. parasites. We did our research in Panamá, at a village that has undergone significant ecosystem level transformations. We found an ACL seroprevalence of 47% among dogs, and their exposure was positively associated with dog age and abundance of sand fly vectors in the houses of dog owners. Using mathematical models, which were fitted to data on the proportion of positive tests as function of dog age, we estimated a basic reproductive number (R 0 ± s.e.) of 1·22 ± 0·09 that indicates the disease is endemically established in the dogs. Nevertheless, this information by itself is insufficient to incriminate dogs as ACL reservoirs, given the inability to find parasites (or their DNA) in seropositive dogs and previously reported failures to experimentally infect vectors feeding on dogs with ACL parasites.
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Abstract
Leishmania infantum is the obligatory intracellular parasite of mammalian macrophages and causes zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL). The presence of infected dogs as the main reservoir host of ZVL is regarded as the most important potential risk for human infection. Thus the prevention of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is essential to stop the current increase of the Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis. Recently considerable advances in achieving protective immunization of dogs and several important attempts for achieving an effective vaccine against CVL lead to attracting the scientists trust in its important role for eradication of ZVL. This paper highlights the recent advances in vaccination against canine visceral leishmaniasis from 2007 until now.
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Campos JHF, Costa FAL. Participation of ticks in the infectious cycle of canine visceral leishmaniasis, in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2014; 56:297-300. [PMID: 25076429 PMCID: PMC4131814 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652014000400005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we detected Leishmania spp. infection in
R. sanguineus collected from dogs that were naturally infected
with L. (L.) infantum. We examined 35 dogs of both sexes and unknown
ages. The infected dogs were serologically positive by the immunofluorescence
antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Quick Test-DPP
(Dual Path Platform), as well as parasitological examination of a positive skin
biopsy or sternal bone marrow aspiration. Ten negative dogs were included as
controls. The ticks that infested these dogs were collected in pools of 10 adult
females per animal. The PCR was performed with specific primers for
Leishmania spp., which amplified a 720-bp fragment. Of the 35
analyzed samples, a product was observed in eight samples (8/35; 22.9%). We conclude
that the presence of parasite DNA suggests that ticks participate in the zoonotic
cycle of canine visceral leishmaniasis, in the city of Teresina, Piauí.
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Sanches FP, Tomokane TY, Da Matta VLR, Marcondes M, Corbett CEP, Laurenti MD. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in macrophages inversely correlates with parasitism of lymphoid tissues in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. Acta Vet Scand 2014; 56:57. [PMID: 25195062 PMCID: PMC4172852 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-014-0057-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are only a few studies reporting the role of nitric oxide metabolites for controlling macrophage intracellular parasitism, and these are controversial. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the lymph nodes and spleen of dogs affected by visceral leishmaniasis through immunohistochemistry and to determine its correlation with tissue parasite burden and serum interferon (IFN)-γ levels. Twenty-eight dogs were selected and assigned to one of two groups, symptomatic (n = 18) and asymptomatic (n = 10), according to clinical status and laboratory evaluation. A negative control group (n = 6) from a non-endemic region for visceral leishmaniasis was included as well. RESULTS Parasite density (amastigotes/mm2) was similar between clinical groups in the lymph nodes (P = 0.2401) and spleen (P = 0.8869). The density of iNOS⁺ cells was higher in infected dogs compared to controls (P < 0.05), without a significant difference in lymph node (P = 0.3257) and spleen (P = 0.5940) densities between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. A positive correlation was found between the number of iNOS⁺ cells in lymph nodes and interferon-γ levels (r = 0.3776; P = 0.0303), and there was a negative correlation between parasites and iNOS⁺ cell densities both in lymph nodes (r = -0.5341; P = 0.0034) and spleen (r = -0.4669; P = 0.0329). CONCLUSION The negative correlation observed between tissue parasitism and the expression of iNOS may be a reflection of NO acting on the control of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise P Sanches
- />Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455-1 andar-sala 1209, CEP: 01246-903 Cerqueira César São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Thaise Y Tomokane
- />Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455-1 andar-sala 1209, CEP: 01246-903 Cerqueira César São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Vânia LR Da Matta
- />Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455-1 andar-sala 1209, CEP: 01246-903 Cerqueira César São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Mary Marcondes
- />Departamento de Clínica, Cirúrgia, e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, SP Brazil
| | - Carlos EP Corbett
- />Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455-1 andar-sala 1209, CEP: 01246-903 Cerqueira César São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Márcia D Laurenti
- />Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455-1 andar-sala 1209, CEP: 01246-903 Cerqueira César São Paulo (SP), Brazil
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Castro-Júnior JG, Freire ML, Campos SPS, Scopel KKG, Porrozzi R, Da Silva ED, Colombo FA, da Silveira RDCV, Marques MJ, Coimbra ES. Evidence of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum infection in dogs from Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, based on immunochromatographic dual-path platform (DPP®) and PCR assays. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2014; 56:225-9. [PMID: 24879001 PMCID: PMC4085865 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652014000300008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, domestic dogs are branded as the primary reservoir for zoonotic
visceral leishmaniasis, due to the clear positive correlation observed between human
and canine infection rates. This study aimed to carry out a serological survey of
canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in dogs housed at a public kennel in the
municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using the
immunochromatographic TR DPP® CVL rapid test. Additionally, conventional
and/or real time PCR assay was used to detect and confirm L.
infantum infection in the DPP positive dogs only. Of the 400 dogs
studied, most did not present clinical signs for CVL (p < 0.05),
and fifteen (3.8%) were seropositive in the DPP test. There was no statistically
significant difference between the DPP seropositive dogs and the clinical signs of
the disease (p > 0.05). Both conventional and real time PCR tests
confirmed L. infantum infection in nine (75.0%) of the twelve DPP
seropositive dogs that remained alive during the follow-up period. This study is the
first seroepidemiologic survey of CVL held in the city of Juiz de Fora, and the
results reinforce the idea that this disease is currently in a process of expansion
and urbanization in Brazil. Furthermore, this study highlights the use of the DPP
test as an alternative for diagnosing CVL in large and mid-sized cities, due to its
ease of implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Geraldo Castro-Júnior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Brasileira, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Lourenço Freire
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Samantha Priscila Silva Campos
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Kezia K G Scopel
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato Porrozzi
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Fabio A Colombo
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Viveiros da Silveira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos José Marques
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elaine Soares Coimbra
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Millán J, Ferroglio E, Solano-Gallego L. Role of wildlife in the epidemiology of Leishmania infantum infection in Europe. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2005-14. [PMID: 24804923 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3929-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Although dogs are considered the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum infection in endemic areas in Europe, the existence of other wild vertebrate reservoirs has been proposed as a possible cause of the lack of success of control measures. Evidence of L. infantum infection in European wildlife has been reported in carnivores, lagomorphs, and rodents. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) received most attention, probably due to its taxonomic relationship with the dog and because it is the most abundant wild carnivore in Europe. Foxes and other wild carnivores often displayed high prevalences of infection but their infectiveness to the sandfly vector has never been demonstrated. However, xenodiagnosis demonstrated that black rats (Rattus rattus), are infectious to sandflies. This, together with their relative abundance, high rates of infection, and the fact that infected rats have been found on a Mediterranean island where dogs are not present, makes rats good candidate to be reservoirs of L. infantum. Recently, the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) has been recognized as the origin of a leishmaniosis outbreak in humans in Spain and xenodiagnosis showed that this species is also able to infect sandflies. In contrast, a recent survey in cave bats failed to detect infected individuals. In the future, the comparison of parasite isolates from humans, dogs and wildlife, xenodiagnosis studies in wild carnivores, and the study of other vertebrate taxonomic groups will help determine the current role of European wildlife in the epidemiology of leishmaniosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile,
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Asymptomatic dogs are highly competent to transmit Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi to the natural vector. Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:296-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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de Morais RCS, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque SDC, Pessoa e Silva R, Costa PL, da Silva KG, da Silva FJ, Brandão-Filho SP, Dantas-Torres F, de Paiva-Cavalcanti M. Detection and quantification of Leishmania braziliensis in ectoparasites from dogs. Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:506-8. [PMID: 23601843 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a disease caused by different species of Leishmania protozoa, Leishmania braziliensis being the main species found in Brazil. In this study, two rural areas in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, where ACL is endemic, were selected. Genomic DNA was extracted from canine ectoparasites (ticks, fleas, and lice) and tested using a conventional PCR and a quantitative real time PCR. A total of 117 ectoparasites were collected, being 50 (42.74%) of them positive for L. braziliensis (in at least one PCR protocol), with a mean parasite load of 14.14 fg/μL. Furthermore, 46 (92.00%) positive ectoparasites were collected from positive dogs and 4 (8.00%) from negative ones. This study reports the detection of L. braziliensis DNA in ectoparasites, but does not prove their vector competence. Certainly, experimental transmission studies are necessary to assess their role, if any, in the transmission of Leishmania parasites to dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayana Carla Silva de Morais
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Trotta M, Nicetto M, Fogliazza A, Montarsi F, Caldin M, Furlanello T, Solano-Gallego L. Detection of Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis, and rickettsiae in ticks removed from dogs living in Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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40
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Solano-Gallego L, Rossi L, Scroccaro AM, Montarsi F, Caldin M, Furlanello T, Trotta M. Detection of Leishmania infantum DNA mainly in Rhipicephalus sanguineus male ticks removed from dogs living in endemic areas of canine leishmaniosis. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:98. [PMID: 22613502 PMCID: PMC3409031 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sand flies are the only biologically adapted vectors of Leishmania parasites, however, a possible role in the transmission of Leishmania has been proposed for other hematophagous ectoparasites such as ticks. In order to evaluate natural infection by Leishmania infantum in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, taking into account its close association with dogs, 128 adult R. sanguineus ticks removed from 41 dogs living in endemic areas of canine leishmaniosis were studied. METHODS Individual DNA extraction was performed from each tick and whole blood taken from dogs. Dog sera were tested for IgG antibodies to L. infantum antigen by ELISA and L. infantum real-time PCR was performed from canine whole blood samples and ticks. RESULTS Leishmania infantum PCR was positive in 13 ticks (10.1%) including one female, (2.0%) and 12 males (15.2%), and in only five dogs (12.2%). Male ticks had a significantly higher infection rate when compared to female R. sanguineus. The percentage of L. infantum seroreactive dogs was 19.5%. All but two PCR positive dogs were seroreactive. Leishmania infantum PCR positive ticks were removed from seropositive and seronegative dogs with a variety of PCR results. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates high prevalence of L. infantum DNA in R. sanguineus ticks removed from L. infantum seropositive and seronegative dogs. The presence of L. infantum DNA was detected mainly in male ticks possibly due to their ability to move between canine hosts and feed on several canine hosts during the adult life stage. Additional studies are needed to further explore the role of R. sanguineus ticks and in particular, male adults, in both the epidemiology and immunology of L. infantum infection in dogs in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Solano-Gallego
- Department Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College of London, United Kingdom.
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41
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Alcover MM, Gramiccia M, Di Muccio T, Ballart C, Castillejo S, Picado A, Portús M, Gállego M. Application of molecular techniques in the study of natural infection of Leishmania infantum vectors and utility of sandfly blood meal digestion for epidemiological surveys of leishmaniasis. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:515-23. [PMID: 22382204 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2863-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies on the distribution of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum Nicolle, 1908 (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) have been based principally on serological surveys of the canine reservoir. This methodology is useful due to the facility of sampling, the rapidity in obtaining results, its consistency and because it allows the detection of heterogeneous foci of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) even in small areas. Other investigations have analysed Leishmania parasitism in sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) by using classical dissection techniques. These techniques allow the vector species to be incriminated in different foci, although they suffer from being very time consuming. Lately, studies in this field are increasingly using molecular techniques, which are faster and easier to perform. In the present work, we applied a nested-PCR in a study of natural infection of sandflies by Leishmania in three isolated farms where serological data on canine leishmaniasis of local dogs were also obtained. The analysis allowed the detection of 38.7% of females with positive nested-PCR (78%, 18% and 0%, respectively, in the different isolated farms). The positive Leishmania DNA samples were genotyped and identified as L. infantum. The results of this work provide new data for the vectorial capacity of Phlebotomus ariasi in a Pyrenean area, which can be considered at risk of becoming a new focus of CanL. The females with positive nested-PCR displayed blood in the midgut at different degrees of digestion, and/or were gravid. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of nested-PCR-positivity increased significantly with the degree of blood digestion (OR = 1.3; P value = 0.025). The Phlebotomus species and the presence of eggs were not statistically associated with nested-PCR positivity (P value of >0.05). The correlation of positive nested-PCR results with the presence of seropositive dogs in the farm confirms the utility of this technique in the study of the distribution and intensity of leishmaniasis foci. Also, the importance of sandfly blood-meal digestion for epidemiological surveys of leishmaniasis foci has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Magdalena Alcover
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Reimão JQ, Colombo FA, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Tempone AG. Effectiveness of liposomal buparvaquone in an experimental hamster model of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi. Exp Parasitol 2012; 130:195-9. [PMID: 22281156 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop a novel liposomal formulation, containing phosphatidylserine (PS), of buparvaquone (BPQ) and to evaluate its in vivo effectiveness in Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infected hamsters. The activity of BPQ was evaluated against both the promastigote forms of different Leishmania species and the intracellular amastigotes of L. (L.) infantum chagasi. Buparvaquone was entrapped in PS-liposomes (BPQ-PS-LP), and the drug was quantified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The treatment was quantified by detecting the RNA of the living amastigotes in the spleen and the liver by real-time PCR. In vitro assays with L. (L.) infantum chagasi intracellular amastigotes were performed in peritoneal macrophages for the evaluation of the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)). BPQ-PS-LP at 0.33 mg/kg/day for eight consecutive days reduced the number of amastigotes by 89.4% (P<0.05) in the spleen and by 67.2% (P>0.05) in the liver, compared to 84.3% (P<0.05) and 99.7% (P<0.05), respectively, following Glucantime® treatment at 50 mg/kg/day. Free BPQ at 20 mg/kg/day failed to treat the hamsters when compared to the untreated group. BPQ was significantly (P<0.05) selective against L. (L.) infantum chagasi intracellular amastigotes, with an IC(50) value of 1.5 μM; no in vitro mammalian cytotoxicity could be detected. Other cutaneous species were also susceptible to BPQ, with IC(50) values in the range 1-4 μM. BPQ-PS-LP caused a significant reduction in the parasite burden at a 60-fold lower dose than did the free BPQ. These results show the potential of PS-liposome formulations for the successful targeted delivery of BPQ in visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Q Reimão
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Avenida Dr. Arnaldo, 351, 8° Andar. Cerqueira César, CEP 01246-902 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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In vitro and experimental therapeutic studies of the calcium channel blocker bepridil: Detection of viable Leishmania (L.) chagasi by real-time PCR. Exp Parasitol 2011; 128:111-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2010] [Revised: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 02/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Quantification of Leishmania infantum DNA in females, eggs and larvae of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:56. [PMID: 21489252 PMCID: PMC3094396 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2011] [Accepted: 04/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania infantum is a widespread parasite that affects dogs and humans worldwide. It is transmitted primarily by phlebotomine sand flies, but recently there has been much discussion on the role of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, as a potential vector for this protozoan. Recent laboratory and field investigations have contributed to this hypothesis, but a proof of the vector capacity of R. sanguineus has yet to be provided. Following a recent study suggesting that L. infantum passes transovarially from the female tick to her progeny the current study provides new evidence of the transovarial transmission of L. infantum in R. sanguineus. METHODS Engorged females of R. sanguineus were collected from the environment in a dog shelter of southern Italy, where canine leishmaniosis is endemic. In the laboratory, 97 females that successfully laid eggs, their eggs and the originated larvae were subjected to DNA extraction and then tested by a TaqMan-based real time PCR targeting a fragment of the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) of L. infantum. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS L. infantum kDNA was detected in engorged females, their eggs and originating larvae, with a parasite load ranging from 1.8 × 10(-4) to 10.0 × 10(0). Certainly, the current study provides further evidence on the passage of L. infantum from R. sanguineus females to their offspring. The observation of promastigote forms in larvae is necessary to definitively confirm this hypothesis, which would raise interesting questions about the possible role of ticks in the maintenance of L. infantum infection among dogs in certain areas.
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