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Carbonara M, Iatta R, Miró G, Montoya A, Benelli G, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Papadopoulos E, Lima C, Bouhsira E, Nachum-Biala Y, Decaro N, Schunack B, Baneth G, Otranto D. Feline leishmaniosis in the Mediterranean Basin: a multicenter study. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:346. [PMID: 39160611 PMCID: PMC11331770 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06419-x] [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: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats are now recognized as competent hosts for Leishmania infantum and a blood source for sand fly vectors. Although canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is endemic in Mediterranean Basin countries, large-scale epidemiological studies are lacking for feline leishmaniosis (FeL). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of L. infantum infections, associated risk factors, clinical signs, and clinicopathological abnormalities in domestic cat populations from six Mediterranean Basin countries. METHODS From 2019 to 2022, blood and serum samples of cats (n = 2067) living in Italy (n = 300), Greece (n = 297), Portugal (n = 295), France (n = 231), Israel (n = 313), and Spain (n = 631) were collected along with animal data (i.e., age, sex, breed, housing conditions, and geographical origin), clinical signs, and laboratory blood test parameters. Cats were grouped according to their age as kittens (up to 1 year), young (older than 1 and younger than 7 years), mature (between 7 and 10 years), and senior (older than 10 years). Serum samples were tested for L. infantum by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and blood samples of seropositive cats were tested for L. infantum kinetoplast deoxyribonucleic acid (kDNA). Viral infection by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was molecularly addressed in all cats enrolled. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the risk of L. infantum infection and independent variables, and among co-infection of L. infantum with FIV and/or FeLV, clinical signs, and clinicopathological abnormalities. RESULTS Overall, 17.3% (358/2067) of cats scored positive for L. infantum by serological tests. Specifically, 24.7% were from Portugal, 23.2% from Greece, 16.6% from Israel, 15% from Spain, 13.3% from France, and 12.6% from Italy. Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in 15 seropositive animals. Housing condition and FIV infection proved to be risk factors for FeL. Leishmania seropositivity was significantly associated with weight loss, lymphadenomegaly, gingivostomatitis, and oral ulcers, as well as with reduced albumin and albumin/globulin ratio, increased total globulins and total proteins, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis. CONCLUSIONS This study provides, for the first time, a large-scale epidemiological survey on FeL and its clinical presentation, revealing that L. infantum circulates among domestic cats, especially shelter/free-roaming and FIV-infected animals, living in CanL endemic countries of the Mediterranean Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Clara Lima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Emilie Bouhsira
- InTheres, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Cabezón O, Martínez-Orellana P, Ribas MP, Baptista CJ, Gassó D, Velarde R, Aguilar XF, Solano-Gallego L. Leishmania Infection in Wild Lagomorphs and Domestic Dogs in North-East Spain. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1080. [PMID: 38612318 PMCID: PMC11011062 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071080] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite distributed worldwide that is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Dogs are the main reservoir for human infections. However, in recent years, the capacity of lagomorphs to contribute to Leishmania transmission has been confirmed. The present study aimed to assess Leishmania spp. exposure and infection in lagomorphs and sympatric domestic dogs in NE Spain. Sera from European hares, European rabbits, and rural dogs were tested for antibodies against L. infantum using an in-house indirect ELISA. PCR analysis targeting Leishmania spp. was performed in spleens from L. europaeus. Antibodies against Leishmania spp. were detected in all the species analyzed. Total sample prevalence was significantly higher in O. cuniculus (27.9%) than in L. europaeus (2.0%). Results of the PCR were all negative. The present study expands knowledge about Leishmania infections in free-ranging lagomorphs in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting a more important role of O. cuniculus in the study area. Given the strong correlation between lagomorph densities and human leishmaniasis outbreaks in Spain, the high rabbit and human densities in NE Spain, and the high Leishmania spp. seroprevalence in rabbits, it becomes imperative to establish surveillance programs for lagomorphs in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Cabezón
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; (O.C.); (M.P.R.); (X.F.A.)
- Unitat Mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pamela Martínez-Orellana
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases in Companion Animals Research Group (MIAC), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Maria Puig Ribas
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; (O.C.); (M.P.R.); (X.F.A.)
| | - Catarina Jota Baptista
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal;
| | - Diana Gassó
- Departament de Ciència Animal, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Agroalimentaria i Forestal i de Veterinària (ETSEAFIV), Universitat de Lleida (UdL), 25199 Lleida, Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Roser Velarde
- Wildlife Ecology and Health Group (WE&H), and Servei d’ Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Xavier Fernández Aguilar
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; (O.C.); (M.P.R.); (X.F.A.)
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases in Companion Animals Research Group (MIAC), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain;
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3
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Khogali A, Elnaiem DEA, Díaz-Regañón R, Jibreel T, Nour BYM, Abdelrahman SH, Molina R, Jiménez M. Infection of Leishmania donovani in Phlebotomus orientalis Sand Flies at Different Microhabitats of a Kala-Azar Endemic Village in Eastern Sudan. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:40. [PMID: 38393129 PMCID: PMC10892308 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9020040] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A study was carried out to compare the infection rates of Leishmania donovani in Phlebotomus orientalis sandflies at different microhabitats of a VL endemic village in Gedarif state, Sudan. DNA extracts of 1078 P. orientalis sand fly females sampled by CDC light traps from indoor, outdoor, peri-domestic, and sylvatic sites, in three transmission seasons, March-June 2016-18, in Helat-Belo village, were subjected to independent PCR amplifications targeting Leishmania kDNA and the cpb gene followed by ITS1 region sequencing. Leishmania kDNA was detected in 1.4% of the 1078 P. orientalis females captured in the area. Two of these specimens showed a characteristic 741 bp band of L. donovani after cpb gene amplification. The DNA sequence of the ITS1 region of the parasites matched the ITS1 L. donovani genotype F. There were no signficant differences between rates of infection of L. donovani in P. orientalis captured at different sites. Blood meals found in infected flies origninated from human (5 specimens), cattle (4 specimens) and donkey (2 specimens). The finding of fresh cow and donkey blood in the infected flies suggests the possible role of these animals in the zoopotentiation and/or zooprophylaxis against VL. The study provides important information for VL transmission models and control programs in East Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altayeb Khogali
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Dia-Eldin A. Elnaiem
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 1 Backbone Rd., Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA
| | - Ramón Díaz-Regañón
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (R.M.)
| | - Tayseer Jibreel
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Bakri Y. M. Nour
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Samira Hamid Abdelrahman
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (R.M.)
- Collaborative Biomedical Research Center in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (R.M.)
- Collaborative Biomedical Research Center in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Fernández-Arévalo A, González E, Ballart C, Martín-Martín I, Tebar S, Muñoz C, Jiménez M, Molina R, Gállego M. Typing of Leishmania isolates from vectors and leporids of the Madrid (Spain) outbreak. Parasitology 2024; 151:213-219. [PMID: 38105582 PMCID: PMC10941034 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001336] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
In 2009, a large outbreak of leishmaniasis, associated with environmental changes, was declared near Madrid (Spain), in which Phlebotomus perniciosus was the vector, whereas the main reservoirs were hares and rabbits. Analysis of isolates from humans, vectors and leporids from the focus identified the Leishmania infantum ITS-Lombardi genotype. However, multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE), the reference technique for Leishmania typing, and sequencing of the hsp70 gene, a commonly used marker, were not performed. In the present study, 19 isolates from P. perniciosus (n = 11), hares (n = 5) and rabbits (n = 3) from the outbreak area, all characterized as ITS-Lombardi in previous studies, were analysed by MLEE and hsp70 sequencing. The hsp70 results confirmed that all the analysed strains are L. infantum. However, by MLEE, 4 different zymodemes of L. infantum were identified based on variable mobilities of the NP1 enzyme: MON-34 (NP1100, n = 11), MON-80 (NP1130, n = 6), MON-24 (NP1140, n = 1) and MON-331 (NP1150, n = 1). The relative frequency of these zymodemes does not correspond to their usual occurrence in Spain. Moreover, MON-34 and MON-80 were found in P. perniciosus, hares and rabbits for the first time. These findings continue to provide insights into the outbreak and call for further studies with a higher number of strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fernández-Arévalo
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estela González
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Cristina Ballart
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Martín-Martín
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Silvia Tebar
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Muñoz
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gállego
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
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5
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Jibreel T, Khogali A, Jiménez M, Raiyed A, Dakein O, Alsharif B, Khalid NM, Osman OF, Nour BYM, Mohamed GH, Molina R, Vidal-López A, Díaz-Regañón R, den Boer M, Alvar J, Courtenay O, Elnaiem DE. Host preference and human blood index of Phlebotomus orientalis, an exophilic sand fly vector of visceral leishmaniasis in eastern Sudan. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:782-792. [PMID: 37540228 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, kala azar), caused by Leishmania donovani, transmitted by Phlebotomus orientalis, is a serious systemic disease that causes high morbidity and mortality rates in Sudan and other parts of East Africa and the world. Despite progress in understanding the epidemiology of the disease in East Africa, little is known about the host preference of P. orientalis in kala azar endemic villages of Sudan, which have some of the highest VL incidence rates in the world. The present study used host choice experiments and blood-meal identification approaches to determine the host preference of P. orientalis in kala azar endemic villages in Gedarif state, eastern Sudan. In the host choice experiment, tent traps were used to compare the attractiveness of cows, donkeys, sheep and goats for host-seeking P. orientalis. In the blood-meal identification study, blood-fed P. orientalis females, captured inside houses and peri-domestic habitats, were subjected to molecular typing using cytochrome b gene (cyt b) amplification and sequence analysis. Cows and donkeys were the most attractive to blood-seeking P. orientalis, followed by goats. Similarly, the blood-meal analysis of P. orientalis showed that the vector preferentially feeds on cows, followed by donkeys, humans and goats. The human blood index of P. orientalis was 19.4% (42/216), indicating a high zoophilic habit of the vector, both inside and outside the houses. Although the order of host preference varied by location, it was clear that cows are the most preferred host of P. orientalis in the area. Results are discussed in relation to the role of domestic/livestock animals in VL zoopotentiation and zooprophylaxis. Inference is made on the potential impact of insecticide treatment of cows in control of the vector and the transmission of VL in Sudan and other parts of East Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayseer Jibreel
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Altayeb Khogali
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adeel Raiyed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Osman Dakein
- Kala azar Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gedarif, Gedarif, Sudan
| | - Bashir Alsharif
- Medical Entomology Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Omran F Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Bakri Y M Nour
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Gamal Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Vidal-López
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Díaz-Regañón
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Orin Courtenay
- Zeeman Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Dia-Eldin Elnaiem
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, USA
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Thomaz-Soccol V, Gonçalves AL, Baggio RA, Bisetto Jr. A, Celestino A, Hospinal-Santiani M, de Souza A, Mychalizen M, Borges ME, Piechnik CA. One piece of the puzzle: Modeling vector presence and environment reveals seasonality, distribution, and prevalence of sandflies and Leishmania in an expansion area. One Health 2023; 17:100581. [PMID: 37332885 PMCID: PMC10273283 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent geographic spread of Leishmania infantum along the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay has been highlighted. In our previous study, Lutzomyia longipalpis was found in 55 of 123 patches surveyed, and in some patches, sandflies were found at higher densities, forming hotspots. Based on the One Health approach, we investigated the seasonality of the vector, the presence of parasite DNA, and the environmental factors that contribute to vector and parasite dispersal in these previously described hotspots in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. Entomological surveys were conducted monthly for one year. Fourteen hotspots peridomicile and six intradomicile were sampled. PCR was used to assess the prevalence of Leishmania DNA in sandflies. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression was used to determine the association of micro- and mesoscale environmental variables with the occurrence and abundance of the three most abundant sandfly species sampled. A total of 3543 species were captured, with Lutzomyia longipalpis being the predominant species (71.78%) of the 13 species found. Evandromyia edwardsi, Expapillata firmatoi, Micropygomyia ferreirana and Pintomyia christenseni were reported for the first time in the region. NDVI, distance to water, precipitation, west-to-east wind, wind speed, maximum and minimum relative humidity, and sex were significant variables associated with vector presence/abundance in the environment. Vector presence/abundance in the peridomicile was associated with precipitation, altitude, maximum temperature, minimum and maximum relative humidity, west-to-east wind, wind speed, and sex. Leishmania DNA was detected in an average of 21% of Lu. longipalpis throughout the year. Vector abundance is concentrated in urban and peri-urban areas, with some specimens present in different parts of the city and some sites with high vector abundance. This distribution suggests that the risk of actual contact between humans and parasite vectors in urban areas during the epidemic period is associated with patches of peri-urban vegetation and then extends into urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanete Thomaz-Soccol
- Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Rua Francisco H. dos Santos, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Gonçalves
- Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Rua Francisco H. dos Santos, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Rafael Antunes Baggio
- Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Rua Francisco H. dos Santos, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Alceu Bisetto Jr.
- SESA- Secretary of Health of the State of Paraná and the Ninth Health Region, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Adão Celestino
- SESA- Secretary of Health of the State of Paraná and the Ninth Health Region, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Manuel Hospinal-Santiani
- Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Rua Francisco H. dos Santos, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - André de Souza
- Foz do Iguaçu City Hall, Zoonosis Control Center, Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | - Mario Mychalizen
- Graduate Program in Environmental Management, Universidade Positivo, Curitiba, Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Eduardo Borges
- Biological Interactions, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), P.O. Box 19073, 81531-890 Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Entomological Survey and Impact of Climatic Factors on the Dynamics of Sandflies in Central Morocco. ScientificWorldJournal 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/6952992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sandflies are small insects belonging to the order Diptera, which make up the Phlebotominae subfamily within the Psychodidae family. In the fight against leishmaniasis in the prefecture of Meknes, Morocco, a study of the phlebotomist population was carried out during the period of activity of sandflies while studying the link between the abundance of these insects and climatic factors, namely, temperature, moisture, rainfall, and wind speed. A total of 958 phlebotomus were captured, 73% of which belong to Phlebotomus sergenti, a vector of Leishmania species causing human cutaneous leishmaniasis. This study also showed the existence of two months of risk in July and September with a positive correlation between temperature and abundance of sandflies and a negative correlation between abundance of sandflies and rainfall and moisture. Indeed, it is necessary to strengthen the means to fight this disease during periods of activity and to use medium-term climatological forecasts to develop an alert system for leishmaniasis.
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Layouni S, Remadi L, Chaâbane-Banaoues R, Haouas N, Babba H. Identification of cuticle and midgut fungal microflora of phlebotomine sandflies collected in Tunisia. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:64. [PMID: 36633698 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03386-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are the proven vectors of Leishmaniases which are widespread parasitosis in many tropical and subtropical countries. The development of infective metacyclic Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) promastigotes stage is restricted to the vector midgut. Recently, several studies have assessed the influence of the sand fly midgut fungal microflora on the development of invective Leishmania stage. The aim of this study was to identify the fungal microflora from the cuticle and midgut of wild caught sandflies. A total of 50 sandflies were caught in two different leishmaniasis foci of center Tunisia and analyzed using an in vitro isolation of fungi followed by a morphological and molecular identification of fungal isolates. The morphological identification of sandflies specimens revealed five Species: Phlebotomus (P.) papatasi (n = 25), P. perniciosus (n = 15) P. riouxi (n = 6), P. longicuspis (n = 3) and P. sergenti (n = 1). Forty positive fungal cultures were isolated from 34 sand flies (19 males and 15 females) distributed as following: P. papatasi (n = 16), P. perniciosus (n = 11), P. riouxi (n = 4), P. longicuspis (n = 2) and P. sergenti (n = 1). Thirty-five cultures were isolated from the cuticles and five from the guts. A total of 15 fungi genera belonging to 8 families were identified with the predominance of Aspergillus genus followed by Penicillium genus. Among the 15 fungi genera, five were common between males and females specimens. Lecytophora canina and Leishmania major co-infection was detected in the gut of a female P. papatasi. Our preliminary findings highlight the high diversity of fungal microflora from the sand flies midguts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Layouni
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (Code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia. .,Department of Nutrition and Environmental Sciences, Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Mahdia, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Latifa Remadi
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (Code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Raja Chaâbane-Banaoues
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (Code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Najoua Haouas
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (Code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hamouda Babba
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (Code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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9
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Pimentel AC, Sánchez Uzcátegui YDV, de Lima ACS, Silveira FT, Vasconcelos dos Santos T, Ishikawa EAY. Blood Feeding Sources of Nyssomyia antunesi (Diptera: Psychodidae): A Suspected Vector of Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in the Brazilian Amazon. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1847-1852. [PMID: 35900064 PMCID: PMC9473648 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Present work aimed to identify blood feeding sources and attempt to detect Leishmania DNA in Nyssomyia antunesi, suspected vector of Leishmania sp., from a park in the urban center of Belém, the capital of Pará State, in the Brazilian Amazon. Entire bodies and gut contents of Ny. antunesi engorged females, previously captured in the urban park with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps and aspiration on tree bases, were subjected to Leishmania and vertebrate DNA detection through amplification of the Leishmania mini-exon and vertebrate cytochrome b (cyt b) gene regions, respectively. The quality of DNA extraction from entire bodies was ensured through amplification of the dipteran cyt b region. The vertebrate cyt b amplicons were sequenced and compared with those available on GenBank. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed to assess the clustering patterns of these sequences. Leishmania DNA was not detected. The sequences of 13 vertebrate cyt b amplicons were considered informative, exhibiting similarity and clustering with the following six vertebrate species: Dasyprocta leporina (1), Cuniculus paca (1), Tamandua tetradactyla (4), Choloepus didactylus (4), Pteroglossus aracari aracari (2), Homo sapiens (1). The samples of D. leporina and C. paca were obtained from the CDC canopy, whereas the others were by aspiration from tree bases. The present results revealed the eclectic and opportunist blood-feeding behavior of Ny. antunesi, with birds and mammals, these last ones acting as potential reservoirs for Leishmania species, distributed throughout the vertical forest strata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Costa Pimentel
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Doenças Tropicais, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará State, Brazil
| | - Yetsenia del Valle Sánchez Uzcátegui
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará State, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, Pará State, Brazil
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | | | - Fernando Tobias Silveira
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Doenças Tropicais, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará State, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, Pará State, Brazil
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Identification of blood meal sources in species of genus Rhodnius in four different environments in the Brazilian amazon. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106486. [PMID: 35525313 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the hemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted primarily by triatomine vectors. Triatomines are hematophagous insects that feed on a variety of vertebrate hosts. The Chagas disease transmission cycle is closely related to the interactions between vectors, parasites, and vertebrate hosts. Knowledge of triatomine food sources is critical to understanding Chagas disease transmission dynamics. The aim of this study was to identify blood meal sources used by triatomines from different environments in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 25 captures were conducted in four environments. Triatomine specimens were captured on palm trees and were identified by morphological and morphometric characters. Blood meal sources identification was conducted using a traditional PCR followed by Sanger sequencing of mtDNA cytb gene. Sequencing was successful in 167 specimens and a total of 21 blood meal sources were identified: two reptilians, six birds, and 13 mammals. Among these 21 species, three (Tamandua tetradactyla, Didelphis marsupialis and Rattus rattus) are considered reservoir of T. cruzi. Knowledge of the relationship between triatomines and possible reservoirs can help to elucidate the enzootic cycle of T. cruzi in the Amazon region and guide control strategies for Chagas disease transmission in that region.
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Napoli E, De Benedetto G, Fazio C, La Russa F, Gaglio G, Brianti E. Clinical Case of Feline Leishmaniosis: Therapeutic Approach and Long-Term Follow-Up. Vet Sci 2022; 9:400. [PMID: 36006315 PMCID: PMC9416418 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The response to allopurinol treatment and survival time of a case of feline leishmaniosis in a FIV co-infected cat is herein reported. In May 2019, a 13-year-old neutered European Shorthair male was referred due to weight loss and exfoliative dermatitis. Lymphadenomegaly and splenomegaly were detected upon clinical inspection, while the presence of several Leishmania infantum amastigotes were detected on splenic and lymphonodal fine needle aspiration (FNA). Allopurinol (10 mg/kg PO q 12 h) was administered. After two months, the cat's clinical symptoms disappeared, and the owners decided to interrupt the therapy. In February, two reddish nodular fleshy neoformations appeared in both eyes, and amastigotes of Leishmania were detected by cytology on conjunctival swabs. Allopurinol treatment was re-started at the same rate; the ocular lesions regressed in two weeks, and the owner again decided to interrupt the therapy. In July, the patient had a new relapse, but the owner, tired of continuous relapses, refused further treatment of the disease. The cat's health condition continued to worsen: in October 2021, the ocular lesions appeared again, and in November the patient died. This case underlines the effectiveness of allopurinol and highlights how interruption of treatment frequently leads to relapse, impairing the animal's health condition and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Napoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (E.N.); (G.D.B.); (F.L.R.); (E.B.)
| | - Giovanni De Benedetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (E.N.); (G.D.B.); (F.L.R.); (E.B.)
| | | | - Francesco La Russa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (E.N.); (G.D.B.); (F.L.R.); (E.B.)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gaglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (E.N.); (G.D.B.); (F.L.R.); (E.B.)
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (E.N.); (G.D.B.); (F.L.R.); (E.B.)
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Bravo-Barriga D, Ruiz-Arrondo I, Peña RE, Lucientes J, Delacour-Estrella S. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Spain: an updated checklist and extended distributions. Zookeys 2022; 1106:81-99. [PMID: 36760819 PMCID: PMC9848825 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1106.81432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are the natural vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) and phleboviruses (Bunyavirales: Phenuiviridae). In Spain, these vectors appear to be increasing their geographical distribution and have serious repercussions on public and veterinary health, encouraging studies of sand flies and their associated pathogens. An up-to-date and easily accessible compendium of current and historical data on their presence and detailed distribution is a crucial step towards the development and implementation of appropriate preventive strategies. A checklist on the presence and distribution of sand flies in Spain is compiled from data extracted from a comprehensive review of scientific literature published between 1909 and 2021 and our new records on the presence of sand flies specimens collected under the entomological surveillance of bluetongue vectors from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Food (MAPA) during the period 2004-2021. In total, 13 Spanish species of sand flies (two of them with controversial status) belonging to two genera and six subgenera are presented in this updated checklist, including new distribution data for seven species, among which several stand out as confirmed or suspected vectors of Leishmaniainfantum: Phlebotomusariasi, Ph.langeroni, Ph.mascittii, and Ph.perniciosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Veterinaria, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Parasitología, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, SpainUniversidad de ExtremaduraCáceresSpain
| | - Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo
- Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, SpainHospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIRLogroñoSpain
| | - Rosa Estrada Peña
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Sarah Delacour-Estrella
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain,Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D). Quimera. B.S. Calle Olivo, 14, 50016 La Puebla de Alfindén, SpainDepartamento de Investigación y DesarrolloLa Puebla de AlfindénSpain
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Galán-Puchades MT, Solano J, González G, Osuna A, Pascual J, Bueno-Marí R, Franco S, Peracho V, Montalvo T, Fuentes MV. Molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in rats and sand flies in the urban sewers of Barcelona, Spain. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:211. [PMID: 35710435 PMCID: PMC9201797 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05309-4] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Classically, dogs have been considered to be the only reservoir of leishmaniasis in urban areas. However, in a previous study, we found a 33.3% prevalence of Leishmania infantum in the spleens of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) sampled in the underground sewer system of the city of Barcelona (Spain). The aim of the present study was to verify, using molecular methods, the potential reservoir role of these rats in the same sewer system. Methods A sensitive real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were carried out to identify and quantify the presence of L. infantum DNA in sand fly individuals captured in the same underground sewer system of Barcelona as in our previous study and in the spleens and ears of rats captured in the same sewer system. Results Leishmania infantum DNA was found in 14 of the 27 (51.9%) sand flies identified as Phlebotomus perniciosus, and 10 of the 24 (41.7%) rats studied were infected. Leishmania infantum was found in the spleens (70%) and in the ears (40%) of the infected rats. Quantitative results revealed the presence of high loads of L. infantum in the rats studied (> 3 × 106 parasites/g ear tissue) and among the sand flies (> 34 × 106 parasites in 1 individual). Conclusions The molecular methods used in this study demonstrated a high prevalence of L. infantum in the underground
sewer populations of both R. norvegicus and P. perniciosus. These results suggest that sewer rats, in addition to dogs, are likely to act as reservoirs of leishmaniasis in cities, where sewer systems seem to offer the ideal scenario for the transmission of leishmaniasis. Therefore, to achieve the WHO 2030 target on the elimination of leishmaniasis as a public health problem successfully, an efficient control strategy against leishmaniasis in rats and sand flies should be implemented, particularly in the sewer systems of urban areas of endemic countries. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05309-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Jennifer Solano
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Gloria González
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Jordi Pascual
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Franco
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Peracho
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health CIBERESP Epidemiology and Public Health, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Màrius V Fuentes
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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Messahel NE, Benallal KE, Halada P, Lafri I, Manseur H, Hakem A, Houali K, Harrat Z, Volf P, Dvorak V. Identification of blood source preferences and Leishmania infection in sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in north-eastern Algeria. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 31:100729. [PMID: 35569914 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniases are among the most neglected vector-borne diseases, infecting humans as well various animal hosts with clinical outcomes varying from cutaneous disorders to visceral and life-threatening disease. In Algeria, canine leishmaniasis (CanL) caused by Leishmania infantum is endemic mainly throughout the northern regions of the country with the Mediterranean climate that favours the occurrence of Larroussius sand flies, the vectors of the parasite. This study conducted in Bougaa and Kherrata, two regions located in north-eastern Algeria and endemic for CanL, focuses on: i) composition of sand fly fauna, ii) screening of Leishmania parasites and iii) the blood sources of engorged females. Entomological surveys were conducted between June and September 2019 using CDC light-traps in rural areas of both regions. Sand fly specimens were morphologically identified, females were screened for Leishmania DNA using kDNA and ITS1 primers, blood meals in engorged females were identified by peptide mass mapping (PMM)-based MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and confirmed by DNA sequencing analysis. Overall, 1940 specimens (844 males, 1096 females) were collected, all belonging to the subgenus Larroussius: Phlebotomus perniciosus, (94.64%), Ph. perfiliewi (4.74%) and Ph. longicuspis (0.62%). No Leishmania DNA was detected in the evaluated pools (n = 106) (1096 females). PMM-based MALDI-TOF MS successfully identified a source of blood in 92% (141/154) of engorged females (135 Ph. perniciosus and 6 Ph. perfiliewi). All blood meals were taken from domestic cattle (Bos taurus) except for one originating from a dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and one from sheep (Ovis aries). Sequencing of host cytochrome B gene confirmed these identifications but showed lower success rate of 58% (29/50), demonstrating the high effectivity of peptide mass mapping (PMM)-based MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for routine identification of blood meals of varying degree of digestion. Our findings represent first record of cattle and dog blood in sand flies in Algeria and striking feeding preference of local sand fly population at domestic sites of studied regions for cattle which may play an important role in parasite transmission. Further studies are needed to better understand potential contribution of cattle to ecology of sand flies and epidemiology of leishmaniasis in north-eastern Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nacer Eddine Messahel
- Laboratory of Analytical Biochemistry and Biotechnology (LABAB), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Agronomic Sciences, University Mouloud Mammeri, Tizi Ouzou 15000, Algeria
| | - Kamel Eddine Benallal
- Laboratory of Parasitic eco-epidemiology and population genetics, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Algeria; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 2 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Halada
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Průmyslová 595, Vestec, 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Ismail Lafri
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboratory of Biotechnology related to Animal Reproduction (LBRA), Institute of Veterinary Sciences University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria.
| | - Hemza Manseur
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboratory of Biotechnology related to Animal Reproduction (LBRA), Institute of Veterinary Sciences University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Ahcene Hakem
- Laboratory of Exploration and Valorisation of Steppe Ecosystems, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Djelfa, Algeria; Center of Research in Agropastoralism, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Karim Houali
- Laboratory of Analytical Biochemistry and Biotechnology (LABAB), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Agronomic Sciences, University Mouloud Mammeri, Tizi Ouzou 15000, Algeria
| | - Zoubir Harrat
- Laboratory of Parasitic eco-epidemiology and population genetics, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Algeria
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 2 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - Vit Dvorak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 2 128 43, Czech Republic
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Venial HJ, Montoya A, Checa R, Miró G, Uzai GJS, da Silva MA, de Carvalho Nunes L, Silveira RL, de Carvalho ECQ. Investigation of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Infection in Wild Mammals in Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:648-657. [PMID: 34988857 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00498-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Leishmaniasis are infectious and zoonotic diseases and present in cutaneous and visceral forms. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic and widely distributed throughout the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Several cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans and dogs associated with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis have been reported in the state. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of natural infection by Leishmania(Viannia) braziliensis in wild mammals found dead (by trampling or natural death) in the Sooretama Biological Reserve, Espírito Santo State. METHODS From January 2018 to December 2019, 60 animals were collected. Of these, 47 animals from 12 different species were analyzed. The results were demonstrated using descriptive analysis of the observations to calculate the absolute and relative frequencies of the data. RESULTS In the PCR, using specific primers for the genus Leishmania (D1, D2, and D3) and the species Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (ISVB/ISVC), 4 positive animals (8.5%) were detected: 1 Cuniculus paca (paca) (25%) and 3 Callithrix geoffroyi (white-faced marmoset) (25%). In the histopathological analysis, the parasitic amastigote form was not observed. CONCLUSIONS The natural infection, detected by PCR, by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Cuniculus paca (paca) and Callithrix geoffroyi (white-faced marmoset) constitutes the first report of infection of this rodent and primate species in the literature. Despite the confirmation of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infection in rodents and primates, the role of these species in the transmission of this zoonosis still needs further observational studies to identify their seasonal variation, transmissibility, infection stability, and the effects of a given parasite on the population and/or individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Jordem Venial
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alto Universitário 16, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, 29500-000, Brazil.
| | - Ana Montoya
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Checa
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Maria Aparecida da Silva
- Department of Biology Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Louisiane de Carvalho Nunes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alto Universitário 16, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, 29500-000, Brazil
| | - Renato Luiz Silveira
- Department of Morphology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eulógio C Queiroz de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Athanasiou LV, Katsogiannou EG, Tsokana CN, Boutsini SG, Bisia MG, Papatsiros VG. Wild Rabbit Exposure to Leishmania infantum, Toxoplasma gondii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia caballi Evidenced by Serum and Aqueous Humor Antibody Detection. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122616. [PMID: 34946216 PMCID: PMC8706172 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) can be important sentinel species for the presence of zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, we collected blood samples from wild rabbits harvested by hunters during the hunting season 2019–2020 on the island of Lemnos, to determine exposure of wild rabbits to the zoonotic pathogens Leishmania infantum, Toxoplasma gondii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia caballi, as well as aqueous humor to assess its diagnostic performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios. Antibodies against these pathogens were detected by Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody (IFA) assay. Out of the 72 wild rabbits included in the study, 4.2%, 5.5%, 18% and 9.7% were seropositive to L. infantum, T. gondii, A. phagocytophilum and B. caballi, respectively. Although less frequently, antibodies were also detected in aqueous humor of wild rabbits. The antibody detection in aqueous humor presented 100% specificity but decreased sensitivity compared to serum suggesting that aqueous humor could be successfully used in epidemiological studies to confirm exposure at the population level but has little diagnostic value at the individual level. This is the first report on the seropositivity of wild rabbits to A. phagocytophilum and B. caballi and the detection of antibodies against A. phagocytopylum, L. infantum, T. gondii and B. caballi in the aqueous humor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Labrini V. Athanasiou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-244-106-6009; Fax: +30-244-106-6053
| | - Eleni G. Katsogiannou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
| | - Constantina N. Tsokana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
| | - Sofia G. Boutsini
- Veterinary Centre of Athens, General Directorate of Veterinary Services, Parasitology—Parasitic Diseases, Entomology and Bee Health Department, 15341 Athens, Greece;
| | - Marina G. Bisia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
| | - Vasileios G. Papatsiros
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
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Rodrigues BL, Costa GDS, Shimabukuro PHF. Identification of Bloodmeals from Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) Collected in the Parque Nacional do Viruá, State of Roraima, Brazil. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:2488-2494. [PMID: 33884431 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The transmission of pathogens that cause leishmaniases occurs by the bite of female sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in their vertebrate hosts, which makes the identification of their bloodmeal sources an important step for the control and epidemiology of these diseases. In Brazil, the state of Roraima has a great diversity of sand flies, vertebrate hosts, and protozoan Leishmania, but little is known about the host blood-feeding preferences of sand flies. Thus, we evaluated the bloodmeal sources of sand flies collected from their sylvatic habitats in Parque Nacional do Viruá, Roraima. Fieldwork was carried-out between 13th and 18th August 2019 using CDC light traps. Sand flies were slide-mounted and morphologically identified using the head and last segments of the abdomen. Engorged females had their DNA extracted, followed by amplification and sequencing of the cytochrome b (cytb) molecular marker for vertebrates. Sequences were analyzed and compared with those from GenBank using the BLASTn search tool, in addition to the reconstruction of a phylogenetic tree to demonstrate the clustering pattern of these sequences. A total of 1,209 sand flies were identified, comprising 20 species, in which the most abundant were Psychodopygus ayrozai (Barretto and Coutinho) (42.10%) and Psychodopygus chagasi (Costa Lima) (26.22%). Bloodmeal source identification was successfully performed for 34 sand flies, that confirm four vertebrate species, being the most abundant the armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Linnaeus, 1758 (Cingulata: Dasypodidae).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Leite Rodrigues
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz Minas, Av. Augusto de Lima, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Glaucilene da Silva Costa
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz Rondônia, Rua da Beira, Porto Velho - Rondônia, Brasil
| | - Paloma Helena Fernandes Shimabukuro
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz Minas, Av. Augusto de Lima, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Coleção de Flebotomíneos - FIOCRUZ/COLFLEB, Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz Minas, Av. Augusto de Lima, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais, Brasil
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Martín-Sánchez J, Torres-Medina N, Morillas-Márquez F, Corpas-López V, Díaz-Sáez V. Role of wild rabbits as reservoirs of leishmaniasis in a non-epidemic Mediterranean hot spot in Spain. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106036. [PMID: 34224717 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is limited information regarding the role of wild mammals in the transmission dynamics of Leishmania infantum. A potential human leishmaniasis hot spot was detected in southern Spain that could not be explained solely by canine leishmaniasis prevalence. The aim of this work was to analyse the involvement of wild rabbits as the main factor affecting this Mediterranean hot spot. A survey of wild rabbits, dogs and sand flies was conducted in the human cases environment. A nearby region without clinical leishmaniasis cases was used as reference control. 51 wild rabbits shot by hunters were analysed by molecular techniques. 1100 sand flies were captured and morphologically identified. Blood collected from patients' relatives/ neighbours (n = 9) and dogs (n = 66) was used for molecular analysis and serology. In Mediterranean leishmaniasis hot spots such as Montefrío municipality (average incidence of 16.8 human cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year), wild rabbits (n = 40) support high L. infantum infection rates (100%) and heavy parasite burdens (average value: 503 parasites/mg) in apparently normal ear skin directly accessible to sand flies, enabling the existence of heavily parasitized Phlebotomus perniciosus females (12.5% prevalence). The prevalence of infection and median parasite load were very low among rabbits captured in Huéscar (n = 11), a human clinical leishmaniasis-free area for the last 18 years. P. perniciosus was the most abundant Phlebotomus species in all the domestic/peridomestic microhabitats sampled, both indoors and outdoors. Accordingly, leishmaniasis is clustering in space and time at this local scale represented by Montefrío due to the proximity of two competent host reservoirs (dogs and heavily parasitized wild rabbits) associated with overlapping sylvatic and domestic transmission cycles through the main vector, P. perniciosus. We highlight the usefulness of determining the prevalence of infection and parasite burden in wild rabbits as a control leishmaniasis measure with the advantage that the use of the ear offers.
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Latrofa MS, Iatta R, R S Manoj R, Panarese R, Annoscia G, Pombi M, Zatelli A, Beugnet F, Otranto D. Detection of Leishmania tarentolae in lizards, sand flies and dogs in southern Italy, where Leishmania infantum is endemic: hindrances and opportunities. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:461. [PMID: 34493323 PMCID: PMC8423600 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04973-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania tarentolae is a protozoan isolated from geckoes (Tarentola annularis, Tarentola mauritanica), which is considered non-pathogenic and is transmitted by herpetophilic Sergentomyia spp. sand flies. This species occurs in sympatry with Leishmania infantum in areas where canine leishmaniasis is endemic. In the present study, we investigated the circulation of L. tarentolae and L. infantum in sand flies, dogs and lizards in a dog shelter in southern Italy, where canine leishmaniasis by L. infantum is endemic. Methods Sheltered dogs (n = 100) negative for Leishmania spp. (March 2020) were screened by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using promastigotes of both species at two time points (June 2020 and March 2021). Whole blood from dogs, tissues of Podarcis siculus lizards (n = 28) and sand flies (n = 2306) were also sampled and tested by a duplex real-time PCR (dqPCR). Host blood meal was assessed in sand flies by PCR. Results Overall, 16 dogs became positive for L. infantum and/or L. tarentolae by IFAT at one or both sampling periods. One canine blood sample was positive for L. infantum, whilst two for L. tarentolae by dqPCR. At the cytology of lizard blood, Leishmania spp. amastigote-like forms were detected in erythrocytes. Twenty-two tissue samples, mostly lung (21.4%), scored molecularly positive for L. tarentolae, corresponding to 10 lizards (i.e., 35.7%). Of the female Sergentomyia minuta sampled (n = 1252), 158 scored positive for L. tarentolae, four for L. infantum, and one co-infected. Two Phlebotomus perniciosus (out of 29 females) were positive for L. tarentolae. Engorged S. minuta (n = 10) fed on humans, and one P. perniciosus, positive for L. tarentolae, on lagomorphs. Conclusions Dogs and lacertid lizards (Podarcis siculus) were herein found for the first time infected by L. tarentolae. The detection of both L. tarentolae and L. infantum in S. minuta and P. perniciosus suggests their sympatric circulation, with a potential overlap in vertebrate hosts. The interactions between L. tarentolae and L. infantum should be further investigated in both vectors and vertebrate hosts to understand the potential implications for the diagnosis and control of canine leishmaniasis in endemic areas. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Ranju R S Manoj
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Rossella Panarese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica E Malattie Infettive, "Sapienza" Università di Roma - Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Fred Beugnet
- Boehringer-Ingelheim, Avenue Tony Garnier, 29, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Density assessment and reporting for Phlebotomus perniciosus and other sand fly species in periurban residential estates in Spain. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3091-3103. [PMID: 34405280 PMCID: PMC8397643 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Green periurban residential areas in Mediterranean countries have flourished in the last decades and become foci for leishmaniasis. To remedy the absence of information on vector ecology in these environments, we examined phlebotomine sand fly distribution in 29 sites in Murcia City over a 3-year period, including the plots of 20 detached houses and nine non-urbanized sites nearby. We collected 5,066 specimens from five species using "sticky" interception and light attraction traps. The relative frequency of the main Leishmania infantum vector Phlebotomus perniciosus in these traps was 32% and 63%, respectively. Sand fly density was widely variable spatially and temporally and greatest in non-urbanized sites, particularly in caves and abandoned buildings close to domestic animal holdings. Phlebotomus perniciosus density in house plots was positively correlated with those in non-urbanized sites, greatest in larger properties with extensive vegetation and non-permanently lived, but not associated to dog presence or a history of canine leishmaniasis. Within house plots, sand fly density was highest in traps closest to walls. Furthermore, the study provides a guideline for insect density assessment and reporting and is envisioned as a building block towards the development of a pan-European database for robust investigation of environmental determinants of sand fly distribution.
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Palma D, Mercuriali L, Figuerola J, Montalvo T, Bueno-Marí R, Millet JP, Simón P, Masdeu E, Rius C. Trends in the Epidemiology of Leishmaniasis in the City of Barcelona (1996-2019). Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:653999. [PMID: 33981743 PMCID: PMC8107217 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.653999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Leishmaniasis is a neglected zoonosis produced by 20 different flagellated parasites of the Leishmania genus, a protozoan transmitted to humans and other vertebrates by the bite of dipteran insects of the Phlebotominae subfamily. It is endemic in Mediterranean countries and the number of cases is expected to increase due to climate change and migration. Prioritizing public health interventions for prevention and control is essential. The objective was to characterize the epidemiology and temporal trends in the incidence of human leishmaniasis in the city of Barcelona, between the years 1996 and 2019. Methods: A population-based, analytical observational study among residents in the city of Barcelona was conducted of all the cases of leishmaniasis reported between 1996 and 2019 to the Public Health Agency. The epidemiological survey contains clinical, diagnostic, and epidemiological data, including contact with suspicious mammals or insects. Annual incidence-rates were calculated by sex, age, and country of origin. Chi-square tests were used to assess association between studied risk factors, periods of time and type of leishmaniasis. Results: During the study period a total of 177 cases of leishmaniasis were reported in Barcelona, being 74.6% (n = 132) of the total cases in Spanish born, although within the foreign-born population the incidence was higher. Median age was 34 years (IQR = 10-48) and 121 (66.8%) were male. The main type was cutaneous (46%) followed by visceral (35.1%). The cumulative incidence was 0.47 per 100,000 inhabitants, with the highest incidence found in 2017 (1.60 per 100,000 inhabitants). A higher incidence was observed in the 0-4-year-old group (1.73 per 100,000 inhabitants), but increased during the study period for all age groups. There was an increase of foreign origin cases, and a decrease in the number of cases associated to any immunosuppression. Conclusion: In Barcelona, leishmaniasis incidence continues to be higher in people under 5 years of age, and 25-64 years old males, but it has also increased in population from foreign country of birth. There is an increase of the cases since 2016, probably due to the changes in the notification system, increasing the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Improvements in the current surveillance system are needed. Notification of the disease, vector, and reservoir control activities are also essential for the control of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Palma
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER-ESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Figuerola
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER-ESP), Madrid, Spain.,Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER-ESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Department of Research and Development (R&D), Laboratorios Lokímica, Valencia, Spain.,Parasitology Area, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joan-Pau Millet
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER-ESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pere Simón
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Masdeu
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Rius
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER-ESP), Madrid, Spain
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Pekağırbaş M, Karakuş M, Kasap OE, Demir S, Nalçacı M, Töz S, Eren H, Özbel Y. Investigation of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) Fauna, Seasonal Dynamics, and Natural Leishmania spp. Infection in Muğla, Southwest of Turkey. Acta Trop 2021; 216:105827. [PMID: 33428877 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Due to its geographical location, Muğla province is one of the most frequently used places by refugees. Although leishmaniasis have been previously reported in this region, there is a lack of information on the etiological agent and possible vectors. The main objectives of this study were; i) to investigate the sand fly fauna, ii) to reveal the natural Leishmania spp. infection in wild caught sand flies using molecular tools, and iii) to determine the annual seasonal dynamics of the sand flies in Muğla region. Totally, 2093 specimens belonging to 15 species [12 Phlebotomus, three Sergentomyia; 51 unidentified] were collected during the one-year (June 2016- June 2017) period. Of the collected sand flies, 1928 (92.12%) were caught by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps, while 165 (7.88%) of them were caught by sticky traps. Phlebotomus major sensu lato (s.l.), the potential vector of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in the Mediterranean and Aegean region, was detected in all sampling locations and found as the dominant taxon (n=1035; 49.45%) of the study area and followed by Phlebotomus tobbi (n=371; 17.72%). During the sampling period, sand fly activity was started in March and peaked in August. Sand fly population size reduced dramatically between mid-September and early October. The number of collected specimens was peaked in August, while there is only one sample collected both in November and March. The majority of the sand flies (78.66%) were collected at an altitude range of 200-400 m. Seventy-two monospecific pools were screened for the presence of Leishmania DNA by real time ITS1 PCR and 24 (nine P. major s.l., eight P. tobbi, two P. papatasi, two S. minuta, one P. alexandri, one P. similis, and one Phlebotomus (Transphlebotomus spp.) of them (33.8%) were found positive (L. infantum, L. tropica, and L. major). To the best of our knowledge, the presence of fifteen sand fly species and their distribution, seasonal dynamics, molecular detection of Leishmania parasites in Muğla province was reported for the first time. The presence of vector species in the study area, appropriate temperature and humidity conditions, long sand fly activity season, and presence of Leishmania parasite suggests that there is a serious risk in the transmission of leishmaniasis in Muğla.
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González E, Molina R, Iriso A, Ruiz S, Aldea I, Tello A, Fernández D, Jiménez M. Opportunistic feeding behaviour and Leishmania infantum detection in Phlebotomus perniciosus females collected in the human leishmaniasis focus of Madrid, Spain (2012-2018). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009240. [PMID: 33720936 PMCID: PMC7993803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An outbreak of human leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum has been registered in an urban area of southwestern Madrid, Spain, since 2010. Entomological surveys carried out in the municipalities of Fuenlabrada, Leganés, Getafe and Humanes de Madrid showed that Phlebotomus perniciosus is the only potential vector. In this work, an intensive molecular surveillance was performed in P. perniciosus females captured in the region between 2012 and 2018. Methodology/Principal findings A total of 1805 P. perniciosus females were analyzed for Leishmania infection, and 1189 of them also for bloodmeal identification. Eleven different species of vertebrate were detected by amplification and subsequent sequencing of the 359 bp cytb fragment. The most prevalent blood source identified was hare (n = 553, 46.51%), followed by rabbit (n = 262, 21.95%). Less frequent were cat (n = 45, 3.80%), human (n = 34, 2.90%), pig (n = 14, 1.20%), horse (n = 11, 0.93%), sheep (n = 3, 0.25%), rhea (n = 3, 0.25%), partridge (n = 1, 0.09%) and chicken (n = 1, 0.09%). The distribution of the blood meal sources varied between the different locations. Regarding L. infantum detection, PCR amplification of a fragment of kDNA, cpb gene and ITS1 region showed 162 positive specimens (8.97%). The highest infection rate was found in the municipality of Leganés (15.17%). Conclusions The results of this molecular survey in P. perniciosus, the only leishmaniasis vector in the outbreak occurred in southwestern Madrid region, showed its opportunistic blood-feeding behaviour, high infection rates and the differences between the different points. This study was an essential part of the intensive surveillance plan in the area and the results obtained have supported the implementation of control measures in the outbreak. Vector-borne diseases (VBD) comprise a pathogen-vector-reservoir relation, and control programs should take into account different factors involving this relationship. This study is focused on a leishmaniasis outbreak that has occurred in the southwestern Madrid region since 2010. An intensive molecular surveillance of the sand fly vector Phlebotomus perniciosus was carried out from 2012 to 2018 in 4 municipalities from the affected region: Fuenlabrada, Leganés, Getafe and Humanes de Madrid. The aim of this investigation was to discern how much the vector was infected and find out its blood-feeding habits in the different surveyed points. The results showed an important rate of infected sand flies and also that P. perniciosus presents an opportunistic blood-feeding behaviour, taking blood from many different hosts, depending on their availability and density. The results obtained in this surveillance helped the authorities to plan and implement more accurate and effective control measures in the area, reflecting the importance of applying molecular surveillance in VBD outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela González
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
| | - Andrés Iriso
- Área de Vigilancia de Riesgos Ambientales en Salud, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid
| | - Sonia Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
| | - Irene Aldea
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
| | - Ana Tello
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
| | - Daniel Fernández
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
- * E-mail:
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Cardoso L, Schallig H, Persichetti MF, Pennisi MG. New Epidemiological Aspects of Animal Leishmaniosis in Europe: The Role of Vertebrate Hosts Other Than Dogs. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030307. [PMID: 33800782 PMCID: PMC8000700 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Leishmania parasites can lead to severe disease in humans and dogs, which act as a reservoir in zoonotic transmission. An increasing number of reports suggest that leishmaniosis is not restricted to dogs, but also affects many other mammalian and avian species. Consequently, this expands the potential reservoir and is of great public and veterinary health concern. The present study reviews, based on a comprehensive search of scientific literature published from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2020, the currently available information on animal leishmaniosis in vertebrates in Europe, other than dogs and humans. This review provides an exhaustive list of mammals and birds in which infections with or exposure to Leishmania parasites have been detected in European countries. Most cases are reported from the Mediterranean region. Domestic animals, in particular cats, pose a concern because of close contact with humans. The wildlife reservoir is less likely to contribute to zoonotic transmission, with the exception of hares. This potentially large reservoir needs to be taken into account when developing control measures for zoonotic leishmaniosis. From a veterinary point of view, it is important that veterinarians are better aware of leishmaniosis and trained in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Henk Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Experimental Parasitology Section, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria Flaminia Persichetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
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Chen HM, Chen HY, Tao F, Gao JP, Li KL, Shi H, Peng H, Ma YJ. Leishmania infection and blood sources analysis in Phlebotomus chinensis (Diptera: Psychodidae) along extension region of the loess plateau, China. Infect Dis Poverty 2020; 9:125. [PMID: 32867841 PMCID: PMC7461359 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00746-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was one of the most important parasitic diseases in China, caused by Leishmania protozoans and transmitted by sand flies. Recently VL cases have reappeared in China, including the extension region of the Loess Plateau. The purpose of this study was to collect fundamental data on the host-vector VL system in the Loess Plateau to assist in the development of prevention and control measures. METHODS Sand flies were collected by light traps from rural areas in Shanxian, Henan, China in 2015, as well as in Wuxiang and Yangquan, Shanxi, China in 2017. The blood sources of sand flies were analyzed by PCR detecting the host-specific mitochondrial cytochrome b (mtDNA cyt b) gene fragments. Leishmania infection in sand flies was detected by amplifying and sequencing ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1). The Leishmania specific antibodies in the sera of local dogs were detected by ELISA kit. RESULTS Blood sources showed diversity in the extension region of the Loess Plateau, including human, chicken, dog, cattle, pig and goat. Multiple blood sources within a sand fly were observed in samples from Yangquan (17/118, 14.4%) and Wuxiang (12/108, 11.1%). Leishmania DNA was detected in sand flies collected from Yangquan with minimum infection rate of 1.00%. The ITS1 sequences were conserved with the Leishmania donovani complex. The positive rate of Leishmania specific antibodies in dogs was 5.97%. CONCLUSIONS This study detected the blood sources and Leishmania parasites infection of sand flies by molecular methods in the extension region of Loess Plateau, China. A high epidemic risk of leishmaniasis is currently indicated by the results as the infection of Leishmania in sand flies, the extensive blood sources of sand flies including humans, and positive antibody of Leishmania in local dog sera. Given the recent increase of VL cases, asymptomatic patients, dogs and other potential infected animals should be screened and treated. Furthermore, the density of sand flies needs to be controlled and personal protection should be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Ming Chen
- Department of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hui-Ying Chen
- Department of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Feng Tao
- Department of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jing-Peng Gao
- Department of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Kai-Li Li
- Department of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hua Shi
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention of People's Liberation Army of China, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Heng Peng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Ya-Jun Ma
- Department of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Mas A, Martínez-Rodrigo A, Orden JA, Molina R, Jiménez M, Jiménez MÁ, Carrión J, Domínguez-Bernal G. Properties of virulence emergence of Leishmania infantum isolates from Phlebotomus perniciosus collected during the human leishmaniosis outbreak in Madrid, Spain. Hepatic histopathology and immunological parameters as virulence markers in the mouse model. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:704-714. [PMID: 32668083 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent anthropic activity related to the construction of the Bosquesur Green Park in a large urban setting in Madrid (Spain) has resulted in the largest reported community outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Europe. Previous phylogenetic and molecular-typing studies of parasite isolates have implicated the Leishmania infantum ITS-Lombardi genotype in this outbreak. In an unusual scenario, visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is affecting a significant number of individuals, suggesting that an increase in parasite virulence has occurred. In this work, using an in vivo BALB/c model of VL, we aimed to investigate the properties of emergent virulence of the L. infantum POL2FL7 and BOS1FL1 isolates obtained from Phlebotomus perniciosus collected in the outbreak area and compare them with those of the well-characterized strain BCN150 MON-1 isolated from a dog. The P. perniciosus specimens were collected during an entomological survey conducted in the transmission season of 2012. We observed a range of virulence phenotypes from moderately to highly aggressive after 5 weeks of infection. IV challenge of mice with outbreak isolates from sand flies induced higher splenic and liver parasite burdens, higher serological titres of specific anti-Leishmania antibodies and impaired capacities to control infection, as revealed by the arginine metabolism and low ratios of Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles analysed, compared with the corresponding measures evaluated in mice infected with the BCN150 strain. The BOS1FL1 isolate showed the highest degree of virulence among the isolates, superior to that of POL2FL7, as evidenced by the analysed biomarkers and the histopathological severity of liver lesions. These results provide insight into how L. infantum isolates from sand flies collected in the outbreak area have been able to affect not only immunosuppressed patients but also middle-aged people with normal immunocompetence in the largest human VL outbreak in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Mas
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Abel Martínez-Rodrigo
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio Orden
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Jiménez
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Carrión
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo Domínguez-Bernal
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Sales KGDS, Miranda DEDO, Paiva MHS, Figueredo LA, Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F. Fast multiplex real-time PCR assay for simultaneous detection of dog and human blood and Leishmania parasites in sand flies. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:131. [PMID: 32312319 PMCID: PMC7171745 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3994-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The blood-feeding behaviour of female sand flies may increase their likelihood of acquiring and transmitting Leishmania parasites. Studies on the host usage by these insects may thus improve our understanding of the Leishmania transmission risk in leishmaniasis-endemic areas. Here, we developed a fast multiplex real-time PCR assay for simultaneous detection of dog, human and Leishmania DNA in sand flies. Methods Primers and TaqMan probes targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and cytochrome b genes of dog and human, respectively, were combined in a multiplex assay, which also includes primers and a TaqMan probe targeting the Leishmania minicircle kinetoplast DNA. Results The multiplex assay was 100% specific, with analytical sensitivities of 103 fg/reaction for dog and human and 1 fg for Leishmania. By testing field-collected engorged female sand flies (95 Migonemyia migonei and two Nyssomyia intermedia), 50 M. migonei were positive for one or two targets (positivity rates: 45.4% for human, 4.1% for dog and 12.4% for Leishmania DNA). Conclusions This multiplex real-time PCR assay represents a novel fast assay for detecting dog, human and Leishmania DNA in female sand flies and therefore a tool for assessing the risk of Leishmania transmission to these hosts in areas of active transmission. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcelo Henrique Santos Paiva
- Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Caruaru, Brazil.,Department of Entomology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Brazil
| | - Luciana Aguiar Figueredo
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Brazil.
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Remadi L, Chargui N, Jiménez M, Molina R, Haouas N, González E, Chaabane-Banaouas R, Ben Salah E, Haddaji M, Chaabouni Y, Babba H. Molecular detection and identification of Leishmania DNA and blood meal analysis in Phlebotomus (Larroussius) species. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008077. [PMID: 32214313 PMCID: PMC7098558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perniciosus and Canis familiaris are respectively the only confirmed vector and reservoir for the transmission of Leishmania (L.) infantum MON-1 in Tunisia. However, the vector and reservoir hosts of the two other zymodemes, MON-24 and MON-80, are still unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the L. infantum life cycle in a Tunisian leishmaniasis focus. For this purpose, we have focused on: i) the detection, quantification and identification of Leishmania among this sand fly population, and ii) the analysis of the blood meal preferences of Larroussius (Lar.) subgenus sand flies to identify the potential reservoirs. METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS A total of 3,831 sand flies were collected in seven locations from the center of Tunisia affected by human visceral leishmaniasis. The collected sand flies belonged to two genus Phlebotomus (Ph.) (five species) and Sergentomyia (four species). From the collected 1,029 Lar. subgenus female sand flies, 8.26% was positive to Leishmania by ITS1 nested PCR. Three Leishmania spp. were identified: L. infantum 28% (24/85), L. killicki 13% (11/85), and L. major 22% (19/85). To identify the blood meal sources in Ph. Lar. subgenus sand flies, engorged females were analyzed by PCR-sequencing targeting the vertebrate cytochrome b gene. Among the 177 analyzed blood-fed females, 169 samples were positive. Sequencing results showed seven blood sources: cattle, human, sheep, chicken, goat, donkey, and turkey. In addition, mixed blood meals were detected in twelve cases. Leishmania DNA was found in 21 engorged females, with a wide range of blood meal sources: cattle, chicken, goat, chicken/cattle, chicken/sheep, chicken/turkey and human/cattle. The parasite load was quantified in fed and unfed infected sand flies using a real time PCR targeting kinetoplast DNA. The average parasite load was 1,174 parasites/reaction and 90 parasites/reaction in unfed and fed flies, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results support the role of Ph. longicuspis, Ph. perfiliewi, and Ph. perniciosus in L. infantum transmission. Furthermore, these species could be involved in L. major and L. killicki life cycles. The combination of the parasite detection and the blood meal analysis in this study highlights the incrimination of the identified vertebrate in Leishmania transmission. In addition, we quantify for the first time the parasite load in naturally infected sand flies caught in Tunisia. These findings are relevant for a better understanding of L. infantum transmission cycle in the country. Further investigations and control measures are needed to manage L. infantum transmission and its spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Remadi
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
| | - Najla Chargui
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
- * E-mail:
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Najoua Haouas
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Estela González
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raja Chaabane-Banaouas
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
| | - Eya Ben Salah
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
| | - Mohsen Haddaji
- Regional Commissariat for Agricultural Development of Kairouan, Tunisia
| | | | - Hamouda Babba
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
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Abbate JM, Maia C, Pereira A, Arfuso F, Gaglio G, Rizzo M, Caracappa G, Marino G, Pollmeier M, Giannetto S, Brianti E. Identification of trypanosomatids and blood feeding preferences of phlebotomine sand fly species common in Sicily, Southern Italy. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229536. [PMID: 32155171 PMCID: PMC7064173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the presence of Leishmania DNA and blood feeding sources in phlebotomine sand fly species commonly present in Sicily were investigated. A total of 1,866 female sand flies including 176 blood fed specimens were sampled over two seasons in five selected sites in Sicily (southern Italy). Sergentomyia minuta (n = 1,264) and Phlebotomus perniciousus (n = 594) were the most abundant species at all the sites, while three other species from the genus Phlebotomus (i.e., P. sergenti n = 4, P. perfiliewi n = 3 and P. neglectus n = 1) were only sporadically captured. Twenty-eight out of the 1,866 (1.5%) sand flies tested positive for Leishmania spp. Leishmania tarentolae DNA was identified in 26 specimens of S. minuta, while the DNA of Leishmania donovani complex was detected in a single specimen each of S. minuta and P. perniciosus. Interestingly, seven S. minuta specimens (0.4%) tested positive for reptilian Trypanosoma sp. Blood sources were successfully identified in 108 out of 176 blood fed females. Twenty-seven out of 82 blood sources identified in fed females of P. perniciosus were represented by blood of wild rabbit, S. minuta mainly fed on humans (16/25), while the sole P. sergenti fed specimen took a blood meal on rat. Other vertebrate hosts including horse, goat, pig, dog, chicken, cow, cat and donkey were recognized as blood sources for P. perniciosus and S. minuta, and, surprisingly, no reptilian blood was identified in blood-fed S. minuta specimens. Results of this study agree with the well-known role of P. perniciosus as vector of L. infantum in the western Mediterranean; also, vector feeding preferences herein described support the hypothesis on the involvement of lagomorphs as sylvatic reservoirs of Leishmania. The detection of L. donovani complex in S. minuta, together with the anthropophilic feeding-behaviour herein observed, warrants further research to clarify the capacity of this species in the transmission of pathogens to humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), New University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), New University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gaglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Caracappa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Marino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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30
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Tsokana CN, Sokos C, Giannakopoulos A, Birtsas P, Valiakos G, Spyrou V, Athanasiou LV, Rodi Burriel A, Billinis C. European Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as a source of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of Public Health importance: A review. Vet Med Sci 2020; 6:550-564. [PMID: 32088933 PMCID: PMC7397891 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, EBH) is probably the most important game animal in Europe throughout its historical distribution. The decline in its populations across its geographic range in Europe have been attributed to factors such as reproductive rate and the ability for adaptation, climate, feed availability, predators, anthropogenic factors and diseases. Apart from common diseases of hares with a high impact on their mortality such as European Brown hare Syndrome, EBH has been involved in the epidemiology of pathogens with zoonotic potential. In this work, the role of EBH as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum is discussed. Hares may significantly contribute to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens through maintenance of high endemicity levels as in the case of CCHFV, as a reservoir of important pathogens such as Yersinia spp., B. suis, F. tularensis and L. infantum and as a potential source of T. gondii for other animals, especially for carnivores but also for humans. However, EBH may also be a host of minor importance as in the case of HEV. The continuous surveillance of hare populations will enable the collection of information on the population health status and the pathogens currently circulating in the area posing risk for wildlife, domestic animals and humans. The possible live animal translocations of infected hares, the fact that this species acts as a host of vectors (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies) and the prey of carnivores and omnivores that travel in great distances getting into contact with domestic animals and humans, further highlights the need to be included in surveillance studies. Besides, the hunter‐harvested EBH population is an excellent indicator for recent pathogen transmission due to its short lifespan. The present review provides an overview of the role of European Brown Hare as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum aiming to highlight the contribution of this species to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantina N Tsokana
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Christos Sokos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Research Division, Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Administration, Technological Institute of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - George Valiakos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Department of Animal Production, Technological Education Institute of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | | | - Charalambos Billinis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
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González E, Molina R, Aldea I, Iriso A, Tello A, Jiménez M. Leishmania
sp. detection and blood‐feeding behaviour of S
ergentomyia minuta
collected in the human leishmaniasis focus of southwestern Madrid, Spain (2012–2017). Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:1393-1400. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Estela González
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica Centro Nacional de Microbiología Instituto de Salud Carlos III Majadahonda Spain
- The Pirbright Institute Woking UK
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica Centro Nacional de Microbiología Instituto de Salud Carlos III Majadahonda Spain
| | - Irene Aldea
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica Centro Nacional de Microbiología Instituto de Salud Carlos III Majadahonda Spain
| | - Andrés Iriso
- Dirección General de Salud Pública Consejería de Sanidad Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Ana Tello
- Departamento de Biodiversidad Ecología y Evolución Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica Centro Nacional de Microbiología Instituto de Salud Carlos III Majadahonda Spain
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Isolation and Molecular Typing of Leishmania infantum from Phlebotomus perfiliewi in a Re-Emerging Focus of Leishmaniasis, Northeastern Italy. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120644. [PMID: 31816970 PMCID: PMC6955719 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania (L.) infantum is a public health threat in the Emilia-Romagna region, northeastern Italy, but its epidemiology has not been fully elucidated in this area. The objective of this study was to characterize Leishmania infection in sand flies collected in a re-emerging focus of VL in the Bologna province. During the summer of 2016, 6114 sand flies were collected, identified, and tested for Leishmania detection. Of the identified sand flies, 96.5% were Phlebotomus (P.) perfiliewi and 3.5% were P. perniciosus. Detected parasites were characterized by biomolecular methods (multilocus microsatellite typing and characterization of repetitive region on chromosome 31), and quantified by real-time PCR. The prevalence of Leishmania infection in individually-tested P. perfiliewi sand flies varied from 6% to 10% with an increasing trend during the season. Promastigotes of L. infantum were isolated by dissection in one P. perfiliewi female; the isolated strain (Lein-pw) were closely related to Leishmania parasites from VL cases in northeastern Italy, but differed from strains isolated in dogs from the same area. Our findings strongly support the vector status of P. perfiliewi for human VL in the study area.
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Hlavackova K, Dvorak V, Chaskopoulou A, Volf P, Halada P. A novel MALDI-TOF MS-based method for blood meal identification in insect vectors: A proof of concept study on phlebotomine sand flies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007669. [PMID: 31498786 PMCID: PMC6733444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of blood sources of hematophagous arthropods is crucial for understanding the transmission cycles of vector-borne diseases. Many different approaches towards host determination were proposed, including precipitin test, ELISA, DNA- and mass spectrometry-based methods; yet all face certain complications and limitations, mostly related to blood degradation. This study presents a novel method for blood meal identification, peptide mass mapping (PMM) analysis of host-specific hemoglobin peptides using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Methodology/Principal findings To identify blood meal source, proteins from abdomens of engorged sand fly females were extracted, cleaved by trypsin and peptide fragments of host hemoglobin were sequenced using MALDI-TOF MS. The method provided correct host identification of 100% experimentally fed sand flies until 36h post blood meal (PBM) and for 80% samples even 48h PBM. In females fed on two hosts, both blood meal sources were correctly assigned for 60% of specimens until 36h PBM. In a validation study on field-collected females, the method yielded unambiguous host determination for 96% of specimens. The suitability of PMM-based MALDI-TOF MS was proven experimentally also on lab-reared Culex mosquitoes. Conclusions/Significance PMM-based MALDI-TOF MS analysis targeting host specific hemoglobin peptides represents a sensitive and cost-effective method with a fast and simple preparation protocol. As demonstrated here on phlebotomine sand flies and mosquitoes, it allows reliable and rapid blood source determination even 48h PBM with minimal material input and provides more robust and specific results than other currently used methods. This approach was also successfully tested on field-caught engorged females and proved to be a promising useful tool for large-scale screening of host preferences studies. Unlike other methods including MALDI-TOF protein profiling, it allows correct identification of mixed blood meals as was demonstrated on both experimentally fed and field-collected sand flies. Leishmaniases belong among the most important and yet neglected vector-borne diseases, transmitted mostly by bite of female phlebotomine sand flies. To understand role of different reservoir hosts in the transmission cycles, it is important to determine blood meal sources of bloodfeeding females. Most of currently used methods face challenges due to tiny volumes of engorged blood, in case of mammals also enucleated, as well as quick progress of blood digestion which leads to rapid DNA and protein degradation. New approach towards blood source determination presented in this study is based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry that identifies unique peptide sequences of host hemoglobins, showing high precision and sensitivity together with a longer time period for successful host determination when compared to nowadays standardly used DNA sequencing. It was tested and verified on engorged phlebotomine sand flies from both laboratory colonies and natural endemic areas and also on Culex mosquitoes and shall be universal to hematophagous insects. Beside blood meal identification, it allows also the use of both morphological and molecular methods (DNA- or protein-based) for the species identification of the analysed specimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyna Hlavackova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vit Dvorak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Halada
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
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Muñoz C, Martínez-de la Puente J, Figuerola J, Pérez-Cutillas P, Navarro R, Ortuño M, Bernal LJ, Ortiz J, Soriguer R, Berriatua E. Molecular xenomonitoring and host identification of Leishmania sand fly vectors in a Mediterranean periurban wildlife park. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:2546-2561. [PMID: 31376338 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiological cycle of zoonotic phlebotomine-borne Leishmania infantum is a complex system in which domestic animals and wildlife interact and participate in its maintenance and transmission. In this study, we combined entomological surveillance, xenomonitoring of L. infantum and identification of host feeding sources of engorged females to investigate the potential contribution of a periurban wildlife park to leishmaniosis in neighbouring residential areas. Overall, 7,309 sand flies were collected in 111 trap-days during the summers of 2016-2018 in an endemic area in south-east Spain. Five different sand fly species were captured, with Phlebotomus perniciosus, the main L. infantum vector in this region, representing the most common species. Sand fly distribution was spatially heterogeneous in terms of species, sexes and female physiological stage (unfed, gravid and engorged females) and related to host distribution and management, and environmental features. None of the 602 sand flies analysed for L. infantum infection by kinetoplast real-time PCR were positive. We used molecular tools to identify the vertebrate hosts of sand flies and identified 17 host species, mainly mammals. Human DNA was not identified in engorged sand flies. This study provides evidence that wildlife parks in south-east Spain are ideal grounds for sand fly vectors but do not necessarily increase L. infantum infection risk to humans and dogs living in surrounding residential areas. This is probably because vectors feed mostly on non-L. infantum competent hosts and this should be investigated for a better understanding of the contribution of wildlife parks to the local epidemiology of L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Pedro Pérez-Cutillas
- Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain.,Departamento de Geografía, Facultad de Letras, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - María Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis J Bernal
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juana Ortiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Medkour H, Davoust B, Dulieu F, Maurizi L, Lamour T, Marié JL, Mediannikov O. Potential animal reservoirs (dogs and bats) of human visceral leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum in French Guiana. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007456. [PMID: 31216270 PMCID: PMC6602241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In French Guiana, cutaneous leishmaniasis is highly endemic, whereas no autochthonous case of visceral leishmaniasis have been reported so far. However, due to its proximity to Brazil which is highly endemic for visceral leishmaniasis, and the high transboundary population flow, an epidemiological challenge could arise at any time. As an overseas department and region and the largest outermost region of the European Union, epidemiological surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis is of great importance. Our study aimed to investigate the presence of Leishmania spp. in domestic (dogs) and sylvatic (bats) animals from French Guiana. Over the 2008-2018 period, samples from 349 animals were collected. They included blood from 179 autochthonous dogs and 59 bats, spleen samples from 33 bats and, blood from 78 military working dogs (MWD) collected before their departure from continental France and at the end of their four-month stay in French Guiana. Samples were screened using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays targeting Leishmania DNA followed by sequencing of 18S rRNA, kDNA and ITS2 genes. L. infantum was detected in 2.3% (8/349) of animals with 1.7% (3/179) of autochthonous dogs, 5.1% (4/78) of MWD returning from French Guiana, whereas they were negative before their departure. One of them dates back to 2012. All these dogs were positive for serological tests. In addition, L. infantum DNA was detectable in one bat spleen sample, belonging to Carollia perspicillata species. We report here for the first time an infection with L. infantum in dogs and bat from French Guiana. Our results suggest the existence of potential reservoir and transmission cycle for visceral leishmaniasis, at least since 2012, which was unknown in this territory until now. Further studies are needed to determine how these animals were infected and which vectors are involved in the transmission in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hacène Medkour
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée-Infection, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée-Infection, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Animal Epidemiology Working Group of the Military Health Service, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Lou Marié
- Animal Epidemiology Working Group of the Military Health Service, Marseille, France
- French Army Health Service, Paris, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée-Infection, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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IL12 p35 and p40 subunit genes administered as pPAL plasmid constructs do not improve protection of pPAL-LACK vaccine against canine leishmaniasis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212136. [PMID: 30794597 PMCID: PMC6386296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum causes zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) in the Mediterranean basin and South America. The parasite has been shown to co-infect HIV patients and an outbreak in central Spain was reported in the last decade. Therfore, ZVL is a public health problem, dogs being the parasite's reservoir. We have developed a DNA vaccine based on the L. infantum activated protein kinase A receptor (LACK) using different plasmid vectors and vaccinia virus strains as vehicles. Recently, we have generated an antibiotic resistance marker-free plasmid vector called pPAL. Homologous pPAL-LACK prime-boost vaccination protects Beagle dogs as well as a heterologous plasmid-virus regime. For both reasons, pPAL improves safety. IL12 was described to trigger Th1 response through IFN-γ production in infected dogs, being a good candidate for cytokine therapy in conventional treatment-unresponsive dogs. Herein, we report a complete protection study in dogs through inoculation of genes encoding for the p35 and p40 subunits which compose canine IL12 in combination with the LACK gene. A homologous plasmid-plasmid regime using independent pPAL constructs for each gene was inoculated in a 15-day interval. The infectious challenge using L. infantum promastigotes was successful. The outcome was pPAL-LACK vaccine protection suppression by IL12 administration. The important implications of this finding are discussed in the manuscript.
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William W, Bülent A, Thomas B, Eduardo B, Marieta B, Olivier B, Celine G, Jolyon M, Dusan P, Francis S, Ducheyne E. The importance of vector abundance and seasonality. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2018.en-1491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Rabbit trypanosome detection in Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies from the leishmaniasis outbreak in Madrid, Spain. Acta Trop 2018; 187:201-206. [PMID: 30107150 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.08.011] [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: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are known vectors of several pathogens. In Spain, Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus ariasi are the proven vectors of Leishmania infantum. Since 2010 a human leishmaniasis outbreak has been notified in Madrid region, central Spain. Studies have shown that P. perniciosus is the only vector confirmed in the focus area and that rabbits and hares are the wild reservoirs incriminated in the cycle of the parasite in the outbreak. Trypanosoma nabiasi is a trypanosomatid found in wild rabbits and its presence has been reported in wild rabbits from southern Spain. Moreover, co-infection with L. infantum was found in some of these animals. However, in Madrid region, there is no information about the transmission of this trypanosome in rabbits. Hence, in this study we investigate if T. nabiasi could be circulating in the aforementioned leishmaniasis focus. Wild P. perniciosus female sand flies were captured in the affected area and analyzed using molecular methods. T. nabiasi DNA was detected in 20 out of 155 female sand flies fed on rabbits by amplification and subsequent sequencing of ITS1 and SSU rRNA fragments. Therefore, we describe for the first time the presence of T. nabiasi and its co-infection with L. infantum in P. perniciosus female sand flies. More investigation is needed in order to elucidate the role of P. perniciosus in the transmission of T. nabiasi among rabbits and its potential consequences.
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Risueño J, Ortuño M, Pérez-Cutillas P, Goyena E, Maia C, Cortes S, Campino L, Bernal LJ, Muñoz C, Arcenillas I, Martínez-Rondán FJ, Gonzálvez M, Collantes F, Ortiz J, Martínez-Carrasco C, Berriatua E. Epidemiological and genetic studies suggest a common Leishmania infantum transmission cycle in wildlife, dogs and humans associated to vector abundance in Southeast Spain. Vet Parasitol 2018; 259:61-67. [PMID: 30056986 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infection was investigated in 202 wild carnivores, rodents and lagomorphs in Southeast Spain using a real-time PCR (rtPCR) in skin and organ samples, mostly spleen. Lesions compatible with leishmaniosis were not observed in any of the animals. Prevalence defined as the percentage of rtPCR-positive animals was 32% overall, and 45% in foxes (n = 69), 30% in rabbits (n = 80) and stone martens (n = 10), 19% in wood mice (n = 16), 0% in black rats (n = 10) and ranged between 0% and 100% in other minoritarian species including badgers, wild cats, wolves, raccoons, genets and hares. Most infected rabbits were rtPCR-positive in skin and not in spleen samples and the opposite was the case for foxes (p < 0.05). L. infantum prevalence was lowest in spring following months of non-exposure to phlebotomine sand fly vectors, and spatially matched recently estimated Phlebotomus perniciosus vector abundance and the prevalence of subclinical infection in dogs and humans. Prevalence increased with altitude and was greater in drier and less windy South and West compared to the coastal Southeast of the study area (p < 0.05). Genetic diversity of L. infantum from foxes, investigated by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphisms of kinetoplast DNA, revealed B genotype in all animals, which is frequent in people and dogs in the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. The study provides further evidence that subclinical L. infantum infection is widespread in wildlife with prevalence depending on environmental factors and that parasite tissue tropism may vary according to host species. Moreover, it suggests that sylvatic and domestic transmission cycles are closely interconnected.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Risueño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - P Pérez-Cutillas
- Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), 30100, Murcia, Spain; Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Murcia, 30001, Murcia, Spain
| | - E Goyena
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S Cortes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L Campino
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L J Bernal
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - I Arcenillas
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - F J Martínez-Rondán
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - F Collantes
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Ortiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Martínez-Carrasco
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - E Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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Carrasco-Antón N, López-Medrano F, Fernández-Ruiz M, Carrillo E, Moreno J, García-Reyne A, Pérez-Ayala A, Rodríguez-Ferrero ML, Lumbreras C, San-Juan R, Alvar J, Aguado JM. Environmental Factors as Key Determinants for Visceral Leishmaniasis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients, Madrid, Spain. Emerg Infect Dis 2018. [PMID: 28628447 PMCID: PMC5512489 DOI: 10.3201/eid2307.151251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During a visceral leishmaniasis outbreak in an area of Madrid, Spain, the incidence of disease among solid organ transplant recipients was 10.3% (7/68). Being a black person from sub-Saharan Africa, undergoing transplantation during the outbreak, and residing <1,000 m from the epidemic focus were risk factors for posttransplant visceral leishmaniasis.
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Mhaidi I, El Kacem S, Ait Kbaich M, El Hamouchi A, Sarih M, Akarid K, Lemrani M. Molecular identification of Leishmania infection in the most relevant sand fly species and in patient skin samples from a cutaneous leishmaniasis focus, in Morocco. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006315. [PMID: 29499040 PMCID: PMC5851645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infectious disease caused by various species of Leishmania and transmitted by several species of sand flies. CL is among the most neglected tropical diseases, and it has represented a major health threat over the past 20 years in Morocco. The main objectives of this study were to identify relevant sand fly species and detect Leishmania infection in the most prevalent species and patient skin samples in Taza, a focus of CL in North-eastern Morocco. METHODOLOGY AND FINDING A total of 3672 sand flies were collected by CDC miniature light traps. Morphological identification permitted the identification of 13 species, namely 10 Phlebotomus species and 3 Sergentomyia species. P. longicuspis was the most abundant species, comprising 64.08% of the total collected sand flies, followed by P. sergenti (20.1%) and P. perniciosus (8.45%). Using nested-kDNA PCR, seven pools of P. sergenti were positive to Leishmania tropica DNA, whereas 23 pools of P. longicuspis and 4 pools of P. perniciosus tested positive for Leishmania infantum DNA. The rates of P. longicuspis and P. perniciosus Leishmania infection were 2.51% (23/915) and 7.27% (4/55), respectively, whereas the infection prevalence of P. sergenti was 3.24%. We also extracted DNA from lesion smears of 12 patients suspected of CL, among them nine patients were positive with enzymatic digestion of ITS1 by HaeIII revealing two profiles. The most abundant profile, present in eight patients, was identical to L. infantum, whereas L. tropica was found in one patient. The results of RFLP were confirmed by sequencing of the ITS1 DNA region. CONCLUSION This is the first molecular detection of L. tropica and L. infantum in P. sergenti and P. longicuspis, respectively, in this CL focus. Infection of P. perniciosus by L. infantum was identified for the first time in Morocco. This study also underlined the predominance of L. infantum and its vector in this region, in which L. tropica has been considered the causative agent of CL for more than 20 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idris Mhaidi
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Molecular Genetics and Immunophysiopathology Research Team, Health and Environment Laboratory, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Aïn Chock Faculty of Sciences, Morocco
| | - Sofia El Kacem
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sik, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mouad Ait Kbaich
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Molecular Genetics and Immunophysiopathology Research Team, Health and Environment Laboratory, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Aïn Chock Faculty of Sciences, Morocco
| | - Adil El Hamouchi
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - M’hammed Sarih
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Khadija Akarid
- Molecular Genetics and Immunophysiopathology Research Team, Health and Environment Laboratory, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Aïn Chock Faculty of Sciences, Morocco
| | - Meryem Lemrani
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- * E-mail:
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Rocchigiani G, Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Bertelloni F, Bascherini A, Leoni A, Mancianti F, Poli A. Molecular survey on the occurrence of arthropod-borne pathogens in wild brown hares (Lepus europaeus) from Central Italy. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 59:142-147. [PMID: 29421225 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Data about the spreading of arthropod-borne pathogens among hare populations are very scant, so the aim of the present preliminary study was to investigate, through molecular analysis, the occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella sp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Leishmania spp. and piroplasms DNA in blood of 51 wild hares (Lepus europaeus) living in protected areas in Tuscany. All hares resulted negative for A. phagocytophilum, Bartonella sp., B. burgdorferi s.l., C. burnetii and F. tularensis. Five animals (9.8%) were positive for Leishmania and one hare (1.9%) tested positive for piroplasms. Sequencing of this sample showed a piroplasm similar to one Babesia isolate from the same animal species in Turkey. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular report of piroplasms occurring in wild hares from Italy, and the second worldwide. The examined hares appeared to be in good health status, corroborating the hypothesis of a chronic carrier state of some vector borne agents for this animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Rocchigiani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alice Bascherini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Leoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Koch LK, Kochmann J, Klimpel S, Cunze S. Modeling the climatic suitability of leishmaniasis vector species in Europe. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13325. [PMID: 29042642 PMCID: PMC5645347 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13822-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change will affect the geographical distribution of many species in the future. Phlebotomine sandflies are vector species for leishmaniasis, a tropical neglected disease. We applied an ensemble forecasting niche modeling approach to project future changes in climatic suitability for ten vector competent sandfly species in Europe. Whereas the main area of sandfly distribution currently lies in the Mediterranean region, models generally projected a northwards expansion of areas with suitable climatic conditions for most species (P. alexandri, P. neglectus, P. papatasi, P. perfiliewi, P. tobbi) in the future. The range of distribution for only two species (P. ariasi, P. mascittii) was projected to decline in the future. According to our results, a higher number of vector competent species in Central Europe can generally be expected, assuming no limitations to dispersal. We recommend monitoring for the establishment of vector species, especially in areas with projected climatic suitability for multiple vector species, as a precautious strategy. An increased number of vector species, or a higher abundance of a single species, might result in a higher transmission risk of leishmaniasis, provided that the pathogens follow the projected range shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K Koch
- Goethe-University, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Frankfurt/Main, D-60438, Germany.
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt/Main, D-60325, Germany.
| | - Judith Kochmann
- Goethe-University, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Frankfurt/Main, D-60438, Germany
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt/Main, D-60325, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Goethe-University, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Frankfurt/Main, D-60438, Germany
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt/Main, D-60325, Germany
| | - Sarah Cunze
- Goethe-University, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Frankfurt/Main, D-60438, Germany
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt/Main, D-60325, Germany
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Benabid M, Ghrab J, Rhim A, Ben-romdhane R, Aoun K, Bouratbine A. Temporal dynamics and Leishmania infantum infection prevalence of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera, Phlebotominae) in highly endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis in Tunisia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184700. [PMID: 28934263 PMCID: PMC5608219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomus perniciosus is one of the major vectors of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this work was (i) to provide information about abundance and temporal dynamics of this Larroussius species in a hot spot area of visceral leishmaniasis in Tunisia, (ii) to detect L. infantum DNA in wild caught female sandflies and (iii) to measure Phlebotomus perniciosus infection rate throughout the active season. Sandflies were collected monthly during one year using CDC miniature light-traps in house and in animal shelters. Male specimens were identified at species level according to morphological characters. Female specimens were conserved individually for molecular study. Leishmania infection was tested by kinetoplast DNA real-time PCR and ITS-1 PCR-sequencing. Subsequent sandfly species identification of infected specimens was done by mitochondrial cytochrome b sequencing. In one year period, overall 4,441 specimens (2230 males and 2211 females) were collected. Sandfly activity started in end-April and ended in early-November. Mean sandfly density in house was significantly lower than in animal shelters (51 ± 50 versus 504 ± 460 sandflies /CDC night, p<0.05). However, a higher proportion of females was found in house (58.4% versus 49.2%, p<0.001). Based on species identification of male specimens, Phlebotomus perniciosus was the dominant species (56% of the whole male sandfly fauna, p<0.0001). It showed two peaks of density in the active season, a sharp one in early May and a higher long lasting one from end-July to end-September. DNA was extracted from 190 female specimens randomly sampled and corresponding to 96 specimens from house and 94 from animal shelters. Twenty four female sandfly were infected by Leishmania infantum. All infected specimens were recognized as Phlebotomus perniciosus. Leishmania infantum infection rate in female sandflies was 2.3 fold higher in house than in animal shelters (17.7% versus 7.4%, p<0.05). In house, estimated number of infected specimens was the highest at the end of the active season. Abundance, dynamics of density and Leishmania infantum infection prevalence of Phlebotomus perniciosus in Tunisian hot spot of visceral leishmaniasis highlight the major role of this Phlebotominae species in L. infantum transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Benabid
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Jamila Ghrab
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Biotechnology, Higher Institute of Sciences and Technology of Environment of Borj Cedria, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Adel Rhim
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rania Ben-romdhane
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Karim Aoun
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Aïda Bouratbine
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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González E, Jiménez M, Hernández S, Martín-Martín I, Molina R. Phlebotomine sand fly survey in the focus of leishmaniasis in Madrid, Spain (2012-2014): seasonal dynamics, Leishmania infantum infection rates and blood meal preferences. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:368. [PMID: 28764772 PMCID: PMC5540423 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2309-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An unusual increase of human leishmaniasis cases due to Leishmania infantum is occurring in an urban area of southwestern Madrid, Spain, since 2010. Entomological surveys have shown that Phlebotomus perniciosus is the only potential vector. Direct xenodiagnosis in hares (Lepus granatensis) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) collected in the focus area proved that they can transmit parasites to colonized P. perniciosus. Isolates were characterized as L. infantum. The aim of the present work was to conduct a comprehensive study of sand flies in the outbreak area, with special emphasis on P. perniciosus. Methods Entomological surveys were done from June to October 2012–2014 in 4 stations located close to the affected area. Twenty sticky traps (ST) and two CDC light traps (LT) were monthly placed during two consecutive days in every station. LT were replaced every morning. Sand fly infection rates were determined by dissecting females collected with LT. Molecular procedures applied to study blood meal preferences and to detect L. infantum were performed for a better understanding of the epidemiology of the outbreak. Results A total of 45,127 specimens belonging to 4 sand fly species were collected: P. perniciosus (75.34%), Sergentomyia minuta (24.65%), Phlebotomus sergenti (0.005%) and Phlebotomus papatasi (0.005%). No Phlebotomus ariasi were captured. From 3203 P. perniciosus female dissected, 117 were infected with flagellates (3.7%). Furthermore, 13.31% and 7.78% of blood-fed and unfed female sand flies, respectively, were found infected with L. infantum by PCR. The highest rates of infected P. perniciosus were detected at the end of the transmission periods. Regarding to blood meal preferences, hares and rabbits were preferred, although human, cat and dog blood were also found. Conclusions This entomological study highlights the exceptional nature of the Leishmania outbreak occurring in southwestern Madrid, Spain. It is confirmed that P. perniciosus is the only vector in the affected area, with high densities and infection rates. Rabbits and hares were the main blood meal sources of this species. These results reinforce the need for an extensive and permanent surveillance in this region, and others of similar characteristics, in order to control the vector and regulate the populations of wild reservoirs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2309-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela González
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sonia Hernández
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Martín-Martín
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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Ortega MV, Moreno I, Domínguez M, de la Cruz ML, Martín AB, Rodríguez-Bertos A, López R, Navarro A, González S, Mazariegos M, Goyache J, Domínguez L, García N. Application of a specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to identify Leishmania infantum DNA in spleen, skin and hair samples of wild Leporidae. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243:92-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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González E, Álvarez A, Ruiz S, Molina R, Jiménez M. Detection of high Leishmania infantum loads in Phlebotomus perniciosus captured in the leishmaniasis focus of southwestern Madrid region (Spain) by real time PCR. Acta Trop 2017; 171:68-73. [PMID: 28356232 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Since 2010 a human leishmaniasis outbreak has been notified in southwestern Madrid region that still remains active. Entomological surveys have been carried out in the affected area in order to obtain information about species diversity, distribution, and density of sand flies. Moreover, molecular identification of blood meal preferences of sand flies and molecular detection of Leishmania infantum has been performed. In this work, we optimized a real time PCR assay in order to determine parasite loads in unfed and blood-fed Phlebotomus perniciosus female sand flies caught in the focus area. Results showed elevated parasite loads in nearly 70% of the studied positive sand flies. Furthermore, significantly higher parasite loads were observed in females without blood in their guts. In conclusion, high L. infantum loads found in P. perniciosus sand flies from the Madrid focus support the exceptional characteristics of this outbreak.
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Miró G, Müller A, Montoya A, Checa R, Marino V, Marino E, Fuster F, Escacena C, Descalzo MA, Gálvez R. Epidemiological role of dogs since the human leishmaniosis outbreak in Madrid. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:209. [PMID: 28446214 PMCID: PMC5406968 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) has been in the spotlight since the 2009 outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Madrid. In the framework of the Leishmaniosis Surveillance Programme set up in Madrid, this study examines Leishmania-specific seroprevalences in stray dogs for the outbreak area and rest of the Madrid region over the period spanning from the outbreak to the present (2009–2016). These data are of interest because stray dogs could be sentinels for disease surveillance in endemic areas. Since 2011, we have also been monitoring owned dogs in the outbreak area. Methods Over the study period, Leishmania infantum seroprevalence was determined in 2,123 stray dogs from the outbreak and non-outbreak areas. A serological study was also performed for owned dogs in the outbreak area: high-risk dogs such as hunting or farm dogs (n = 1,722) and pets (n = 1372). All dogs were examined and blood was collected. The variables recorded for each animal were: breed, age, sex, and clinical history indicating if the animal was healthy or clinically suspected of having any disease, and if they showed a clinical picture compatible with CanL. Results Seroprevalences of L. infantum in stray dogs were similar in the two areas examined: 4.7% (20 out of 346) in the outbreak area and 5.4% (96 out of 1,777) in the remaining Madrid region (χ2 = 0.080, P = 0.777). A significant association was found between seroprevalence and age (z = -6.319; P < 0.001). Seroprevalence in owned dogs in the outbreak area was 2.1% in high-risk dogs (37 out of 1,722) and 1.2% in pets (17 out of 1,372) (χ2 = 3.561, P = 0.0591). Conclusions Both stray and owned dogs do not seem to play an important role in maintaining the transmission cycle of L. infantum in the Madrid outbreak area. The stable seroprevalence of infection observed in sentinel dogs suggests the good clinical management and prevention of CanL by local practitioners in owned dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Miró
- Grupo de Investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aurora Müller
- Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, c/Ronda de Segovia 52, 1ª planta, 28005, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Grupo de Investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocía Checa
- Grupo de Investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Marino
- Grupo de Investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eloy Marino
- Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, c/Ronda de Segovia 52, 1ª planta, 28005, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Fuster
- Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, c/Ronda de Segovia 52, 1ª planta, 28005, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Escacena
- Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, c/Ronda de Segovia 52, 1ª planta, 28005, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Descalzo
- Unidad de Investigación, Fundación Piel Sana Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología, Calle Ferraz, 100, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gálvez
- Grupo de Investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Rodrigues ACM, Magalhães RD, Romcy KAM, Freitas JLS, Melo ACFL, Rodon FCM, Bevilaqua CML, Melo LM. A new whole mitochondrial genome qPCR (WMG-qPCR) with SYBR Green ® to identify phlebotomine sand fly blood meals. Vet Parasitol 2017; 238:17-23. [PMID: 28343954 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are blood-feeding insects of marked medical and veterinary significance. Investigations on the biology of these insects hold great importance for both ecological and epidemiological purposes. The present work describes a new approach for real-time PCR (qPCR) with SYBR Green®, named WMG-qPCR, to identify phlebotomine blood meals. The novelty of the assay was to design primers based on the Whole Mitochondrial Genome (WMG) of the potential hosts (human, dog, cat, brown rat and chicken) aiming to amplify through qPCR the regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) which are less conserved among all species. Initially, the best method for mtDNA extraction to be applied in WMG-qPCR was determined. Afterwards, amplification specificities were accessed by cross-reaction assays with mtDNA samples from all animal species, besides phlebotomine DNA. Finally, the selected primers were also tested for their limit of DNA detection through standard curves constructed by serial dilution of blood DNA obtained for each target animal species. The WMG-qPCR was able to detect as low as 10pL of blood, equivalent to 26, 84, 130, and 320fg DNA of cat, human, dog and rat, respectively. The assay was also capable to amplify as low as 5pL of chicken blood (5pg DNA). In conclusion, WMG-qPCR seems to be a promising tool to identify phlebotomine blood meals, with high species-specificity and sensitivity. Furthermore, as no supplementary techniques are required, this new approach presents minimized costs and simplified technical-training requirements for execution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Caroline Moura Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Av. Doutor Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza, CE, 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Damasceno Magalhães
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Av. Doutor Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza, CE, 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Kalil Andrade Mubarac Romcy
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Av. Doutor Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza, CE, 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Lucas Sousa Freitas
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Av. Doutor Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza, CE, 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Fonseca Lindoso Melo
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Alexandre Baraúna, 949, Campus Porangabuçu, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-160, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cristina Macedo Rodon
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Av. Doutor Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza, CE, 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Claudia Maria Leal Bevilaqua
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Av. Doutor Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza, CE, 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Av. Doutor Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza, CE, 60714-903, Brazil; Faculdade Metropolitana da Grande Fortaleza, Av. Conselheiro Estelita, 500, Fortaleza, CE, 60010-260, Brazil.
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Rezvan H, Nourian AR, Hamoon Navard S. An Overview on Leishmania Diagnosis. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/jommid.5.1.2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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