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Barbero-Moyano J, Castro-Scholten S, Gonzálvez M, Moreno I, Domínguez M, Cano-Terriza D, Jiménez-Martín D, Camacho-Sillero L, Martínez R, García-Bocanegra I. Epidemiological surveillance of Leishmania infantum in wild lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Prev Vet Med 2024; 228:106231. [PMID: 38788301 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106231] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Wild lagomorphs play a key epidemiological role as reservoirs of Leishmania infantum, causative agent of the largest outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Europe to date. A large-scale survey study was conducted on wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) populations in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems to evaluate the exposure of L. infantum and investigate potential risk factors associated with exposure to this zoonotic parasite. Between 2018 and 2021, a total of 631 wild lagomorphs (471 wild rabbits and 160 Iberian hares) were collected in Andalusia (southern Spain) and tested for antibodies against L. infantum using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Spleen samples from 563 of the wild lagomorphs sampled (441 wild rabbits and 122 Iberian hares) were also evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detection of Leishmania kDNA. Exposure to L. infantum (positive by IFAT and/or qPCR) was detected in 56.4 % (356/631; 95 %CI: 52.3-60.3) of the lagomorphs analyzed. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were found in 12.8 % (81/631; 95 %CI: 10.2-15.5) of the animals, and L. infantum kDNA was detected in 59.0 % (332/563; 95 %CI: 54.9-63.0) of the spleen samples tested. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high homology (99.9-100 %) between L. infantum sequences obtained and strains previously isolated from humans in Spain. While apparent seroprevalence was significantly higher in Iberian hares (19.4 %; 95 %CI: 13.3-25.5) compared to wild rabbits (10.6 %; 95 %CI: 7.9-13.4), no significant differences in prevalence were found between wild rabbits (61.0 %; 95 %CI: 56.5-65.6) and Iberian hares (51.6 %; 95 %CI: 42.8-60.5). At least one positive animal was found on 64.8 % (70/108) of the hunting grounds sampled, and a high-risk spatial cluster (P < 0.001) was also identified in central Andalusia. The multivariable analysis identified bioclimatic level (meso-Mediterranean climate) and the presence of goats on hunting grounds as risk factors potentially associated with L. infantum exposure in wild lagomorphs. This study shows high, widespread exposure, but heterogeneous distribution of L. infantum in wild lagomorph populations in Mediterranean ecosystems in southern Spain. The results point to the need to promote integrated surveillance programs for the detection of Leishmania spp. in wild lagomorphs in order to establish effective control measures against human leishmaniosis under a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Barbero-Moyano
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain
| | - Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Moreno
- Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - Mercedes Domínguez
- Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain
| | - Leonor Camacho-Sillero
- Programa de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Fauna Silvestre (PVE), Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul, Junta de Andalucía, Málaga 29002, Spain
| | - Remigio Martínez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres 10003, Spain.
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
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2
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Barroso P, Zanet S, Ferroglio E. Meteorological, demographic, and environmental risk factors for Leishmania infantum in wildlife. Res Vet Sci 2024; 173:105288. [PMID: 38718544 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is an important and neglected vector-borne zoonotic protozoa endemic in the Mediterranean basin. Several wild and domestic mammals can contribute to maintaining its circulation but their importance as effective reservoirs is still under discussion and varies depending on local ecological communities. By combining environmental, climatic, and individual information, this study assessed the presence of L. infantum DNA in a set of wild species from Northwestern Italy and the potential ecological factors related to the risk of infection. From 2020 to 2022, 304 free-ranging wild animals were analyzed for the detection of L. infantum DNA in the spleen and popliteal lymph node (when available). The prevalence obtained in wild boar (Sus scrofa) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) was higher than those previously reported (% ± confidence interval 95%; 42.9 ± 18.4% and 27 ± 6.6% in wild boar and roe deer, respectively), and this is the first report of this parasite infecting the coypu Myocastor coypus (60 ± 34.7%). L. infantum DNA was detected in all the seasons including those free of adult sandflies and seasonal differences were minimal, suggesting a long course of infection. The models revealed that animals from rainy areas with higher greenness during the summer, highly populated by humans and predominantly covered by water surfaces had a higher risk of L. infantum. This study contributes to confirming previous findings on the existence of a sylvatic cycle for L. infantum in certain regions of Italy, as well as on the potential epidemiological role of roe deer for this parasite given the elevated prevalence found.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Barroso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy; Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain.
| | - S Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - E Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
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3
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Tsakmakidis I, Lefkaditis M, Zaralis K, Arsenos G. Alternative hosts of Leishmania infantum: a neglected parasite in Europe. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:128. [PMID: 38630347 PMCID: PMC11189345 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Multi-host pathogens that infect various animal species and humans are considered of great importance for public and animal health. Leishmania spp. parasites are a characteristic example of such pathogens. Although leishmaniosis in humans is endemic for about 100 countries around the world it is classified as a neglected tropical disease. There are three main forms of leishmaniosis in humans: cutaneous (CL), visceral (VL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniosis (MCL). Each year, about 30,000 new cases of VL and more than 1 million new cases of CL are recorded. In Europe L. infantum is the dominant species with dogs being reservoir hosts. Apart from dogs, infection has been recorded in various animals, which suggests that other species could play a role in the maintenance of the parasite in nature. Herein we provide an in-depth review of the literature with respect to studies that deal with Leishmania infantum infections in domestic and wild animal species in Europe. Given the fact that domesticated and wild animals could contribute to the incidences of leishmaniosis in humans, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review which could potentially be used for the development of measures when it comes to the control of the Leishmania infantum parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsakmakidis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Zaralis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece.
| | - Georgios Arsenos
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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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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Torres JM, de Oliveira CE, Santos FM, Sano NY, Martinez ÉV, Alves FM, Tavares LER, Roque ALR, Jansen AM, Herrera HM. Trypanosomatid diversity in a bat community of an urban area in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 118:105563. [PMID: 38301855 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Bats have a long evolutionary history with trypanosomatids, but the role of these flying mammals on parasite transmission cycles in urban areas, especially for Trypanosoma and Leishmania species, remains poorly known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the species richness of trypanosomatids parasitizing a bat community in Campo Grande (CG), a state capital within the Cerrado of the Brazilian Midwest. We evaluated 237 bats of 13 species by means of hemoculture and molecular detection in spleen samples. The bat community of CG appears to participate in the transmission cycles of various species of trypanosomatids. We report an overall trypanosomatid detection rate of 34.2% (n = 81), involving 11 out of 13 sampled bat species. We identified six species of trypanosomatids from 61 bats by analyzing SSU rRNA and/or kDNA: Trypanosoma cruzi DTU TcI, T. c. marinkellei, T. dionisii, Leishmania infantum, L. amazonensis, and T. janseni, with this latter being detected by hemoculture for the first time in a bat species. We also detected a Molecular Operational Taxonomic Unit, Trypanosoma sp. DID, in the phyllostomids Glossophaga soricina and Platyrrhinus lineatus. The highest trypanosomatid richness was observed for Sturnira lilium, which hosted three species: L. infantum, T. dionisii and T. janseni. Given that visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in CG, special focus should be placed on L. infantum. Moreover, L. amazonensis and T. cruzi warrant attention, since these are zoonotic parasites responsible for human cases of tegumentary leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, respectively. In this respect, we discuss how bat communities may influence the Leishmania spp. transmission in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaire Marinho Torres
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | | | - Filipe Martins Santos
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Nayara Yoshie Sano
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Érica Verneque Martinez
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Av. Costa e Silva s/n - Pioneiros, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Moreira Alves
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, Manguinhos Rio de Janeiro 4365, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eduardo Roland Tavares
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Av. Costa e Silva s/n - Pioneiros, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Rodrigues Roque
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, Manguinhos Rio de Janeiro 4365, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Jansen
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, Manguinhos Rio de Janeiro 4365, RJ, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Zanet S, Occhibove F, Capizzi D, Fratini S, Giannini F, Hoida AD, Sposimo P, Valentini F, Ferroglio E. Zoonotic Microparasites in Invasive Black Rats ( Rattus rattus) from Small Islands in Central Italy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3279. [PMID: 37894002 PMCID: PMC10603634 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203279] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive species have a detrimental impact on native populations, particularly in island ecosystems, and they pose a potential zoonotic and wildlife threat. Black rats (Rattus rattus) are invasive species that disrupt native flora and fauna on islands and serve as potential competent reservoirs for various pathogens and parasites. Microparasites screening was conducted in rat populations from small islands in central Italy (the Pontine Islands and Pianosa) with the aim of assessing the role of rats in maintaining infections, particularly in cases where key reservoir hosts were scarce or absent. We focused on microparasites of zoonotic and veterinary relevance. A total of 53 rats was kill-trapped and target tissues were analysed with molecular techniques. We observed the absence or very low prevalence of Anaplasma spp., while Babesia was found in rats from all locations, marking the first recorded instance of Babesia divergens in wild rats. Data from Pianosa strongly suggest the presence of an autochthonous Leishmania infantum cycle in the Tuscan archipelago islands. Neospora caninum was absent from all islands, even in areas where dogs, the main reservoirs, were present. Toxoplasma gondii was only recorded on the Pontine Islands, where genotyping is needed to shed light on infection dynamics. This study confirms that invasive species, such as rats, may be responsible for maintaining an increased parasitological threat to fauna and human communities in certain ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Flavia Occhibove
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Dario Capizzi
- Directorate for Natural Capital, Latium Region, Parks and Protected Areas, Viale del Tintoretto 432, 00142 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sara Fratini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Francesca Giannini
- Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano, Loc. Enfola, 57037 Portoferraio, Italy;
| | - Avner Dan Hoida
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Paolo Sposimo
- Nature and Environment Management Operators SRL (NEMO), Piazza Massimo D’Azeglio 11, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Flaminia Valentini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
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Buffi G, Ceccarelli M, Diotallevi A, Abruzzese M, Bruno F, Castelli G, Vitale F, Andreoni F, Bencardino D, Magnani M, Galluzzi L. High-resolution melting (HRM)-based detection of polymorphisms in the malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase genes for Leishmania infantum genotyping. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:282. [PMID: 37580789 PMCID: PMC10426199 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05878-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease endemic in the Mediterranean region where Leishmania infantum is the causative agent of human and canine infection. Characterization of this parasite at the subspecies level can be useful in epidemiological studies, to evaluate the clinical course of the disease (e.g. resistant strains, visceral and cutaneous forms of leishmaniasis) as well as to identify infection reservoirs. Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE), a method currently recognized as the reference method for characterizing and identifying strains of Leishmania, is cumbersome and time-consuming and requires cultured parasites. These disadvantages have led to the development of other methods, such as multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST), for typing Leishmania parasites; however, these methods have not yet been applied for routine use. In this study, we first used MLST to identify informative polymorphisms on single-copy genes coding for metabolic enzymes, following which we developed two rapid genotyping assays based on high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis to explore these polymorphisms in L. infantum parasites. METHODS A customized sequencing panel targeting 14 housekeeping genes was designed and MLST analysis was performed on nine L. infantum canine and human strains/isolates. Two quantitative real-time PCR-HRM assays were designed to analyze two informative polymorphisms on malic enzyme (ME) and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) genes (390T/G and 1831A/G, respectively). The two assays were applied to 73 clinical samples/isolates from central/southern Italy and Pantelleria island, and the results were confirmed by DNA sequencing in a subset of samples. RESULTS The MLST analysis, together with sequences available in the Genbank database, enabled the identification of two informative polymorphisms on the genes coding for ME and GPI. The fast screening of these polymorphisms using two HRM-based assays in 73 clinical samples/isolates resulted in the identification of seven genotypes. Overall, genotype 1 (sequence type 390T/1831G) was the most highly represented (45.2%) in the overall sample and correlated with the most common L. infantum zymodemes (MON-1, MON-72). Interestingly, in Pantelleria island, the most prevalent genotype (70.6%) was genotype 6 (sequence type 390T/1831A). CONCLUSIONS Applying our HRM assays on clinical samples allowed us to identify seven different genotypes without the need for parasite isolation and cultivation. We have demonstrated that these assays could be used as fast, routine and inexpensive tools for epidemiological surveillance of L. infantum or for the identification of new infection reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Buffi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Marcello Ceccarelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Aurora Diotallevi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | | | - Federica Bruno
- OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Germano Castelli
- OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Francesca Andreoni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Daniela Bencardino
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy.
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9
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First Record of Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perfiliewi (Diptera: Psychodidae), Vector of Leishmania infantum and Phleboviruses, in Spain. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15030400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors of several diseases of importance for public health, including leishmaniosis, bartonellosis, and sand fly fevers. An entomological survey on blood-feeding Diptera was conducted in June–November 2020–2021 to know the diversity of insect vectors in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Among the vectors collected, Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perfiliewi Parrot, 1930 was found being the first record of this species in Spain. Phlebotomus perfiliewi s.l. is one of the main vectors of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean Basin and Central Asia. The identification of this species was confirmed by both morphological features and DNA barcoding. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the specimens captured were Ph. perfiliewi s.s. (99.85–100% homologues from Italy and Algeria specimens), with a sequence divergence of 0.17%. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene clearly separates the three species that make up the Ph. perfiliewi species complex. In addition, we also provide a brief discussion about their identification remarks, phylogenetic relationships, and vector status.
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10
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Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Mancianti F. Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Wild Canids. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020165. [PMID: 36851469 PMCID: PMC9964035 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020165] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-221-6968
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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11
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Lima CM, Santarém N, Neves NC, Sarmento P, Carrapato C, de Sousa R, Cardoso L, Cordeiro-da-Silva A. Serological and Molecular Survey of Leishmania infantum in a Population of Iberian Lynxes ( Lynx pardinus). Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122447. [PMID: 36557700 PMCID: PMC9788222 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122447] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum, the sand fly-transmitted protozoan parasite responsible for leishmaniasis in humans, dogs, and cats, is endemic in the Iberian Peninsula. However, the impact of L. infantum infection on the conservation of the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is unknown. Herein, we describe for the first time the occurrence of L. infantum infection among a population of reintroduced and wild-born L. pardinus living in the Portuguese Guadiana Valley Park. The presence of infection was addressed by molecular detection of Leishmania kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) in 35 lynxes, with further confirmation of L. infantum species performed by an internally transcribed spacer (ITS)-1 sequencing. Eight blood samples were positive for kDNA, and ITS-1 sequencing confirmed the presence of L. infantum in two of those samples. Exposure to Leishmania was screened in a group of 36 lynxes using an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and a multi-antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using SPLA, rK39, and CPX as Leishmania-specific antigens. Four animals presented a positive IFAT at a dilution of 1:40. Eight samples were considered seropositive to all ELISA Leishmania-specific antigens. Agreement between PCR, IFAT, and all ELISA antigens was found for 1 in 27 samples. These results highlight the susceptibility of autochthonous L. pardinus to L. infantum infection. Further investigation is required to assess the impact of L. infantum infection on this wild species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara M. Lima
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Parasite Disease Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Santarém
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Parasite Disease Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (L.C.); (A.C.-d.-S.)
| | - Nuno Costa Neves
- Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), 7800-298 Beja, Portugal
| | - Pedro Sarmento
- Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), 7800-298 Beja, Portugal
| | - Carlos Carrapato
- Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), 7800-298 Beja, Portugal
| | - Rita de Sousa
- Centre for Vectors and Infectious Disease Research (CEVDI), National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 2965-575 Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (L.C.); (A.C.-d.-S.)
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Parasite Disease Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (L.C.); (A.C.-d.-S.)
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12
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Martí-Carreras J, Carrasco M, Gómez-Ponce M, Noguera-Julián M, Fisa R, Riera C, Alcover MM, Roura X, Ferrer L, Francino O. Identification of Leishmania infantum Epidemiology, Drug Resistance and Pathogenicity Biomarkers with Nanopore Sequencing. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2256. [PMID: 36422326 PMCID: PMC9697816 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant strains of the parasite Leishmania infantum infecting dogs and humans represents an increasing threat. L. infantum genomes are complex and unstable with extensive structural variations, ranging from aneuploidies to multiple copy number variations (CNVs). These CNVs have recently been validated as biomarkers of Leishmania concerning virulence, tissue tropism, and drug resistance. As a proof-of-concept to develop a novel diagnosis platform (LeishGenApp), four L. infantum samples from humans and dogs were nanopore sequenced. Samples were epidemiologically typed within the Mediterranean L. infantum group, identifying members of the JCP5 and non-JCP5 subgroups, using the conserved region (CR) of the maxicircle kinetoplast. Aneuploidies were frequent and heterogenous between samples, yet only chromosome 31 tetrasomy was common between all the samples. A high frequency of aneuploidies was observed for samples with long passage history (MHOM/TN/80/IPT-1), whereas fewer were detected for samples maintained in vivo (MCRI/ES/2006/CATB033). Twenty-two genes were studied to generate a genetic pharmacoresistance profile against miltefosine, allopurinol, trivalent antimonials, amphotericin, and paromomycin. MHOM/TN/80/IPT-1 and MCRI/ES/2006/CATB033 displayed a genetic profile with potential resistance against miltefosine and allopurinol. Meanwhile, MHOM/ES/2016/CATB101 and LCAN/ES/2020/CATB102 were identified as potentially resistant against paromomycin. All four samples displayed a genetic profile for resistance against trivalent antimonials. Overall, this proof-of-concept revealed the potential of nanopore sequencing and LeishGenApp for the determination of epidemiological, drug resistance, and pathogenicity biomarkers in L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Martí-Carreras
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Carrasco
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcel Gómez-Ponce
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Noguera-Julián
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Fisa
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia Sanitat i Mediambient, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Riera
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia Sanitat i Mediambient, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Magdalena Alcover
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia Sanitat i Mediambient, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Roura
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluís Ferrer
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Francino
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Taddei R, Bregoli A, Galletti G, Carra E, Fiorentini L, Fontana MC, Frasnelli M, Musto C, Pupillo G, Reggiani A, Santi A, Rossi A, Tamba M, Calzolari M, Rugna G. Wildlife Hosts of Leishmania infantum in a Re-Emerging Focus of Human Leishmaniasis, in Emilia-Romagna, Northeast Italy. Pathogens 2022; 11:1308. [PMID: 36365059 PMCID: PMC9697138 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, an upsurge of human leishmaniasis has been reported in the Emilia-Romagna region, Northeast Italy. Epidemiologic data have raised doubts about the role of dogs as the main reservoirs for Leishmania infantum. In the present study, a total of 1,077 wild animals were screened for L. infantum DNA in earlobe and spleen samples from 2019 to 2022. The lymph nodes were tested only in 23 animals already positive in the earlobe and/or spleen. A total of 71 (6.6%) animals resulted positive in at least one of the sampled tissues, including 3/18 (16.7%) wolves, 6/39 (15.4%) European hares, 38/309 (12.3%) roe deer, 1/11 (9.1%) red deer, 8/146 (4.9%) wild boars, 13/319 (4.1%) red foxes, 1/54 (1.9%) porcupine, and 1/59 (1.7%) European badger. Most of the infected animals (62/71) tested positive only in the earlobe tissue, only four animals (two roe deer and two wild boars) tested positive only in the spleen, and five animals (three roe deer and two red foxes) resulted positive for both tissues. L. infantum DNA was detected in the lymph nodes of 6/23 animals. L. infantum detection occurred in all seasons associated with low real-time PCR Ct values. Further research is needed in order to clarify the role of wildlife in the re-emerging focus of leishmaniasis in Northeast Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Taddei
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Arianna Bregoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Galletti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Carra
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Fiorentini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Fontana
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Matteo Frasnelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Carmela Musto
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pupillo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Reggiani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Santi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Arianna Rossi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Tamba
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Rugna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
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14
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Priolo V, Martínez-Orellana P, Pennisi MG, Raya-Bermúdez AI, Jurado-Tarifa E, Masucci M, Donato G, Bruno F, Castelli G, Solano-Gallego L. Leishmania infantum Specific Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Cats and Dogs: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9090482. [PMID: 36136697 PMCID: PMC9505219 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9090482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum and display different immunological patterns correlating with the progression of infection to disease. Data about feline L. infantum adaptive immune response are scant. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and immune response in cats and dogs from the same endemic area of canine leishmaniosis. Stray cats (109) and rescued dogs (59) from Córdoba (Spain) were enrolled. Data about their exposure to L. infantum were analyzed by detection of parasite DNA, measurements of Leishmania-specific interferon-γ (whole blood assay in 57 cats and 29 dogs), and antibodies (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence antibody test). An overall L. infantum prevalence of 30.5% in dogs and 30% in cats were found according to serology and PCR tests. Prevalence was 44.8% in dogs and 35.1% in cats tested also for interferon-γ production. Dogs showed higher anti-L. infantum antibody levels compared to cats. More than one-third of cats had contact with or were infected by L. infantum and they may contribute to the endemicity of leishmaniosis in the investigated region. The immunopathogenesis of feline L. infantum infection has similarities with dogs but cats show a lower level of adaptive immune response compared to dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Priolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Pamela Martínez-Orellana
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Ana Isabel Raya-Bermúdez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Estefania Jurado-Tarifa
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Marisa Masucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giulia Donato
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Bruno
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Leishmaniosi (CReNaL), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Germano Castelli
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Leishmaniosi (CReNaL), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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15
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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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16
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Gazzonis AL, Morganti G, Porcellato I, Roccabianca P, Avallone G, Gavaudan S, Canonico C, Rigamonti G, Brachelente C, Veronesi F. Detection of Leishmania spp. in Chronic Dermatitis: Retrospective Study in Exposed Horse Populations. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060634. [PMID: 35745488 PMCID: PMC9227255 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is a protozoan causing human zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) and visceral–cutaneous canine leishmaniosis (CanL) in the Mediterranean Basin. L. infantum is able to infect a large number of wild and domestic species, including cats, dogs, and horses. Since the 1990s, clinical cases of equine leishmaniasis (EL), typically characterized by cutaneous forms, have been increasingly diagnosed worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of clinical forms of EL in CanL-endemic areas in Italy, where exposure of equine populations was ascertained from recent serological surveys. For this purpose, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded skin biopsies of 47 horses presenting chronic dermatitis compatible with EL were retrospectively selected for the study and subjected to conventional and q-PCR. A singular positivity for L. infantum was found; BLAST analysis of sequence amplicons revealed a 99–100% homology with L. infantum sequences. The histological examination revealed a nodular lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic infiltrate; immunohistochemistry showed rare macrophages containing numerous positive amastigotes. The present retrospective study reports, for the first time, a case of a cutaneous lesion by L. infantum occurring in an Italian horse. Pathological and healthy skin samples should be investigated on a larger scale to provide information on the potential clinical impact of EL in the practice, and to define the role of horses in epidemiological ZVL and CanL scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.L.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Ilaria Porcellato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Paola Roccabianca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.L.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Giancarlo Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Stefano Gavaudan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche, Via Varano 286, 60100 Ancona, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Cristina Canonico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche, Via Varano 286, 60100 Ancona, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Giulia Rigamonti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Chiara Brachelente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
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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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Canine leishmaniosis in Tunisia: Growing prevalence, larger zones of infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009990. [PMID: 34890393 PMCID: PMC8664200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Discovered by Nicolle and Comte in 1908 in Tunisia, Leishmania infantum is an intracellular protozoan responsible for zoonotic canine leishmaniosis (CanL) and zoonotic human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL). It is endemic in several regions of the world, including Tunisia, with dogs considered as the main domestic reservoir. The geographic expansion of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) has been linked to global environmental changes that have affected the density and the distribution of its sand fly vectors. Methodology/Principal findings In this study, a cross-sectional epidemiological survey on CanL was carried out in 8 localities in 8 bioclimatic areas of Tunisia. Blood samples were taken from 317 dogs after clinical examination. Collected sera were tested by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT; 1:80) for the presence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. The overall seroprevalence was 58.3% (185/317). Among positive dogs, only 16.7% showed clinical signs suggestive of leishmaniosis. Seroprevalence rates varied from 6.8% to 84.6% and from 28% to 66% by bioclimatic zone and age group, respectively. Serological positivity was not statistically associated with gender. The presence of Leishmania DNA in blood, using PCR, revealed 21.2% (64/302) prevalence in dogs, which varied by bioclimatic zone (7.3% to 31%) and age group (7% to 25%). The entomological survey carried out in the studied localities showed 16 species of the two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia). P. perniciosus, P. papatasi, and P. perfiliewi were the most dominant species with relative abundances of 34.7%, 25% and 20.4%, respectively. Conclusions/Significance The present report suggests a significant increase of CanL in all bioclimatic areas in Tunisia and confirms the ongoing spread of the infection of dogs to the country’s arid zone. Such an expansion of infection in dog population could be attributed to ecological, agronomic, social and climatic factors that affect the presence and density of the phlebotomine vectors. Visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is an endemic disease in several regions of the world, especially, in the Mediterranean basin, where dogs constitute the main domestic reservoir for humans. This zoonotic vector-borne disease is closely associated with the environment. We carried out studies in 8 different regions of Tunisia, collecting and testing blood samples from 317 dogs. Out of which, more than half (58.3%) tested positive for L. infantum (IFAT+), although, only one-third of these displayed clinical signs. However, the detection of Leishmania DNA by blood PCR revealed a global prevalence in dogs of 21.2% (64/302) with a variation between bioclimatic zones. Our entomological survey revealed 16 sand fly species, dominated by the Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia genera, of which the most dominant were P. perniciosus, P. perfiliewi and P. papatasi. The first two of these are recognized vectors of L. infantum. Canine leishmaniosis continues to spread across Tunisia, moving southward, to arid zones because of global warming and agronomic and social factors affecting the presence and density of the phlebotomine vectors.
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Farid DS, Sallam NH, Eldein AMS, Soliman ES. Cross-sectional seasonal prevalence and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations of rodents in North Sinai, Egypt. Vet World 2021; 14:2996-3006. [PMID: 35017849 PMCID: PMC8743766 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2996-3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Rodents are ubiquitous animals that host ectoparasites and transmit zoonotic diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the seasonal variation, period prevalence (Pp), and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations in rodents collected in North Sinai, Egypt, from September 2019 to August 2020. Materials and Methods: We captured 380 rodents during the study period. Rodents were euthanized to perform species identification, and 2930 external parasites were collected and identified using light microscopic examination with systemic keys depending on morphological characters. Results: Rattus norvegicus (brown rat), Rattus rattus frugivorus (white-bellied rat), Rattus rattus alexandrines (gray-bellied rat), and Mus musculusdomesticus (house mouse) were captured at the highest frequencies during summer (n=186), followed by spring (n=84), fall (n=71), and winter (n=39), with a higher proportion of males captured in all seasons. Analysis of the infestation Pp revealed highly significant increases (p<0.01) in ectoparasites during the winter. Temperature, humidity, and dew point were significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the numbers of captured and infested rodents. Parasitological examinations showed the higher risks of flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Leptopsylla segnis) and lice (Hoplopleura hirsuta, Hoplopleura ocanthopus, Hoplopleura oenomydis, and Polyplax spinulosa) infestations during winter and mite (Laelaps nuttalli, Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Myobia musculi) infestations during summer. Conclusion: We conclude that ectoparasitic infestation prevalence and risk varies with predominating macroclimatic conditions. Strict preventive and biosecurity measures should be applied to combat rodent-related problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa S. Farid
- Department of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Environmental Agricultural Sciences, Arish University, Arish 45516, Egypt
| | - Nahla H. Sallam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Salah Eldein
- Department of Wildlife and Zoo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Essam S. Soliman
- Animal, Poultry, and Environmental Hygiene Division, Department of Animal Hygiene, Zoonosis, and Animal Behavior, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
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Mathison BA, Sapp SGH. An annotated checklist of the eukaryotic parasites of humans, exclusive of fungi and algae. Zookeys 2021; 1069:1-313. [PMID: 34819766 PMCID: PMC8595220 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1069.67403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The classification of "parasites" in the medical field is a challenging notion, a group which historically has included all eukaryotes exclusive of fungi that invade and derive resources from the human host. Since antiquity, humans have been identifying and documenting parasitic infections, and this collective catalog of parasitic agents has expanded considerably with technology. As our understanding of species boundaries and the use of molecular tools has evolved, so has our concept of the taxonomy of human parasites. Consequently, new species have been recognized while others have been relegated to synonyms. On the other hand, the decline of expertise in classical parasitology and limited curricula have led to a loss of awareness of many rarely encountered species. Here, we provide a comprehensive checklist of all reported eukaryotic organisms (excluding fungi and allied taxa) parasitizing humans resulting in 274 genus-group taxa and 848 species-group taxa. For each species, or genus where indicated, a concise summary of geographic distribution, natural hosts, route of transmission and site within human host, and vectored pathogens are presented. Ubiquitous, human-adapted species as well as very rare, incidental zoonotic organisms are discussed in this annotated checklist. We also provide a list of 79 excluded genera and species that have been previously reported as human parasites but are not believed to be true human parasites or represent misidentifications or taxonomic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine A. Mathison
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USAInstitute for Clinical and Experimental PathologySalt Lake CityUnited States of America
| | - Sarah G. H. Sapp
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USACenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaUnited States of America
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21
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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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22
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Millán J, Becker DJ. Patterns of Exposure and Infection with Microparasites in Iberian Wild Carnivores: A Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2708. [PMID: 34573674 PMCID: PMC8469010 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092708] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We use a suite of meta-analytic and comparative methods to derive fundamental insights into how sampling effort, pathogen richness, infection prevalence, and seroprevalence vary across Carnivora taxa and Iberian geography. The red fox was the most studied species, the wolf and Iberian lynx were disproportionally studied, and the Arctoidea were understudied. Sampling effort was higher in Mediterranean areas, but central Spain showed the higher pathogen richness. Excluding studies analyzing fecal samples, 53 different pathogens have been detected in Iberian carnivores, including 16 viruses, 27 bacteria, and 10 protozoa but no fungi. Sampling effort and pathogen diversity were generally more similar among closely related carnivore species. Seropositivity to viruses was lower and higher in the Mustelinae and the Canidae, respectively, and seropositivity to protozoa was higher in both taxa. Canine distemper virus exposure was greatest in canids and mustelids. Carnivore protoparvovirus-1 exposure was greatest in the Atlantic regions, and the Felidae and the Musteloidea had lower infection prevalence. A subclade of the Mustelidae had a greater prevalence of Leishmania infection. We observed no relationships between host phylogenetic distance and pathogen sharing among species. Lastly, we identify important research pitfalls and future directions to improve the study of infectious disease in Iberian wild carnivore communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Avda. Ranillas 1, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Daniel J. Becker
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
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Volpedo G, Huston RH, Holcomb EA, Pacheco-Fernandez T, Gannavaram S, Bhattacharya P, Nakhasi HL, Satoskar AR. From infection to vaccination: reviewing the global burden, history of vaccine development, and recurring challenges in global leishmaniasis protection. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1431-1446. [PMID: 34511000 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1969231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leishmaniasis is a major public health problem and the second most lethal parasitic disease in the world due to the lack of effective treatments and vaccines. Even when not lethal, leishmaniasis significantly affects individuals and communities through life-long disabilities, psycho-sociological trauma, poverty, and gender disparity in treatment. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the most relevant and recent research available on Pubmed and GoogleScholar highlighting leishmaniasis' global impact, pathogenesis, treatment options, and lack of effective control strategies. An effective vaccine is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality, lower health care costs, and reduce the economic burden of leishmaniasis for endemic low- and middle-income countries. Since there are several forms of leishmaniasis, a pan-Leishmania vaccine without geographical restrictions is needed. This review also focuses on recent advances and common challenges in developing prophylactic strategies against leishmaniasis. EXPERT OPINION Despite advances in pre-clinical vaccine research, approval of a human leishmaniasis vaccine still faces major challenges - including manufacturing of candidate vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices, developing well-designed clinical trials suitable in endemic countries, and defined correlates of protection. In addition, there is a need to explore Challenge Human Infection Model to avoid large trials because of fluctuating incidence and prevalence of leishmanasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Volpedo
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ryan H Huston
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erin A Holcomb
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Thalia Pacheco-Fernandez
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Parna Bhattacharya
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Hira L Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Feline Leishmaniosis: An Emerging Public Health Problem. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8090173. [PMID: 34564567 PMCID: PMC8473070 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8090173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is the third most important vector-borne disease in humans, preceded by malaria and lymphatic filariasis, and it is considered endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, where higher temperatures favor development of its vector, sandflies. This zoonotic disease is caused by infection of protozoa Leishmania spp. and the most serious mucocutaneous and visceral form is produced by Leishmania infantum, which predominates in the Mediterranean region. The usual hosts for this parasite are dogs and humans, but an increment in cases of L. infantum infection has been observed in cats in the last years. This increase could be due to the use of sandflies repellents in dogs, obligating the parasite to looking for other hosts. The role of cats in the epidemiology of this disease is unknown, although increase of prevalence of feline leishmaniosis has been observed in endemic areas in the last years. Diagnostic techniques and treatments in cats are not standardized, which makes it difficult to establish prevalence and epidemiology of feline leishmaniosis. Furthermore, the clinical signs and immune response against Leishmania in cats are different to those in dogs, with an observed increment of drug resistance. It is necessary to increase our knowledge about L. infantum infection in cats, including clinical signs, transmission, treatments, and the role of cats in the increasing of zoonoses. Finally, new alternative treatments are required for controlling the spread of this disease in all species of mammals.
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Alcover MM, Riera MC, Fisa R. Leishmaniosis in Rodents Caused by Leishmania infantum: A Review of Studies in the Mediterranean Area. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:702687. [PMID: 34422948 PMCID: PMC8377756 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.702687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis infection begins when a phlebotomine sand fly vector inoculates pathogenic protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania into a mammalian host. In the case of Leishmania infantum, the domestic dog is considered to be the main parasite reservoir, and canine leishmaniosis (CanL) has a high mortality rate in untreated dogs. Hundreds of cases of human leishmaniosis (HL) are reported in the world each year, the incidence in Europe being relatively low. Leishmaniosis control is primarily focused on the dog, combining methods that prevent sand fly bites and boost host resistance to infection. However, these measures are only partially effective and new solutions need to be found. One of the main factors limiting CanL and HL control is the existence of a sylvatic Leishmania transmission cycle that interacts with the domestic cycle maintained by dogs. It is suspected that the main reservoir of infection in wildlife are rodents, whose expansion and rapid population growth worldwide is increasing the risk of human and zoonotic pathogen transfer. The aim of this review is therefore to analyze reports in the literature that may shed light on the potential role of rodents in the leishmaniosis transmission cycle in the Mediterranean area. Following the general methodology recommended for reviews, six databases (Google Scholar, Ovid, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science) were explored for the period January 1995 to December 2020. The results extracted from 39 publications that met the established inclusion criteria were analyzed. It was found that 23 species of rodents have been studied in nine countries of the Mediterranean basin. Of the 3,643 specimens studied, 302 tested positive for L. infantum infection by serology, microscopy and/or molecular techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Magdalena Alcover
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Biology, Health, and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Cristina Riera
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Biology, Health, and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Fisa
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Biology, Health, and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Invasive Species as Hosts of Zoonotic Infections: The Case of American Mink ( Neovison vison) and Leishmania infantum. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071531. [PMID: 34361966 PMCID: PMC8304841 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum produces an endemic disease in the Mediterranean Basin that affects humans and domestic and wild mammals, which can act as reservoir or minor host. In this study, we analyzed the presence of the parasite in wild American minks, an invasive species in Spain. We screened for L. infantum DNA by PCR using five primer pairs: Two targeting kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), and the rest targeting the ITS1 region, the small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU) and a repetitive sequence (Repeat region). The detection limit was determined for each method using a strain of L. infantum and a bone marrow sample from an infected dog. PCR approaches employing the Repeat region and kDNA (RV1/RV2 primers) showed higher sensitivity than the other PCR methods when control samples were employed. However, only PCR of the Repeat region and nested PCR of SSU (LnSSU) detected the parasite in the samples, while the other three were unable to do so. The majority of the analyzed animals (90.1%) tested positive. American mink may act as an incidental host of the disease for other mammals and should be further investigated, not only for their negative impact on the local fauna, but also as carriers of zoonotic diseases.
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27
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Costanzi L, Brambilla A, Di Blasio A, Dondo A, Goria M, Masoero L, Gennero MS, Bassano B. Beware of dogs! Domestic animals as a threat for wildlife conservation in Alpine protected areas. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2021; 67:70. [PMID: 34276270 PMCID: PMC8276201 DOI: 10.1007/s10344-021-01510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Diseases are natural regulating factors of wildlife populations, but some pathogens may become an important threat in wildlife conservation, especially for endangered species. The presence of domestic animals may foster the spread of diseases in natural population, although their role in the dynamic of infections in wildlife is not clear. In this study, we investigated the presence and prevalence of a range of multi-host pathogens in wild species (red fox, Eurasian badger, beech marten, pine marten, stoat for a total of 89 carcasses analysed) and domestic animals (n = 52 shepherd and n = 25 companion dogs) living in a protected area of the Alps (the Gran Paradiso National Park) and discussed the role of domestic dogs as possible source of infection for wild species. Our results showed that domestic dogs are potential shedder of three important pathogens: Canine distemper virus, Toxoplasma sp. and Neospora caninum. In particular, shepherd dogs seem to represent a threat for wildlife as they are exposed to multiple pathogens because of free-roaming, scavenging lifestyles and close proximity to livestock. However, also companion dogs more subject to veterinary care may foster the spread of pathogens. Our results highlight the importance of regulating the access of domestic dogs to protected areas that aim at preserving biodiversity and enhancing the conservation of endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Costanzi
- Alpine Wildlife Research Centre, Gran Paradiso National Park, Fraz Jamonin 5, 10080 Noasca, TO Italy
| | - Alice Brambilla
- Alpine Wildlife Research Centre, Gran Paradiso National Park, Fraz Jamonin 5, 10080 Noasca, TO Italy
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Wintherturerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Di Blasio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle D’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, TO Italy
- A.S.L. TO3 - Azienda Sanitaria Locale Di Collegno E Pinerolo TO3, Via Martiri XXX Aprile 30, 10093 Collegno, TO Italy
| | - Alessandro Dondo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle D’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, TO Italy
| | - Maria Goria
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle D’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, TO Italy
| | - Loretta Masoero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle D’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, TO Italy
| | - Maria Silvia Gennero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle D’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, TO Italy
| | - Bruno Bassano
- Alpine Wildlife Research Centre, Gran Paradiso National Park, Fraz Jamonin 5, 10080 Noasca, TO Italy
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Volpedo G, Pacheco-Fernandez T, Holcomb EA, Cipriano N, Cox B, Satoskar AR. Mechanisms of Immunopathogenesis in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis And Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL). Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:685296. [PMID: 34169006 PMCID: PMC8217655 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.685296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects 12 million people worldwide. The disease has high morbidity and mortality rates and is prevalent in over 80 countries, leaving more than 300 million people at risk of infection. Of all of the manifestations of this disease, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form and it presents as ulcerating skin lesions that can self-heal or become chronic, leading to disfiguring scars. This review focuses on the different pathologies and disease manifestations of CL, as well as their varying degrees of severity. In particular, this review will discuss self-healing localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL), leishmaniasis recidivans (LR), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), anergic diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (ADCL), disseminated leishmaniasis (DL), and Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL), which is a cutaneous manifestation observed in some visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients after successful treatment. The different clinical manifestations of CL are determined by a variety of factors including the species of the parasites and the host's immune response. Specifically, the balance between the pro and anti-inflammatory mediators plays a vital role in the clinical presentation and outcome of the disease. Depending upon the immune response, Leishmania infection can also transition from one form of the disease to another. In this review, different forms of cutaneous Leishmania infections and their immunology are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Volpedo
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Microbiology, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Thalia Pacheco-Fernandez
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Erin A. Holcomb
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Natalie Cipriano
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Blake Cox
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Abhay R. Satoskar
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Microbiology, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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A Systematic Review (1990-2021) of Wild Animals Infected with Zoonotic Leishmania. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051101. [PMID: 34065456 PMCID: PMC8160881 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis are neglected diseases caused by several species of Leishmania that affect humans and many domestic and wild animals with a worldwide distribution. The objectives of this review are to identify wild animals naturally infected with zoonotic Leishmania species as well as the organs infected, methods employed for detection and percentage of infection. A literature search starting from 1990 was performed following the PRISMA methodology and 161 reports were included. One hundred and eighty-nine species from ten orders (i.e., Carnivora, Chiroptera, Cingulata, Didelphimorphia, Diprotodontia, Lagomorpha, Eulipotyphla, Pilosa, Primates and Rodentia) were reported to be infected, and a few animals were classified only at the genus level. An exhaustive list of species; diagnostic techniques, including PCR targets; infected organs; number of animals explored and percentage of positives are presented. L. infantum infection was described in 98 wild species and L. (Viania) spp. in 52 wild animals, while L. mexicana, L. amazonensis, L. major and L. tropica were described in fewer than 32 animals each. During the last decade, intense research revealed new hosts within Chiroptera and Lagomorpha. Carnivores and rodents were the most relevant hosts for L. infantum and L. (Viannia) spp., with some species showing lesions, although in most of the studies clinical signs were not reported.
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Michelutti A, Toniolo F, Bertola M, Grillini M, Simonato G, Ravagnan S, Montarsi F. Occurrence of Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the northeastern plain of Italy. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:164. [PMID: 33761950 PMCID: PMC7992963 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04652-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent climate and environmental changes have resulted in the geographical expansion of Mediterranean Leishmania infantum vectors towards northern latitudes and higher altitudes in different European countries, including Italy, where new foci of canine leishmaniasis have been observed in the northern part of the country. Northern Italy is also an endemic area for mosquito-borne diseases. During entomological surveillance for West Nile virus, mosquitoes and other hematophagous insects were collected, including Phlebotomine sand flies. In this study, we report the results of Phlebotomine sand fly identification during the entomological surveillance conducted from 2017 to 2019. METHODS The northeastern plain of Italy was divided by a grid with a length of 15 km, and a CO2-CDC trap was placed in each geographical unit. The traps were placed ~ 15 km apart. For each sampling site, geographical coordinates were recorded. The traps were operated every two weeks, from May to November. Sand flies collected by CO2-CDC traps were identified by morphological and molecular analysis. RESULTS From 2017 to 2019, a total of 303 sand flies belonging to the species Phlebotomus perniciosus (n = 273), Sergentomyia minuta (n = 5), P. mascittii (n = 2) and P. perfiliewi (n = 2) were collected, along with 21 unidentified specimens. The trend for P. perniciosus collected during the entomological surveillance showed two peaks, one in July and a smaller one in September. Sand flies were collected at different altitudes, from -2 m above sea level (a.s.l.) to 145 m a.s.l. No correlation was observed between altitude and sand fly abundance. CONCLUSIONS Four Phlebotomine sand fly species are reported for the first time from the northeastern plain of Italy. Except for S. minuta, the sand fly species are competent vectors of Leishmania parasites and other arboviruses in the Mediterranean Basin. These findings demonstrate the ability of sand flies to colonize new environments previously considered unsuitable for these insects. Even though the density of the Phlebotomine sand fly population in the plain areas is consistently lower than that observed in hilly and low mountainous areas, the presence of these vectors could herald the onset of epidemic outbreaks of leishmaniasis and other arthropod-borne diseases in areas previously considered non-endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Michelutti
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - Federica Toniolo
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Michela Bertola
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Marika Grillini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Giulia Simonato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
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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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Sgroi G, Iatta R, Veneziano V, Bezerra-Santos MA, Lesiczka P, Hrazdilová K, Annoscia G, D'Alessio N, Golovchenko M, Rudenko N, Modrý D, Otranto D. Molecular survey on tick-borne pathogens and Leishmania infantum in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from southern Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101669. [PMID: 33578255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been recognised to harbour and transmit a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) including those of zoonotic concern. To investigate the prevalence and the distribution of TBPs and of Leishmania infantum in foxes (n = 244), spleen samples were collected within the frame of a multi-regional wildlife health surveillance program in Italy. A combined PCR/sequencing approach was performed for the detection of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and L. infantum DNA. Overall, 146 foxes (59.8 %, 95 % CI: 53.6-65.8) tested positive for at least one pathogen with Hepatozoon canis being the most prevalent (i.e., n = 124; 50.8 %, 95 % CI: 44.6-57.0), followed by Babesia vulpes (n = 20; 8.2 %, 95 % CI: 5.4-12.3), different spirochete species from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (n = 9; 3.7 %, 95 % CI: 1.9-6.9), Ehrlichia canis and L. infantum (n = 7; 2.9 % each, 95 % CI: 1.4-5.8), Anaplasma platys (n = 4; 1.6 %, 95 % CI: 0.6-4.1), Anaplasma phagocytophilum ecotype I and Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (n = 3; 1.2 % each, 95 % CI: 0.4-3.5). All samples scored negative for Babesia canis and Borrelia miyamotoi. This study revealed the presence of spirochetes from B. burgdorferi s.l. complex, Ca. Neoehrlichia sp., A. platys and A. phagocytophilum ecotype I in red fox population from Italy, underling the necessity to monitoring these carnivores, mainly because they live in contact with dogs and humans. Data on the tick fauna circulating on wildlife species will complement information herein obtained, instrumentally to establish preventive strategies for minimizing the risk of infection for animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio, Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Paulina Lesiczka
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 32300, Plzeň, Czech Republic
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Maryna Golovchenko
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Natalie Rudenko
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Morelli S, Colombo M, Dimzas D, Barlaam A, Traversa D, Di Cesare A, Russi I, Spoletini R, Paoletti B, Diakou A. Leishmania infantum Seroprevalence in Cats From Touristic Areas of Italy and Greece. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:616566. [PMID: 33363245 PMCID: PMC7759650 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.616566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis by Leishmania infantum is a major zoonotic Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) in terms of geographic distribution, pathogenicity and zoonotic potential. While dogs are the main reservoir of L. infantum, the infection in cats is poorly understood although increasingly reported from enzootic and non-enzootic areas. The Mediterranean basin is a key area for leishmaniosis and includes touristic spots that require continuous surveillance for VBDs in consideration of the growing tendency of tourists to travel with their pets. This study evaluated L. infantum seroprevalence in cats living in selected touristic localities of Italy and Greece. A total of 269 cat serum samples from three Sites i.e., 76, 40, and 153 from Adriatic Coast of Abruzzo, Italy (Site A), Giglio Island, Tuscany, Italy (Site B), and Mykonos Island, Greece (Site C), respectively, were included in the survey. Sera samples were subjected to an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay for the detection of anti-L. infantum specific IgG. Associations between possible risk factors and seropositivity to L. infantum were statistically evaluated. Antibodies against L. infantum were detected in eight out of 269 (3.0%) cats tested i.e., 4/76 (5.3%), 1/40 (2.5%), and 3/153 (2.0%), from sites A, B, and C, respectively. A statistical association between anti-L. infantum antibodies and cohabitation with dogs was shown. This study indicates that feline populations living in the examined Italian and Greek touristic areas are exposed to L. infantum and that they may contribute to the circulation of L. infantum, enhancing the risk of infection for dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Dimitris Dimzas
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Russi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Paoletti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Capillaria plica in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Serbia: Epidemiology and Diagnostic Approaches to Urinary Capillariosis in Domestic Carnivores. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:954-962. [PMID: 32601819 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00244-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the presence of C. plica in red foxes and to point out the possibilities of different diagnostic methods, that could be used for diagnosis of urinary capillariosis in domestic carnivores. METHODS Seventeen red foxes from hunting grounds in the Kolubara District, Republic of Serbia, were examined in February 2019. Animals to be shot were selected based on the criteria of gamekeepers and the permission of the competent Ministry. After hunting, the foxes were examined by ultrasound and autopsied. After the necropsy, biochemical and sediment analysis of urine morphological identification of isolated adult parasites, and macroscopic/microscopic examination of the urinary bladder and kidney tissue were performed. RESULTS Adults of C. plica were detected in 3/17 foxes (17.6%) by ultrasound imaging and in 6/17 foxes (35.3%) by necropsy examination. Parasite eggs were found in the urinary sediment of 9/17 foxes (52.9%). The predominant histopathologic changes were amyloid degeneration of the renal glomeruli and proximal tubules (8/17 foxes-47%) as well as acute cystitis (7/17 foxes-41.2%). The occurrence of C. plica was determined in 12/17 (70.6%) of the examined foxes. DISCUSSION This study is the first record of the C. plica in red foxes in the Republic of Serbia. Diagnostic methods used in this study could make possible the early revealing of capillariosis in domestic carnivores and could provide reliable clinical and parasitological screening of suspect animals. CONCLUSION The study presents the first report of urinary capillariosis in a fox population in Serbia. The established high prevalence of C. plica in foxes could presume its higher prevalence in domestic and wild carnivores in the future.
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Bourdeau P, Rowton E, Petersen C. Impact of different Leishmania reservoirs on sand fly transmission: Perspectives from xenodiagnosis and other one health observations. Vet Parasitol 2020; 287:109237. [PMID: 33160145 PMCID: PMC8035349 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania has biologically adapted to specific phlebotomine sand flies through long co-evolution. The ability of Leishmania spp. to bind to sand fly midgut allows each Leishmania species to propagate and differentiate into infectious promastigotes and be transmitted. Sand fly feeding upon a mammalian host is the first step towards being infected and a host of Leishmania. Once deposited into the skin, host susceptibility to infection vs. ability to mount a sterilizing immune response predicts which hosts could be reservoirs of different Leishmania spp. Materials, in addition to parasites, are expelled during sand fly during feeding, including salivary antigens and other factors that promote local inflammatory responses. These factors aid visceralization of infection increasing the likelihood that systemic infection is established. Any environmental factor that increases sand fly biting of a particular host increases that host's role in Leishmania transmission. First descriptions of reservoir species were based on association with local human disease and ability to observe infected leukocytes on cytology. This approach was one pathogen for one reservoir host. Advances in sensitive molecular tools greatly increased the breadth of mammals found to host Leishmania infection. Visceralizing species of Leishmania, particularly L. infantum, are now known to have multiple mammalian hosts. L. donovani, long been described as an anthroponotic parasite, was recently identified through molecular and serologic surveys to have additional mammalian hosts. The epidemiological role of these animals as a source of parasites to additional hosts via vector transmission is not known. Current evidence suggests that dogs and other domestic animals either control infection or do not have sufficient skin parasitemia to be a source of L. donovani to P. argentipes. Further xenodiagnosis and characterization of skin parasitemia in these different hosts is required to more broadly understand which Leishmania spp. hosts can be a source of parasites to sand flies and which ones are dead-end hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Bourdeau
- Laboratoire de Dermatologie, Parasitologie et Mycologie, ONIRIS, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, Nantes, France; Immunology Program, Department of Internal Medicine and Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Edgar Rowton
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Immunology Program, Department of Internal Medicine and Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christine Petersen
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, USA; Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA; Immunology Program, Department of Internal Medicine and Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Fernández-Arévalo A, El Baidouri F, Ravel C, Ballart C, Abras A, Lachaud L, Tebar S, Lami P, Pratlong F, Gállego M, Muñoz C. The Leishmania donovani species complex: A new insight into taxonomy ☆. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:1079-1088. [PMID: 32889062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Among the 20 or so Leishmania spp. described as pathogenic for humans, those of the Leishmania donovani complex are the exclusive causative agents of systemic and fatal visceral leishmaniasis. Although well studied, the complex is taxonomically controversial, which hampers clinical and epidemiological research. In this work, we analysed 56 Leishmania strains previously identified as L. donovani, Leishmania archibaldi or Leishmania infantum, isolated from humans, dogs and sandfly vectors throughout their distribution area. The strains were submitted to biochemical and genetic analyses and the resulting data were compared for congruence. Our results show: i) a partial concordance between biochemical and genetic-based data, ii) very limited genetic variability within the L. donovani complex, iii) footprints of frequent genetic exchange along an east-west gradient, marked by a widespread diffusion of alleles across the geographical range, and iv) a large-scale geographical spreading of a few genotypes. From a taxonomic point of view, considering the absence of relevant terminology in existing classes, the L. donovani complex could be treated as a single entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fernández-Arévalo
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciènces de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Barcelona, Spain & Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Fouad El Baidouri
- Department of Botany, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Christophe Ravel
- National Reference Centre for Leishmaniasis, University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Cristina Ballart
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciènces de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Abras
- Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Laurence Lachaud
- National Reference Centre for Leishmaniasis, University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Silvia Tebar
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciènces de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrick Lami
- National Reference Centre for Leishmaniasis, University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francine Pratlong
- National Reference Centre for Leishmaniasis, University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Montserrat Gállego
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciènces de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carme Muñoz
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Barcelona, Spain & Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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Adham D, Moradi-Asl E, Dorosti A, Khaiatzadeh S. Spatial autocorrelation and epidemiological survey of visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area of Azerbaijan region, the northwest of Iran. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236414. [PMID: 32845890 PMCID: PMC7449399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a common infectious disease that is endemic in Iran. This study aimed to investigate the spatial autocorrelation of VL in the northwest of Iran. In this cross-sectional study, the data of all patients were collected in 2009–2017 and analyzed by SPSS23 and Moran's and General G Index. The MaxEnt3.3.3 software was used to determine the ecological niche. A big hot spot area was identified in five counties in the northwest of Iran. More than 70% of the cases were reported from these regions, and the incidence rate increased in the northwest of Iran from 2013 to 2017. Seasonal rainfall and average daily temperature were the most important climate variables affecting the incidence of VL in this region (p < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that VL in the northwest of Iran is expanding to new areas along the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the northeastern section of this region is a high-risk area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davoud Adham
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Eslam Moradi-Asl
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
- * E-mail:
| | - Abbasali Dorosti
- CDC, Health Center of Tabriz, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran
| | - Simin Khaiatzadeh
- CDC, Health Center of Tabriz, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran
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Canine leishmaniosis in the Italian northeastern Alps: A survey to assess serological prevalence in dogs and distribution of phlebotomine sand flies in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol, Italy. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100432. [PMID: 32862903 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol (APB), located in the northernmost territory of the Italian eastern Alps, is still considered non-endemic for canine leishmaniosis (CanL) despite clinical cases being observed and a competent Leishmania infantum vector (Phlebotomus perniciosus) having been recorded since 2008. A serological survey of leishmaniosis among a randomly-selected subpopulation of registered owned dogs was carried in 2018, followed by entomological investigations performed in 2019 and driven by canine survey results. A total of 457 resident dogs from all over the APB territory were examined through IFAT for antibodies against L.infantum, of which 63 (13.8%) tested positive. Thirty-five seropositive cases (7.7%) were considered autochthonous to APB, i.e. dogs born and lived in the province, or imported dogs with no travel history in the past 5 years. Most of these animals showed an antibody titre at the threshold level of 1:40, suggesting a low degree of parasite transmission/contacts. In 2 autochthonous cases with moderately high IFAT titre, the infection was confirmed by nested-PCR in peripheral blood. Thirty-one georeferenced sites were monitored for sand flies by means of interception (sticky papers) and attraction (CDC miniature light traps) collection devices. Traps were set during summer approximately on monthly basis, and extended up to October for positive sites. Only 2 sites were found positive for a total of 317 phlebotomine specimens collected by sticky traps, which included a previously known P. perniciosus-endemic site near Bolzano town. Sergentomyia minuta was by far the most prevalent (98.1%) and the only recorded sand fly species in the most northerly Italian site ever investigated (Coldrano municipality in Venosta valley). For the first time, Leishmania serology and n-PCR positive dogs autochthonous to APB were identified, however the spread of sand flies competent for L. infantum transmission could not be demonstrated in several places where endemic seropositive cases were recorded. APB can be considered a territory of low CanL endemicity, however awareness and continuous monitoring are needed to detect changes in the epidemiological status of the zoonosis.
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Cavalera MA, Iatta R, Laricchiuta P, Passantino G, Abramo F, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D, Zatelli A. Clinical, haematological and biochemical findings in tigers infected by Leishmania infantum. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:214. [PMID: 32571332 PMCID: PMC7310479 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02419-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A large number of animal species are susceptible to Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) in endemic areas, including domestic and wild felids such as tigers (Panthera tigris). Knowledge on the infection of this endangered species is still at its infancy, and therefore this study aims to identify clinical presentation and clinicopathological findings of tigers naturally infected by L. infantum. Results Tigers either L. infantum-positive (group A) or -negative (group B) were apparently healthy or presented visceral leishmaniasis unrelated conditions, except for one animal in which a large non-healing cutaneous lesion was observed. However, histological exam and immunohistochemistry carried out on the lesion excluded the presence of L. infantum amastigotes. Biochemical analysis showed that the average concentration of total proteins, globulins and haptoglobin were significantly higher (p < 0.01, p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively), while the albumin/globulin ratio significantly lower (p = 0.05) in group A compared with group B. The biochemical alterations were partially confirmed by the serum protein electrophoresis results revealing a significant increase in the total protein value (p = 0.01) and hypergammaglobulinemia (p = 0.03) but an unmodified albumin/globulin ratio in group A. Conclusions In this study tigers infected by L. infantum have shown to be mainly asymptomatic. The absence of clinical signs may lead veterinarians to overlook leishmaniasis in animals kept in captivity. Therefore, diagnostic and screening tests as serology should be part of routinely surveillance programs to be performed on tigers in zoological gardens located in endemic areas. Though only few protein-related laboratory abnormalities were recorded in infected animals, they could provide diagnostic clues for a first suspicion of L. infantum infection in tigers. Indeed, considering the high risk of zoonotic transmission in heavily frequented environment as zoos, a prompt diagnosis of L. infantum infection is of pivotal importance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Passantino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Francesca Abramo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.
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Martín-Sánchez J, Rodríguez-Granger J, Morillas-Márquez F, Merino-Espinosa G, Sampedro A, Aliaga L, Corpas-López V, Tercedor-Sánchez J, Aneiros-Fernández J, Acedo-Sánchez C, Porcel-Rodríguez L, Díaz-Sáez V. Leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum: Integration of human, animal and environmental data through a One Health approach. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2423-2434. [PMID: 32304278 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore Leishmania infantum epidemiology through a One Health approach that promotes a better estimation of leishmaniasis burden and a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of the key actors of the parasite life cycle (vectors, reservoirs and humans). We conducted a 14-year mixed retrospective and prospective study of leishmaniasis cases in an endemic area in southern Spain (Granada province), to estimate the human incidence and its association with the vector presence, cryptic leishmaniasis rates and canine leishmaniasis prevalence. We found an annual linear increase in the incidence that cannot be fully explained by active case surveillance and the improvement of PCR diagnostic techniques. 49.4% of cases were not reported to the surveillance system. Approximately half of the human cases correspond to the visceral form that occurred more frequently in men; cutaneous, mucosal and cryptic forms were also detected. Leishmaniasis is no longer a disease of young children, accounting for a quarter of immunocompetent patients and most infected people remained asymptomatic. Human and canine leishmaniasis, cryptic or symptomatic, are present in the whole province, where there is a medium/high risk of the presence of Phlebotomus perniciosus, the main vector. We found association between the incidence of human leishmaniasis and the presence of the vector, but not with the prevalence of canine leishmaniasis and cryptic human leishmaniasis. A potential hot spot was also found, where high leishmaniasis incidence may be associated to the involvement of host species other than dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Granger
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | | | | | - Antonio Sampedro
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Luis Aliaga
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
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Montoya A, Gálvez R, Checa R, Sarquis J, Plaza A, Barrera JP, Marino V, Miró G. Latest trends in L. infantum infection in dogs in Spain, Part II: current clinical management and control according to a national survey of veterinary practitioners. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:205. [PMID: 32317018 PMCID: PMC7175573 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a parasitic zoonotic disease, endemic in the Mediterranean basin including Spain. While knowledge about CanL, its management, treatment, prevention and control mounts, it remains unclear whether all clinical veterinarians follow the same international recommendations, such as those of the LeishVet group. This study was thus designed to assess recent trends in the clinical management of CanL in veterinary clinics across Spain through a questionnaire-based survey. Results were compared with those of a prior national multicenter questionnaire administered by our research team in 2005. Methods A questionnaire consisting of 28 questions about CanL was developed using Google Forms and distributed by email to 1428 veterinary clinics in Spain. Questions were designed to obtain data on common clinical signs, techniques and complementary exams used to diagnose the disease, and on its monitoring, treatment and control measures. Data were collected in a database for statistical analysis. Results Completed questionnaires were returned by 295 clinics. Compared to the situation in 2005, responses indicate that clinical signs of CanL have not changed significantly, cutaneous lesions being still the most prevalent sign observed by practitioners. Quantitative serological techniques are considered an adequate approach to diagnosis, provided their results are supported by the findings of a thorough physical exam, as well as complementary tests (complete blood count, biochemical profile, plasma protein electrophoretogram and complete urinalysis). Treatment protocols and check-ups follow international recommendations. Finally, a multimodal approach is being endorsed to adequately control CanL including preventive measures such as annual serological check-ups and the combination of repellents and vaccines. Additionally, owners are being better informed about CanL by veterinarians, which translates to the improved control of this zoonosis. Conclusions The clinical management of CanL has recently undergone significant changes owing to improvements in clinical knowledge of the disease, more unified international criteria, improved diagnostic techniques and their adequate interpretation, as well as a greater awareness of the disease transmitted to owners.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Montoya
- Grupo de investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gálvez
- Grupo de investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Checa
- Grupo de investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juliana Sarquis
- Grupo de investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandra Plaza
- Grupo de investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Pedro Barrera
- Grupo de investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Marino
- Grupo de investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Grupo de investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Gianchecchi E, Montomoli E. The enemy at home: leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean basin, Italy on the focus. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:563-577. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1751611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- VisMederi S.r.l, Siena, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Mozaffari E, Vatandoost H, Rassi Y, Mohebali M, Akhavan AA, Moradi-Asl E, Zarei Z, Zahrai-Ramazani A, Ghorbani E. Epidemiology of Visceral Leishmaniasis with Emphasis on the Dynamic Activity of Sand Flies in an Important Endemic Focus of Disease in Northwestern Iran. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2020; 14:97-105. [PMID: 32766353 PMCID: PMC7382695 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v14i1.2716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis diseases are known to be one of the most important public health problems in World and Iran. Visceral leishmaniasis is considered to be the most serious form and transmitted by sand flies species. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic activities of sandflies in northwestern Iran. Methods This crass-sectional study was conducted from April to December 2018 in Meshkinshahr County, Ardabil Province. Sticky traps have been used to collect sand flies. They are stored in 70% alcohol and finally identified using valid keys. The aspects of the synoptic information were inquired from the Meshkin Shahr weather department and results analyzed for SPSS24. Results Totally 259 sandflies were collected during study period. From collected samples 78.7% were male and 21.3% female. There were 8 different species. Phlebotomus kandelakii was the most prevalent one (30.8%). The average temperature, relative humidity, and average wind speed was 13.5 °C, 84%, and 2 meters per hour on the onset of sandflies' activity, respectively. These values were 18.3 °C, 85% and 1.5 meters per hour at the peak of their activity and 16 °C, 62% and 5 meters per hour at the final stage of their activity. Sand flies had one peak in July which is strongly influenced by temperature and humidity conditions. Two species of Ph. kandelakii and Phlebotomus perfilewi transcaucasicus, had the highest activity in this endemic area. Conclusion The results of current study will provide a guideline for control of diseases in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehssan Mozaffari
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Vatandoost
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Environmental Chemical Pollutants and Pesticides, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yavar Rassi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ahmad Akhavan
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Environmental Chemical Pollutants and Pesticides, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eslam Moradi-Asl
- School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Zabihola Zarei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alieza Zahrai-Ramazani
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmail Ghorbani
- School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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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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Gomes J, Rocha H, Carvalho C, Bandeira V, Fonseca C, Rosalino LM, Cunha MV. Molecular detection and characterization of Leishmania infantum in free-ranging Egyptian mongoose ( Herpestes ichneumon). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 11:158-162. [PMID: 32071863 PMCID: PMC7016331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Wild mammals are susceptible to infection by Leishmania parasites. Although canine leishmaniasis is widely distributed in mainland Portugal, the sylvatic cycle of the parasite remains poorly understood. In this study, the occurrence of L. infantum in wild carnivores from Portugal was assessed by molecular screening of 132 hunted or accidentally road-killed animals. Spleen samples from Egyptian mongoose, red fox, stone marten, common genet and European badger were tested by amplification of Leishmania kinetoplastid DNA and ITS1. Five egyptian mongoose were confirmed Leishmania DNA-positive by kDNA-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of a kDNA amplicon sequence clustered the strain with L. infantum sequences from Portugal. These results may suggest that L. infantum strains circulating in wild animals are genetically related with strains from more humanized settings. Exposure of wild carnivores to Leishmania infantum emphasizes the need of systematic studies to clarify the role of several taxa in the eco-epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Portugal, particularly in areas of carnivore species synanthropy and wherein disease control in the domestic population is inefficient or insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinto Gomes
- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV IP), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, Edifício Principal, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hugo Rocha
- Divisão de Medicina Veterinária, Guarda Nacional Republicana, Tapada da Torre, Calçada da Ajuda, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carina Carvalho
- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV IP), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, Edifício Principal, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.,Institute of Mediterranean Agricultural and Environmental Science (ICAAM), School of Science and Technology ECT, University of Évora, Portugal
| | - Victor Bandeira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luís Miguel Rosalino
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.,Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício C2, 4° Piso, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica V Cunha
- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV IP), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, Edifício Principal, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.,Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício C2, 4° Piso, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.,Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
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Battisti E, Zanet S, Khalili S, Trisciuoglio A, Hertel B, Ferroglio E. Molecular Survey on Vector-Borne Pathogens in Alpine Wild Carnivorans. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:1. [PMID: 32039255 PMCID: PMC6989405 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, free-ranging wildlife has been linked to the emergence of several vector-borne diseases such as rodents for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. In particular, wild carnivorans are one of the most important sources of emerging zoonotic pathogens worldwide, although little information is available regarding the epidemiology of vector-borne parasites in these animals. Thus, the aim of this paper was to investigate the prevalence of Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Leishmania infantum in alpine wild canids and mustelids from Italy. For this study, spleen samples of 157 foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 45 badgers (Meles meles), and 33 wolves (Canis lupus) collected between 2009 and 2017 in Northwest Italy were examined by using conventional PCR. Logistic regression was used to identify possible risk factors for pathogen infections. DNA of any of the tested pathogens was found in more than 90% of the analyzed animals. In particular, Babesia spp. showed significantly higher prevalence in foxes (89.7%) and badgers (89.6%) than in wolves, while the latter were considerably more infected with Hepatozoon canis (75.8%) than foxes (5.1%). None of the badger tested positive for Hepatozoon spp., although they showed high prevalence of Leishmania infantum (53.3%). Sequencing results revealed the presence, among others, of Babesia vulpes, Babesia sp. isolate badger type A and B, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Moreover, previously unreported pathogen/host associations were observed, such as Babesia capreoli in wolves and badgers. The prevalence of vector-borne pathogens observed in the present study is one of the highest reported so far, suggesting the importance of free-ranging carnivorans in the epidemiology and maintenance of the sylvatic cycle of the pathogens. Moreover, several of these pathogens are of particular importance regarding human (A. phagocytophilum, L. infantum) and pet health (L. infantum, B. vulpes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Battisti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Khalili
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anna Trisciuoglio
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Beatrice Hertel
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Alcover MM, Ribas A, Guillén MC, Berenguer D, Tomás-Pérez M, Riera C, Fisa R. Wild mammals as potential silent reservoirs of Leishmania infantum in a Mediterranean area. Prev Vet Med 2019; 175:104874. [PMID: 31901603 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A molecular survey of wild mammals was performed to assess their potential as reservoirs of L. infantum. A total of 156 specimens of wild mammalian fauna were obtained for analysis from areas in Catalonia with a reported incidence of canine leishmaniasis. They consisted of 124 small mammals: 35 Mus spretus (Muridae); 64 Erinaceus europaeus (Erinaceidae), 25 Sciurus vulgaris (Sciuridae) and 32 carnivores: 11 Vulpes vulpes (Canidae), 1 Felis catus (Felidae), 15 Meles meles, 4 Martes foina and 1 Mustela vison (Mustelidae). The analysis was performed on samples of liver, spleen, skin (ear) and blood extracted from the heart. Leishmania DNA was determined by a qPCR and specific anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected by an in-house (ELISA). Among the 156 specimens studied, 29.48% were positive in at least one of the samples studied and considered infected. In M. spretus, Leishmania DNA was detected in the liver, spleen or skin of 37.1% of 35 specimens, and 2 of the 13 specimens tested serologically were positive (15.38%). In E. europaeus, 34.4% of the 64 specimens were infected. Leishmania DNA was detected in 19/51 spleens and 5/50 skins; 2 of the 37 specimens analysed in both spleen and skin gave positive results in both samples. Serology was positive in 12.8% (6/47) by ELISA; 3 specimens were positive by both ELISA and qPCR. In S. vulgaris, Leishmania DNA was detected in 5 of 25 specimens (20%). Of the 32 carnivore specimens analysed, Leishmania DNA was detected in both samples studied (spleen and liver) of 4 (12.5%) (2 M. foina, 1 M. vison and 1 F. catus), which were not studied serologically. The data obtained indicate that small mammals, above all wild rodents and carnivores, could act as naturally infected hosts of L. infantum in this endemic area. Among the rodents, M. spretus stands out with the highest prevalence of infection. In E. europaeus, the presence of L. infantum DNA in spleen and skin, and antibodies in heart blood, reported here for the first time, indicates this small mammal could be a possible reservoir. Additionally, S. vulgaris, not previously studied as an L. infantum reservoir, showed non-negligible prevalence values, indicating a potential role in leishmaniasis transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Magdalena Alcover
- Parasitology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Alexis Ribas
- Parasitology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 645, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - M Carmen Guillén
- Parasitology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Diana Berenguer
- Parasitology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Míriam Tomás-Pérez
- Parasitology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Riera
- Parasitology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Roser Fisa
- Parasitology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
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Galán-Puchades MT, Gómez-Samblás M, Suárez-Morán JM, Osuna A, Sanxis-Furió J, Pascual J, Bueno-Marí R, Franco S, Peracho V, Montalvo T, Fuentes MV. Leishmaniasis in Norway Rats in Sewers, Barcelona, Spain. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1222-1224. [PMID: 31107216 PMCID: PMC6537722 DOI: 10.3201/eid2506.181027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We detected Leishmania infantum in 98 Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) trapped in parks and sewers of Barcelona, Spain. The 84 rats from the sewers showed a prevalence of 33.3% and up to 2,272 estimated parasites. These results, in the most abundant potential reservoir in cities, is of public health concern.
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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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Leishmania infantum in wild animals in endemic areas of southern Italy. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 67:101374. [PMID: 31707163 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infection in wildlife is increasingly reported in Europe, but scant data are available in Italy so far. This study aimed to investigate the circulation of L. infantum among sylvatic hosts in Sicily (southern Italy), a highly endemic area for canine leishmaniosis, through serological and molecular tools. Target tissues (skin, spleen, lymph nodes) collected from 71 European rabbits, 2 European hares, 7 red foxes, 11 European wildcats and 1 pine marten, were qPCR analysed for the detection of L. infantum DNA. Additionally, 40 rabbits, older than one year, were serologically screened for specific anti-Leishmania antibodies. Leishmania infantum was molecularly diagnosed in 5.4% (n = 5) of the examined animals (3/71 European rabbits, 2/7 red foxes). In many of the qPCR positive animals (4/5), the parasite DNA was more prevalent in visceral than cutaneous tissues. None of the positive animal showed signs of disease and/or macroscopic alterations of organs; low parasitic burden in all positive tissue samples was also recorded. Only one rabbit serum (i.e., 2.5%) tested positive for anti-Leishmania antibodies. The seropositive rabbit was in good health status and no amastigotes were observed in lymph-node aspirate and blood smears. This study provides first evidence of L. infantum infection in wild animals from Sicily (southern Italy). Despite the low prevalence of infection here reported, the circulation of the Leishmania in wild reservoirs in Sicily remains worthy of future investigations for a better understanding of their role in the epidemiology of the disease as well as to fine-tune control strategies in the area.
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