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Sarmadi M, Bagherian Z, Ahmadi-Soleimani SM, Rezaiemanesh MR, Khodamoradi F, Rahimi S, Azizi H. Environmental health risk factors and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL): A case-control study in northeastern Iran. J Vector Borne Dis 2023; 60:372-381. [PMID: 38174514 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.374236] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the main causes of vector-born diseases in younger population. To evaluate the association of environmental health factors on the odds of CL incidence, a case-control study was conducted in northeastern Iran. Methods This study was conducted within 2020-2021 based on individual and household data from a tertiary referral center. Cases were patients diagnosed with CL by PCR method; controls were selected among the patients' relatives, and information was obtained from a health registry system. Demographic and socioeconomic data of 1871 subjects, included age, sex, household information and environmental health factors. Multivariable models with environmental factors in various conditions and CL were separately fit by univariate and mixed multiple unconditional logistic regression. Results Participants included 617 cases (mean [SD] age, 13.62[13.72] years; 58.20% male) and 1264 controls (mean [SD] age, 16.45[15.44] years; 50.40% male). Results revealed that the use of well-water sources compared to surface water is significantly associated with CL (odds ratio [OR]=0.204; 95%CI, 0.13-0.33;P<0.001). Muddy houses, ruined buildings or wastelands and stagnant water, canals and rivers near the houses were also associated with CL (OR=3.85; 95%CI, 1.66-8.89; P=.002; OR=2.47; 95%CI, 1.76-3.47; P<.001). Besides, existence of pine tree was found to be a risk factor (OR=3.25; 95%CI, 2.12-4.99; P<.001) and similarly for the use of waste collection system (OR=4.43; 95%CI, 3.32-7.51; P<.001). Interpretation & conclusion Environmental factors related to houses were significantly associated with CL and may represent the modifiable risk factors of CL disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sarmadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health; Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Zahra Bagherian
- Student Research Committee, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - S Mohammad Ahmadi-Soleimani
- Health Sciences Research Center; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rezaiemanesh
- Health Sciences Research Center; Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Farzad Khodamoradi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sajjad Rahimi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health; Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Hakim Azizi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
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Chelbi I, Abdi A, Depaquit J, Fares W, Abbas MAS, Dachraoui K, Zhioua E. Investigation of the Sandfly Fauna of Central Arid Areas and Northern Humid Regions of Tunisia, with Morphological and Molecular Identification of the Recently Established Population of Phlebotomus ( Larroussius) perfiliewi. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13111057. [PMID: 36421960 PMCID: PMC9696294 DOI: 10.3390/insects13111057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on nucleotide sequences, we re-identified representative samples of Phlebotomus perfiliewi originating from two different biogeographical areas of Tunisia, whose populations had previously been identified based on morphological criteria. A partial region of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene was targeted, and sandfly species was determined by analogy with DNA sequences available in the GenBank database via a BLAST analysis, taking into account the query coverage and percentage identity. The recognized species presents the most substantial homology with the analyzed sequence. The results of the molecular identification showed complete agreement with the morphological identifications, and Phlebotomus perfiliewi is genetically variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifhem Chelbi
- Unit of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amani Abdi
- Unit of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Jérôme Depaquit
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, ANSES, SFR Cap Santé, EA4688 ESCAPE–USC «Transmission Vectorielle et Épidémiosurveillance de Maladies Parasitaires (VECPAR)», 51 rue Cognacq-Jay, CEDEX, 51096 Reims, France
| | - Wasfi Fares
- Unit of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Khalil Dachraoui
- Unit of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Elyes Zhioua
- Unit of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
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Weslati M, Ghrab J, Benabid M, Souissi O, Aoun K, Bouratbine A. Diversity, Abundance and Leishmania infantum Infection Rate of Phlebotomine Sandflies in an Area with Low Incidence of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northern Tunisia. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1012. [PMID: 35630455 PMCID: PMC9144524 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10051012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the study of sandfly Leishmania infection in an area of low incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in Tunisia. Sandflies were collected monthly using CDC light-traps set in houses and animal shelters during May-November 2016 and 2017. All males were identified at the species level. A sample of 878 females including all gravid specimens was subjected to kDNA qPCR for Leishmania detection and parasite load estimation. Leishmania species were determined by ITS1 PCR sequencing, and species identification of infected sandflies was performed by DNA barcoding. Phlebotomus perfiliewi and P. perniciosus were the dominant species during the two-year period. However, comparison of their relative abundances showed that P. perniciosus was more abundant during peaks of 2017 with longer activity duration. Real-time kDNA PCR did not detect Leishmania infection in 2016, although it identified four positive specimens (0.7%) in 2017. All four infected specimens were identified as P. perniciosus. ITS1 PCR sequencing allowed L. infantum identification in one kDNA qPCR-positive specimen. This was a P. perniciosus gravid female with a high parasite load caught during the long-lasting peak of 2017. This work highlights the usefulness of multi-seasonal studies of sandfly dynamics and kDNA qPCR in screening Leishmania infection and determining L. infantum vectors in hypo-endemic foci of human leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Weslati
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
| | - Jamila Ghrab
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences et Technologies de l’Environnement de Borj Cedria, Université de Carthage, Carthage 1054, Tunisia
| | - Meriem Benabid
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
| | - Olfa Souissi
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
| | - Karim Aoun
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
| | - Aïda Bouratbine
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
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Chemak F, Nouiri I, Bellali H, Chahed MK. Irrigation Practices, Prevalence of Leishmaniasis and Sustainable Development: Evidence from the Sidi Bouzid region in Central Tunisia. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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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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Selmi R, Ben Said M, Ben Yahia H, Abdelaali H, Boulouis HJ, Messadi L. First report on Bartonella henselae in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 85:104496. [PMID: 32777455 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bartonellosis is one of the clinically underdiagnosed emerging bacterial diseases among domestic livestock, particularly in camels. Until now, the natural infection of camels with Bartonella species was not investigated in Tunisia. In the attempt of filling this gap in knowledge, a total of 412 dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) as well as 300 associated ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii (160; 53.4%), H. impeltatum (131; 43.6%) and H. excavatum (9; 3%) were screened for the presence of Bartonella spp. by PCR followed by a sequencing step through the amplification of the rpoB gene. Positive samples were then tested and further characterized by the combined use of the ftsZ and gltA genes. Fifteen camels (3.6%) were found to be positive to Bartonella spp. However, there was no evidence of Bartonella DNA in any of the analyzed ticks. Risk factors' analysis shows that camels derived from arid and semi-arid bioclimatic areas were more infected than those originated from desert area. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis revealed the occurrence of novel B. henselae genotypes closely related to those isolated from humans, cats, and lions. By combining the characteristics of each single gene with those of concatenated sequences, we report here the first molecular detection of B. henselae in the dromedary camel suggesting a possible involvement of camelids as hosts or reservoirs in the transmission cycle of this emerging bacterium in arid and saharan areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Selmi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sidi Thabet, Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Houcine Ben Yahia
- Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Hedi Abdelaali
- Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR), Biologie Moléculaire et Immunologie Parasitaire (BIPAR), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire Alfort, France
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie.
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Fares W, Dachraoui K, Barhoumi W, Cherni S, Chelbi I, Zhioua E. Co-circulation of Toscana virus and Leishmania infantum in a focus of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis from Central Tunisia. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105342. [PMID: 31954137 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the Mediterranean basin, sand flies are vectors of Leishmania parasites and phleboviruses affecting humans and animals. In this study, we aimed to investigate phlebovirus and Leishmania parasites circulating in a focus of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) located in a highly irrigated area within the arid Central Tunisia, known mainly to be endemic for zoonotic cutaenous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused Leishmania major and transmitted by Phlebotomus papatasi. Sand flies were collected using CDC light traps in the village of Saddaguia, an emergent focus of ZVL located in Central Tunisia during September-October 2014, 2015, and 2016. Pools of live female sand flies were screened for phleboviruses and Leishmania by nested PCR in the polymerase gene and kinetoplast minicircle DNA, respectively. Dead sand flies were identified morphologically to species level. Sand flies of the subgenus Larroussius mainly Phlebotomus perfiliewi, Phlebotomus perniciosus, and Phlebotomus longicuspis were predominant in this ZVL focus compared to P. papatasi. A total of 1932, 1740, and 444 sand flies were tested in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Pathogen screening performed on 4116 sand flies distributed in 148 pools revealed the presence of Leishmania infantum and Toscana virus. The minimum infection rates of sand flies with TOSV in 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 0.05%, 011%, and 0.22%, respectively. The minimum infection rates of sand flies with L. infantum in 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 0.25%, 012%, and 0.79%, respectively. No L. major was detected during the 3-years investigation in this ZVL focus. Our results showed clearly the endemic co-circulation of TOSV and L. infantum in this emergent ZVL focus. However, no co-infection of TOSV and L. infantum was detected in any of the sand fly pools investigated during the three years period. TOSV was isolated from positive pools in 2015. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Tunisian strains of TOSV belonged to the sublineage A. Based on the present findings, our results provided strong evidence that TOSV and L. infantum are transmitted by the same predominant sand fly species of the subgenus Larroussius, and subsequently, humans and dogs could be co-infected through co-infected or successive infected bites. Our results showed clearly that the development of irrigation in arid areas contributed significantly to the establishment of stable transmission cycles of L. infantum and TOSV and subsequently to the emergence of a ZVL focus within this arid bio-geographical area characterized by the presence of multiple foci of ZCL located outside the study site. Thus, more studies are needed to better understand the impact of RNA viruses shared by vectors and reservoir hosts of L. infantum on the development of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis.
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Remadi L, Chargui N, Jiménez M, Molina R, Haouas N, González E, Chaabane-Banaouas R, Ben Salah E, Haddaji M, Chaabouni Y, Babba H. Molecular detection and identification of Leishmania DNA and blood meal analysis in Phlebotomus (Larroussius) species. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008077. [PMID: 32214313 PMCID: PMC7098558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perniciosus and Canis familiaris are respectively the only confirmed vector and reservoir for the transmission of Leishmania (L.) infantum MON-1 in Tunisia. However, the vector and reservoir hosts of the two other zymodemes, MON-24 and MON-80, are still unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the L. infantum life cycle in a Tunisian leishmaniasis focus. For this purpose, we have focused on: i) the detection, quantification and identification of Leishmania among this sand fly population, and ii) the analysis of the blood meal preferences of Larroussius (Lar.) subgenus sand flies to identify the potential reservoirs. METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS A total of 3,831 sand flies were collected in seven locations from the center of Tunisia affected by human visceral leishmaniasis. The collected sand flies belonged to two genus Phlebotomus (Ph.) (five species) and Sergentomyia (four species). From the collected 1,029 Lar. subgenus female sand flies, 8.26% was positive to Leishmania by ITS1 nested PCR. Three Leishmania spp. were identified: L. infantum 28% (24/85), L. killicki 13% (11/85), and L. major 22% (19/85). To identify the blood meal sources in Ph. Lar. subgenus sand flies, engorged females were analyzed by PCR-sequencing targeting the vertebrate cytochrome b gene. Among the 177 analyzed blood-fed females, 169 samples were positive. Sequencing results showed seven blood sources: cattle, human, sheep, chicken, goat, donkey, and turkey. In addition, mixed blood meals were detected in twelve cases. Leishmania DNA was found in 21 engorged females, with a wide range of blood meal sources: cattle, chicken, goat, chicken/cattle, chicken/sheep, chicken/turkey and human/cattle. The parasite load was quantified in fed and unfed infected sand flies using a real time PCR targeting kinetoplast DNA. The average parasite load was 1,174 parasites/reaction and 90 parasites/reaction in unfed and fed flies, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results support the role of Ph. longicuspis, Ph. perfiliewi, and Ph. perniciosus in L. infantum transmission. Furthermore, these species could be involved in L. major and L. killicki life cycles. The combination of the parasite detection and the blood meal analysis in this study highlights the incrimination of the identified vertebrate in Leishmania transmission. In addition, we quantify for the first time the parasite load in naturally infected sand flies caught in Tunisia. These findings are relevant for a better understanding of L. infantum transmission cycle in the country. Further investigations and control measures are needed to manage L. infantum transmission and its spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Remadi
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
| | - Najla Chargui
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
- * E-mail:
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Najoua Haouas
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Estela González
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raja Chaabane-Banaouas
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
| | - Eya Ben Salah
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
| | - Mohsen Haddaji
- Regional Commissariat for Agricultural Development of Kairouan, Tunisia
| | | | - Hamouda Babba
- University of Monastir, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology LP3M (code LR12ES08), Department of Clinical Biology B, Tunisia
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The vector competence of Phlebotomus perniciosus for Leishmania infantum zymodemes of Tunisia. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2499-2506. [PMID: 29804194 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5939-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Experimental infections of Phlebotomus (L.) perniciosus from a colony established in Madrid (Spain) carried out with the Leishmania (L.) infantum zymodemes MON-1, MON-24, and MON-80 isolated in Tunisia are reported here. Laboratory-reared female sand flies were experimentally fed via membrane feeding device on a suspension of L. infantum promastigotes in defibrinated rabbit blood (107/ml). Engorged females were dissected at progressive time points postfeeding to observe the intravectorial cycle of different L. infantum zymodemes. Development in the sand fly midgut of L. infantum parasites to the infective metacyclic promastigotes and monitoring the forward progression of parasites to finally reach the stomodeal valve (SV) of the sand fly were assessed. All tested L. infantum zymodemes developed properly in P. perniciosus. Experimental feeding with suspensions of promastigotes of all zymodemes led to very heavy late-stage infections. MON-24 and MON-80 zymodemes colonized the (SV) of P. perniciosus earlier than zymodeme MON-1, 2 and 4 days, respectively. Metacyclic promastigotes were observed in all experimental infections. The study shows for the first time that colonized P. perniciosus is able to acquire, retain, and develop in its midgut the zymodemes MON-24 and MON-80 isolated in Tunisia and highlights the putative role of this sand fly species in the transmission of such zymodemes to mammalian hosts in this country. The ability of experimentally infected sand fly species to transmit by bite such zymodemes needs to be assessed.
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Sáez VD, Morillas-Márquez F, Merino-Espinosa G, Corpas-López V, Morales-Yuste M, Pesson B, Barón-López S, Lucientes-Curdi J, Martín-Sánchez J. Phlebotomus langeroni Nitzulescu (Diptera, Psychodidae) a new vector for Leishmania infantum in Europe. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1105-1113. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5788-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Kaabi B, Zhioua E. Modeling and comparative study of the spread of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis from Northern to Central Tunisia. Acta Trop 2018; 178:19-26. [PMID: 29050950 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
During the last twenty years, zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) spread from the north characterized by humid, sub-humid, and semi-arid bio-climates to the arid areas located in Central Tunisia. In order to understand the eco-epidemiological factors involved in the distribution of ZVL, both a sero-epidemiological and an entomological investigation were performed in two governorates situated in two different bio-geographical areas: Bizerte in the north and Kairouan in the center. A mathematical model for transmission of ZVL was built, describing the disease dynamic in these areas. Among 108 sera collected from clinically healthy owned dogs used for guarding houses in the governorate of Bizerte and tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect immune-fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), 8.3% were positive. From a total of 191 serum samples collected from clinically healthy owned dogs used for guarding houses in the governorate of Kairouan and tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by IFAT, 26.7% were sero-positive. The cumulative incidences of ZVL in humans in the governorates of Bizerte and Kairouan were 39.17/100,000 and 0.2/100,000 inhabitants, respectively. The infection rates of sand flies with Leishmania DNA in the governorate of Bizerte and Kairouan were 3.8% and 9.4%, respectively. It is important to point out that ZVL epidemic in humans is preceded or concomitant to a high prevalence of Leishmania infantum in dogs and in sand flies. The model showed also a non-linear relationship between dog infection and ZVL in humans. These results suggest an important force of infection (R0) in emerging foci such as the governorate of Kairouan leading to an increased incidence of ZCL in humans. A high prevalence of L. infantum in dogs will result in high prevalence in the vector and obviously high probability to infect human; that it is a key factor for triggering transmission to humans, and subsequently it is an important parameter in the control of ZVL transmission.
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Kassem HA, Beier JC, El Sawaf BM. Historical overview of infantile visceral leishmaniasis in El Agamy, Alexandria, Egypt. Acta Trop 2017; 176:335-339. [PMID: 28870535 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Infantile visceral leishmaniasis (IVL) is considered a rare and neglected disease in Egypt. An outbreak of the disease in El Agamy, Alexandria occurred in 1982 although the disease was previously reported 80 years before. Epidemiological and entomological studies were conducted ever since the 1982 outbreak to identify human cases, the parasite, reservoir host and the sand fly vector. Leishmania infantum MON-98, a new and unique zymodeme, was responsible of the disease. Stray dogs acted as the reservoir host and Phlebotomus langeroni was the proven vector. The parasite isolates from human cases were identical to the parasite isolates from the reservoir host and the sand fly vector. The El Agamy focus in 1982 was basically a rural Bedouin setting of recently built cement houses surrounded by lime stone fences. The numbers of human cases of IVL in this area have been declining, with the last reported case in 2005. This coincides with the completion of irregular urbanization of El Agamy which resulted in the disappearance of P. langeroni. In this review, we characterize the old focus of IVL in El Agamy based on published literature to identify factors underlying the appearance and disappearance of the disease.
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Benabid M, Ghrab J, Rhim A, Ben-romdhane R, Aoun K, Bouratbine A. Temporal dynamics and Leishmania infantum infection prevalence of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera, Phlebotominae) in highly endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis in Tunisia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184700. [PMID: 28934263 PMCID: PMC5608219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomus perniciosus is one of the major vectors of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this work was (i) to provide information about abundance and temporal dynamics of this Larroussius species in a hot spot area of visceral leishmaniasis in Tunisia, (ii) to detect L. infantum DNA in wild caught female sandflies and (iii) to measure Phlebotomus perniciosus infection rate throughout the active season. Sandflies were collected monthly during one year using CDC miniature light-traps in house and in animal shelters. Male specimens were identified at species level according to morphological characters. Female specimens were conserved individually for molecular study. Leishmania infection was tested by kinetoplast DNA real-time PCR and ITS-1 PCR-sequencing. Subsequent sandfly species identification of infected specimens was done by mitochondrial cytochrome b sequencing. In one year period, overall 4,441 specimens (2230 males and 2211 females) were collected. Sandfly activity started in end-April and ended in early-November. Mean sandfly density in house was significantly lower than in animal shelters (51 ± 50 versus 504 ± 460 sandflies /CDC night, p<0.05). However, a higher proportion of females was found in house (58.4% versus 49.2%, p<0.001). Based on species identification of male specimens, Phlebotomus perniciosus was the dominant species (56% of the whole male sandfly fauna, p<0.0001). It showed two peaks of density in the active season, a sharp one in early May and a higher long lasting one from end-July to end-September. DNA was extracted from 190 female specimens randomly sampled and corresponding to 96 specimens from house and 94 from animal shelters. Twenty four female sandfly were infected by Leishmania infantum. All infected specimens were recognized as Phlebotomus perniciosus. Leishmania infantum infection rate in female sandflies was 2.3 fold higher in house than in animal shelters (17.7% versus 7.4%, p<0.05). In house, estimated number of infected specimens was the highest at the end of the active season. Abundance, dynamics of density and Leishmania infantum infection prevalence of Phlebotomus perniciosus in Tunisian hot spot of visceral leishmaniasis highlight the major role of this Phlebotominae species in L. infantum transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Benabid
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Jamila Ghrab
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Biotechnology, Higher Institute of Sciences and Technology of Environment of Borj Cedria, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Adel Rhim
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rania Ben-romdhane
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Karim Aoun
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Aïda Bouratbine
- Department of Parasitology, Research Lab: LR 11-IPT-06, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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González E, Jiménez M, Hernández S, Martín-Martín I, Molina R. Phlebotomine sand fly survey in the focus of leishmaniasis in Madrid, Spain (2012-2014): seasonal dynamics, Leishmania infantum infection rates and blood meal preferences. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:368. [PMID: 28764772 PMCID: PMC5540423 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2309-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An unusual increase of human leishmaniasis cases due to Leishmania infantum is occurring in an urban area of southwestern Madrid, Spain, since 2010. Entomological surveys have shown that Phlebotomus perniciosus is the only potential vector. Direct xenodiagnosis in hares (Lepus granatensis) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) collected in the focus area proved that they can transmit parasites to colonized P. perniciosus. Isolates were characterized as L. infantum. The aim of the present work was to conduct a comprehensive study of sand flies in the outbreak area, with special emphasis on P. perniciosus. Methods Entomological surveys were done from June to October 2012–2014 in 4 stations located close to the affected area. Twenty sticky traps (ST) and two CDC light traps (LT) were monthly placed during two consecutive days in every station. LT were replaced every morning. Sand fly infection rates were determined by dissecting females collected with LT. Molecular procedures applied to study blood meal preferences and to detect L. infantum were performed for a better understanding of the epidemiology of the outbreak. Results A total of 45,127 specimens belonging to 4 sand fly species were collected: P. perniciosus (75.34%), Sergentomyia minuta (24.65%), Phlebotomus sergenti (0.005%) and Phlebotomus papatasi (0.005%). No Phlebotomus ariasi were captured. From 3203 P. perniciosus female dissected, 117 were infected with flagellates (3.7%). Furthermore, 13.31% and 7.78% of blood-fed and unfed female sand flies, respectively, were found infected with L. infantum by PCR. The highest rates of infected P. perniciosus were detected at the end of the transmission periods. Regarding to blood meal preferences, hares and rabbits were preferred, although human, cat and dog blood were also found. Conclusions This entomological study highlights the exceptional nature of the Leishmania outbreak occurring in southwestern Madrid, Spain. It is confirmed that P. perniciosus is the only vector in the affected area, with high densities and infection rates. Rabbits and hares were the main blood meal sources of this species. These results reinforce the need for an extensive and permanent surveillance in this region, and others of similar characteristics, in order to control the vector and regulate the populations of wild reservoirs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2309-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela González
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sonia Hernández
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Martín-Martín
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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Nikonahad A, Khorshidi A, Ghaffari HR, Aval HE, Miri M, Amarloei A, Nourmoradi H, Mohammadi A. A time series analysis of environmental and metrological factors impact on cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence in an endemic area of Dehloran, Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:14117-14123. [PMID: 28417326 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8962-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the environmental and metrological variables and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) transmission and its prediction in a region susceptible to this disease prevalence using a time series model. The accurate locations of 4437 CL diagnosed from 2011 to 2015 were obtained to be used in the time series model. Temperature, number of days with temperature over 30 °C, and number of earthquake were related to CL incidence using the Seasonal Auto-correlated Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model according to the Box-Jenkins method. In addition, the relationship between land use and surface soil type in 500- and 1000-m radius around the CL patients were investigated. The SARIMA models showed significant associations between environmental and meteorological variables and CL incidence adjusted for seasonality and auto-correlation. The result indicated that there are need more robust preventive programs in earthquake-prone areas with high temperature and inceptisol soil type than other areas. In addition, the region with these characteristics should be considered as high-risk areas for CL prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nikonahad
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Ali Khorshidi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Ghaffari
- Social Determinants in Health Promotion Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamideh Ebrahimi Aval
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Miri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
| | - Ali Amarloei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Heshmatollah Nourmoradi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Biotechnology and Medical Plant Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Amir Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Orshan L, Elbaz S, Ben-Ari Y, Akad F, Afik O, Ben-Avi I, Dias D, Ish-Shalom D, Studentsky L, Zonstein I. Distribution and Dispersal of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Focus, the Northern Negev, Israel. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004819. [PMID: 27427959 PMCID: PMC4948823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis has long been endemic in Israel. In recent years reported incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis increased and endemic transmission is being observed in a growing number of communities in regions previously considered free of the disease. Here we report the results of an intensive sand fly study carried out in a new endemic focus of Leishmania major. The main objective was to establish a method and to generate a data set to determine the exposure risk, sand fly populations' dynamics and evaluate the efficacy of an attempt to create "cordon sanitaire" devoid of active jird burrows around the residential area. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Sand flies were trapped in three fixed reference sites and an additional 52 varying sites. To mark sand flies in the field, sugar solutions containing different food dyes were sprayed on vegetation in five sites. The catch was counted, identified, Leishmania DNA was detected in pooled female samples and the presence of marked specimens was noted. Phlebotomus papatasi, the vector of L. major in the region was the sole Phlebotomus species in the catch. Leishmania major DNA was detected in ~10% of the pooled samples and the highest risk of transmission was in September. Only a few specimens were collected in the residential area while sand fly numbers often exceeded 1,000 per catch in the agricultural fields. The maximal travel distance recorded was 1.91km for females and 1.51km for males. The calculated mean distance traveled (MDT) was 0.75km. CONCLUSIONS The overall results indicate the presence of dense and mobile sand fly populations in the study area. There seem to be numerous scattered sand fly microsites suitable for development and resting in the agricultural fields. Sand flies apparently moved in all directions, and reached the residential area from the surrounding agricultural fields. The travel distance noted in the current work, supported previous findings that P. papatasi like P. ariasi, can have a relatively long flight range and does not always stay near breeding sites. Following the results, the width of the "cordon sanitaire" in which actions against the reservoir rodents were planned, was extended into the depth of the agricultural fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Shirly Elbaz
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yossi Ben-Ari
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Fouad Akad
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ohad Afik
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ira Ben-Avi
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Debora Dias
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dan Ish-Shalom
- Ministry of Environmental Protection, Southern District, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Irina Zonstein
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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West Nile virus in Tunisia, 2014: First isolation from mosquitoes. Acta Trop 2016; 159:106-10. [PMID: 27038557 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Several outbreaks of human West Nile virus (WNV) infections were reported in Tunisia during the last two decades. Serological studies on humans as well as on equine showed intensive circulation of WNV in Tunisia. However, no virus screening of mosquitoes for WNV has been performed in Tunisia. In the present study, we collected mosquito samples from Central Tunisia to be examined for the presence of flaviviruses. A total of 102 Culex pipiens mosquitoes were collected in September 2014 from Central Tunisia. Mosquitoes were pooled according to the collection site, date and sex with a maximum of 5 specimens per pool and tested for the presence of flaviviruses by conventional reverse transcription heminested PCR and by a specific West Nile virus real time reverse transcription PCR. Of a total of 21 pools tested, 7 were positive for WNV and no other flavivirus could be evidenced in mosquito pools. In addition, WNV was isolated on Vero cells. Phylogenetic analysis showed that recent Tunisian WNV strains belong to lineage 1 WNV and are closely related to the Tunisian strain 1997 (PAH 001). This is the first detection and isolation of WNV from mosquitoes in Tunisia. Some areas of Tunisia are at high risk for human WNV infections. WNV is likely to cause future sporadic and foreseeable outbreaks. Therefore, it is of major epidemiological importance to set up an entomological surveillance as an early alert system. Timely detection of WNV should prompt vector control to prevent future outbreaks. In addition, education of people to protect themselves from mosquito bites is of major epidemiological importance as preventive measure against WNV infection.
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Dachraoui K, Fares W, Bichaud L, Barhoumi W, Beier J, Derbali M, Cherni S, Lamballerie XD, Chelbi I, Charrel R, Zhioua E. Phleboviruses associated with sand flies in arid bio-geographical areas of Central Tunisia. Acta Trop 2016; 158:13-19. [PMID: 26875761 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
An entomological investigation was carried out in 2014 at two sites located in Central Tunisia, one irrigated and another non-irrigated situated in arid bio-geographical areas. Sand flies of the subgenus Larroussius namely Phlebotomus perfiliewi, Phlebotomus perniciosus, and Phlebotomus longicuspis are the most abundant sand fly species in the irrigated site. However, in the non-irrigated site, Phlebotomus papatasi of the Phlebotomus genus is the most abundant species. A total of 3191 sand flies were collected and pooled with up to 30 specimens per pool based on sex, trapping location and collection date, were tested for the presence of phleboviruses by nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in the polymerase gene and sequenced. Of a total of 117 pools, 4 were positive, yielding a minimum infection rate of sand flies with phleboviruses of 0.12%. Phylogenetic analysis performed using partial nucleotide and amino acid sequence in the polymerase gene showed that these phleboviruses belonged to four different clusters corresponding to Toscana virus (TOSV), Saddaguia virus (SADV), Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus (SFSV) and Utique virus (UTIV). This study provides more evidence that the abundance of P. perfiliewi is associated with the development of irrigation in arid bio-geographical areas of Central Tunisia which may have led to the emergence of phleboviruses. We report the first detection of TOSV from sand flies collected from Central Tunisia.
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Barhoumi W, Fares W, Cherni S, Derbali M, Dachraoui K, Chelbi I, Ramalho-Ortigao M, Beier JC, Zhioua E. Changes of Sand Fly Populations and Leishmania infantum Infection Rates in an Irrigated Village Located in Arid Central Tunisia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13030329. [PMID: 26999176 PMCID: PMC4808992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13030329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The current spread of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) throughout arid areas of Central Tunisia is a major public health concern. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether the development of irrigation in arid bio-geographical areas in Central Tunisia have led to the establishment of a stable cycle involving sand flies of the subgenus Larroussius and Leishmania infantum, and subsequently to the emergence of ZVL. Sand flies were collected from the village of Saddaguia, a highly irrigated zone located within an arid bio-geographical area of Central Tunisia by using modified Centers for Diseases Control (CDC) light traps. Morphological keys were used to identify sand flies. Collected sand flies were pooled with up to 30 specimens per pool according to date and tested by nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) DNA sequencing from positive pools was used to identify Leishmania spp. A total of 4915 sand flies (2422 females and 2493 males) were collected from Saddaguia in September and in October 2014. Morphological identification confirmed sand flies of the subgenus Larroussius to be predominant. PCR analysis followed by DNA sequencing indicated that 15 pools were infected with L. infantum yielding an overall infection rate of 0.6%. The majority of the infected pools were of sand fly species belonging to subgenus Larroussius. Intense irrigation applied to the arid bio-geographical areas in Central Tunisia is at the origin of the development of an environment capable of sustaining important populations of sand flies of the subgenus Larroussius. This has led to the establishment of stable transmission cycles of L. infantum and subsequently to the emergence of ZVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Barhoumi
- Laboratory of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Bizerte 7021, Tunisia.
| | - Wasfi Fares
- Laboratory of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
| | - Saifedine Cherni
- Laboratory of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
| | - Mohamed Derbali
- Laboratory of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
| | - Khalil Dachraoui
- Laboratory of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
| | - Ifhem Chelbi
- Laboratory of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
| | | | - John C Beier
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Elyes Zhioua
- Laboratory of Vector Ecology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur BP 74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
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Bosworth A, Ghabbari T, Dowall S, Varghese A, Fares W, Hewson R, Zhioua E, Chakroun M, Tiouiri H, Ben Jemaa M, Znazen A, Letaief A. Serologic evidence of exposure to Rift Valley fever virus detected in Tunisia. New Microbes New Infect 2015; 9:1-7. [PMID: 26740887 PMCID: PMC4678919 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFv) is capable of causing dramatic outbreaks amongst economically important animal species and is capable of causing severe symptoms and mortality in humans. RVFv is known to circulate widely throughout East Africa; serologic evidence of exposure has also been found in some northern African countries, including Mauritania. This study aimed to ascertain whether RVFv is circulating in regions beyond its known geographic range. Samples from febrile patients (n = 181) and nonfebrile healthy agricultural and slaughterhouse workers (n = 38) were collected during the summer of 2014 and surveyed for exposure to RVFv by both serologic tests and PCR. Of the 219 samples tested, 7.8% of nonfebrile participants showed immunoglobulin G reactivity to RVFv nucleoprotein and 8.3% of febrile patients showed immunoglobulin M reactivity, with the latter samples indicating recent exposure to the virus. Our results suggest an active circulation of RVFv and evidence of human exposure in the population of Tunisia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bosworth
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK; National Institute of Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, UK
| | - T Ghabbari
- Infectious Diseases Department, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - S Dowall
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - A Varghese
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - W Fares
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - R Hewson
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK; National Institute of Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, UK
| | - E Zhioua
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - M Chakroun
- Infectious Diseases Department, F Bourguiba University hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - H Tiouiri
- Infectious Diseases Department, Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | - A Znazen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - A Letaief
- Infectious Diseases Department, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
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