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Maestrini S, Diotallevi A, Santilli L, Canovari B, Orlandi C, Buffi G, Ceccarelli M, Galluzzi L. The use of conjunctival swabs in the diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 110:116450. [PMID: 39029389 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe disease whose diagnosis comprises immunological tests, microscopic biopsy examination, and biomolecular assays. In veterinary medicine, conjunctival swabs are widely used for detection of parasite DNA. Here, we describe the case of human VL in which conjunctival swabs were successfully used for Leishmania detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Maestrini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Aurora Diotallevi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Luca Santilli
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, San Salvatore Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale Pesaro-Urbino, Pesaro, Italy
| | - Benedetta Canovari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, San Salvatore Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale Pesaro-Urbino, Pesaro, Italy
| | - Chiara Orlandi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Gloria Buffi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Marcello Ceccarelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Leite FF, Rodrigues LC, Oliveira BHMD, Duarte GD, Leite Ferreira MD, Sousa NFD, Vanderley SER, Cardoso LL, Keesen TSL, Araújo RSAD, Scotti L, Scotti MT, Mendonça-Junior FJB. In vitro and in silico evaluation of the anti-leishmania activity of synthetic chalcones. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39257335 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2401499] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of neglected, vector-borne infectious diseases that affect millions of people around the world. The medications available for its treatment, especially in cases of visceral leishmaniasis, are old, outdated and have serious side effects. In this work, 10 chalcones were synthesised and evaluated in vitro against promastigotes and axenic amastigotes of Leishmania infantum. Compounds CP04 and CP06 were the most promising, respectively presenting IC50 values = 13.64 ± 0.25 and 11.19 ± 0.22 µM against promastigotes, and IC50 = 18.92 ± 0.05 and 22.42 ± 0.05 µM against axenic amastigotes. Only compound CP04 did not show cytotoxicity against peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Molecular docking studies conducted with sterol 14-alpha demethylase (CYP-51) (PDB: 3L4D) and trypanothione reductase (PDB: 5EBK) enzymes from L. infantum evidenced the great affinity of compound CP04 for these targets, presenting Moldock score values of -94.0758 and -50.5692 KJ/mol-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Ferreira Leite
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Luis Cezar Rodrigues
- Postgraduate Program in Development and Innovation of Drugs and Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Bruno Hanrry Melo de Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Gabrielly Diniz Duarte
- Postgraduate Program in Development and Innovation of Drugs and Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Maria Denise Leite Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Natália Ferreira de Sousa
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Shayenne Eduarda Ramos Vanderley
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Immunology of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Lima Cardoso
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Immunology of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Tatjana Souza Lima Keesen
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Immunology of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Santos Aquino de Araújo
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Synthesis and Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Luciana Scotti
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonça-Junior
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Synthesis and Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
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Jahanshahi S, Nejad HR, Kazemi B, Saeedi P. Cytokines signatures and susceptibility to cutaneous leishmaniasis in patients from Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran. Gene 2024; 903:148224. [PMID: 38286270 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148224] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a complex, multifactorial disease that results from environmental factors such as parasite polymorphism, phlebotomine vectors, and host genetic factors. Some studies have identified specific genetic factors that may be associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis. The objective of this research was to resolve the association of 8 cytokine polymorphisms, including TNF-α -308 A/G (rs 1800629), TNF-α -238 A/G (rs 361525), TGF-β1 -509 T/C (rs 1800469), TGF-β1+ 915 G/C (rs 1800471), IFN-γ -874 T/A (rs 2430561), IFN-γ -179 G/A (rs 2069709), IL-10 -819 C/T (rs 1800871), and IL-10 -592 A/C (rs 1800872) with susceptibility to CL. METHODS A total of 152 patients with designated CL and 100 healthy controls were selected from those referred to Sistan and Baluchestan hospitals. CL was diagnosed by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained samples and culture. Leishmania species were identified using ITS2 gene PCR amplification with universal primers. Genetic polymorphism was determined by the ARMS PCR method on extracted genomic DNA of individuals. Eight SNPs cytokines were genotyped. RESULTS Most of the Genotypic and allelic frequency comparisons between patients with CL and healthy subjects showed no difference, except 3. Individual SNP analysis showed highest association of TGF-β1 -509 (rs1800469) -CC genotype (P = 0.03, OR = 7.05, 95 % CI = 3.3-15) with 5.7-fold increase, IFN-γ -874 (rs 2430561) -AA genotype (P = 0.04, OR = 4.72, 95 % CI = 1.6-14) with 4.2-fold increase, and IL10 -819 (rs1800871) -CC genotype (P = 0.05, OR = 3.63, 95 % CI = 2.5-5.3) with 1.9-fold increase, with CL. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated to assess the association power. CONCLUSION Our results conclude that rs1800469 (TGF-β1), rs2430561 (INF-γ), and rs1800872 (IL10) polymorphisms are associated with CL in southeastern Iranian people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Jahanshahi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamideh Rouhani Nejad
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pardis Saeedi
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Diotallevi A, Buffi G, Barocci S, Ceccarelli M, Bencardino D, Andreoni F, Orlandi C, Ferri M, Vandini D, Menzo S, Carlotti E, Casabianca A, Magnani M, Galluzzi L. Rapid monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern through high-resolution melt analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21598. [PMID: 38062105 PMCID: PMC10703772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48929-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The current global pandemic of COVID-19 is characterized by waves of infection due to the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying mutations on the Spike (S) protein gene. Since autumn 2020 many Variants of Concern (VOC) have been reported: Alpha/B.1.1.7, Beta/B.1.351, Gamma/P.1, Delta/B.1.617.2, Omicron/B.1.1.529, and sublineages. Surveillance of genomic variants is currently based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of viral genomes on a random fraction of samples positive to molecular tests. WGS involves high costs, extended analysis time, specialized staff, and expensive instruments compared to a PCR-based test. To rapidly identify the VOCs in positive samples, six assays based on real-time PCR and high-resolution melting (HRM) were designed on the S gene and applied to 120 oro/nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from October 2020 to June 2022 (106 positive and 14 negative samples). Overall, the assays showed 100% specificity and sensitivity compared with commercial PCR tests for COVID-19. Moreover, 104 samples out of 106 (98.1%) were correctly identified as follows: 8 Wuhan (wild type), 12 Alpha, 23 Delta, 46 Omicron BA.1/BA.1.1, 15 Omicron BA.2/BA.4/BA.5. With our lab equipment, about 10 samples can be processed every 3 h at the cost of less than € 10 ($ 10.60) per sample, including RNA extraction. The implementation of this approach could help local epidemiological surveillance and clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Diotallevi
- Section of Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 60132, Fano, PU, Italy.
| | - Gloria Buffi
- Section of Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 60132, Fano, PU, Italy
| | - Simone Barocci
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale (AST) Pesaro e Urbino, Marche, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Marcello Ceccarelli
- Section of Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 60132, Fano, PU, Italy
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale (AST) Pesaro e Urbino, Marche, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Daniela Bencardino
- Section of Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 60132, Fano, PU, Italy
| | - Francesca Andreoni
- Section of Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 60132, Fano, PU, Italy
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale (AST) Pesaro e Urbino, Marche, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Chiara Orlandi
- Section of Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 60132, Fano, PU, Italy
| | - Marilisa Ferri
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale (AST) Pesaro e Urbino, Marche, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Daniela Vandini
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale (AST) Pesaro e Urbino, Marche, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Stefano Menzo
- Virology Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Eugenio Carlotti
- Department of Prevention, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale (AST) Pesaro e Urbino Marche, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Anna Casabianca
- Section of Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 60132, Fano, PU, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Section of Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 60132, Fano, PU, Italy
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Section of Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 60132, Fano, PU, Italy
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Ferreira JDJG, Costa SCB, Addas-Carvalho M, Pereira MB, França ADO, de Lima RG, Andrade PD, Wanderley JDS, Martins LC, de Almeida EA, Marcon GEB. Evaluation of Molecular Methods to Identify Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis in Blood Donation Candidates in Two Brazilian Centers. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040508. [PMID: 37111394 PMCID: PMC10141534 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, blood donation is regulated by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and all States follow the same protocol for clinical and laboratory screening. Brazil is an endemic country for Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, and for leishmaniasis, caused by a species of Leishmania spp. Screening for leishmaniosis is not routinely performed by blood banks. Given the antigenic similarity between T. cruzi and Leishmania spp., cross-reactions in serological tests can occur, and inconclusive results for CD have been found. The objective of this study was to apply molecular techniques, e.g., nPCR, PCR, and qPCR, to clarify cases of blood donation candidates with non-negative serology for CD and to analyze the difference between the melting temperature during real-time PCR using SYBR Green. Thirty-seven cases that showed non-negative results for CD using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) tests from blood banks in Campo Grande, MS, and Campinas, SP, were analyzed. In the serum samples, 35 samples were evaluated by ELISA, and 24.3% (9/35) showed positive results for CD. nPCR was able to detect 12 positive results in 35 samples (34.28%). qPCR for T. cruzi was quantifiable in the samples that showed a value ≥0.002 par eq/mL (parasite equivalents per milliliter), and in 35 samples, 11 (31.42%) were positive. Of all evaluated samples using the described tests (CMIA, ELISA, nPCR, and qPCR), 18 (48.6%) were positive for CD. For MCA by qPCR, the melting temperature was 82.06 °C ± 0.46 for T. cruzi and 81.9 °C ± 0.24 for Leishmania infantum. The Mann-Whitney test showed a significant value of p < 0.0001. However, the differentiation between T. cruzi and L. infantum could not be considered due to temperature overlap. For leishmaniasis, of the 35 samples with non-negative serology for CD tested by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), only one sample (2.85%) was positive (1:80). The PCR for Leishmania spp. was performed on 36 blood samples from donation candidates, and all were negative. qPCR for L. infantum showed 37 negative results for the 37 analyzed samples. The data presented here show the importance of performing two different tests in CD screening at blood banks. Molecular tests should be used for confirmation, thereby improving the blood donation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana de Jesus Guimarães Ferreira
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Doenças Infecciosas por Técnicas de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil
| | - Sandra Cecília Botelho Costa
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Doenças Infecciosas por Técnicas de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Addas-Carvalho
- Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariane Barroso Pereira
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Doenças Infecciosas por Técnicas de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana de Oliveira França
- Laboratório de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias (LabDIP), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária s/n, Campo Grande 79090-900, MS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Gonçalves de Lima
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Doenças Infecciosas por Técnicas de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula Durante Andrade
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Doenças Infecciosas por Técnicas de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil
| | - Jamiro da Silva Wanderley
- Grupo de Estudos em Doença de Chagas (GEDoCh), Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Cláudio Martins
- Grupo de Estudos em Doença de Chagas (GEDoCh), Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil
| | - Eros Antonio de Almeida
- Grupo de Estudos em Doença de Chagas (GEDoCh), Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil
| | - Gláucia Elisete Barbosa Marcon
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Doenças Infecciosas por Técnicas de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Mato Grosso do Sul (FIOCRUZ MS), Rua Gabriel Abrão, 92, Jardim das Nações, Campo Grande 79081-746, MS, Brazil
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Gow I, Smith NC, Stark D, Ellis J. Laboratory diagnostics for human Leishmania infections: a polymerase chain reaction-focussed review of detection and identification methods. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:412. [PMID: 36335408 PMCID: PMC9636697 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05524-z] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infections span a range of clinical syndromes and impact humans from many geographic foci, but primarily the world's poorest regions. Transmitted by the bite of a female sand fly, Leishmania infections are increasing with human movement (due to international travel and war) as well as with shifts in vector habitat (due to climate change). Accurate diagnosis of the 20 or so species of Leishmania that infect humans can lead to the successful treatment of infections and, importantly, their prevention through modelling and intervention programs. A multitude of laboratory techniques for the detection of Leishmania have been developed over the past few decades, and although many have drawbacks, several of them show promise, particularly molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction. This review provides an overview of the methods available to diagnostic laboratories, from traditional techniques to the now-preferred molecular techniques, with an emphasis on polymerase chain reaction-based detection and typing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ineka Gow
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Nicholas C. Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Damien Stark
- Department of Microbiology, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - John Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
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7
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Establish an allele-specific real-time PCR for Leishmania species identification. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:60. [PMID: 35655325 PMCID: PMC9164491 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00992-y] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis is a serious neglected tropical disease that may lead to life-threatening outcome, which species are closely related to clinical diagnosis and patient management. The current Leishmania species determination method is not appropriate for clinical application. New Leishmania species identification tool is needed using clinical samples directly without isolation and cultivation of parasites. Methods A probe-based allele-specific real-time PCR assay was established for Leishmania species identification between Leishmania donovani and L. infantum for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and among L. major, L. tropica and L. donovani/L. infantum for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), targeting hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) and spermidine synthase (SPDSYN) gene with their species-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The limit of detection of this assay was evaluated based on 8 repeated tests with intra-assay standard deviation < 0.5 and inter-assay coefficients of variability < 5%. The specificity of this assay was tested with DNA samples obtained from Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Brucella melitensis and Orientia tsutsugamushi. Total 42 clinical specimens were used to evaluate the ability of this assay for Leishmania species identification. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using HGPRT and SPDSYN gene fragments to validate the performance of this assay. Results This new method was able to detect 3 and 12 parasites/reaction for VL and CL respectively, and exhibited no cross-reaction with P. falciparum, T. gondii, B. melitensis, O. tsutsugamushi and non-target species of Leishmania. Twenty-two samples from VL patients were identified as L. donovani (n = 3) and L. infantum (n = 19), and 20 specimens from CL patients were identified as L. major (n = 20), providing an agreement of 100% compared with sequencing results. For further validation, 29 sequences of HGPRT fragment from nine Leishmania species and 22 sequences from VL patients were used for phylogenetic analysis, which agreed with the results of this new method. Similar results were obtained with 43 sequences of SPDSYN fragment from 18 Leishmania species and 20 sequences from CL patients. Conclusions Our assay provides a rapid and accurate tool for Leishmania species identification which is applicable for species-adapted therapeutic schedule and patient management. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-00992-y.
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8
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Diotallevi A, Scalvini L, Buffi G, Pérez-Pertejo Y, De Santi M, Verboni M, Favi G, Magnani M, Lodola A, Lucarini S, Galluzzi L. Phenotype Screening of an Azole-bisindole Chemical Library Identifies URB1483 as a New Antileishmanial Agent Devoid of Toxicity on Human Cells. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:35699-35710. [PMID: 34984300 PMCID: PMC8717589 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We report the evaluation of a small library of azole-bisindoles for their antileishmanial potential, in terms of efficacy on Leishmania infantum promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Nine compounds showed good activity on L. infantum MHOM/TN/80/IPT1 promastigotes with IC50 values ranging from 4 to 10 μM. These active compounds were also tested on human (THP-1, HEPG2, HaCaT, and human primary fibroblasts) and canine (DH82) cell lines. URB1483 was selected as the best compound, with no quantifiable cytotoxicity in mammalian cells, to test the efficacy on intracellular amastigotes. URB1483 significantly reduced the infection index of both human and canine macrophages with an effect comparable to the clinically used drug pentamidine. URB1483 emerges as a new anti-infective agent with remarkable antileishmanial activity and no cytotoxic effects on human and canine cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Diotallevi
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, University of
Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Laura Scalvini
- Department
of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Gloria Buffi
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, University of
Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | | | - Mauro De Santi
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, University of
Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Michele Verboni
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, University of
Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Gianfranco Favi
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, University of
Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, University of
Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Department
of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Simone Lucarini
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, University of
Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
- . Tel: +39 0722 303333
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, University of
Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
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Medina J, Cruz-Saavedra L, Patiño LH, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Comparative analysis of the transcriptional responses of five Leishmania species to trivalent antimony. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:419. [PMID: 34419127 PMCID: PMC8380399 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04915-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by several species of Leishmania. The resistance phenotype of these parasites depends on the characteristics of each species, which contributes to increased therapeutic failures. Understanding the mechanism used by the parasite to survive under treatment pressure in order to identify potential common and specific therapeutic targets is essential for the control of leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression profiles and potential shared and specific resistance markers of the main Leishmania species of medical importance [subgenus L. (Leishmania): L. donovani, L. infantum and L. amazonensis; subgenus L. (Viannia): L. panamensis and L. braziliensis)] resistant and sensitive to trivalent stibogluconate (SbIII). METHODS We conducted comparative analysis of the transcriptomic profiles (only coding sequences) of lines with experimentally induced resistance to SbIII from biological replicates of five Leishmania species available in the databases of four articles based on ortholog attribution. Simultaneously, we carried out functional analysis of ontology and reconstruction of metabolic pathways of the resulting differentially expressed genes (DEGs). RESULTS Resistant lines for each species had differential responses in metabolic processes, compound binding, and membrane components concerning their sensitive counterpart. One hundred and thirty-nine metabolic pathways were found, with the three main pathways comprising cysteine and methionine metabolism, glycolysis, and the ribosome. Differentially expressed orthologous genes assigned to species-specific responses predominated, with 899 self-genes. No differentially expressed genes were found in common among the five species. Two common upregulated orthologous genes were found among four species (L. donovani, L. braziliensis, L. amazonensis, and L. panamensis) related to an RNA-binding protein and the NAD(P)H cytochrome-B5-oxidoreductase complex, associated with transcriptional control and de novo synthesis of linoleic acid, critical mechanisms in resistance to antimonials. CONCLUSION Herein, we identified potential species-specific genes related to resistance to SbIII. Therefore, we suggest that future studies consider a treatment scheme that is species-specific. Despite the limitations of our study, this is the first approach toward unraveling the pan-genus genetic mechanisms of resistance in leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología- UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología- UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología- UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología- UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología- UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Ferreira JG, Nascimento F, Marcon GB, de Almeida E, Costa SB. Methods and parameters of melting curve analysis for identification of Leishmania species: A scoping review. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/1995-7645.332807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Evaluation of a kDNA-Based qPCR Assay for the Detection and Quantification of Old World Leishmania Species. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8122006. [PMID: 33339158 PMCID: PMC7765608 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8122006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The parasite protozoan Leishmania, the causative agent of leishmaniasis, includes two subgenera of medical interest: Leishmania (Leishmania) and Leishmania (Viannia). Parasite species detection and characterization is crucial to choose treatment protocols and to monitor the disease evolution. Molecular approaches can speed up and simplify the diagnostic process. In particular, several molecular assays target the mitochondrial DNA minicircle network (kDNA) that characterizes the Leishmania genus. We previously proposed a qPCR assay targeting kDNA, followed by high resolution melt (HRM) analysis (qPCR-ML) to distinguish L. (L.) infantum and L. (L.) amazonensis from L. Viannia species. Successively, this assay has been integrated with other qPCR assays, to differentiate L. (L.) infantum, L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (L.) mexicana. In this work, we tested the applicability of our qPCR-ML assay on L. (L.) donovani, L. (L.) major, L. (L.) tropica and L. (L.) aethiopica, showing that the qPCR-ML assay can also amplify Old World species, different from L. (L.) infantum, with good quantification limits (1 × 10-4-1 × 10-6 ng/pcr tube). Moreover, we evaluated 11 L. (L.) infantum strains/isolates, evidencing the variability of the kDNA minicircle target molecules among the strains/isolates of the same species, and pointing out the possibility of quantification using different strains as reference. Taken together, these data account for the consideration of qPCR-ML as a quantitative pan-Leishmania assay.
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Morais RCSD, Melo MGND, Goes TCD, Pessoa E Silva R, Morais RFD, Guerra JADO, Brito MEFD, Brandão-Filho SP, Paiva Cavalcanti MD. Duplex qPCR for Leishmania species identification using lesion imprint on filter paper. Exp Parasitol 2020; 219:108019. [PMID: 33053400 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is caused by different Leishmania parasites, which stimulate and direct the immune response against the infection. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the TaqMan probe technology applicability to diagnose and identifying of Leishmania spp. related to the ACL etiology. METHODOLOGY Through the MEGA 6.0 software, performed an in silico analysis using multiple alignments of Leishmania spp. which were available on GenBank for different genomic targets. The efficiency (e), specificity and detection limit (DL) were calculated for each system, these were associated to compose a duplex-qPCR (DqPCR). The samples of blood, lesion biopsy and lesion imprint on filter paper from patients residing in states of Amazonas (AM) and Pernambuco (PE)-Brazil, (cases and controls) were used to perform the DqPCR technique. The capacity to identify the Leishmania species was determined by comparison with isoenzymes method and sequencing analysis. RESULTS Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (rDNA) was the target selected. Two sets of primers and probes were designed and combined: SVS for subgenus Viannia and LaS for L. (L.) amazonensis. The results were: SVSe = 93.24%, SVS DL = 50 fg/μL; LaSe = 89.3%, LaSLD = 5 fg/μL presented 100% of specificity. In total, 236 individuals participated of the present study, wherein were 101 blood samples, 33 biopsies and 147 lesion imprints. The imprint was the most sensitive sample, showing 83.06% of sensitivity, 86.96% of specificity and substantial agreement between the techniques analysis (k = 0.531; p < 0,001). Regarding the species identification, DqPCR and sequencing/isoenzymes have agreed at 100%, since the infection is caused by a single Leishmania species. CONCLUSION The DqPCR technique was applicable in diagnosis and identification of Leishmania spp. (subgenus Viannia and L. amazonensis). Furthermore, the lesion imprint is less invasive, allowing a fewer discomfort and greater acceptance by the patients, in addition of being low cost and easy handling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tayná Correia de Goes
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, FIOCRUZ-PE. Rego Avenue, University City, Recife, Pernambuco, ZIP 50670-420, Brazil.
| | - Rômulo Pessoa E Silva
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, FIOCRUZ-PE. Rego Avenue, University City, Recife, Pernambuco, ZIP 50670-420, Brazil.
| | - Rômulo Freire de Morais
- Medicine Tropical Foundation, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Pedro Teixeira Avenue, Dom Pedro, Manaus, Amazonas, ZIP 69040-000, Brazil.
| | - Jorge Augusto de Oliveira Guerra
- Medicine Tropical Foundation, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Pedro Teixeira Avenue, Dom Pedro, Manaus, Amazonas, ZIP 69040-000, Brazil.
| | | | - Sinval Pinto Brandão-Filho
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, FIOCRUZ-PE. Rego Avenue, University City, Recife, Pernambuco, ZIP 50670-420, Brazil.
| | - Milena de Paiva Cavalcanti
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, FIOCRUZ-PE. Rego Avenue, University City, Recife, Pernambuco, ZIP 50670-420, Brazil.
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Lopes SP, Yepes LM, Pérez-Castillo Y, Robledo SM, de Sousa DP. Alkyl and Aryl Derivatives Based on p-Coumaric Acid Modification and Inhibitory Action against Leishmania braziliensis and Plasmodium falciparum. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25143178. [PMID: 32664596 PMCID: PMC7397144 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In low-income populations, neglected diseases are the principal cause of mortality. Of these, leishmaniasis and malaria, being parasitic, protozoan infections, affect millions of people worldwide and are creating a public health problem. The present work evaluates the leishmanicidal and antiplasmodial action of a series of twelve p-coumaric acid derivatives. Of the tested derivatives, eight presented antiparasitic activities 1–3, 8–12. The hexyl p-coumarate derivative (9) (4.14 ± 0.55 μg/mL; selectivity index (SI) = 2.72) showed the highest leishmanicidal potency against the Leishmania braziliensis amastigote form. The results of the molecular docking study suggest that this compound inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), mitogen-activated kinase protein (MPK4), and DNA topoisomerase 2 (TOP2), all of which are key enzymes in the development of Leishmania braziliensis. The data indicate that these enzymes interact via Van der Waals bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonds with phenolic and aliphatic parts of this same compound. Of the other compounds analyzed, methyl p-coumarate (64.59 ± 2.89 μg/mL; IS = 0.1) demonstrated bioactivity against Plasmodium falciparum. The study reveals that esters presenting a p-coumarate substructure are promising for use in synthesis of derivatives with good antiparasitic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susiany P. Lopes
- PostGraduation Program in Technological Development and Innovation in Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa CEP 58051-970, Brazil;
| | - Lina M. Yepes
- PECET-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín Calle 70 # 52-21, Colombia; (L.M.Y.); (S.M.R.)
| | | | - Sara M. Robledo
- PECET-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín Calle 70 # 52-21, Colombia; (L.M.Y.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Damião P. de Sousa
- PostGraduation Program in Technological Development and Innovation in Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa CEP 58051-970, Brazil;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa CEP 58051-970, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Differentiation of Leishmania ( L.) infantum, Leishmania ( L.) amazonensis and Leishmania ( L.) mexicana Using Sequential qPCR Assays and High-Resolution Melt Analysis. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8060818. [PMID: 32486117 PMCID: PMC7355826 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania protozoa are the etiological agents of visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. In specific geographical regions, such as Latin America, several Leishmania species are endemic and simultaneously present; therefore, a diagnostic method for species discrimination is warranted. In this attempt, many qPCR-based assays have been developed. Recently, we have shown that L. (L.) infantum and L. (L.) amazonensis can be distinguished through the comparison of the Cq values from two qPCR assays (qPCR-ML and qPCR-ama), designed to amplify kDNA minicircle subclasses more represented in L. (L.) infantum and L. (L.) amazonensis, respectively. This paper describes the application of this approach to L. (L.) mexicana and introduces a new qPCR-ITS1 assay followed by high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis to differentiate this species from L. (L.) amazonensis. We show that L. (L.) mexicana can be distinguished from L. (L.) infantum using the same approach we had previously validated for L. (L.) amazonensis. Moreover, it was also possible to reliably discriminate L. (L.) mexicana from L. (L.) amazonensis by using qPCR-ITS1 followed by an HRM analysis. Therefore, a diagnostic algorithm based on sequential qPCR assays coupled with HRM analysis was established to identify/differentiate L. (L.) infantum, L. (L.) amazonensis, L. (L.) mexicana and Viannia subgenus. These findings update and extend previous data published by our research group, providing an additional diagnostic tool in endemic areas with co-existing species.
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Data on the differentiation among Leishmania ( Viannia) spp., Leishmania ( Leishmania) infantum and Leishmania ( Leishmania) amazonensis in Brazilian clinical samples using real-time PCR. Data Brief 2019; 28:104914. [PMID: 31886353 PMCID: PMC6920495 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This article contains the data regarding Leishmania species identification in human and canine clinical samples from a Brazilian region endemic for Leishmania (Viannia) spp., Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, using a previously developed approach involving two qPCR assays (qPCR-ML and qPCR-ama). The data are related to the article "Real-time PCR to differentiate among Leishmania (Viannia) subgenus, Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis: application on Brazilian clinical samples" [1], and include also details of clinical evaluation/diagnosis of human patients and primer sequences used in the qPCR assays. The Leishmania species has been determined in 27 canine samples and 11 human samples, exploiting HRM analysis of qPCR-ML and Cq values of qPCR-ML and qPCR-ama, as reported previously [2]. The qPCR data were in agreement with the species characterization obtained with other methods such as conventional species-specific PCR, ITS1 PCR-RFLP or DNA sequencing. Despite the limited number of clinical samples, these data are encouraging for a potential application in regions where L. (Viannia) spp., L. (L.) infantum and L. (L.) amazonensis are co-endemic.
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