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Bursali F, Touray M. The complexities of blood-feeding patterns in mosquitoes and sandflies and the burden of disease: A minireview. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1580. [PMID: 39171609 PMCID: PMC11339650 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1580] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes and sandflies exhibit a wide range of blood feeding patterns, targeting a wide range of vertebrate species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, for proteins vital for egg development. This broad host range increases the opportunity for them to acquire pathogens of numerous debilitating-and-fatal diseases from various animal reservoirs, playing a significant role in disease crossover between animals and humans, also known as zoonotic transmission. This review focuses on the intricate blood-feeding habits of these dipteran vectors, their sensory systems and the complex dance between host and pathogen during disease transmission. We delve into the influence of blood sources on pathogen spread by examining the insect immune response and its intricate interplay with pathogens. The remarkable sense of smell guiding them towards food sources and hosts is explored, highlighting the interplay of multiple sensory cues in their navigation. Finally, we examine the challenges in mosquito control strategies and explore innovations in this field, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to combat this global health threat. By understanding the biology and behaviour of these insects, we can develop more effective strategies to protect ourselves and mitigate the burden of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Bursali
- Biology Department, Faculty of ScienceAydin Adnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
| | - Mustapha Touray
- Biology Department, Faculty of ScienceAydin Adnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
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Shah HK, Fathima PA, Ajithlal PM, Mathew JS, Saini P. Molecular Identification of Host Blood Meal from Phlebotomine Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Kerala, India. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 39066720 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Female phlebotomine sandflies serve as vectors for the transmission of Leishmania parasites, perpetuating an enzootic cycle by disseminating between sylvatic and domestic animals. Humans form a part of this cycle because the sandflies search for a blood source required for egg development. The present study aimed to identify the feeding preferences of different sandfly fauna from six districts of Kerala, India, using molecular tools. An entomological survey was conducted during 2021-2023 in Kollam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Palakkad. Both indoor and outdoor habitats were targeted from sandfly collection using different standard tools and methods. Sandflies were identified using standard taxonomic keys, and DNA was extracted from blood meal collected from sandflies. A total of 7366 sandfly specimens were collected during the study period, which belonged to three different genera and 19 species. Blood source was successfully identified from 119 sandflies revealing that the Sergentomyia genus preferably fed on small reptiles and amphibians, whereas Phlebotomus genus was found to mainly feed on mammalian and avian blood. Sergentomyia zeylanica was an exception, as it primarily fed on mammalian blood sources. Interestingly, humans were the second feeding source for Phlebotomus species, which are the proven vectors. Comprehending the feeding patterns of sandflies is crucial, not just for public health but also for obtaining insights into the ecological dynamics between vectors and hosts, ultimately enabling more efficient strategies for disease control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P A Fathima
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam, India
| | - P M Ajithlal
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam, India
| | - Jessu S Mathew
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam, India
| | - Prasanta Saini
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam, India
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Suckow MA, Bolton ID, McDowell MA. Overview and Approaches for Handling of Animal Models of Leishmaniasis. Comp Med 2024; 74:148-155. [PMID: 39107941 PMCID: PMC11267445 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-24-029] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a disease of global relevance, results from infection with the protozoan parasite, Leishmania, which is transmitted to susceptible hosts through the bite of sand flies. Multiple forms of leishmaniasis may occur, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. Research with animal models remains an important approach to help define basic pathophysi- ologic processes associated with infection and disease. In this regard, mice and hamsters represent the most commonly used models. The severity of leishmaniasis in animal models depends on several factors, including genotype of the host and parasite and the dose and route of administration of the parasite to the host, and severity of outcome may range from subclinical to severe illness. This review provides basic background on leishmaniasis, relevant animal models, the pathophysiology and clinical signs in animals used as models of leishmaniasis, and general approaches to mitigate risk to personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Suckow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Iris D Bolton
- Freimann Life Science Center, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; and
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
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Khogali A, Elnaiem DEA, Díaz-Regañón R, Jibreel T, Nour BYM, Abdelrahman SH, Molina R, Jiménez M. Infection of Leishmania donovani in Phlebotomus orientalis Sand Flies at Different Microhabitats of a Kala-Azar Endemic Village in Eastern Sudan. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:40. [PMID: 38393129 PMCID: PMC10892308 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9020040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A study was carried out to compare the infection rates of Leishmania donovani in Phlebotomus orientalis sandflies at different microhabitats of a VL endemic village in Gedarif state, Sudan. DNA extracts of 1078 P. orientalis sand fly females sampled by CDC light traps from indoor, outdoor, peri-domestic, and sylvatic sites, in three transmission seasons, March-June 2016-18, in Helat-Belo village, were subjected to independent PCR amplifications targeting Leishmania kDNA and the cpb gene followed by ITS1 region sequencing. Leishmania kDNA was detected in 1.4% of the 1078 P. orientalis females captured in the area. Two of these specimens showed a characteristic 741 bp band of L. donovani after cpb gene amplification. The DNA sequence of the ITS1 region of the parasites matched the ITS1 L. donovani genotype F. There were no signficant differences between rates of infection of L. donovani in P. orientalis captured at different sites. Blood meals found in infected flies origninated from human (5 specimens), cattle (4 specimens) and donkey (2 specimens). The finding of fresh cow and donkey blood in the infected flies suggests the possible role of these animals in the zoopotentiation and/or zooprophylaxis against VL. The study provides important information for VL transmission models and control programs in East Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altayeb Khogali
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Dia-Eldin A. Elnaiem
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 1 Backbone Rd., Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA
| | - Ramón Díaz-Regañón
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (R.M.)
| | - Tayseer Jibreel
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Bakri Y. M. Nour
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Samira Hamid Abdelrahman
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (R.M.)
- Collaborative Biomedical Research Center in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (R.M.)
- Collaborative Biomedical Research Center in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Jibreel T, Khogali A, Jiménez M, Raiyed A, Dakein O, Alsharif B, Khalid NM, Osman OF, Nour BYM, Mohamed GH, Molina R, Vidal-López A, Díaz-Regañón R, den Boer M, Alvar J, Courtenay O, Elnaiem DE. Host preference and human blood index of Phlebotomus orientalis, an exophilic sand fly vector of visceral leishmaniasis in eastern Sudan. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:782-792. [PMID: 37540228 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, kala azar), caused by Leishmania donovani, transmitted by Phlebotomus orientalis, is a serious systemic disease that causes high morbidity and mortality rates in Sudan and other parts of East Africa and the world. Despite progress in understanding the epidemiology of the disease in East Africa, little is known about the host preference of P. orientalis in kala azar endemic villages of Sudan, which have some of the highest VL incidence rates in the world. The present study used host choice experiments and blood-meal identification approaches to determine the host preference of P. orientalis in kala azar endemic villages in Gedarif state, eastern Sudan. In the host choice experiment, tent traps were used to compare the attractiveness of cows, donkeys, sheep and goats for host-seeking P. orientalis. In the blood-meal identification study, blood-fed P. orientalis females, captured inside houses and peri-domestic habitats, were subjected to molecular typing using cytochrome b gene (cyt b) amplification and sequence analysis. Cows and donkeys were the most attractive to blood-seeking P. orientalis, followed by goats. Similarly, the blood-meal analysis of P. orientalis showed that the vector preferentially feeds on cows, followed by donkeys, humans and goats. The human blood index of P. orientalis was 19.4% (42/216), indicating a high zoophilic habit of the vector, both inside and outside the houses. Although the order of host preference varied by location, it was clear that cows are the most preferred host of P. orientalis in the area. Results are discussed in relation to the role of domestic/livestock animals in VL zoopotentiation and zooprophylaxis. Inference is made on the potential impact of insecticide treatment of cows in control of the vector and the transmission of VL in Sudan and other parts of East Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayseer Jibreel
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Altayeb Khogali
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adeel Raiyed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Osman Dakein
- Kala azar Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gedarif, Gedarif, Sudan
| | - Bashir Alsharif
- Medical Entomology Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Omran F Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Bakri Y M Nour
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Gamal Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Vidal-López
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Díaz-Regañón
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Orin Courtenay
- Zeeman Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Dia-Eldin Elnaiem
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, USA
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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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de Souza DK, Addo SO, Desewu K, Nzelu CO, Mosore MT, Nimo-Paintsil S, Attram N, Appawu M, Wilson MD, Boakye DA. Investigating potential sand fly vectors after the first reported outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghana. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:154. [PMID: 37118766 PMCID: PMC10148561 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05767-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted through the bite of infected female sand flies. Since the first reported outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghana, in 1999, there has been limited published information on its vectors and reservoir hosts there. Previous studies have shown strong dominance of the sand fly genus Sergentomyia over the genus Phlebotomus in Ghana. Thus the aim of this study was to determine the possible sand fly vector species in Ghana, as well as their human-feeding behavior, from the time of the first reported outbreak of CL in the country. METHODS Sand flies were collected from randomly selected houses in three communities. They were identified and used for blood meal source identification and the detection of Leishmania infection using molecular methods. RESULTS: A total of 1051 female sand flies were morphologically identified, of which Sergentomyia africana africana (29%) was the predominant species. Among the 275 female sand flies that had blood-fed, the identified blood meal sources included chicken (33.8%) and goat (12.4%); the percentage of human blood meals was 32%. Single-source and mixed-source blood meals were identified in Sergentomyia africana africana (11.6%), Sergentomyia ingrami (14.9%) and Sergentomyia simillima (20%), with S. simillima having the highest proportion of blood meals that included human blood (14.6%). Using molecular methods, unfed sand flies and identified human-feeding species were examined for the presence of Leishmania DNA. Pool screening analysis revealed three pools of S. ingrami positive for Leishmania major DNA, with an infection rate of 1.27% (95% confidence interval 2.467-3.647). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that some Sergentomyia species may be involved in the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghana. However, the role of S. ingrami as a vector of leishmaniasis in Ghana needs to be conclusively validated by isolating the parasite from this species and through experimental transmission studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dziedzom K de Souza
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Seth Offei Addo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwame Desewu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Chukwunonso O Nzelu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine and Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Mba T Mosore
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shirley Nimo-Paintsil
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Naiki Attram
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Maxwell Appawu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Daniel A Boakye
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Query ID="Q1" Text="Graphical abstract: As per journal requirements, graphical abstract is necessary. Kindly check and provide the same."The magnitude of the health problems caused by leishmaniasis has been a major driving factor behind the development and implementation of leishmaniasis control programs by the national authorities in Iran, with a priority for health and environmental management. Such programs are not achievable unless all of the factors leading to the infection, including the parasite's life-cycle, vectors and reservoirs, are recognized. So far in Iran, humans and rodents have been considered the principal reservoirs of Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major, respectively, both associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), with domestic dogs considered to be the main reservoir for Leishmania infantum, associated with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The role of other mammals in maintaining the Leishmania parasite has remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate Leishmania infection among livestock in endemic areas of VL and CL in Fars province, southern Iran, using serological and molecular methods. METHODS Blood samples from 181 clinically healthy livestock, including 49 sheep, 114 goats, 16 cattle and two donkeys, were screened to detect Leishmania DNA and anti-Leishmania antibodies using qPCR (quantitative PCR) and the direct agglutination test (DAT), respectively. Four qPCR-positive samples were amplified using the internal transcribed spacer one (ITS1) primers in conventional PCR and sent for directional sequencing. RESULTS Of the 181 livestock tested, 51 (28.2%) were infected with Leishmania, using serological and molecular methods. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in 70 (38.7%) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.5-46.2) and Leishmania DNA in 93 (51.4%) (95% CI: 43.9-58.9) livestock. The identified Leishmania spp. were L. infantum and L. major. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study show a relatively high prevalence of Leishmania infection among livestock in endemic areas of the disease, in Fars province, southern Iran. Given the large population of this group of animals and the fact that they live in the vicinity of the main reservoirs of the disease and vectors, it seems that sand flies regularly bite these animals. Further studies are needed to determine the role of livestock in the parasite's life-cycle and the epidemiology of Leishmania infection.
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Brackney DE, LaReau JC, Smith RC. Frequency matters: How successive feeding episodes by blood-feeding insect vectors influences disease transmission. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009590. [PMID: 34111228 PMCID: PMC8191993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Doug E. Brackney
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Jacquelyn C. LaReau
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Ryan C. Smith
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
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Xu X, Cheng J, Fu S, Wang Q, Wang J, Lu X, Tian X, Cheng J, Ni S, He Y, Li F, Xu S, Wang H, Wang B, Liang G. Wuxiang Virus Is a Virus Circulated Naturally in Wuxiang County, China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:289-300. [PMID: 33600240 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Wuxiang virus was isolated from sandfly specimens collected in Wuxiang County, Shanxi Province, China in 2018, representing the first reported isolation of sandfly-borne virus from sandflies collected in a natural environment in China. The local sandfly density, seasonal fluctuations, and temporal and spatial distributions of the virus in Wuxiang County remain unclear. Materials and Methods: Four fixed sandfly collection sites were set up in Wuxiang County and sandfly specimens were collected continuously from June to August 2019. All sandfly specimens were subjected to viral isolation and molecular biological analysis. Results: The data on sandfly specimens collected in Wuxiang County from June to August 2019 showed a significant difference in the density of sandflies between June 26 and August 16 (p < 0.05). No statistical difference was found in sandfly density among collection sites (p > 0.05). A total of 33 virus isolates causing cytopathic effects in mammalian (BHK-21) cells were obtained from 7466 sandflies (91 pools) collected from June to August 2019. The results of molecular genetic evolution analysis of the nucleotide sequence of these isolates showed that the L and S genes (encoding NS and N proteins) of the 33 viruses isolated in 2019 are in the same evolutionary branch as the previously isolated Wuxiang virus. No significant difference was found in the virus isolation rate (the pool isolation rate of virus) among sandflies collected at different times from June to August (p > 0.05). The virus isolation rate of sandflies collected at different collection sites showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the Wuxiang virus is a stable viral population in local sandflies. Strengthened research into Wuxiang virus infection of humans and animals and clarification of the public health hazards posed by Wuxiang virus to both humans and animals are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyan Xu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxia Cheng
- Shanxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shihong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qinyan Wang
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Shanxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianshu Cheng
- Wuxiang County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxiang, China
| | - Shuqing Ni
- Wuxiang County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxiang, China
| | - Ying He
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Songtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Huanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guodong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Bejano S, Shumie G, Kumar A, Asemahagn E, Damte D, Woldie S, Mulugeta A, Manaye N, Genetu A, Gadisa E, Mamo G. Prevalence of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis in human and dog, Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Western Ethiopia. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:39. [PMID: 33430946 PMCID: PMC7798290 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04542-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Benishangul-Gumuz region is an important development corridor in Ethiopia. Large-scale projects such as the Great Renaissance Dam, mining and agriculture have entailed huge environmental modifications and settlement pattern changes. There is no detailed epidemiological information on visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the region. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the epidemiology and risk factors associated with Leishmania infection. A leishmanin skin test (LST) was done for 1342 participants, and for 253 of them rK39 and DAT were carried out. Thirty-six dogs owned by households with LST-positive member(s) were rK39 and DAT tested. A pretested questionnaire was used to capture individual and household characteristics. RESULTS Of the 89.2% (1197/1342) who availed themselves of the LST reading, 6.0% were positive. The rk39 and DAT positivity among the 253 tested were 3.2% and 5.9%, respectively. In dogs, positivity rates by rK39 and DAT were 13.9% and 5.6%, respectively. Of the household and individual risk factors, presence of a dog in the household (P = 0.005), male sex (0.003), residence woreda (0.000) and occupation (0.023) showed a strong positive association with LST positivity. Individuals who lived in households that had dogs were 2.6 times more likely to be LST positive (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.54, 4.40). Being female decreased the probability of being LST positive by 0.38 times (AOR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.20, 0.72). People living in Guba and Kurmuk had 4.7 (AOR = 4.74, 95% CI 1.83, 12.31) and 5.9 (AOR = 5.85, 95% CI 2.27, 15.09) times more risk of being infected. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the presence of active VL transmission in the areas. Thus, we underline the need to establish the responsible vector(s) and reservoir(s) for comprehensive early containment plans to prevent potentially harmful public health and economic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibabaw Bejano
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Department of Veterinary Science, Assosa University College of Agriculture and Natural Resource, Assosa, Ethiopia.,Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Immunology and Public Health, Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Debre-Zeyit, Ethiopia
| | - Girma Shumie
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Immunology and Public Health, Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Debre-Zeyit, Ethiopia
| | - Eyuel Asemahagn
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Demekech Damte
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sinkinesh Woldie
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abate Mulugeta
- World Health Organization-Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Nigus Manaye
- World Health Organization Ethiopia Country Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Genetu
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Endalamaw Gadisa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Gezahegn Mamo
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Immunology and Public Health, Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Debre-Zeyit, Ethiopia
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Elnaiem DEA, Dakein O, Alawad AMA, Alsharif B, Khogali A, Jibreel T, Osman OF, Has’san H, Atia AM, Elhag M, Den Boer M, Ritmeijer K, Bern C, Alvar J, Khalid N, Courtenay O. Outdoor Residual Insecticide Spraying (ODRS), a New Approach for the Control of the Exophilic Vectors of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis: Phlebotomus orientalis in East Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008774. [PMID: 33079934 PMCID: PMC7598920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) due to Leishmania donovani is a neglected protozoan parasitic disease in humans, which is usually fatal if untreated. Phlebotomus orientalis, the predominant VL vector in East Africa, is a highly exophilic/exophagic species that poses a major challenge to current Integrated Vector Management (IVM). Here we report results of pilot studies conducted in rural villages in Gedarif state, Sudan, to evaluate outdoor residual spraying of 20mg active ingredient (a.i.) /m2 deltamethrin insecticide applied to the characteristic household compound boundary reed fence and to the outside of household buildings (Outdoor Residual Insecticide Spraying, ODRS), and as an alternative, spraying restricted to the boundary fence only (Restricted Outdoor Residual Insecticide Spraying, RODRS). Four to six clusters of 20 households were assigned to insecticide treatments or control in three experiments. Changes in sand fly numbers were monitored over 2,033 trap-nights over 43–76 days follow-up in four sentinel houses per cluster relative to unsprayed control clusters. Sand fly numbers were monitored by sticky traps placed on the ground on the inside (“outdoor”) and the outside (“peridomestic”) of the boundary fence, and by CDC light traps suspended outdoors in the household compound. The effects of ODRS on sand fly numbers inside sleeping huts were monitored by insecticide knockdown. After a single application, ODRS reduced P. orientalis abundance by 83%-99% in outdoor and peridomestic trap locations. ODRS also reduced numbers of P. orientalis found resting inside sleeping huts. RODRS reduced outdoor and peridomestic P. orientalis by 60%-88%. By direct comparison, RODRS was 58%-100% as effective as ODRS depending on the trapping method. These impacts were immediate on intervention and persisted during follow-up, representing a large fraction of the P. orientalis activity season. Relative costs of ODRS and RODRS delivery were $5.76 and $3.48 per household, respectively. The study demonstrates the feasibility and high entomological efficacy of ODRS and RODRS, and the expected low costs relative to current IVM practises. These methods represent novel sand fly vector control tools against predominantly exophilic/exophagic sand fly vectors, aimed to lower VL burdens in Sudan, with potential application in other endemic regions in East Africa. Phlebotomus orientalis is the predominant vector of visceral leishmaniasis (VL, kala azar) in Sudan and other countries of East Africa, where the disease causes high morbidity and mortality. This sylvatic sand fly species is abundant in wild habitats characterized by presence of black cotton soil and vegetation dominated by Balanites aegyptiaca and/or Acacia seyal trees. In villages, the vector bites people in the household yard and in nearby peri-domestic locations, exhibiting limited indoor resting behaviour. The marked exophagic and exophilic behaviours of P. orientalis represent a profound challenge for VL control by excluding indoor residual spraying of insecticides (IRS) and compromising the efficacy of insecticide-impregnated bednets (ITNs). In this study, we evaluated the entomological efficacy of residual pyrethroid applied outdoors to household boundary fences and the exterior walls of household huts (outdoor residual insecticide spraying, ODRS), to reduce the abundance of P. orientalis inside and outside houses. We also evaluated the entomological impact of a restricted outdoor residual insecticide spraying (RODRS), whereby insecticide was applied only to the boundary fence. The study was carried out in June 2016-June 2017 in Jebel-Algana and Umsalala villages, Gedarif state, eastern Sudan, which are highly endemic for VL. The results showed that a single ODRS application of 20mg a.i. /m2 2.8% deltamethrin provided average reductions of 83%-99% in outdoor and peridomestic P. orientalis sand fly numbers relative to unsprayed control clusters. RODRS reduced outdoor and peridomestic P. orientalis by 60%-88%. The average cost of ODRS and RODRS per household were $5.76 and $3.48, respectively. The costs of these community-based control measures were substantially lower than the costs of LLINs, which is the only evidence-based tool used to protect against VL in the area. Future studies should evaluate the impact of ODRS/RODRS transmission of VL incidence in endemic villages and in seasonal agricultural farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dia-Eldin A. Elnaiem
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DEAE); (OC)
| | - Osman Dakein
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Sudan
- Kala azar Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University for Gedarif, Gedarif, Sudan
| | - Ahmed Mohammed-Ali Alawad
- Ministry of Health, Gedarif state, Sudan
- Blue Nile Health Institute, Gezira University, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Bashir Alsharif
- Departamento de Entomologia, CPqAM, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brasil and Dept of Medical Entomology, National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sudan
| | - Altayeb Khogali
- Blue Nile Health Institute, Gezira University, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Tayseer Jibreel
- Blue Nile Health Institute, Gezira University, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Omran F. Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Hassan Has’san
- Ministry of Health, Gedarif state, Sudan
- Blue Nile Health Institute, Gezira University, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | | | - Mousab Elhag
- Director, Directorate of Communicable Diseases, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | - Caryn Bern
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jorge Alvar
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Noteila Khalid
- Department of Zoology, Ibn Sina University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Orin Courtenay
- Zeeman Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DEAE); (OC)
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Studies of host preferences of wild-caught Phlebotomus orientalis and Ph. papatasi vectors of leishmaniasis in Sudan. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236253. [PMID: 32692759 PMCID: PMC7373290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Understanding the feeding behavior and host choice of sand flies provides valuable information on vector-host relationships and elucidates the epidemiological patterns of leishmaniasis transmission. Blood meal analysis studies are essential for estimating the efficiency of pathogen transmission, assessing the relative human disease risk, and assist in identifying the other potential hosts of leishmaniasis. In Sudan and most of East Africa, there are large remaining gaps in knowledge regarding the feeding habits of phlebotomine vectors. The study aimed to identify the blood meal sources and, therefore, the host preferences of the principal vectors Phlebotomus orientalis and Ph. papatasi in leishmaniasis endemic areas of eastern and central Sudan. Materials and methods Sand flies were collected from two endemic villages in eastern and central Sudan using CDC light traps and sticky traps. The phlebotomine sand flies were morphologically and then molecularly identified. The source of blood meal of the engorged females was determined using a multiplex PCR methodology and specific primers of cytochrome b gene of mitochondrial DNA for human, goat, cow, and dog. The detection of the Leishmania parasite was done using PCR. Results The total number of collected female phlebotomine sand flies was 180. Morphological identification revealed the abundance of Ph. orientalis 103 (57.2%), Ph. papatasi 42 (23.3%), Ph. bergeroti 31 (17.2%), Ph. rodhaini 2 (1.1%) and Ph. duboscqi 2 (1.1%) in the study sites. Out of the 180 collected, 31 (17%) were blood-fed flies. Three species were blood-fed and molecularly identified: Ph. papatasi (N = 7, 22.6%), Ph. bergeroti (N = 9, 26%), and Ph. orientalis (N = 15, 48.4%). Blood meal analysis revealed human DNA in two Ph. orientalis (6.4%), hence, the anthropophilic index was 13.3%. Conclusions Multiplex PCR protocol described here allowed the identification of blood meal sources of many vertebrate species simultaneously. The results indicate that wild-caught Ph. orientalis are anthropophilic in the study areas. Further studies on larger blood-fed sample size are required to validate the potential applications of this technique in designing, monitoring and evaluating control programs, particularly in investigating the potential non-human hosts of leishmaniasis.
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Modry D, Otranto D. Zoonotic Parasites of Reptiles: A Crawling Threat. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:677-687. [PMID: 32448703 PMCID: PMC7203055 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Reptiles are reservoirs of a wide range of pathogens, including many protozoa, helminths, pentastomids, and arthropod parasitic species, some of which may be of public health concern. In this review we discuss the zoonotic risks associated with human–reptile interactions. Increased urbanization and introduction of exotic species of reptile may act as drivers for the transmission of zoonotic parasites through the environment. In addition, being a part of human diet, reptiles can be a source of life-threatening parasitoses, such as pentastomiasis or sparganosis. Finally, reptiles kept as pets may represent a risk to owners given the possibility of parasites transmitted by direct contact or fecal contamination. Awareness of reptile-borne zoonotic parasitoses is important to advocate control, prevention, and surveillance of these neglected diseases. Species of protozoa, helminths, pentastomids, and arthropod vectors exploit reptiles as definitive or paratenic hosts, which may represent a public health concern. The zoonotic risk is associated with human–reptile interactions and includes environmental contamination, reptile consumption, or keeping reptiles as pets. Exotic reptile species may introduce new zoonotic parasites in a previously nonendemic region. Pentastomiasis and sparganosis are life-threatening food-borne parasitoses. In our households, if precautions are not taken, reptiles may transmit zoonotic parasites by direct contact or fecal contamination. Trained veterinarians, physicians, and public health officials are important to advocate for proper diagnostics, parasite identification and treatment, as well as for surveillance strategies and food inspection in areas where reptiles are consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Modry
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UVPS, Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Polanska N, Ishemgulova A, Volfova V, Flegontov P, Votypka J, Yurchenko V, Volf P. Sergentomyia schwetzi: Salivary gland transcriptome, proteome and enzymatic activities in two lineages adapted to different blood sources. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230537. [PMID: 32208452 PMCID: PMC7092997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During the blood feeding, sand fly females inject saliva containing immunomodulatory and anti-haemostatic molecules into their vertebrate hosts. The saliva composition is species-specific, likely due to an adaptation to particular haemostatic pathways of their preferred host. Research on sand fly saliva is limited to the representatives of two best-studied genera, Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia. Although the members of the genus Sergentomyia are highly abundant in many areas in the Old World, their role in human disease transmission remains uncertain. Most Sergentomyia spp. preferentially attack various species of reptiles, but feeding on warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans and domestic animals, has been repeatedly described, especially for Sergentomyia schwetzi, of which salivary gland transcriptome and proteome is analyzed in the current study. Illumina RNA sequencing and de novo assembly of the reads and their annotation revealed 17,293 sequences homologous to other arthropods’ proteins. In the sialome, all proteins typical for sand fly saliva were identified–antigen 5-related, lufaxin, yellow-related, PpSP15-like, D7-related, ParSP25-like, and silk proteins, as well as less frequent salivary proteins included 71kDa-like, ParSP80-like, SP16-like, and ParSP17-like proteins. Salivary enzymes include apyrase, hyaluronidase, endonuclease, amylase, lipase A2, adenosine deaminase, pyrophosphatase, 5’nucleotidase, and ribonuclease. Proteomics analysis of salivary glands identified 631 proteins, 81 of which are likely secreted into the saliva. We also compared two S. schwetzi lineages derived from the same origin. These lineages were adapted for over 40 generations for blood feeding either on mice (S-M) or geckos (S-G), two vertebrate hosts with different haemostatic mechanisms. Altogether, 20 and 40 annotated salivary transcripts were up-regulated in the S-M and S-G lineage, respectively. Proteomic comparison revealed ten salivary proteins more abundant in the lineage S-M, whereas 66 salivary proteins were enriched in the lineage S-G. No difference between lineages was found for apyrase activity; contrarily the hyaluronidase activity was significantly higher in the lineage feeding on mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Polanska
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Aygul Ishemgulova
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Vera Volfova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Flegontov
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Jan Votypka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Pareyn M, Kochora A, Van Rooy L, Eligo N, Vanden Broecke B, Girma N, Merdekios B, Wegayehu T, Maes L, Caljon G, Lindtjørn B, Leirs H, Massebo F. Feeding behavior and activity of Phlebotomus pedifer and potential reservoir hosts of Leishmania aethiopica in southwestern Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007947. [PMID: 32196501 PMCID: PMC7112221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health concern in Ethiopia. However, knowledge about the complex zoonotic transmission cycle is limited, hampering implementation of control strategies. We explored the feeding behavior and activity of the vector (Phlebotomus pedifer) and studied the role of livestock in CL transmission in southwestern Ethiopia. METHODS Blood meal origins of engorged sand flies were determined by sequencing host DNA. A host choice experiment was performed to assess the feeding preference of P. pedifer when humans and hyraxes are equally accessible. Ear and nose biopsies from livestock were screened for the presence of Leishmania parasites. Sand flies were captured indoor and outdoor with human landing catches and CDC light traps to determine at which time and where P. pedifer is mostly active. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 180 P. pedifer sand flies were found to bite hosts of 12 genera. Humans were the predominant blood meal source indoors (65.9%, p < 0.001), while no significant differences were determined outdoors and in caves. In caves, hyraxes were represented in blood meals equally as humans (45.5% and 42.4%, respectively), but the host choice experiment revealed that sand flies have a significant preference for feeding on hyraxes (p = 0.009). Only a single goat nose biopsy from 412 animal samples was found with Leishmania RNA. We found that P. pedifer is predominantly endophagic (p = 0.003), but occurs both indoors and outdoors. A substantial number of sand flies was active in the early evening, which increased over time reaching its maximum around midnight. CONCLUSION In contrast to earlier suggestions of exclusive zoonotic Leishmania transmission, we propose that there is also human-to-human transmission of CL in southwestern Ethiopia. Livestock does not play a role in CL transmission and combined indoor and outdoor vector control measures at night are required for efficient vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrthe Pareyn
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail: (MP); (FM)
| | - Abena Kochora
- Biology Department, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Luca Van Rooy
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nigatu Eligo
- Biology Department, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | | | - Nigatu Girma
- Biology Department, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Behailu Merdekios
- Public Health Department, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Teklu Wegayehu
- Biology Department, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bernt Lindtjørn
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Herwig Leirs
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fekadu Massebo
- Biology Department, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- * E-mail: (MP); (FM)
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Sadlova J, Vojtkova B, Becvar T, Lestinova T, Spitzova T, Bates P, Volf P. Host competence of the African rodents Arvicanthis neumanni, A. niloticus and Mastomys natalensis for Leishmania donovani from Ethiopia and L. ( Mundinia) sp. from Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 11:40-45. [PMID: 31879594 PMCID: PMC6920283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani is regarded as mostly anthroponotic, but a role for animal reservoir hosts in transmission has been suggested in East Africa. Field studies in this region have shown the presence of this parasite in several mammalian species, including rodents of the genera Arvicanthis and Mastomys. Further, the natural reservoirs of Leishmania (Mundinia) sp. causing human cutaneous disease in Ghana, West Africa, are unknown. This study assessed the potential role of the Sub-Saharan rodents Arvicanthis neumanni, A. niloticus and Mastomys natalensis as hosts of L. donovani and L. sp. from Ghana, based on experimental infections of animals and xenodiagnoses. The distribution and load of parasites were determined post mortem using qPCR from the blood, skin and viscera samples. The attractiveness of Arvicanthis and Mastomys to Phlebotomus orientalis was tested by pair-wise comparisons. None of the animals inoculated with L. donovani were infectious to P. orientalis females, although, in some animals, parasites were detected by PCR even 30 weeks post infection. Skin infections were characterized by low numbers of parasites while high parasite burdens were present in spleen, liver and lymph nodes only. Therefore, wild Arvicanthis and Mastomys found infected with L. donovani, should be considered parasite sinks rather than parasite reservoirs. This is indirectly supported also by results of host choice experiments with P. orientalis in which females preferred humans over both Arvicanthis and Mastomys, and their feeding rates on rodents ranged from 1.4 to 5.8% only. Therefore, the involvement of these rodents in transmission of L. donovani by P. orientalis is very unlikely. Similarly, poor survival of Leishmania parasites in the studied rodents and negative results of xenodiagnostic experiments do not support the involvement of Arvicanthis and Mastomys spp. in the transmission cycle of L. sp. from Ghana. Three species of Sub-Saharan rodents were infected and xenodiagnosed. Skin infections in Arvicanthis and Mastomys were characterized by low parasite loads. None of animals inoculated with leishmania were infectious to sand flies. Phlebotomus orientalis females significantly preferred man over rodents. Rodents are unlikely to be involved in the circulation of the two studied Leishmania in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Sadlova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vojtkova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Becvar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Lestinova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tatiana Spitzova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Paul Bates
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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