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de Freitas Milagres T, López-de-Felipe M, da Silva WJ, Martín-Martín I, Gálvez R, da Silva OS. Same parasite, different outcomes: unraveling the epidemiology of Leishmania infantum infection in Brazil and Spain. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:774-785. [PMID: 37442747 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.06.008] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Human leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is an important health problem worldwide. One of the main aspects arousing interest is the epidemiological scenario surrounding Le. infantum infection in the New World (NW) and Old World (OW). This parasite was introduced to the Americas during European colonization leading to different epidemiology outcomes, even more enigmatic in the face of global changes. Thus, this review aims to highlight the differences and similarities between Le. infantum epidemiology between Brazil (NW) and Spain (OW), as both countries are leading the total number of leishmaniosis cases in their respective continents. Grounded on a systemic view, this article also draws attention to possible common innovative strategies to rethink ways of controlling infections caused by Le. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarcísio de Freitas Milagres
- Flebocollect Medical Entomology Citizen Science Group, Madrid, Spain; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Wellington Junior da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Inés Martín-Martín
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gálvez
- Flebocollect Medical Entomology Citizen Science Group, Madrid, Spain; Department of Specific Didactics, School of Education and Teacher Training, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Onilda Santos da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Ortuño M, Muñoz-Hernández C, Risueño J, Jumakanova Z, Farinella A, Vaselek S, Bernal LJ, Sánchez-López PF, Collantes F, Ruiz de Ybáñez R, Martínez-Carrasco C, Pérez-Cutillas P, Berriatua E. Effect of high-volume insecticide spraying on sand fly vectors in household gardens in Spain. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:511-522. [PMID: 37264760 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13062] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of high-volume spraying with the adulticide α-cypermethrin alone and in combination with the larvicide diflubenzuron on the density of sand flies in gardens of three detached households in periurban areas in southeast Spain. Treatments were applied four times between June and August 2016, and four nearby sites, two households and two non-urbanized sites, were untreated controls. The number of sand flies collected between May and October 2016 using sticky interception and light attraction traps, was 4446 specimens. Species identified morphologically included Sergentomyia minuta (n = 2101; 48%), Phlebotomus perniciosus (n = 1922; 44%), Phlebotomus papatasi (n = 173; 4%), Phlebotomus sergenti (n = 161; 4%) and Phlebotomus ariasi (n = 36; 1%). Sand flies were detected in both treated and untreated sites. The proportion of positive sticky traps and the median (range) density of sand flies in positive traps were 61% traps and 7 (2-172) sand flies/m2 /day in untreated sites, and 43% traps and 4 (1-56) sand flies/m2 /day in treated sites (p < 0.05). Similarly, for light traps, it was 96% traps and 30 (3-168) flies/trap/day, and 83% traps and 3 (1-12) sand flies/trap/day, respectively (p < 0.05). However, sand fly density followed a comparable seasonal pattern in untreated and treated sites and did not consistently decrease following insecticide applications. These results were confirmed with mixed negative binomial modelling of sand fly density adjusted for time since application, month, environmental setting and site. The limited efficacy of the treatments, added to their cost, the impact of insecticides on non-target organisms and human health, and the risk of development of insecticide resistance, should dissuade similar outdoor applications to control sand fly vector populations in residential areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ortuño
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Clara Muñoz-Hernández
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Health and Biotechnology Research Group (SaBio), Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José Risueño
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Zarima Jumakanova
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alessia Farinella
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Slavica Vaselek
- Laboratory for Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Department of Phytomedicine and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Luis J Bernal
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro F Sánchez-López
- Environmental Health Service, Department of Public Health and Addictions, Public Health Office of Murcia Region, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Collantes
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Biology Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Rocío Ruiz de Ybáñez
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Maia C, Conceição C, Pereira A, Rocha R, Ortuño M, Muñoz C, Jumakanova Z, Pérez-Cutillas P, Özbel Y, Töz S, Baneth G, Monge-Maillo B, Gasimov E, Van der Stede Y, Torres G, Gossner CM, Berriatua E. The estimated distribution of autochthonous leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum in Europe in 2005-2020. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011497. [PMID: 37467280 PMCID: PMC10389729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study describes the spatial and temporal distribution between 2005 and 2020 of human and animal leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum in European countries reporting autochthonous cases, and highlights potential activities to improve disease control. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS It was based on a review of the scientific literature and data reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Ministries of Health, including hospital discharges in some countries. Autochthonous infections were reported in the scientific literature from 22 countries, including 13 and 21 countries reporting human and animal infections, respectively. In contrast, only 17 countries reported autochthonous human leishmaniasis cases to the WHO and 8 countries animal infections to the WOAH. The number of WOAH reported cases were 4,203, comprising 4,183 canine cases and 20 cases in wildlife. Of 8,367 WHO reported human cases, 69% were visceral leishmaniasis cases-of which 94% were autochthonous-and 31% cutaneous leishmaniasis cases-of which 53% were imported and mostly in France. The resulting cumulative incidence per 100,000 population of visceral leishmaniasis between 2005-2020, was highest in Albania (2.15 cases), followed by Montenegro, Malta, Greece, Spain and North Macedonia (0.53-0.42), Italy (0.16), Portugal (0.09) and lower in other endemic countries (0.07-0.002). However, according to hospital discharges, the estimated human leishmaniasis incidence was 0.70 in Italy and visceral leishmaniasis incidences were 0.67 in Spain and 0.41 in Portugal. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Overall, there was no evidence of widespread increased incidence of autochthonous human leishmaniasis by L. infantum in European countries. Visceral leishmaniasis incidence followed a decreasing trend in Albania, Italy and Portugal, and peaked in Greece in 2013, 2014 and 2017, and in Spain in 2006-2007 and 2011-2013. Animal and human cutaneous leishmaniasis remain highly underreported. In humans, hospital discharge databases provide the most accurate information on visceral leishmaniasis and may be a valuable indirect source of information to identify hotspots of animal leishmaniasis. Integrated leishmaniasis surveillance and reporting following the One Health approach, needs to be enhanced in order to improve disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Conceição
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rafael Rocha
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Clara Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- SaBio, Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Zarima Jumakanova
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Yusuf Özbel
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Seray Töz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Begoña Monge-Maillo
- Unidad de Referencia Nacional para Enfermedades Tropicales, Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elkhan Gasimov
- Division of Country Health Programmes, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yves Van der Stede
- Biological Hazards, Animal Health and Welfare (BIOHAW) Unit, European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy
| | - Gregorio Torres
- Science Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Paris, France
| | - Céline M. Gossner
- Disease Programme Unit, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Density assessment and reporting for Phlebotomus perniciosus and other sand fly species in periurban residential estates in Spain. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3091-3103. [PMID: 34405280 PMCID: PMC8397643 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Green periurban residential areas in Mediterranean countries have flourished in the last decades and become foci for leishmaniasis. To remedy the absence of information on vector ecology in these environments, we examined phlebotomine sand fly distribution in 29 sites in Murcia City over a 3-year period, including the plots of 20 detached houses and nine non-urbanized sites nearby. We collected 5,066 specimens from five species using "sticky" interception and light attraction traps. The relative frequency of the main Leishmania infantum vector Phlebotomus perniciosus in these traps was 32% and 63%, respectively. Sand fly density was widely variable spatially and temporally and greatest in non-urbanized sites, particularly in caves and abandoned buildings close to domestic animal holdings. Phlebotomus perniciosus density in house plots was positively correlated with those in non-urbanized sites, greatest in larger properties with extensive vegetation and non-permanently lived, but not associated to dog presence or a history of canine leishmaniasis. Within house plots, sand fly density was highest in traps closest to walls. Furthermore, the study provides a guideline for insect density assessment and reporting and is envisioned as a building block towards the development of a pan-European database for robust investigation of environmental determinants of sand fly distribution.
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Zini E, Muscardin L, D'Anna N, Fondati A, Gradoni L, Lubas G, Paltrinieri S, Roura X, Zatelli A, Maroli M. Preventive measures of canine leishmaniosis in Italy: Attitudes of veterinarians based on a questionnaire. Prev Vet Med 2020; 183:105148. [PMID: 32956990 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
There are several topical ectoparasiticides, drugs, supplements and vaccines that protect dogs against sand fly bites and/or reduce the risk of Leishmania infantum infection. This large variety of products and the absence of comparative studies mean that veterinarians are often faced with uncertainty. The aim of the study was to characterise the attitudes of veterinarians towards leishmaniosis prevention in client-owned dogs in Italy. A web-based questionnaire was prepared with 28 questions covering the working environment of veterinarians, advice given to owners regarding topical ectoparasiticides, advice on systemic prevention, and the use of diagnostic tests on which to base advice for prevention. The questionnaire was emailed to 9,426 veterinarians and answers were collected after 100 days. A total of 542 questionnaires were returned (response percentage 5.8 %): 54.8 % of the veterinarians considered their working area to be endemic, 29.3 % examined dogs from urban areas, and 42.3 % diagnosed ≥10 dogs/year with leishmaniosis. Those veterinarians who diagnosed ≥10 dogs/year with leishmaniosis were more likely to consider their working area to be endemic, whereas those who examined dogs mainly from urban areas were less likely to consider the area to be endemic. Veterinarians who considered the working area to be endemic were more prone to prescribe ectoparasiticides throughout the year, including collars and spot-on products and a combination of the two, vaccine alone or vaccine and domperidone combined, and used qualitative serological Leishmania tests. The attitude of veterinarians did not differ whether dogs were from urban or rural areas. In conclusion, veterinarians who consider their working area to be endemic or who frequently diagnose dogs with leishmaniosis tend to adopt more comprehensive strategies, and their attitudes are not influenced by the origin of the dogs: urban or rural. Overall, in Italy the attitudes of veterinarians in relation to canine leishmaniosis prevention appear to vary considerably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Zini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, NO, Italy.
| | - Lorenza Muscardin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Nunzio D'Anna
- Policlinico Veterinario Roma Sud, Ophthalmology, Via Pilade Mazza 24, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Gradoni
- Unit of Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - George Lubas
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Via Livornese (SP22), 56122 San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carrer de l'Hospital s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - Michele Maroli
- formerly, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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6
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Pérez-Cutillas P, Muñoz C, Martínez-De La Puente J, Figuerola J, Navarro R, Ortuño M, Bernal LJ, Ortiz J, Soriguer RC, Berriatua E. A spatial ecology study in a high-diversity host community to understand blood-feeding behaviour in Phlebotomus sandfly vectors of Leishmania. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 34:164-174. [PMID: 31930740 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Molecular studies indicate that Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) blood feed on many vertebrate species, of which only a few are proven parasite reservoirs. Investigating sandfly vector feeding preferences is therefore important and requires taking into account the availability and accessibility of host species. In terms of the latter, it is necessary to consider the metabolic cost to the insect of reaching the host and moving on to a suitable breeding site. The present study used statistical modelling to compare the feeding patterns of Phlebotomus perniciosus (n = 150), Phlebotomus papatasi (n = 35) and Phlebotomus ariasi (n = 7) on each of an average of 30 host species in a wildlife park in Murcia, Spain. Sandfly feeding movement costs were estimated as a function of the distance and altitude gradients saved by the insect, assuming that they displayed 'site fidelity'. Most (87%) engorged females were caught <100 m from the host on which they had fed. Although the percentage of bloodmeals was highest on fallow deer (Dama dama) (30%) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (26%), the predicted feeding probability after considering movement cost was highest for red deer and common eland (Taurotragus oryx), and positively associated with host census. These results suggest that, under similar circumstances, sandflies prefer to feed on some host species more than on others.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Pérez-Cutillas
- Grupo de Erosión y Conservación de Suelos, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Martínez-De La Puente
- Departamentode Etología y Conservación de la Biodiversidad, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD-CSIC), C/ Américo Vespucio, Seville, Spain
- Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Seville, Spain
| | - J Figuerola
- Departamentode Etología y Conservación de la Biodiversidad, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD-CSIC), C/ Américo Vespucio, Seville, Spain
- Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Seville, Spain
| | - R Navarro
- Sección Veterinaria, Parque Zoológico Terra Natura Murcia, C/ Regidor Cayetano Gago, s/n, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - L J Bernal
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Ortiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - R C Soriguer
- Departamentode Etología y Conservación de la Biodiversidad, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD-CSIC), C/ Américo Vespucio, Seville, Spain
- Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Seville, Spain
| | - E Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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7
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Risueño J, Spitzová T, Bernal LJ, Muñoz C, López MC, Thomas MC, Infante JJ, Volf P, Berriatua E. Longitudinal monitoring of anti-saliva antibodies as markers of repellent efficacy against Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus papatasi in dogs. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 33:99-109. [PMID: 30450832 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A 2-year longitudinal study of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibodies against Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) sandfly saliva was performed in 32 Beagle dogs treated preventively with an imidacloprid-permethrin topical insecticide in an endemic area in Spain. Dogs were grouped into three sandfly exposure groups according to the time of inclusion in the study. Assays analysed immunoglobulin G (IgG) against salivary gland homogenates (SGH) of both species and recombinant P. papatasi rSP32 and P. perniciosus rSP03B proteins in serum. The dogs were participating in a Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) vaccine trial and were experimentally infected with the parasite in the second year. No dog acquired natural L. infantum infections during the first year, but most developed anti-saliva antibodies, and median log-transformed optical densities (LODs) were seasonal, mimicking those of local sandflies. This indicates that the repellent efficacy of the insecticide used is below 100%. Multi-level modelling of LODs revealed variability among dogs, autocorrelation and differences according to the salivary antigen and the dog's age. However, dog seroprevalence, estimated using pre-exposure LODs as cut-offs, was relatively low. This, and the fact that dogs did not become naturally infected with L. infantum, would support the efficacy and usefulness of this imidacloprid-permethrin topical insecticide in canine leishmaniasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Risueño
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - T Spitzová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - L J Bernal
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Muñoz
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - M C López
- Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine 'López Neyra', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - M C Thomas
- Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine 'López Neyra', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - J J Infante
- Bioorganic Research and Services, SA, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
| | - P Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - E Berriatua
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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8
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Fernandez M, Tabar MD, Arcas A, Mateu C, Homedes J, Roura X. Comparison of efficacy and safety of preventive measures used against canine leishmaniasis in southern European countries: Longitudinal retrospective study in 1647 client-owned dogs (2012–2016). Vet Parasitol 2018; 263:10-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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9
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Velez R, Ballart C, Domenech E, Abras A, Fernández-Arévalo A, Gómez SA, Tebar S, Muñoz C, Cairó J, Gállego M. Seroprevalence of canine Leishmania infantum infection in the Mediterranean region and identification of risk factors: The example of North-Eastern and Pyrenean areas of Spain. Prev Vet Med 2018; 162:67-75. [PMID: 30621900 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean basin is an endemic region for canine leishmaniosis (CanL), where it represents a major veterinary problem and raises human health concerns. However, the distribution of the disease is heterogeneous and not all countries and locations have been equally studied and characterized. This work describes the situation of CanL in Girona province (Catalonia, Spain), for which no data has been previously reported, and presents a relevant study to exemplify other areas with similar characteristics across the region. Four cross-sectional seroprevalence surveys were performed from 2012 to 2016 throughout the province, including 36 sampling stations in 26 localities and a total of 593 dogs. For each animal, individual and location variables were also collected. Additionally, each dog owner answered a questionnaire about their knowledge of CanL and preventive methods used. Blood samples were analysed by an in-house ELISA and a mixed logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between pre-determined variables and dog seropositivity. A Spearman's correlation was used to assess the association between dog owners' perceived risk of CanL and Leishmania infantum seropositivity in dogs at a given location. The overall true seroprevalence estimated for Girona province was 19.5% (95%CI: 15.5-23.5), of which only 6.8% (10/146) were considered symptomatic. Age of the dog [OR = 1.21 (95%CI: 1.11-1.31); p < 0.001] and altitude [OR = 0.02 (95%CI: 0.001-0.19); p = 0.001] were identified as risk factors for the infection. The results obtained in this study are expected to aid in the implementation of directed control programmes in CanL endemic areas throughout Europe, as well as to provide suitable data for the design of better risk assessment maps of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Velez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - C Ballart
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - E Domenech
- Hospital Veterinari Canis, Girona, Spain.
| | - A Abras
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - A Fernández-Arévalo
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - S A Gómez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - S Tebar
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - C Muñoz
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| | - J Cairó
- Hospital Veterinari Canis, Girona, Spain.
| | - M Gállego
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Muñoz C, Risueño J, Yilmaz A, Pérez-Cutillas P, Goyena E, Ortuño M, Bernal LJ, Ortiz J, Alten B, Berriatua E. Investigations of Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies in rural Spain reveal strongly aggregated and gender-specific spatial distributions and advocate use of light-attraction traps. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 32:186-196. [PMID: 29111588 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The spatial and temporal distribution of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) (Newstead, 1911), the sand fly vector of pathogens of public and animal health importance, was investigated in a high sand fly density rural area in Spain using light-attraction and sticky-interception traps. Traps were placed inside animal buildings and outside at increasing distance from animals. A total of 8506 sand flies were collected, 87% with light traps. Species frequency differed between trap types. The abundance of P. perniciosus decreased exponentially with increasing distance to animals and, while females were most common in the animal enclosure, males predominated in adjoining storage places. Increasing CO2 concentration had an additional positive effect on female abundance only. Both male and female density increased with rising temperature, and there was some indication that females were more active than males at higher relative humidity. The study confirms that P. perniciosus aggregates around animal premises, although male and female distributions differ and should be analysed separately to account for biological and behavioural differences. This provides further evidence that light traps offer an accurate estimation of the relative spatial and temporal abundance of P. perniciosus, conferring an added value for the study of this species and the risk of pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Risueño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Yilmaz
- Ecology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University HU-ESRL-VERG Laboratories, Ankara, Turkey
| | - P Pérez-Cutillas
- Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - E Goyena
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - L J Bernal
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Ortiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - B Alten
- Ecology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University HU-ESRL-VERG Laboratories, Ankara, Turkey
| | - E Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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11
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Risueño J, Ortuño M, Pérez-Cutillas P, Goyena E, Maia C, Cortes S, Campino L, Bernal LJ, Muñoz C, Arcenillas I, Martínez-Rondán FJ, Gonzálvez M, Collantes F, Ortiz J, Martínez-Carrasco C, Berriatua E. Epidemiological and genetic studies suggest a common Leishmania infantum transmission cycle in wildlife, dogs and humans associated to vector abundance in Southeast Spain. Vet Parasitol 2018; 259:61-67. [PMID: 30056986 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infection was investigated in 202 wild carnivores, rodents and lagomorphs in Southeast Spain using a real-time PCR (rtPCR) in skin and organ samples, mostly spleen. Lesions compatible with leishmaniosis were not observed in any of the animals. Prevalence defined as the percentage of rtPCR-positive animals was 32% overall, and 45% in foxes (n = 69), 30% in rabbits (n = 80) and stone martens (n = 10), 19% in wood mice (n = 16), 0% in black rats (n = 10) and ranged between 0% and 100% in other minoritarian species including badgers, wild cats, wolves, raccoons, genets and hares. Most infected rabbits were rtPCR-positive in skin and not in spleen samples and the opposite was the case for foxes (p < 0.05). L. infantum prevalence was lowest in spring following months of non-exposure to phlebotomine sand fly vectors, and spatially matched recently estimated Phlebotomus perniciosus vector abundance and the prevalence of subclinical infection in dogs and humans. Prevalence increased with altitude and was greater in drier and less windy South and West compared to the coastal Southeast of the study area (p < 0.05). Genetic diversity of L. infantum from foxes, investigated by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphisms of kinetoplast DNA, revealed B genotype in all animals, which is frequent in people and dogs in the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. The study provides further evidence that subclinical L. infantum infection is widespread in wildlife with prevalence depending on environmental factors and that parasite tissue tropism may vary according to host species. Moreover, it suggests that sylvatic and domestic transmission cycles are closely interconnected.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Risueño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - P Pérez-Cutillas
- Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), 30100, Murcia, Spain; Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Murcia, 30001, Murcia, Spain
| | - E Goyena
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S Cortes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L Campino
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L J Bernal
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - I Arcenillas
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - F J Martínez-Rondán
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - F Collantes
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Ortiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Martínez-Carrasco
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - E Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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Performance of Leishmania PFR1 recombinant antigen in serological diagnosis of asymptomatic canine leishmaniosis by ELISA. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:304. [PMID: 29061137 PMCID: PMC5654103 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1224-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania infantum is a protozoan parasite transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies that causes life-threatening disease in humans and dogs. The dog is the primary reservoir of the parasite and early diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis is crucial at the clinical and epidemiological level. The currently available serological tests for CanL diagnostic show limitations therefore the aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of an indirect antibody ELISA based on the Leishmania infantum recombinant antigen PFR1 in asymptomatically infected dogs. One hundred fifty-six dogs including Leishmania-free experimental Beagles and pet dogs from England, Scotland and Leishmania-endemic Murcia in Spain, were tested with the assay. The later were also tested with two commercial L. infantum crude antigen ELISAs (INgezim and Civtest, respectively) and a real-time kinetoplast PCR test. Results Anti-PFR1 antibodies were detected in the four groups of dogs, and the mean log-transformed optical density (OD) values were lowest in Beagles and in dogs from England and highest among dogs from Murcia (p < 0.05). Using the highest OD in beagles as the PFR1 ELISA cut-off point, the estimated seroprevalence was 27% (14-40%) in dogs from Murcia, 4% (0-9%) in dogs from Scotland and 3% (0-8%) in dogs from England (p < 0.05). Seroprevalence in dogs from Murcia according to the INgezim and Civtest ELISAs were 24% (12-37%) and 31% (18-45%), respectively, whilst the prevalence of infection based on PCR in these dogs was 73% (60-86). The percentages of PFR1-positive dogs that tested negative on the INgezim and Civtest ELISAs were 30% and 35%, respectively, and all of them tested positive on the PCR test. Relative to the PCR, the specificity, sensitivity and area under the ROC curve of the PFR1 ELISA were 100%, 36% and 0.74 (0.63-0.86), respectively. Conclusions The ability shown by the PFR1 ELISA to detect infected dogs that go undetected by the crude antigen ELISAs is clinically and epidemiologically useful and PFR1 could be considered a candidate for a multi-antigen-based immunoassay for early detection of L. infantum infected dogs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-017-1224-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Sevá ADP, Martcheva M, Tuncer N, Fontana I, Carrillo E, Moreno J, Keesling J. Efficacies of prevention and control measures applied during an outbreak in Southwest Madrid, Spain. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186372. [PMID: 29028841 PMCID: PMC5640254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease of worldwide distribution, currently present in 98 countries. Since late 2010, an unusual increase of human visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis cases has been observed in the south-western Madrid region, totaling more than 600 cases until 2015. Some hosts, such as human, domestic dog and cat, rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and hare (Lepus granatensis), were found infected by the parasite of this disease in the area. Hares were described as the most important reservoir due to their higher prevalence, capacity to infect the vector, and presence of the same strains as in humans. Various measures were adopted to prevent and control the disease, and since 2013 there was a slight decline in the human sickness. We used a mathematical model to evaluate the efficacy of each measure in reducing the number of infected hosts. We identified in the present model that culling both hares and rabbits, without immediate reposition of the animals, was the best measure adopted, decreasing the proportion of all infected hosts. Particularly, culling hares was more efficacious than culling rabbits to reduce the proportion of infected individuals of all hosts. Likewise, lowering vector contact with hares highly influenced the reduction of the proportion of infected hosts. The reduction of the vector density per host in the park decreased the leishmaniasis incidence of hosts in the park and the urban areas. On the other hand, the reduction of the vector density per host of the urban area (humans, dogs and cats) decreased only their affected population, albeit at a higher proportion. The use of insecticide-impregnated collar and vaccination in dogs affected only the infected dogs' population. The parameters related to the vector contact with dog, cat or human do not present a high impact on the other hosts infected by Leishmania. In conclusion, the efficacy of each control strategy was determined, in order to direct future actions in this and in other similar outbreaks. The present mathematical model was able to reproduce the leishmaniasis dynamics in the Madrid outbreak, providing theoretical support based on successful experiences, such as the reduction of human cases in Southwest Madrid, Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaiá da Paixão Sevá
- Department of Mathematics of University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Maia Martcheva
- Department of Mathematics of University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Necibe Tuncer
- Department of Mathematical Sciences of Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Isabella Fontana
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Eugenia Carrillo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Moreno
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - James Keesling
- Department of Mathematics of University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Risueño J, Muñoz C, Pérez-Cutillas P, Goyena E, Gonzálvez M, Ortuño M, Bernal LJ, Ortiz J, Alten B, Berriatua E. Understanding Phlebotomus perniciosus abundance in south-east Spain: assessing the role of environmental and anthropic factors. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:189. [PMID: 28420407 PMCID: PMC5395901 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2135-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniosis is associated with Phlebotomus sand fly vector density, but our knowledge of the environmental framework that regulates highly overdispersed vector abundance distributions is limited. We used a standardized sampling procedure in the bioclimatically diverse Murcia Region in Spain and multilevel regression models for count data to estimate P. perniciosus abundance in relation to environmental and anthropic factors. Methods Twenty-five dog and sheep premises were sampled for sand flies using adhesive and light-attraction traps, from late May to early October 2015. Temperature, relative humidity and other animal- and premise-related data recorded on site and other environmental data were extracted from digital databases using a geographical information system. The relationship between sand fly abundance and explanatory variables was analysed using binomial regression models. Results The total number of sand flies captured, mostly with light-attraction traps, was 3,644 specimens, including 80% P. perniciosus, the main L. infantum vector in Spain. Abundance varied between and within zones and was positively associated with increasing altitude from 0 to 900 m above sea level, except from 500 to 700 m where it was low. Populations peaked in July and especially during a 3-day heat wave when relative humidity and wind speed plummeted. Regression models indicated that climate and not land use or soil characteristics have the greatest impact on this species density on a large geographical scale. In contrast, micro-environmental factors such as animal building characteristics and husbandry practices affect sand fly population size on a smaller scale. Conclusions A standardised sampling procedure and statistical analysis for highly overdispersed distributions allow reliable estimation of P. perniciosus abundance and identification of environmental drivers. While climatic variables have the greatest impact at macro-environmental scale, anthropic factors may be determinant at a micro-geographical scale. These finding may be used to elaborate predictive distribution maps useful for vector and pathogen control programs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2135-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Risueño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Clara Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro Pérez-Cutillas
- Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Murcia, 30001, Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Goyena
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis Jesús Bernal
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juana Ortiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Bulent Alten
- Department of Biology, Ecology section, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University HU-ESRL-VERG laboratories, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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