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Cutolo AA, Motoie G, Menz I, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Persistent cutaneous canine leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in an area with predominance of Nyssomyia neivai in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e007121. [PMID: 34550212 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a neglected zoonotic disease caused mainly by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, which is endemic throughout Brazil. Canine ACL cases were investigated in a rural area of Monte Mor, São Paulo, where a human ACL case had been confirmed. Dogs were evaluated through clinical and laboratory diagnosis including serology, cytological tissue preparations and PCR on skin lesions, lymph node and bone marrow samples. Entomological investigations on sandflies trapped in the surroundings of the study area were performed for 14 months. Nyssomyia neivai was the predominant phlebotomine species, comprising 94.65% of the captured specimens (832 out of 879). This species was the most abundant in all trapping sites, including human homes and dog shelters. Ny. whitmani, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia monticola, Evandromyia cortellezzii, Pi. fischeri and Expapilata firmatoi were also captured. Two of the three dogs examined were positive for anti-Leishmania IgG in ELISA using the antigen Fucose mannose ligand and skin samples were positive for L. (V.) braziliensis in PCR, but all the samples collected were negative for L. (L.) infantum. One of the dogs had a confirmed persistent infection for more than one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Antonio Cutolo
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz - IAL, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Gabriela Motoie
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz - IAL, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Canine visceral leishmaniasis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus: evaluation and comparison of classical techniques. Vet Res Commun 2021; 46:109-120. [PMID: 34554364 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-021-09834-y] [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: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was evaluating the association and correlation between the diagnostics tests used for Leishmania spp. detection in dogs and ticks. We evaluated 99 dogs and 990 Rhipicephalus sanguineus. In dogs, we used bone marrow aspirates and lymph node fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for direct parasitological examinations and real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and collected blood samples for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In ticks, two laboratory techniques [immunohistochemistry to lipophosphoglycan (IHC) and RT-PCR] were performed in the intestine, ovaries and salivary glands. With respect to the measurement of diagnostic performance in dogs, lymph node RT-PCR proved to be the best test followed by ELISA and bone marrow RT-PCR. In ticks, intestine IHC were considered as a gold standard for diagnosis of leishmaniasis with intestinal RT-PCR being the best diagnostic test. To arrive at the correlation between laboratory techniques for dogs and their ticks, we evaluated the diagnostic test used for dogs with tests performed in R. sanguineus, which used lymph node FNAB as the gold standard. The intestine IHC technique showed strongest association. We demonstrated that the best tissue for Leishmania spp. detection in dogs was the lymph node and the intestine in case of ticks. As for laboratory techniques, the isolated analysis of each species presented a strong agreement between immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR when compared to its gold standard. In addition, we concluded that the immunohistochemistry of ticks' intestines was a better technique for diagnosing Leishmania spp. in R. sanguineus, thereby showing almost perfect correlation with the lymph node FNAB.
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Comparative study of the use of miltefosine, miltefosine plus allopurinol, and allopurinol in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. Exp Parasitol 2020; 217:107947. [PMID: 32628971 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, an intracytoplasmic parasite that affects humans and other species of domestic and wild mammals. In Brazil, the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) with miltefosine has been implemented since 2016, and the reports on the clinical and immunological conditions of treated dogs are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to assess and monitor the clinical, laboratory, and immunological condition of dogs with CVL before (D0) and after (D29) using three pharmacotherapeutic protocols: miltefosine monotherapy (Milteforan™, Virbac) (G1), miltefosine plus allopurinol (G2), and allopurinol monotherapy (G3). Forty-five dogs with CVL were assigned to one of three treatment groups. The dogs were evaluated for clinical signs, was well as haematological, biochemical, serological, and cytokine levels. Significant reduction in clinical scores was observed in all protocols, with no differences between groups. We did not observe a clinical cure in any of the dogs in the groups. Haematological and biochemical parameters showed slow recovery, with better results observed in G2. Anti-Leishmania antibody titre remained increased in all groups. The quantification of serum cytokines demonstrated a mixed Th1/Th2 profile in CVL. The IL-2 levels decreased in all groups after treatment. Evaluation of IFN-y and IL-10 did not show changes in the groups analysed, and it did not contribute to short term therapeutic monitoring. All therapeutic protocols promoted, to varying degrees, an improvement in the general condition (clinical signs, haematological, and biochemical levels) of the animals. Through clinical-pathological exams, we found that the combination of miltefosine plus allopurinol promoted better effects in the short-term, representing the best choice for the treatment of CVL, even when compared to the only therapeutic protocol allowed in Brazil, miltefosine monotherapy. Through the quantification of cytokines, IL-2 proved to be a potential therapeutic marker for the monitoring and follow-up of dogs with CVL.
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Marcelino AP, Filho JADS, e Bastos CDV, Ribeiro SR, Medeiros FAC, Reis IA, Lima ACVMDR, Barbosa JR, Paz GF, Gontijo CMF. Comparative PCR-based diagnosis for the detection of Leishmania infantum in naturally infected dogs. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105495. [PMID: 32305295 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The applicability of molecular biology/PCR for canine visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis presents challenges, mainly due to the diversity of targets described. The objectives of this study were to compare the sensitivities and reliability of five targets (kDNA/120, kDNA/145, ITS1, hsp70/234 and hsp70/1300) in four different tissue samples (bone marrow, popliteal lymph node, skin and conjunctival swab). Sixty-five dogs (32 males and 33 females) naturally infected with Leishmania infantum and ten dogs without infection were examined. Dogs were characterized by serological and parasitological methods. The parasitological test was considered the gold standard for analysis. All tests presented high specificity 100% (95% CI 0.72-1), and variable sensitivity. The targets kDNA/145, ITS1, kDNA/120, hsp70/234 and hsp70/1300 detected 100% (65/65), 93.4% (61/65), 92.3% (60/65), 84.61% (55/65) and 72.3% (77/65) of positive animals respectively. The performance of PCR methods was analyzed in two different scenarios. The highest sensitivity value identified in all scenarios studied was kDNA/145. Our results suggest that popliteal lymph node and conjunctival swab samples, besides being less invasive collections, represent a good substratum for PCR-based diagnosis, and the target kDNA/145 is the best choice for detecting L. infantum DNA in naturally infected dogs.
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Heidari A, Mohebali M, Vahed M, Kabir K, Zarei Z, Akhoundi B, Elikaee S, Barati H, Sezavar M, Keshavarz H, Kakooei Z, Hajjaran H. Molecular and Seroepidemiological Survey of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Owned Dogs ( Canis familiaris) in New Foci of Rural Areas of Alborz Province, Central Part of Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study in 2017. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2020; 14:38-46. [PMID: 32766347 PMCID: PMC7382694 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v14i1.2702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mediterranean form of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic among some provinces of Iran. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in the owned dogs of the rural areas of Alborz Province near Tehran as the capital of Iran. Methods: This study conducted on 303 owned dogs that selected using a stratified random sampling method. The direct agglutination test (DAT) was used to determine the frequency of Vl. The spleen biopsy was taken from the serology-positive dogs for the confirmation of CVL in the suspected dogs. Nested PCR and sequencing methods were used to determine the type of Leishmania species in the dogs which were parasitological positive. Results: Overall, the DAT results of 9 dogs (2.97%, CI: 1.57–5.55) showed anti Leishmania antibodies at titers ≥ 1:320 indicating VL infection. One dog (0.33%, CI 95%: 0.06–1.85) showed clinical signs and symptoms of VL. There was a significant correlation between the positive cases of CVL and rural area (p< 0.001). The Leishmania was observed in the impression smears that were prepared from spleen biopsy of five the studied dogs. Leishmania infantum were confirmed in all them using nested–PCR assay. The sequence analysis of all five isolates was 95% similar to L. infantum. Conclusion: This study shows that domestic cycle of L. infantum has been established in rural areas of Alborz province where located near Tehran as capital city of Iran. It is necessary to increase the awareness and monitoring of the disease periodically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliehsan Heidari
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Vahed
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Kabir
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zabihollah Zarei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Elikaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojatallah Barati
- Center of Against Infectious Diseases, Health Depatment, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Monireh Sezavar
- Department of Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Allied medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Kakooei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Eke IG, Ezeh IO, Ezeudu TA, Eze UU, Anaga AO, Onyeyili PA. Efficacy of secnidazole-diminazene aceturate combination therapy in the late treatment of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in dogs. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902019000318042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Dias A, Almeida A, Rodrigues J, Nakazato L, Fujimori M, Sousa V. Cytological and molecular detection of Leishmania spp. in different biological tissues of dogs in areas endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-10775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Ascencio ME, Sarmiento NF, Schnittger L, Florin-Christensen M, Rodriguez AE. Molecular diagnosis of Leishmania spp. in dogs of a subtropical locality of Argentina. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67 Suppl 2:106-110. [PMID: 31496050 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is a tropical and subtropical vector-borne disease caused by hemoparasites of the genus Leishmania. The disease can infect humans, as well as domestic and wildlife animals. Dogs are the main reservoir for L. infantum, the aetiological agent of visceral leishmaniosis (VL) in America, and a domestic source of L. braziliensis, the most widespread aetiological agent of American tegumentary leishmaniosis. Infected dogs can develop a clinical syndrome called canine leishmaniosis (CanL), which presents with skin lesions, mild fever; additionally hepatomegaly and splenomegaly can be observed, although asymptomatic infections are frequent. Direct microscopic observation of the parasite in bone marrow, blood, skin scrapings and conjunctival swab samples is the gold standard of diagnosis and is usually complemented with serological tests, and to a lesser extent, molecular detection of the parasite. In Argentina, leishmaniosis is an emerging disease, with a growing number of human and canine clinical cases since 2006. Our study was carried out in Mercedes, a town located in the subtropical north-eastern area of Argentina, where dogs with positive parasitological test results for Leishmania spp. must be euthanized according to local regulations. We evaluated the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in the blood of dogs (n = 166) from urban and peri-urban zones. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood using Chelex 100 resin and a conserved 116 bp region of the kinetoplastid DNA was amplified by conventional PCR. Clinical signs, age and gender were recorded. Our results showed that 120 out of 166 surveyed dogs (72%) were positive for Leishmania spp. DNA of which only seven were positive by parasitological and serological tests. No significant correlation between positive cases and gender or age groups was found. This report shows the high prevalence of this disease in Argentina and contributes to improve public health policy with regard to diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infected dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Ernesto Ascencio
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVet), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVet), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales, Universidad de Morón, Morón, Argentina
| | - Mónica Florin-Christensen
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVet), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales, Universidad de Morón, Morón, Argentina
| | - Anabel Elisa Rodriguez
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVet), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Gastrointestinal, skin and blood parasites in Didelphis spp. from urban and sylvatic areas in São Paulo state, Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 16:100286. [PMID: 31027595 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Didelphis (Marsupialia, Didelphimorphia) are synanthropic mammals, whose omnivorous diet predisposes them to infections caused by endoparasites. Their higher frequency in urban areas makes them potential carriers of zoonotic protozoans and helminths, enhancing potential transmission to humans. Our purpose was to study two common species, Didelphis albiventris (54 individuals) and D. aurita (2 individuals), which were screened for blood, skin and intestinal parasites in animals captured in urban areas and in riparian forest regions associated with the Capivari River Basin, in Monte Mor's municipality, São Paulo state (SP), Brazil. Blood and tissue samples were collected for DNA extraction and PCR. Fecal samples were collected and submitted to two sedimentation and two flotation methods. 77.6% of fecal samples were positive for nematode eggs, 34.5% for trematode eggs and 32.7% for protozoans. Two D. aurita specimens were naturally infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. Molecular analysis in a D. albiventris captured on a forested rural area was positive for Leishmania sp. DNA. Several parasites were found infecting Didelphis sp., demonstrating that this group of animals can harbor important zoonotic parasites, potentially playing a role as sylvatic reservoirs for human and domestic animal pathogens.
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Dos Santos Nogueira F, Avino VC, Galvis-Ovallos F, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Moreira MAB, Romariz APPL, Molla LM, Menz I. Use of miltefosine to treat canine visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:79. [PMID: 30736866 PMCID: PMC6368741 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3323-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease with a variety of clinical signs. The main form of parasite transmission to humans and other mammalian hosts is through the bite of infected arthropod females with Lutzomyia longipalpis serving as the main vector in the Americas. Dogs are the main urban domestic reservoirs of the parasite and the main source of vector infection due to their high prevalence in endemic areas and the large number of parasites in the skin of infected animals. Although miltefosine has been used in Europe since 2002 for treatment of VL infected dogs, in the Americas the treatment of dogs has not been recommended. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate efficacy of miltefosine observing a reduction of clinical signs in infected dogs and the infectiveness to the vector by Leishmania (L.) infantum. Methods To our knowledge, this is the first controlled study using qPCR and xenodiagnosis to evaluate the efficacy of miltefosine (Milteforan®, Virbac) as a single treatment in Brazil. Thirty-five adult dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), confirmed by clinical and laboratory tests, were included in this study. They received miltefosine at a dose of 2 mg/kg every 24 h for 28 days. The dogs were observed over a three-month period, during which clinical evaluations based on a scoring system were conducted at pre-established times. Parasite load was assessed by cytology and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Transmissibility to the vector was evaluated by xenodiagnosis. Results At the end of the period, the following were observed: (i) the remission of clinical signs with a reduction in clinical scores for 94.2% of the animals; (ii) a statistically significant reduction (98.7%) in parasitic load by qPCR; and (iii) a reduction in infectivity to sand flies. After treatment, 74.2% of the animals remained or had become non-infectious. Conclusions Our study indicates that the use of miltefosine administered orally for 4 weeks contributes to a clinical improvement and reduction in infectivity of dogs to L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valdir Carlos Avino
- Departamento de Assuntos Regulatórios e Desenvolvimento da Virbac Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fredy Galvis-Ovallos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Leticia M Molla
- Departamento de Assuntos Regulatórios e Desenvolvimento da Virbac Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Menz
- Ingrid Menz Self-employed Veterinarian, São Paulo, Campinas, Brazil.
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Marcondes M, Day MJ. Current status and management of canine leishmaniasis in Latin America. Res Vet Sci 2019; 123:261-272. [PMID: 30708238 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Latin America encompasses diverse geographical, cultural and socio-economic conditions, which are reflected in the challenges for infectious disease control in the region. One of the most significant regional infectious diseases for humans and domestic dogs is leishmaniasis, occurring as visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi) transmitted by sand flies (Lutzomyia longipalpis) and with a canine reservoir, and the more common cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) involving multiple Leishmania spp. (particularly L. braziliensis), sand fly vectors and reservoir hosts. VL is spreading within Latin America for reasons related to mass migration of human and canine populations, with incursion into novel environments (e.g. related to deforestation) coupled with a background of poverty and poor public health infrastructure. The challenges for control of VL also include: (1) the accurate identification of infected dogs (particularly subclinically infected dogs) with the current reliance on serological rather than molecular diagnostic methods, (2) controversy surrounding the ethics and efficacy of culling of seropositive dogs, (3) the limited efficacy of currently available canine vaccines and their potential to interfere with interpretation of serological testing, (4) the expense associated with distribution of insecticidal dog collars, which may prove to be the most valuable control method, and (5) the cost and therefore accessibility of licensed medical treatment for canine leishmaniasis by the general population. Resolution of these isssues will necessitate a 'One Health' approach to co-ordination of resources between human and veterinary healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Marcondes
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, 16050-680 Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Michael J Day
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
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Gene expression profile of cytokines produced in biopsies from patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis. Acta Trop 2019; 189:69-75. [PMID: 30273562 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) causes a local inflammatory process, inducing expression of several cytokine genes. Particularly, IFN-γ can predict to disease susceptibility. Based in these data, this study was aimed to investigate the gene expression profile of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-27, TNF-γ, TGF-β and IL-6 produced in biopsies from ACL patients; and whether the gene expression profile of IFN-γ could determine the disease evolution. Gene expression of 6 cytokines was investigated in 40 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) biopsies from patients with cutaneous leishmaniosis (CL); and 10 FFPE biopsies from patients with mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) (control). All 50 patients were infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Gene expression was determined by qPCR; and a normal control group was used for calculations (5 normal biopsies). Values were expressed as Relative Quantification (RQ). The 40 CL patients were classified into 2 groups. CLlowIFN-γ, 35 patients with RQ for IFN-γ below 100; and CLhighIFN-γ, 5 (12.5%) patients with RQ above 100. Significant increase of mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-27 was shown in CLhighIFN-γ group when compared with CLlowIFN-γ and ML groups. TNF-α levels in CLlowIFN-γ group were higher than CLhighIFN-γ and ML groups. TGF-β and IL-6 were similar in 3 groups. Comparison of cytokine expression/group showed that CLlowIFN-γ group had an equilibrium between the cytokines analyzed. In ML group, IFN-γ was over-expressed; but in CLhighIFN-γ group, besides IFN-γ, IL-27 was also over-expressed. The immune response to Leishmania induces to identification of some markers, which can be determined by analysis by gene expression of cytokines produced in biopsies.
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Comparative analysis of real-time PCR assays in the detection of canine visceral leishmaniasis. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3341-3346. [PMID: 30088073 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6038-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are important hosts and reservoirs of leishmaniasis, a disease caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Leishmania, affecting ~12 million people worldwide. The detection of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in dogs by real-time PCR (qPCR) may improve on diagnosis, but the different qPCR methods available for Leishmania DNA detection have not been established as routine in diagnostic tools and/or epidemiologic studies for canine VL. Here, we compared three qPCR assays (DNApol, Linj31, and LDON) in the detection of VL by Leishmania infantum in spleen (n = 48; 7), skin (n = 48; 7), and whole blood (n = 44; 7) samples from serologically positive and negative dogs, respectively. Overall, the DNApol performed better than the Linj31 and LDON assays in the detection of positive samples in all tissues tested, yielding from 66.7 to 100.0% of positivity for both skin and spleen samples. For spleen samples, we observed no statistically significant differences between positive detection by the LDON and DNApol assays. Whole blood samples yielded the lowest rates of positive detection, regardless of the qPCR assay used. In contrast, positive detection of Leishmania DNA was as efficient from skin samples using the DNApol assay as from spleen samples using either the DNApol or the LDON assay. Although qPCR assays from skin samples may not be practical for use in the field, our study suggests that the DNApol and LDON assays from skin samples could be used in future to evaluate canine VL treatment in veterinary clinics.
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Moreira OC, Yadon ZE, Cupolillo E. The applicability of real-time PCR in the diagnostic of cutaneous leishmaniasis and parasite quantification for clinical management: Current status and perspectives. Acta Trop 2018; 184:29-37. [PMID: 28965842 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is spread worldwide and is the most common manifestation of leishmaniasis. Diagnosis is performed by combining clinical and epidemiological features, and through the detection of Leishmania parasites (or DNA) in tissue specimens or trough parasite isolation in culture medium. Diagnosis of CL is challenging, reflecting the pleomorphic clinical manifestations of this disease. Skin lesions vary in severity, clinical appearance, and duration, and in some cases, they can be indistinguishable from lesions related to other diseases. Over the past few decades, PCR-based methods, including real-time PCR assays, have been developed for Leishmania detection, quantification and species identification, improving the molecular diagnosis of CL. This review provides an overview of many real-time PCR methods reported for the diagnostic evaluation of CL and some recommendations for the application of these methods for quantification purposes for clinical management and epidemiological studies. Furthermore, the use of real-time PCR for Leishmania species identification is also presented. The advantages of real-time PCR protocols are numerous, including increased sensitivity and specificity and simpler standardization of diagnostic procedures. However, despite the numerous assays described, there is still no consensus regarding the methods employed. Furthermore, the analytical and clinical validation of CL molecular diagnosis has not followed international guidelines so far. A consensus methodology comprising a DNA extraction protocol with an exogenous quality control and an internal reference to normalize parasite load is still needed. In addition, the analytical and clinical performance of any consensus methodology must be accurately assessed. This review shows that a standardization initiative is essential to guide researchers and clinical laboratories towards the achievement of a robust and reproducible methodology, which will permit further evaluation of parasite load as a surrogate marker of prognosis and monitoring of aetiological treatment, particularly in multi-centric observational studies and clinical trials.
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dos Santos Brighente KB, Cutolo AA, Motoie G, da Silva Meira-Strejevitch C, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Molecular detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in phlebotomine sandflies from a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area in northwestern of São Paulo State, Brazil. Acta Trop 2018; 181:1-5. [PMID: 29373820 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study identified the natural infection rate of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in Lutzomyia longipalpis sandflies collected in a neighborhood around a kennel, in Dracena, northwestern of São Paulo state. This region is highly endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. Insects were captured during 2-3 nights monthly for 11 months (January-November 2012) using 10 automatic light traps around a kennel in a transition between periurban and urban neighborhood. Capture aimed the determination of the minimal infection rate (MIR) on the area. A total of 1690 Lu. longipalpis were captured during the studied period. Out of them, 292 (17.25%) were females and were grouped in 165 pools containing 1 to five insects for DNA extraction and PCR analysis. Positive results for L. (L) infantum in conventional PCR and real time PCR were shown in 7.28% (12/165) and 4.85% (8/165) of the analysis respectively. These data confirm that Lu. longipalpis captured in the study area were infected by L. (L.) infantum. The MIR of sandflies during the 11 months of captures was 4.10% for female the total of 292 female sandflies collected. A high DNA concentration of L. (L.) infantum was detected on sandflies especially in kennel, chicken coop and neighboring houses, where higher abundance of hosts for blood source were present.
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Cutaneous leishmaniosis in naturally infected dogs in Paraná, Brazil, and the epidemiological implications of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis detection in internal organs and intact skin. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243:219-225. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Nunes JB, Laurenti MD, Kanamura HY, Pereira AAC, Colombo FA, Marques MJ. Leishmania infantum INFECTION IN DOGS FROM THE SOUTHERN REGION OF MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 58:75. [PMID: 27828616 PMCID: PMC5096629 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201658075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic and chronic disease and dogs are the main reservoir of the etiologic agent, Leishmania infantum (syn L. chagasi). A serological and molecular investigation of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) was performed in the municipality of Alfenas, located in the southern region of Minas Gerais, where the disease is not endemic. Samples from 87 dogs were submitted to serological tests including the Dual Path Platform (DPP(r) ) CVL Bio-Manguinhos rapid test, an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), as well as molecular techniques such as a conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the RV1/RV2 primers and a quantitative PCR (qPCR) with the LinJ31, Ldon and DNApol primers. Of the 87 serum samples, eight (9.2%) were positive for Leishmania using the DPP rapid test, but only four (4.6%) were confirmed by ELISA and two (2.3%) by IFAT. In these two serologically confirmed cases, spleen and liver samples were positive by all the employed molecular and parasitological procedures performed on spleen samples. When whole blood samples were used in the molecular assays, two samples (2.3%) were positive only by qPCR. DNA extracted and amplified from the spleens of seropositive dogs was sequenced, showing 100% of similarity with the Leishmania infantum (syn L. chagasi) sequence. Thus, the first cases of CVL have been confirmed in the Alfenas region, suggesting the importance of canine surveys in non-endemic municipalities for CVL to monitor disease progression and to prevent outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Barbosa Nunes
- Federal University of Alfenas, Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Fabio Antonio Colombo
- Federal University of Alfenas, Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos José Marques
- Federal University of Alfenas, Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Alfenas, MG, Brazil
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Cunha RC, Andreotti R, Cominetti MC, Silva EA. Detection of Leishmania infantum in Lutzomyia longipalpis captured in Campo Grande, MS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:269-73. [PMID: 25054512 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612014049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania (Ross, 1903) and is the focus of considerable attention in human and veterinary medicine. In the city of Campo Grande, MS, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis is Leishmania infantum (= L. chagasi) primary vector, comprising approximately 92.9% of the local sandfly population, is Lutzomyia longipalpis. The aim of this work was to compare real-time PCR with PCR as a tool for the detection of the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) of L. infantum in sandflies. Sandflies of this species were caught, and a total of 38 samples with 1-4 individuals in each sample were obtained; these were distributed across 13 districts and divided between seven urban areas of the city of Campo Grande, MS. Three positive samples were found by PCR and, when using real-time PCR, this was able to detect the presence of this agent in 6 of the 13 districts sampled, which were all located on the outskirts of the city, where indicates the greater enzootic potential of these regions, as they are closer to natural forest reserves. We conclude that real-time PCR can be used for epidemiological studies of L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Casquero Cunha
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas ? UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | | | - Marlon Cezar Cominetti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul ? UFMS, Campo Grande, RS, Brasil
| | - Elaine Araújo Silva
- Centro de Controle de Zoonoses ? CCZ, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
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Koltas IS, Eroglu F, Uzun S, Alabaz D. A comparative analysis of different molecular targets using PCR for diagnosis of old world leishmaniasis. Exp Parasitol 2016; 164:43-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Colombo FA, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Meira CDS, Motoie G, Gava R, Hiramoto RM, de Almeida ME, da Silva AJ, Cutolo AA, Menz I. Performance of a real time PCR for leishmaniasis diagnosis using a L. (L.) infantum hypothetical protein as target in canine samples. Exp Parasitol 2015; 157:156-62. [PMID: 26297683 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis represents an important public health issue in different parts of the world, requiring that measures be put in place to control the spread of the disease worldwide. The canine leishmaniasis diagnosis is not easy based on clinical signs, since dogs may not develop the infection with recognizable signs. Thus, the laboratorial diagnosis is essential to ascertain the incidence and prevalence of canine leishmaniasis especially in areas with major control efforts. Although, the diagnosis can be performed by the use of different approaches, the molecular methods such as PCR have become an indispensable tool for leishmaniases diagnosis. A TaqMan assay for real-time PCR (Linj31-qPCR) was developed to determine the parasite occurrence in clinical cases of leishmaniasis. The assay targets an L. (L.) infantum hypothetical protein region. The specificity of the assay was verified by using Leishmania World Health Organization reference strains including parasites belonging to subgenus L. (Leishmania), subgenus L. (Viannia), other Leishmania species and Trypanosoma cruzi. The sensitivity was verified by using isolates of L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (L.) infantum. The usefulness of the assay for diagnosis was ascertained by testing 277 samples from dogs in regions endemic for visceral and/or cutaneous leishmaniasis and from regions in which leishmaniasis was not endemic in São Paulo State, Brazil. Diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) was determined on these animals by conventional PCR and three serological tests. The dog samples were divided into four groups. I, dogs with CVL (n = 101); II, dogs with other diseases and without CVL (n = 97); III, dogs with American cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 7), and, IV, dogs without CVL (n = 72) from areas where leishmaniasis was not endemic as control group. Results indicated that Linj31-qPCR was able to identify parasites belonging to subgenus L. (Leishmania) with no cross-amplification with other parasite subgenera. The Linj31-qPCR detected Leishmania parasites DNA in 98% of samples from Group I. In conclusion this methodology can be used as routine diagnostic tools to detect parasites from subgenus Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Antonio Colombo
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Micro-organismos da Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Cristina da Silva Meira
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Motoie
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Gava
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto M Hiramoto
- Nucleo de Parasitoses Sistemicas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos E de Almeida
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Service, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexandre J da Silva
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Service, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andre Antonio Cutolo
- Setor de Controle de Zoonoses e Vetores, Prefeitura Municipal de Monte Mor, Monte Mor, SP, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Menz
- Ingrid Menz Micro Empresa, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Ferreira LT, Gomes AHDS, Pereira-Chioccola VL. GENOTYPE CHARACTERIZATION OF Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis ISOLATED FROM HUMAN AND CANINE BIOPSIES WITH AMERICAN CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2015. [PMID: 26200968 PMCID: PMC4544252 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000300013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) can be caused by Leishmania
(Viannia) braziliensis complex. The evolution of ATL initially results
in lesions and can develop into disseminated or diffuse forms. The genetic
diversity of L. (V.) braziliensis in some endemic areas of Brazil
has been poorly studied, such as in the state of São Paulo. This study analyzed
the genetic diversity of L. (V.) braziliensis isolates collected
from patients and dogs with LTA from the state of São Paulo. Methods: Leishmaniasis diagnosis was determined by PCR. The 132 biopsies were collected in
different regions of Sao Paulo State, Brazil (36 municipalities). The genetic
characterization of L. (V.) braziliensis isolates was tested by
RFLP-PCR using DNA extracted from biopsies. The primer set amplified a specific
region of Leishmania internal transcribed spacers of the
ribosomal DNA locus. Results: Of the 132 samples, 52 (40%) were completely genotyped by RFLP-PCR (44 from human
patients and eight from dogs). The results showed nine distinct patterns. The
majority of the genotyped samples were from Sorocaba (30), and the others were
distributed among 14 other municipalities. The first pattern was more frequent (29
samples), followed by pattern 2 (nine samples) and pattern 3 (three samples).
Patterns 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were composed of two samples each and pattern 5 of one
sample. Conclusion: These results suggest that polymorphic strains of L. (V.)
braziliensis circulate in the state of São Paulo. These data agree
with studies from other regions of Brazil, showing great variability among the
natural populations of endemic foci.
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Castro-Júnior JG, Freire ML, Campos SPS, Scopel KKG, Porrozzi R, Da Silva ED, Colombo FA, da Silveira RDCV, Marques MJ, Coimbra ES. Evidence of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum infection in dogs from Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, based on immunochromatographic dual-path platform (DPP®) and PCR assays. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2014; 56:225-9. [PMID: 24879001 PMCID: PMC4085865 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652014000300008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, domestic dogs are branded as the primary reservoir for zoonotic
visceral leishmaniasis, due to the clear positive correlation observed between human
and canine infection rates. This study aimed to carry out a serological survey of
canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in dogs housed at a public kennel in the
municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using the
immunochromatographic TR DPP® CVL rapid test. Additionally, conventional
and/or real time PCR assay was used to detect and confirm L.
infantum infection in the DPP positive dogs only. Of the 400 dogs
studied, most did not present clinical signs for CVL (p < 0.05),
and fifteen (3.8%) were seropositive in the DPP test. There was no statistically
significant difference between the DPP seropositive dogs and the clinical signs of
the disease (p > 0.05). Both conventional and real time PCR tests
confirmed L. infantum infection in nine (75.0%) of the twelve DPP
seropositive dogs that remained alive during the follow-up period. This study is the
first seroepidemiologic survey of CVL held in the city of Juiz de Fora, and the
results reinforce the idea that this disease is currently in a process of expansion
and urbanization in Brazil. Furthermore, this study highlights the use of the DPP
test as an alternative for diagnosing CVL in large and mid-sized cities, due to its
ease of implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Geraldo Castro-Júnior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Brasileira, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Lourenço Freire
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Samantha Priscila Silva Campos
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Kezia K G Scopel
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato Porrozzi
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Fabio A Colombo
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Viveiros da Silveira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos José Marques
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elaine Soares Coimbra
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Evaluation of PCR in the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis in two different epidemiological regions: Campinas (SP) and Teresina (PI), Brazil. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 143:1088-95. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814001721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYUsing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis has greater sensitivity and specificity than culture and visualization of the parasite. This study compares PCR for the diagnosis of the genus and species ofLeishmaniawith serological techniques used for the control of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in Brazil, considering two regions. We analysed peripheral blood samples collected from 195 dogs in the Campinas (SP) and Teresina (PI) regions. ELISA was performed as a serological method and PCR was performed using specific primers for the genusLeishmaniaspp. and the speciesLeishmania chagasi. In Campinas, a greater sensitivity of PCR (88·24%) (P = 0·0455) compared to Teresina (14·71%) (P < 0·0001) was observed, and an agreement was observed for Cohen's kappa index (0·9096). Both PCR and ELISA showed discordance for sensitivity (Campinas 100%, Teresina 21·74%), specificity (Campinas 30·77%, Teresina 100%), positive predictive value (Campinas 68·97%, Teresina 100%), negative predictive value (Campinas 100%, Teresina 37·94%) and Cohen's kappa index (0·1238). This study confirms the importance of PCR in analysis of the canine reservoir, and as an effective method for the detection of active and recent infection.
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Zuben APBV, Angerami RN, Castagna C, Baldini MBD, Donalisio MR. The first canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak in Campinas, State of São Paulo Southeastern Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2014; 47:385-8. [DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0126-2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Satow MM, Yamashiro-Kanashiro EH, Rocha MC, Oyafuso LK, Soler RC, Cotrim PC, Lindoso JAL. Applicability of kDNA-PCR for routine diagnosis of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in a tertiary reference hospital. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2014; 55:393-9. [PMID: 24213191 PMCID: PMC4105086 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652013000600004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY This study evaluated the applicability of kDNA-PCR as a prospective
routine diagnosis method for American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) in patients
from the Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas (IIER), a reference center for
infectious diseases in São Paulo - SP, Brazil. The kDNA-PCR method detected
Leishmania DNA in 87.5% (112/128) of the clinically suspected
ATL patients, while the traditional methods demonstrated the following percentages
of positivity: 62.8% (49/78) for the Montenegro skin test, 61.8% (47/76) for
direct investigation, and 19.3% (22/114) for in vitro culture.
The molecular method was able to confirm the disease in samples considered
negative or inconclusive by traditional laboratory methods, contributing to the
final clinical diagnosis and therapy of ATL in this hospital. Thus, we strongly
recommend the inclusion of kDNA-PCR amplification as an alternative diagnostic
method for ATL, suggesting a new algorithm routine to be followed to help the
diagnosis and treatment of ATL in IIER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela M Satow
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São PauloSP, Brazil, , , , , , , , , ,
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Anti-leishmanial activity of the antimicrobial peptide DRS 01 observed in Leishmania infantum (syn. Leishmania chagasi) cells. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2014; 10:483-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Kheirandish F, Sharafi AC, Kazemi B, Bandehpour M, Tarahi MJ, Khamesipour A. First molecular identification of Leishmania species in a new endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Lorestan, Iran. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2014; 6:713-7. [PMID: 23827149 DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(13)60124-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify Leishmania using PCR. METHODS This study was conducted from April 2009 to March 2011 in order to identify Leishmania species in a new endemic area of CL in Lorestan, Iran. Samples were taken from 62 patients that referred to the health centers in different cities of Lorestan province, the presence of Leishmania was confirmed using direct smear and then grown in NNN media and mass cultured in RPMI 1 640 medium supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum. DNA was extracted from cultured promastigotes and used in ITS-PCR. RESULTS 45(72.6%) samples out of 62 showed a band in the range of 485 bp and 17 (27.4%) with a band in the range of 626 bp which were similar to standard strains of Leishmania tropica(L. tropica) and Leishmania major(L. major), respectively. 50 (65.80%) of samples were collected from people with no history of travel in at least a year prior to the onset which shows that indigenous source of infection. CONCLUSIONS Since the vector and reservoir of the two species are different, so precise and extensive control and prevention methods should be designed and carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Kheirandish
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
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Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Dogs, cats, parasites, and humans in Brazil: opening the black box. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:22. [PMID: 24423244 PMCID: PMC3914713 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs and cats in Brazil serve as primary hosts for a considerable number of parasites, which may affect their health and wellbeing. These may include endoparasites (e.g., protozoa, cestodes, trematodes, and nematodes) and ectoparasites (i.e., fleas, lice, mites, and ticks). While some dog and cat parasites are highly host-specific (e.g., Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Felicola subrostratus for cats, and Angiostrongylus vasorum and Trichodectes canis for dogs), others may easily switch to other hosts, including humans. In fact, several dog and cat parasites (e.g., Toxoplasma gondii, Dipylidium caninum, Ancylostoma caninum, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Toxocara canis) are important not only from a veterinary perspective but also from a medical standpoint. In addition, some of them (e.g., Lynxacarus radovskyi on cats and Rangelia vitalii in dogs) are little known to most veterinary practitioners working in Brazil. This article is a compendium on dog and cat parasites in Brazil and a call for a One Health approach towards a better management of some of these parasites, which may potentially affect humans. Practical aspects related to the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitic diseases of dogs and cats in Brazil are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife Pernambuco 50670420, Brazil.
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Madeira MF, Almeida ABPF, Barros JHS, Oliveira TSF, Sousa VRF, Alves AS, Miranda LFC, Schubach AO, Marzochi MCA. Trypanosoma caninum, a new parasite described in dogs in Brazil: aspects of natural infection. J Parasitol 2013; 100:231-4. [PMID: 24328788 DOI: 10.1645/13-297.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma caninum constitutes the most recent trypanosomatid species infecting dogs in Brazil. Due to the limited data available about this parasite, this study aims to disclose clinical and laboratory findings from 14 dogs naturally infected. The dogs were diagnosed during a cross-sectional survey in Cuiabá (Mato Grosso, Brazil) and followed up at an interval of 3, 6, and 12 mo in order to evaluate the clinical evolution and to investigate the parasite, the DNA, or both in different biological samples (intact skin, cutaneous scar, blood, bone marrow, and lymph node aspirate) by parasitological (culture and smear exam) and molecular (DNA-based tests) methods. Specific anti-T. caninum and anti-Leishmania antibody production was also evaluated. Ten of 14 dogs infected by T. caninum showed a good general state at the time of diagnosis, and this status did not vary during the follow-up. Anti-T. caninum and anti-Leishmania IgG antibodies were detected by IFAT in 10 and 2 animals, respectively. Concomitant infection by Leishmania chagasi was confirmed in 2 dogs, indicating an overlap of endemic areas in Cuiabá. Trypanosoma caninum (parasite or DNA) was found only in the intact skin in all animals examined. Our results suggest that T. caninum infection can be manifested as an asymptomatic case with low humoral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Madeira
- Laboratório de Vigilância em Leishmanioses, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900
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Teles NMM, Agostini MAP, Bigeli JG, Noleto RV, Oliveira JD, de Oliveira Junior WP. Molecular and parasitological detection of Leishmania spp. in dogs caught in Palmas, TO, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 21:278-82. [PMID: 23070439 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612012000300017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated occurrences of Leishmania infantum in dogs in the municipality of Palmas, Tocantins, comparing diagnostic data obtained using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and parasitological diagnosis. Blood samples and lymph node aspirates were collected from 63 dogs of males and females and various ages and races, with or without owners, between August 2009 and June 2010. Slides containing smears of lymph node aspirates were stained with Giemsa stained. In PCR, the 145 bp target sequence of the LT1 fragment, located in the Leishmania donovani kDNA minicircle was detected using the RV1 and RV2 oligonucleotide primers. The chi-square test revealed that there was a significant relationship between the symptoms and dogs that were positive for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The parasitological investigation showed concordance of 66.7% with PCR on blood and 84.1% with PCR on lymph node aspirate. In addition to these tests, evaluations of the diagnoses in parallel and in series were conducted, which showed concordances with the parasitological test of 76.2% and 74.6%, respectively. The results make it possible to suggest that PCR on lymph nodes should be used in evaluating large populations (surveys) and that the parasitological test should be used for initial clinical evaluations in veterinary consultation offices.
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da Silveira Neto OJ, Duarte SC, da Costa HX, Linhares GFC. Design of primer pairs for species-specific diagnosis of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi using PCR. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 21:304-7. [PMID: 23070446 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612012000300024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to design and evaluate new primers for species-specific detection of L. infantum chagasi using PCR. Two combinations of primer pairs were established with the aim of obtaining specific amplification products from the L. infantum chagasi 18S rRNA gene. The combinations of the primer pairs and the respective sizes of the PCR products, based on the U422465 GenBank reference sequence of L. infantum chagasi, were: LCS1/LCS3 (259 bp) and LCS2/LCS3 (820 bp). It was concluded that the new PCR assays optimized using the primer pairs LCS1/LCS3 and LCS2/LCS3 were effective for specific detection of L. infantum chagasi, with analytical sensitivity to detect 1 pg/µL of DNA.
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Motoie G, Ferreira GEM, Cupolillo E, Canavez F, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Spatial distribution and population genetics of Leishmania infantum genotypes in São Paulo State, Brazil, employing multilocus microsatellite typing directly in dog infected tissues. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 18:48-59. [PMID: 23665466 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the genetic characteristics of Leishmania infantum samples from São Paulo (SP) State, Brazil in order to collaborate with information about the possible origins of the parasites, as well as, the introduction and spread of visceral leishmaniasis in this Brazilian State. Multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) was performed using a set of 17 microsatellite markers. DNA was extracted from 250 samples collected from dogs diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis and 112 (45%) were genotyped: 67 from the northwest region (NWSP), and 29 from the southeast region (SESP) of SP. The results were correlated with other 16 samples from Mato Grosso do Sul State (MS) (which borders NWSP). Although, a small portion of samples was genotyped, it was possible to genotype multiple loci using small amounts of Leishmania DNA extracted directly from dog tissues. Despite the fact that MLMT analysis defined 33 different genotypes, a low polymorphism was detected within the parasites studied with 10 polymorphic loci. There are two main genetic clusters circulating in SP with strong genetic differentiation, one (POP-A) is composed by samples from SESP and NWSP and presented a weak signal of geographical substructure. The other, belongs to the same cluster found in the state of MS (POP-B), which was the main one. The majority (93.75%) of MS parasite genotypes belonged to POP-B, with just one sample (6.25%) grouped in POP-A. POP-B also comprised 10.34% of SESP and 26.87% of NWSP samples. Besides one sample from MS, POP-A is composed by 73.13% of NWSP and 89.66% of SESP samples. The MLMT analysis supported the idea of canine visceral leishmaniasis being introduced in the Northwest region of SP State by the traffic of humans and dogs from MS. In the southeast region of SP occurred an introduction of a new L. infantum genetic cluster. Probably the transmission was spread by traffic of infected dogs from other Brazilian regions, or by introduction of imported dogs from other countries. All these data together contributed to the detection of the genetic profile of L. infantum population in SP State.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Motoie
- Laboratório de Parasitologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, Brazil
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de Almeida RFC, Garcia MV, Cunha RC, Matias J, e Silva EA, de Fatima Cepa Matos M, Andreotti R. Ixodid fauna and zoonotic agents in ticks from dogs: first report of Rickettsia rickettsii in Rhipicephalus sanguineus in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, mid-western Brazil. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2013; 60:63-72. [PMID: 23229491 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9641-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ticks from 148 dogs from the urban area of the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, were collected, classified and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the identification of Rickettsia spp., Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. A total of 2015 ticks were collected. The species Rhipicephalus sanguineus (98.9 %) and Amblyomma cajennense (1.1 %) were identified. Molecular analysis revealed that no tick samples were infected by T. cruzi. Regarding Leishmania spp., tick samples from 36 dogs spread across all regions of the municipality were positive for L. chagasi. One tick sample was positive for Rickettsia spp. (gltA gene) in the PCR reaction. This sample was submitted to further PCR based on the ompA gene and the amplicon was sequenced. Identity of 100 % was found with homologous sequences of R. rickettsii available in GenBank. This paper is the first to report the natural infection of R. sanguineus by R. rickettsii in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, mid-western Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robson Ferreira Cavalcante de Almeida
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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Almeida ABPF, Sousa VRF, Gasparetto ND, da Silva GFR, Figueiredo FB, Dutra V, Nakazato L, Madeira MF. Canine visceral leishmaniasis: diagnostic approaches based on polymerase chain reaction employing different biological samples. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 76:321-4. [PMID: 23619344 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2013.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The accurate diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL) is essential for visceral leishmaniasis control. To this end, DNA detection on different biological samples has been employed. In this study, we report the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on samples such as buffy coat, bone marrow, intact skin and cutaneous ulcers fragments, and lymph node aspirate collected from 430 dogs to determine the suitable biological sample for use in CanL diagnosis. The PCR results were correlated with clinical status and other tests previously performed. Leishmania chagasi DNA was detected in 14.6% (n = 63) of the dogs investigated, regardless of the sample analyzed. Our results showed that symptomatic cases were easily diagnosed when compared to asymptomatic animals; however, the PCR proved to be very useful for Leishmania DNA detection, mainly in lymph node aspirate (41; 9.6%), irrespective of the clinical status of the dog. The finding that the lymph node aspirate produced high positivity rates and the fact that this specimen was obtained by noninvasive methods highlight its use in epidemiological survey by PCR for CanL diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arleana B P F Almeida
- Programa de pós-graduação em Pesquisa Clínica em Doenças Infecciosas, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis: knowledge, attitudes, and practices among paraguayan communities, patients, and health professionals. J Trop Med 2013; 2013:538629. [PMID: 23690792 PMCID: PMC3649269 DOI: 10.1155/2013/538629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) due to Leishmania (V.) braziliensis are endemic in Paraguay. We performed a series of knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) surveys simultaneously with individuals in endemic communities in San Pedro department (n = 463), health professionals (n = 25), and patients (n = 25). Results showed that communities were exposed to high risk factors for transmission of L. braziliensis. In logistic regression analysis, age was the only factor independently associated with having seen a CL/MCL lesion (P = 0.002). The pervasive attitude in communities was that CL was not a problem. Treatment seeking was often delayed, partly due to secondary costs, and inappropriate remedies were applied. Several important cost-effective measures are indicated that may improve control of CL. Community awareness could be enhanced through existing community structures. Free supply of specific drugs should continue but ancillary support could be considered. Health professionals require routine and standardised provision of diagnosis and treatment algorithms for CL and MCL. During treatment, all patients could be given simple information to increase awareness in the community.
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de Morais RCS, Gonçalves SDC, Costa PL, da Silva KG, da Silva FJ, Silva RPE, de Brito MEF, Brandão-Filho SP, Dantas-Torres F, de Paiva-Cavalcanti M. Detection of Leishmania infantum in animals and their ectoparasites by conventional PCR and real time PCR. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2013; 59:473-81. [PMID: 23132326 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania infantum, which is primarily transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. However, there has been much speculation on the role of other arthropods in the transmission of VL. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the presence of L. infantum in cats, dogs and their ectoparasites in a VL-endemic area in northeastern Brazil. DNA was extracted from blood samples and ectoparasites, tested by conventional PCR (cPCR) and quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) targeting the L. infantum kinetoplast DNA. A total of 280 blood samples (from five cats and 275 dogs) and 117 ectoparasites from dogs were collected. Animals were apparently healthy and not previously tested by serological or molecular diagnostic methods. Overall, 213 (76.1 %) animals and 51 (43.6 %) ectoparasites were positive to L. infantum, with mean parasite loads of 795.2, 31.9 and 9.1 fg in dogs, cats and ectoparasites, respectively. Concerning the positivity between dogs and their ectoparasites, 32 (15.3 %) positive dogs were parasitized by positive ectoparasites. The overall concordance between the PCR protocols used was 59.2 %, with qPCR being more efficient than cPCR; 34.1 % of all positive samples were exclusively positive by qPCR. The high number of positive animals and ectoparasites also indicates that they could serve as sentinels or indicators of the circulation of L. infantum in risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayana Carla Silva de Morais
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil
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Sensitivity of PCR and real-time PCR for the diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis using peripheral blood. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(13)60003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Belinchón-Lorenzo S, Iniesta V, Parejo JC, Fernández-Cotrina J, Muñoz-Madrid R, Soto M, Alonso C, Gómez Nieto LC. Detection of Leishmania infantum kinetoplast minicircle DNA by Real Time PCR in hair of dogs with leishmaniosis. Vet Parasitol 2012; 192:43-50. [PMID: 23218222 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
It is known that hair can accumulate environmental toxics and excrete foreign chemical or biological substances. In this context, we hypothesized that foreign DNA could be found in the hair of an infected organism, and thus, be detected by Real Time PCR in the hair of Leishmania infantum naturally infected dogs. A population of 28 dogs living in Leishmania endemic areas was divided into two groups: A (13 Leishmania infected dogs) and B (15 healthy dogs). Blood, lymph node and ear hair samples from all of them were tested for the presence of parasite kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). For the same purpose, hair of several body areas and hair sections of two infected dogs were also analyzed. Epidermal keratinocytes from an infected animal were also analyzed for reactivity against Leishmania antigens by ELISA and for the presence of kDNA. Regarding to dogs from group A, parasite kDNA was detected in the 100% of lymph node samples. The sensitivity of Real Time PCR in ear hair was similar to that obtained in blood (9 positive out of 13 versus 8 positive out of 13, respectively). Moreover, the presence of L. infantum kDNA was also detected in the hair of all the analyzed body zones, in all hair sections and in epidermal keratinocytes. In infected dogs, parasite kDNA could be detected and quantified from just one single hair, whereas it was not detected in any of the samples of the healthy dogs. This work describes a new method for a reliable and non-invasive diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis using hair samples of infected animals. The data presented also provide some insights for the understanding of the physiology of keratinocytes and the role of hair as a specialized tissue in the kidnapping and removal of foreign DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Belinchón-Lorenzo
- LeishmanCeres Laboratory (GLP Compliance Certified), Parasitology Unit, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
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Canine visceral leishmaniasis: a comparative study of real-time PCR, conventional PCR, and direct agglutination on sera for the detection of Leishmania infantum infection. Vet Parasitol 2012; 192:83-90. [PMID: 23153824 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Revised: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic in northwestern Iran. This study aimed to compare real-time PCR, conventional PCR, and the direct agglutination test (DAT) for the diagnosis Leishmania infantum infection in 167 serum samples of domestic dog. Bone marrow was used for parasitological examination (smears and/or culture) in symptomatic visceral leishmaniasis, and serum was used for detection of L. infantum kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) by both conventional PCR and real-time PCR, while anti-L. infantum antibodies in sera were measured by DAT. The sera were collected from 37 symptomatic and 112 asymptomatic dogs during April to May 2011. Eighteen presumed negative samples were obtained from healthy dogs kept in non-endemic areas with no history of CVL and used as controls. All 18 samples were negative by DAT and Dipstick rK39. DAT confirmed previous exposure to L. infantum for all 149 serum samples collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs in CVL endemic areas of Iran. Among the 37 symptomatic dogs, 20 (54%), 25 (67.6%), 36 (97.3%), and 37 (100%) showed L. infantum infection by parasitological methods, conventional PCR, real-time PCR, and DAT (≥ 1:80), respectively. Of 112 asymptomatic dogs, 79 (70.5%), 111 (99.1%), and 112 (100%) were shown to be positive by conventional PCR, and DAT (≥ 1:80), respectively. For ethical reasons, no asymptomatic or healthy control dogs were examined by parasitological methods. Three (16.7%) control dogs were positive by real-time PCR, but were negative by DAT, dipstick rK39, and conventional PCR methods. Parasitemia levels were measured by real-time PCR targeting kDNA using SYBR(®) green assay. This quantitative technique detected infection in 89.9% (150/167) of the domestic dogs that harbored L. infantum kDNA, ranging from 0.01 49 to 310.1 parasites/ml. The average was 16.60 parasites/ml. A good agreement (0.97) was found between real-time PCR and DAT at ≥ 1:80 titer, used as cut-off value by Kappa analysis. Thus, real-time PCR as a quantitative PCR assay on serum samples represents a valuable tool for initial diagnosis of CVL when whole blood is not available.
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Bigeli JG, Oliveira Júnior WPD, Teles NMM. Diagnosis of Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi infection in dogs and the relationship with environmental and sanitary aspects in the municipality of Palmas, state of Tocantins, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2012; 45:18-23. [DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822012000100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to identify the presence of Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi infection in dogs in the City of Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, using the PCR technique to list the hot spots of infected dogs in the city and associate their occurrence to significant environmental changes at capture sites. METHODS: DNA was extracted from blood of dogs, and the PCR were performed with primers RV1/RV2. After screening the population studied, the regions of the city that had the highest occurrence of canine infection were detected. These sites were visited, and ecological parameters denoting anthropogenic disturbance were evaluated. RESULTS: Some important features were listed in the regions visited, such as low urbanization, lack of public collection of sewage, limited garbage collection, vacant lots with tall vegetation, decaying organic matter, and, most importantly, the occurrence of stray dogs and poultry in homes. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology for screening the population was very efficient, especially in evaluating a large number of individuals in a short time, with a high degree of automation. The results indicate an association between the observed parameters and the occurrence of infection in dogs. The model presented in the city is ideal for studies of disease progression and expansion and for the evaluation of control measures adopted for canine VL.
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Oliveira DMD, Lonardoni MVC, Teodoro U, Silveira TGV. Comparison of different primes for PCR-based diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Braz J Infect Dis 2011; 15:204-10. [PMID: 21670918 DOI: 10.1016/s1413-8670(11)70176-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to analyze different primers that are commonly used in epidemiological studies for the detection of Leishmania DNA by PCR, and to compare them to the conventional direct parasite search for American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Five pairs of primers, four of them derived from Leishmania kDNA sequences (MP3H-MP1L; B1-B2; LBF1-LBR1; 13A-13B), and one derived from the SL RNA (mini-exon) gene repeat (LU5A-LB3C), reported previously, were used. RESULTS The MP3H-MP1L primers were the best at amplifying the DNA, detecting 2 fg of Leishmania spp. DNA. The 13A-13B primers presented the worst performance, detecting 512 x 10³ fg of DNA. CONCLUSION The wide variation in the analytical sensitivity of the primers used in the PCR, and the significant differences from the conventional method of ACL diagnosis found in this study, emphasize the importance of standardizing the PCR technique, analyzing sensitivity, and selecting suitable oligonucleotide primers.
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de Freitas TPT, D'Andrea PS, de Paula DAJ, Nakazato L, Dutra V, Bonvicino CR, de Almeida ADBPF, Boa-Sorte EDC, Sousa VRF. Natural infection of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Mus musculus captured in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 12:81-3. [PMID: 21923255 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We report natural infection by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Mus musculus and Necromys lasiurus using molecular analyses (PCR-RFLP) of femoral bone marrow and skin fragments. The aim of this study was to detect infection by pathogenic species of Leishmania in small mammals in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The animals were captured in Peixoto de Azevedo, a cutaneous leishmaniasis-endemic region located in the north of the state, from October 30 to November 3, 2008. Natural infection by Leishmania in synanthropic rodents may be a threat to humans due to cohabitation of human domiciles in this area.
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Dinhopl N, Mostegl MM, Richter B, Nedorost N, Maderner A, Fragner K, Weissenböck H. In situ hybridisation for the detection of Leishmania species in paraffin wax-embedded canine tissues using a digoxigenin-labelled oligonucleotide probe. Vet Rec 2011; 169:525. [PMID: 21921059 DOI: 10.1136/vr.d5462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is currently predominantly achieved by cytological or histological identification of amastigotes in biopsy samples, demonstration of specific anti-Leishmania antibodies and PCR-based approaches. All these methods have the advantage of being sensitive and more or less specific; nevertheless, most of them also have disadvantages. A chromogenic in situ hybridisation (ISH) procedure with a digoxigenin-labelled probe, targeting a fragment of the 5.8S rRNA was developed for the detection of all species of Leishmania parasites in routinely paraffin wax-embedded canine tissues. This method was validated in comparison with traditional techniques (histology, PCR), on various tissues from three dogs with histological changes consistent with a florid leishmaniosis. Amastigote forms of Leishmania gave clear signals and were easily identified using ISH. Various tissues from 10 additional dogs with clinical suspicion or/and a positive serological test but without histological presence of amastigotes did not show any ISH signals. Potential cross-reactivity of the probe was ruled out by negative outcome of the ISH against selected protozoa (including the related Trypanosoma cruzi) and fungi. Thus, ISH proved to be a powerful tool for unambiguous detection of Leishmania parasites in paraffin wax-embedded tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dinhopl
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Quaresma PF, Rêgo FD, Botelho HA, da Silva SR, Moura Júnior AJ, Teixeira Neto RG, Madeira FM, Carvalho MB, Paglia AP, Melo MN, Gontijo CMFF. Wild, synanthropic and domestic hosts of Leishmania in an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2011; 105:579-85. [PMID: 21890159 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2011.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Revised: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic, synanthropic and wild hosts of Leishmania spp. parasites were studied in an area endemic for American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), specifically in northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Domestic dogs and small forest mammals are reservoir hosts for L. (Leishmania) infantum. However, the role that these animals play in the transmission cycle of the Leishmania spp. that cause cutaneous leishmaniasis is not well known. This study evaluated 72 rodents, 25 marsupials and 98 domestic dogs found in two villages of the Xakriabá Indigenous Territory, an area of intense ATL transmission. A total of 23 dogs (23.47%) were shown to be positive according to at least one test; 8 dogs (8.16%) tested positive in a single serological test and 15 dogs (15.31%) tested positive by IFAT and ELISA. Eleven dogs were euthanised to allow for molecular diagnosis, of which nine (81.8%) tested positive by PCR for Leishmania in at least one tissue. Seven animals were infected only with L. (L.) infantum, whilst two displayed a mixed infection of L. (L.) infantum and L. (V.) braziliensis. Isoenzymatic characterisation identified L. (L.) infantum parasites isolated from the bone marrow of two dogs. Of the 97 small mammals captured, 24 tested positive for Leishmania by PCR. The results showed that L. (V.) braziliensis, L. (L.) infantum and L. (V.) guyanensis are circulating among wild and synanthropic mammals present in the Xakriabá Reserve, highlighting the epidemiological diversity of ATL in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia F Quaresma
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Colombo FA, Odorizzi RMFN, Laurenti MD, Galati EAB, Canavez F, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum RNA in fleas and ticks collected from naturally infected dogs. Parasitol Res 2011; 109:267-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2247-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Santos JMLD, Dantas-Torres F, Mattos MRF, Lino FRL, Andrade LSS, Souza RCAD, Brito FLDC, Brito MEFD, Brandão-Filho SP, Simões-Mattos L. [Prevalence of anti-Leishmania spp antibodies in dogs from Garanhuns, in the middle scrub zone (Agreste) of Pernambuco]. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2010; 43:41-5. [PMID: 20305967 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822010000100010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 01/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considering the unknown situation regarding canine visceral leishmaniasis in Garanhuns, this study had the aim of investigating occurrences of anti-Leishmania spp antibodies in domesticated and partially domesticated dogs, and the possible risk factors involved. METHODS In the first phase of the study, 256 blood samples were collected from dogs and subjected to the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) reaction at a dilution of 1:40. Additionally, 23 IFAT-positive samples were tested using an immunochromatographic dipstick test. In the second phase, new blood samples were collected from 18 dogs that were IFAT-positive in the first phase. These animals were retested using IFAT (1:40 and 1:80) and, additionally, by means of the polymerase chain reaction to investigate the Leishmania infantum DNA. Furthermore, 16 of these samples were retested using the immunochromatographic dipstick test. RESULTS In the first phase of the study, 16% of the samples were IFAT-positive (1:40) and only three (13%) were positive in the immunochromatographic dipstick test. In the second phase, 12 samples were IFAT-positive at the dilution of 1:40, and seven were also positive at 1:80. None of the samples were positive in the polymerase chain reaction testing or in the immunochromatographic dipstick test. Clinical signs suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis were observed in 4.9% of the IFAT-positive dogs. There were no statistical differences in relation to age, sex or clinical status of the dogs, but there was a difference in relation to place of origin. CONCLUSIONS The domesticated and partially domesticated dogs living in Garanhuns present anti-Leishmania spp antibodies, but are mostly asymptomatic.
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Lima Junior MSDC, Andreotti R, Dorval MEMC, Oshiro ET, Oliveira AGD, Matos MDFC. [Identification of Leishmania species isolated in human cases in Mato Grosso do Sul, by means of the polymerase chain reaction]. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2009; 42:303-8. [PMID: 19684979 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822009000300012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2008] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are endemic zoonoses in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Their etiological agents in this region of Brazil are Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi, Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a tool with high specificity and sensitivity for identifying Leishmania species. This study examined 39 cryopreserved isolates of Leishmania that had been collected by bone marrow aspiration and/or lesion biopsy, depending on the clinical suspicion. The isolates were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR using the following primers: RV1/RV2 for identifying Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi, a1/a2 for Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and b1/b2 for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis.Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi was the only species identified in the 37 cases of visceral leishmaniasis.Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis was identified in two isolates from patients with a diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The results obtained confirm that it is possible to use these three pairs of primers as a tool for characterizing Leishmania isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoel Sebastião da Costa Lima Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS
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Moshfe A, Mohebali M, Edrissian G, Zarei Z, Akhoundi B, Kazemi B, Jamshidi S, Mahmoodi M. Canine visceral leishmaniasis: asymptomatic infected dogs as a source of L. infantum infection. Acta Trop 2009; 112:101-5. [PMID: 19595664 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2009.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2009] [Revised: 06/20/2009] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Clinically infected dogs have been identified as the main reservoir hosts of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean region. The objective of this study was to determine the potential of asymptomatic infected dogs compared with symptomatic ones as a source of L. infantum infection to golden hamster. For this purpose, anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected with direct agglutination test (DAT) in 13 symptomatic (7 seropositive =>or=1:320) and 53 asymptomatic (9 seropositive =>or=1:320 and 44 seronegative =<1:320) ownership dogs. DNA of Leishmania sp. was extracted from skin and peripheral blood tissues of each dog and tested by PCR. Sixty-six Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were used for the determination of infectivity and pathogenicity of L. infantum, isolated from the dogs. We used the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2) rDNA sequence analysis. The results showed that 22 and 11 out of 66 inoculated golden hamsters were positive by PCR and parasitological examinations, respectively. From 22 PCR positive hamsters, 17 were related to asymptomatic dogs and 5 were from symptomatic ones. There was no significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs in producing Leishmania infection in the susceptible animal model (P=0.66). Smears and cultures of 5 dogs from 13 symptomatic dogs (38.5%) and 6 dogs from 53 asymptomatic ones (11.3%) were found to be positive at parasitological examination. All the L. infantum isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs were similar in sequencing. In conclusion, asymptomatic infected dogs as well as symptomatic ones can harbor L. infantum in their blood and skins which are virulent and infectious for inoculated golden hamster.
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Jr DC, Konishi CT, Petri V, Martinez ICP, Shimizu L, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Atypical disseminated leishmaniasis similar to post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in a Brazilian AIDS patient infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi: a case report. Int J Infect Dis 2009; 13:e504-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2009.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Revised: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 01/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Molecular diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis: identification of Leishmania species by PCR-RFLP and quantification of parasite DNA by real-time PCR. Acta Trop 2009; 111:289-94. [PMID: 19467216 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2009.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2008] [Revised: 04/17/2009] [Accepted: 05/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The efficacies of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), and of PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis for the identification of Leishmania species, have been assessed. Quantitative real-time PCR employing a SYBR Green dye-based system was standardised for the quantification of Leishmania kDNA minicircles. Skin, peripheral blood and bone marrow samples collected from 217 dogs, asymptomatic or symptomatic for CVL, were analysed. The PCR method, which was based on the amplification of a 120 bp kDNA fragment conserved across Leishmania species, was able to detect the presence in clinical samples of protozoan parasite DNA in amounts as low as 0.1 fg. Bone marrow and skin samples proved to be more suitable than peripheral blood for the detection of Leishmania by PCR and presented positive indices of 84.9% and 80.2%, respectively. PCR-RFLP analysis indicated that 192 of the PCR-positive dogs were infected with Leishmania infantum chagasi, whilst L. braziliensis was identified in two other animals. Quantitative PCR revealed that bone marrow samples from dogs presenting positive conventional tests contained a higher number of copies of Leishmania kDNA than peripheral blood, although no significant differences were detected between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs in terms of parasite load. This study demonstrates that PCR can be used for the detection of Leishmania in clinical samples derived from naturally infected dogs, and that PCR-RFLP represents a rapid and sensitive tool for the identification of Leishmania species. Additionally, qPCR is effective in quantifying Leishmania DNA load in clinical samples.
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