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Martín-Sánchez J, Díaz-Sáez V, Morillas-Márquez F, Corpas-López V, Ibáñez-De Haro P, Torres-Llamas A, Morales-Yuste M. Wild rabbits are Leishmania infantum reservoirs in southeastern Spain. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:584-590. [PMID: 38693773 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We contribute to the understanding of the transmission dynamics of Leishmania infantum suggesting the involvement of rabbits as wild reservoirs. RESULTS The prevalence of infection was 86.0% (270/314 wild rabbits) ranging from 18.2% to 100% in natural geographical regions. The estimated average parasite load was 324.8 [CI 95% 95.3-554.3] parasites per mg of ear lobe ranging from 0 to 91,597 parasites/mg per tissue section. CONCLUSIONS A positive correlation was found between skin parasite load in wild rabbits and human incidence with evidence of the presence of the same L. infantum genotypes in rabbits and humans, providing new epidemiological and biological basis for the consideration of wild rabbits as a relevant L. infantum wild reservoir. Molecular parasite surveillance reflects the great genotypic variability of the parasite population in wild rabbits. Most of these genotypes have also been found to infect humans, dogs and sandflies in the region. Our findings also highlight that direct genotyping of the parasite in host tissues should be used for molecular surveillance of the parasite instead of cultured isolates.
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Barbero-Moyano J, Castro-Scholten S, Gonzálvez M, Moreno I, Domínguez M, Cano-Terriza D, Jiménez-Martín D, Camacho-Sillero L, Martínez R, García-Bocanegra I. Epidemiological surveillance of Leishmania infantum in wild lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Prev Vet Med 2024; 228:106231. [PMID: 38788301 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Wild lagomorphs play a key epidemiological role as reservoirs of Leishmania infantum, causative agent of the largest outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Europe to date. A large-scale survey study was conducted on wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) populations in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems to evaluate the exposure of L. infantum and investigate potential risk factors associated with exposure to this zoonotic parasite. Between 2018 and 2021, a total of 631 wild lagomorphs (471 wild rabbits and 160 Iberian hares) were collected in Andalusia (southern Spain) and tested for antibodies against L. infantum using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Spleen samples from 563 of the wild lagomorphs sampled (441 wild rabbits and 122 Iberian hares) were also evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detection of Leishmania kDNA. Exposure to L. infantum (positive by IFAT and/or qPCR) was detected in 56.4 % (356/631; 95 %CI: 52.3-60.3) of the lagomorphs analyzed. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were found in 12.8 % (81/631; 95 %CI: 10.2-15.5) of the animals, and L. infantum kDNA was detected in 59.0 % (332/563; 95 %CI: 54.9-63.0) of the spleen samples tested. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high homology (99.9-100 %) between L. infantum sequences obtained and strains previously isolated from humans in Spain. While apparent seroprevalence was significantly higher in Iberian hares (19.4 %; 95 %CI: 13.3-25.5) compared to wild rabbits (10.6 %; 95 %CI: 7.9-13.4), no significant differences in prevalence were found between wild rabbits (61.0 %; 95 %CI: 56.5-65.6) and Iberian hares (51.6 %; 95 %CI: 42.8-60.5). At least one positive animal was found on 64.8 % (70/108) of the hunting grounds sampled, and a high-risk spatial cluster (P < 0.001) was also identified in central Andalusia. The multivariable analysis identified bioclimatic level (meso-Mediterranean climate) and the presence of goats on hunting grounds as risk factors potentially associated with L. infantum exposure in wild lagomorphs. This study shows high, widespread exposure, but heterogeneous distribution of L. infantum in wild lagomorph populations in Mediterranean ecosystems in southern Spain. The results point to the need to promote integrated surveillance programs for the detection of Leishmania spp. in wild lagomorphs in order to establish effective control measures against human leishmaniosis under a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Barbero-Moyano
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain
| | - Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Moreno
- Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - Mercedes Domínguez
- Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain
| | - Leonor Camacho-Sillero
- Programa de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Fauna Silvestre (PVE), Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul, Junta de Andalucía, Málaga 29002, Spain
| | - Remigio Martínez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres 10003, Spain.
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14014, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
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Tsakmakidis I, Lefkaditis M, Zaralis K, Arsenos G. Alternative hosts of Leishmania infantum: a neglected parasite in Europe. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:128. [PMID: 38630347 PMCID: PMC11189345 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Multi-host pathogens that infect various animal species and humans are considered of great importance for public and animal health. Leishmania spp. parasites are a characteristic example of such pathogens. Although leishmaniosis in humans is endemic for about 100 countries around the world it is classified as a neglected tropical disease. There are three main forms of leishmaniosis in humans: cutaneous (CL), visceral (VL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniosis (MCL). Each year, about 30,000 new cases of VL and more than 1 million new cases of CL are recorded. In Europe L. infantum is the dominant species with dogs being reservoir hosts. Apart from dogs, infection has been recorded in various animals, which suggests that other species could play a role in the maintenance of the parasite in nature. Herein we provide an in-depth review of the literature with respect to studies that deal with Leishmania infantum infections in domestic and wild animal species in Europe. Given the fact that domesticated and wild animals could contribute to the incidences of leishmaniosis in humans, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review which could potentially be used for the development of measures when it comes to the control of the Leishmania infantum parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsakmakidis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Zaralis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece.
| | - Georgios Arsenos
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Cabezón O, Martínez-Orellana P, Ribas MP, Baptista CJ, Gassó D, Velarde R, Aguilar XF, Solano-Gallego L. Leishmania Infection in Wild Lagomorphs and Domestic Dogs in North-East Spain. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1080. [PMID: 38612318 PMCID: PMC11011062 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071080] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite distributed worldwide that is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Dogs are the main reservoir for human infections. However, in recent years, the capacity of lagomorphs to contribute to Leishmania transmission has been confirmed. The present study aimed to assess Leishmania spp. exposure and infection in lagomorphs and sympatric domestic dogs in NE Spain. Sera from European hares, European rabbits, and rural dogs were tested for antibodies against L. infantum using an in-house indirect ELISA. PCR analysis targeting Leishmania spp. was performed in spleens from L. europaeus. Antibodies against Leishmania spp. were detected in all the species analyzed. Total sample prevalence was significantly higher in O. cuniculus (27.9%) than in L. europaeus (2.0%). Results of the PCR were all negative. The present study expands knowledge about Leishmania infections in free-ranging lagomorphs in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting a more important role of O. cuniculus in the study area. Given the strong correlation between lagomorph densities and human leishmaniasis outbreaks in Spain, the high rabbit and human densities in NE Spain, and the high Leishmania spp. seroprevalence in rabbits, it becomes imperative to establish surveillance programs for lagomorphs in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Cabezón
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; (O.C.); (M.P.R.); (X.F.A.)
- Unitat Mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pamela Martínez-Orellana
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases in Companion Animals Research Group (MIAC), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Maria Puig Ribas
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; (O.C.); (M.P.R.); (X.F.A.)
| | - Catarina Jota Baptista
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal;
| | - Diana Gassó
- Departament de Ciència Animal, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Agroalimentaria i Forestal i de Veterinària (ETSEAFIV), Universitat de Lleida (UdL), 25199 Lleida, Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Roser Velarde
- Wildlife Ecology and Health Group (WE&H), and Servei d’ Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Xavier Fernández Aguilar
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; (O.C.); (M.P.R.); (X.F.A.)
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases in Companion Animals Research Group (MIAC), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain;
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Mulè A, Crosato V, Kuhns DB, Lorenzi L, Chirico C, Maifredi G, Notarangelo LD, Castelli F, Tomasoni LR. Visceral Leishmaniasis in Immunocompetent Hosts in Brescia: A Case Series and Analysis of Cytokine Cascade. Microorganisms 2024; 12:394. [PMID: 38399799 PMCID: PMC10892745 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by Leishmania spp. that usually manifests itself in immunocompromised subjects. It is a rare and neglected disease, and it is not endemic in the province of Brescia (Italy). Three cases of human VL occurred in Brescia from October to December 2021 in immunocompetent patients. We evaluated the patients looking for signs of underlying immunodeficiencies and conducted further epidemiological evaluations in the province of Brescia without success. An analysis of the sera levels of the main cytokines involved in the immune response to VL was performed. All patients presented a significant augmentation of CXCL-10, CCL-4, and IL-6. The patients tested during the acute phase showed an elevation of IL-1α, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-12, while in the recovery phase, higher levels of TNF-α and IL-7 were detected. Altogether, a predominant activation of the T-helper-2 pathway emerged during the acute phase of the parasite infection, while the cytokines associated with the T-helper-1 pathway were less represented. This imbalanced immune response to the parasite infection might play a crucial role in the development of VL in immunocompetent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Mulè
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (V.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Verena Crosato
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (V.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Douglas Byron Kuhns
- Neutrophil Monitoring Laboratory, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 20701, USA;
| | - Luisa Lorenzi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Claudia Chirico
- Department of Hygiene and Health Prevention, Health Protection Agency of Brescia (ATS Brescia), 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maifredi
- Epidemiology Unit, Health Protection Agency of Brescia (ATS Brescia), 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA;
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (V.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Lina R. Tomasoni
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Ferreras-Colino E, Moreno I, Gortázar C, Sevilla I, Agulló-Ros I, Domínguez L, Juste R, Risalde MA, Domínguez M. Oral immunization with heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis reduces local parasite dissemination and hepatic granuloma development in mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis. Res Vet Sci 2023; 162:104963. [PMID: 37517297 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.104963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Aiming to explore whether oral immunization with heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis (HIMB) protects mice against Leishmania infection, 18 female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to the immunized group, that received oral HIMB, or the control group, and were infected by inoculation of 10,000 Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes in the footpad. Spleen culture was positive in 55.55% of immunized mice and in 100% of control mice (p = 0.082). The number of immunolabeled amastigotes number in the popliteal lymph node was lower in the immunized group (p = 0.009). The immunized group presented fewer mature granulomas in the liver (p = 0.005) and more Lys + macrophages (p = 0.002) and fewer CD3+ T lymphocytes (p < 0.001) per hepatic granuloma. We conclude that immunization with HIMB via the oral route limited local parasite dissemination and hepatic granuloma development in mice challenged with Leishmania amazonensis through stimulation of macrophages, which is compatible with trained immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ferreras-Colino
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Moreno
- Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera Pozuelo-Majadahonda km 2, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Iker Sevilla
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Irene Agulló-Ros
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Juste
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Maria A Risalde
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mercedes Domínguez
- Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera Pozuelo-Majadahonda km 2, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Yang C, Li S, Lu D, He Z, Wang D, Qian D, Liu Y, Zhou R, Ji P, Chen JH, Zhang H. Reemergence of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Henan Province, China. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:318. [PMID: 37368736 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8060318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was widely prevalent in Henan Province in the 1950s. Through active efforts by the government, there were no local cases reported from 1984 to 2015. In 2016, local VL cases reoccurred, and there was an increasing trend of VL cases in Henan Province. To provide a scientific control of VL, an investigation was conducted in Henan Province from 2016 to 2021. The data from VL cases were obtained from the Disease Surveillance Reporting System of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The rK39 immunochromatographic test (ICT) and PCR assay were performed among high-risk residents and all dogs in the patients' village. ITS1 was amplified, sequenced, and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. A total of 47 VL cases were reported in Henan Province during 2016-2021. Of the cases, 35 were local, and they were distributed in Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and Anyang. The annual average incidence was 0.008/100,000, showing an upward trend year by year (χ2 = 3.987, p = 0.046). Their ages ranged from 7 months to 71 years, with 44.68% (21/47) in the age group of 0-3 years and 46.81% (22/47) in the age group ≥15 years. The cases occurred throughout the year. The high-risk populations were infants and young children (age ≤3), accounting for 51.06% (24/47), followed by farmers at 36.17% (17/47). The ratio of males to females was 2.13:1. The positive rates of rK39 ICT and PCR were 0.35% (4/1130) and 0.21% (1/468) in the residents. The positive rates of rK39 ICT and PCR were 18.79% (440/2342) and 14.92% (139/929) in the dogs. The ITS1 amplification products in the patients and positive dogs were sequenced. The homology between the target sequence and Leishmania infantum was more than 98%. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the patients and the positive dogs were infected by the same type of Leishmania, which was consistent with the strains in the hilly endemic areas in China. This paper showed that patients and domestic dogs were infected by the same type of L. infantum and that the positive rate in dogs was relatively high in Henan Province. Because the measures of patient treatment and culling of infected dogs were not effective in reducing VL incidence in Henan Province, it is urgent to develop new approaches for the control of VL, such as wearing insecticide-impregnated collars on dogs, treating the positive dogs, spraying insecticide for sandflies control, and improving residents' self-protection awareness to prevent the further spread of VL in Henan Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyun Yang
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Suhua Li
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Deling Lu
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Zhiquan He
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Dan Qian
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Ruimin Zhou
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Penghui Ji
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Jun-Hu Chen
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
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9
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Symeonidou I, Sioutas G, Gelasakis AI, Tsokana CN, Papadopoulos E. Leishmaniosis in Greece: The Veterinary Perspective. Pathogens 2023; 12:769. [PMID: 37375459 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060769] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis caused by the protozoon Leishmania infantum that is transmitted through the bites of infected phlebotomine sandflies is of major veterinary concern in Greece. The country is endemic with particularly favourable environmental conditions for the spread of this infection. Moreover, Greece remains a popular touristic destination, and the continuous travel of pets raises concern regarding the possible dissemination of infection from endemic to non-endemic areas. Dogs are the main reservoir host, although other animal species, including humans, may also be infected. Canine leishmaniosis manifests as a visceral disease that can result in death if left untreated. Serological and molecular epizootiological studies have confirmed circulation of the parasite in Greek canine and feline populations as well as in other mammals. As a result, constant surveillance and identification of high-risk localities are necessary to establish chemoprophylactic protocols for travelling animals to safeguard animal and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaia Symeonidou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Sioutas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios I Gelasakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Constantina N Tsokana
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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10
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Athanasiou LV, Katsogiannou EG, Tsokana CN, Boutsini SG, Bisia MG, Papatsiros VG. Wild Rabbit Exposure to Leishmania infantum, Toxoplasma gondii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia caballi Evidenced by Serum and Aqueous Humor Antibody Detection. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122616. [PMID: 34946216 PMCID: PMC8706172 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) can be important sentinel species for the presence of zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, we collected blood samples from wild rabbits harvested by hunters during the hunting season 2019–2020 on the island of Lemnos, to determine exposure of wild rabbits to the zoonotic pathogens Leishmania infantum, Toxoplasma gondii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia caballi, as well as aqueous humor to assess its diagnostic performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios. Antibodies against these pathogens were detected by Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody (IFA) assay. Out of the 72 wild rabbits included in the study, 4.2%, 5.5%, 18% and 9.7% were seropositive to L. infantum, T. gondii, A. phagocytophilum and B. caballi, respectively. Although less frequently, antibodies were also detected in aqueous humor of wild rabbits. The antibody detection in aqueous humor presented 100% specificity but decreased sensitivity compared to serum suggesting that aqueous humor could be successfully used in epidemiological studies to confirm exposure at the population level but has little diagnostic value at the individual level. This is the first report on the seropositivity of wild rabbits to A. phagocytophilum and B. caballi and the detection of antibodies against A. phagocytopylum, L. infantum, T. gondii and B. caballi in the aqueous humor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Labrini V. Athanasiou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-244-106-6009; Fax: +30-244-106-6053
| | - Eleni G. Katsogiannou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
| | - Constantina N. Tsokana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
| | - Sofia G. Boutsini
- Veterinary Centre of Athens, General Directorate of Veterinary Services, Parasitology—Parasitic Diseases, Entomology and Bee Health Department, 15341 Athens, Greece;
| | - Marina G. Bisia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
| | - Vasileios G. Papatsiros
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
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11
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Chen YF, Liao LF, Wu N, Gao JM, Zhang P, Wen YZ, Hide G, Lai DH, Lun ZR. Species identification and phylogenetic analysis of Leishmania isolated from patients, vectors and hares in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, The People's Republic of China. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010055. [PMID: 34919567 PMCID: PMC8752017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been declared as one of the six major tropical diseases by the World Health Organization. This disease has been successfully controlled in China, except for some areas in the western region, such as the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, where both anthroponotic VL (AVL) and desert type zoonotic VL (DT-ZVL) remain endemic with sporadic epidemics. Methodology/Principal findings Here, an eleven-year survey (2004–2014) of Leishmania species, encompassing both VL types isolated from patients, sand-fly vectors and Tarim hares (Lepus yarkandensis) from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region was conducted, with a special emphasis on the hares as a potential reservoir animal for DT-ZVL. Key diagnostic genes, ITS1, hsp70 and nagt (encoding N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate transferase) were used for phylogenetic analyses, placing all Xinjiang isolates into one clade of the L. donovani complex. Unexpectedly, AVL isolates were found to be closely related to L. infantum, while DT-ZVL isolates were closer to L. donovani. Unrooted parsimony networks of haplotypes for these isolates also revealed their relationship. Conclusions/Significance The above analyses of the DT-ZVL isolates suggested their geographic isolation and independent evolution. The sequence identity of isolates from patients, vectors and the Tarim hares in a single DT-ZVL site provides strong evidence in support of this species as an animal reservoir. Black faver, also known as visceral leishmaniasis (VL), is caused by pathogens of Leishmania species, spread by the bites of infected sand flies. This disease has been successfully controlled in China, except for some areas in the western region, such as Xinjiang. However, the knowledge on Leishmania in these areas remains a few important gaps. Particularly, what is the animal reservoir for desert type zoonotic VL (DT-ZVL), as sand flies get infected in areas free of patients or infected dogs? To address this question, an eleven-year survey (2004–2014) in Xinjiang for Leishmania species was carried out. We found that VLs in Xinjiang are contributed to Leishmania donovani complex, and Tarim hares is likely the reservoir animal for DT-ZVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fu Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Fu Liao
- Center for Laboratory Animal Research, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Urumqi, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Mei Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, The People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Institute of zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Zi Wen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Geoff Hide
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre and Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - De-Hua Lai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, The People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (D-HL); (Z-RL)
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, The People’s Republic of China
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre and Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (D-HL); (Z-RL)
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12
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Martín-Sánchez J, Torres-Medina N, Morillas-Márquez F, Corpas-López V, Díaz-Sáez V. Role of wild rabbits as reservoirs of leishmaniasis in a non-epidemic Mediterranean hot spot in Spain. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106036. [PMID: 34224717 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is limited information regarding the role of wild mammals in the transmission dynamics of Leishmania infantum. A potential human leishmaniasis hot spot was detected in southern Spain that could not be explained solely by canine leishmaniasis prevalence. The aim of this work was to analyse the involvement of wild rabbits as the main factor affecting this Mediterranean hot spot. A survey of wild rabbits, dogs and sand flies was conducted in the human cases environment. A nearby region without clinical leishmaniasis cases was used as reference control. 51 wild rabbits shot by hunters were analysed by molecular techniques. 1100 sand flies were captured and morphologically identified. Blood collected from patients' relatives/ neighbours (n = 9) and dogs (n = 66) was used for molecular analysis and serology. In Mediterranean leishmaniasis hot spots such as Montefrío municipality (average incidence of 16.8 human cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year), wild rabbits (n = 40) support high L. infantum infection rates (100%) and heavy parasite burdens (average value: 503 parasites/mg) in apparently normal ear skin directly accessible to sand flies, enabling the existence of heavily parasitized Phlebotomus perniciosus females (12.5% prevalence). The prevalence of infection and median parasite load were very low among rabbits captured in Huéscar (n = 11), a human clinical leishmaniasis-free area for the last 18 years. P. perniciosus was the most abundant Phlebotomus species in all the domestic/peridomestic microhabitats sampled, both indoors and outdoors. Accordingly, leishmaniasis is clustering in space and time at this local scale represented by Montefrío due to the proximity of two competent host reservoirs (dogs and heavily parasitized wild rabbits) associated with overlapping sylvatic and domestic transmission cycles through the main vector, P. perniciosus. We highlight the usefulness of determining the prevalence of infection and parasite burden in wild rabbits as a control leishmaniasis measure with the advantage that the use of the ear offers.
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13
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Feline Leishmaniosis: An Emerging Public Health Problem. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8090173. [PMID: 34564567 PMCID: PMC8473070 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8090173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is the third most important vector-borne disease in humans, preceded by malaria and lymphatic filariasis, and it is considered endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, where higher temperatures favor development of its vector, sandflies. This zoonotic disease is caused by infection of protozoa Leishmania spp. and the most serious mucocutaneous and visceral form is produced by Leishmania infantum, which predominates in the Mediterranean region. The usual hosts for this parasite are dogs and humans, but an increment in cases of L. infantum infection has been observed in cats in the last years. This increase could be due to the use of sandflies repellents in dogs, obligating the parasite to looking for other hosts. The role of cats in the epidemiology of this disease is unknown, although increase of prevalence of feline leishmaniosis has been observed in endemic areas in the last years. Diagnostic techniques and treatments in cats are not standardized, which makes it difficult to establish prevalence and epidemiology of feline leishmaniosis. Furthermore, the clinical signs and immune response against Leishmania in cats are different to those in dogs, with an observed increment of drug resistance. It is necessary to increase our knowledge about L. infantum infection in cats, including clinical signs, transmission, treatments, and the role of cats in the increasing of zoonoses. Finally, new alternative treatments are required for controlling the spread of this disease in all species of mammals.
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14
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Han S, Chen SB, Yang ZH, Feng Y, Wu WP. Epidemiology of Leishmania Carriers in Tan Chang County, Gansu Province, China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:645944. [PMID: 33842392 PMCID: PMC8029648 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.645944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis is a regional infectious disease caused by the bite of Leishmania-carrying sandflies. The clinical symptoms include prolonged fever, spleen enlargement, anemia, emaciation, leukopenia, and increased serum globulin levels. If not appropriately treated, patients may die of complications caused by leishmaniasis within 1–2 years after the onset of the illness. Therefore, further investigation of the mechanisms of infection by this pathogen is required. Here, an epidemiological study of Leishmania carriers was conducted. The potential mechanism of infection through domestic animals as carriers of the parasite was investigated to identify potential reservoir hosts for Leishmania. Methods The rK-39 strip test was performed on blood samples from previously infected patients. Blood samples were collected from the patients and their families. The blood, liver, spleen, and diaphragm muscle samples were collected from livestock. To perform nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA was extracted and the internal transcribed spacer sequence was used. The amplified products were then subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism and phylogenetic analyses. Results Among previously infected patients, 40% (12/30) showed positive results in the rK-39 strip test. The nested PCR positive rates for previously infected patients/relatives and livestock samples were 86% (77/90) and 80% (8/10), respectively. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis showed that the pathogen was Leishmania infantum. Dogs, patients, and domesticated animals carrying Leishmania were found to be a potential source of infection for leishmaniasis. Conclusions The results of this study provide a basis for developing disease prevention and control strategies for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Han
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China.,Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Bang Chen
- Gansu Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhang-Hong Yang
- Tan Chang County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Longnan, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Gansu Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Ping Wu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China.,Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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15
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Cardoso L, Schallig H, Persichetti MF, Pennisi MG. New Epidemiological Aspects of Animal Leishmaniosis in Europe: The Role of Vertebrate Hosts Other Than Dogs. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030307. [PMID: 33800782 PMCID: PMC8000700 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Leishmania parasites can lead to severe disease in humans and dogs, which act as a reservoir in zoonotic transmission. An increasing number of reports suggest that leishmaniosis is not restricted to dogs, but also affects many other mammalian and avian species. Consequently, this expands the potential reservoir and is of great public and veterinary health concern. The present study reviews, based on a comprehensive search of scientific literature published from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2020, the currently available information on animal leishmaniosis in vertebrates in Europe, other than dogs and humans. This review provides an exhaustive list of mammals and birds in which infections with or exposure to Leishmania parasites have been detected in European countries. Most cases are reported from the Mediterranean region. Domestic animals, in particular cats, pose a concern because of close contact with humans. The wildlife reservoir is less likely to contribute to zoonotic transmission, with the exception of hares. This potentially large reservoir needs to be taken into account when developing control measures for zoonotic leishmaniosis. From a veterinary point of view, it is important that veterinarians are better aware of leishmaniosis and trained in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Henk Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Experimental Parasitology Section, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria Flaminia Persichetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
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16
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Pereira A, Maia C. Leishmania infection in cats and feline leishmaniosis: An updated review with a proposal of a diagnosis algorithm and prevention guidelines. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100035. [PMID: 35284863 PMCID: PMC8906079 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted to vertebrates, including cats, through the bites of female phlebotomine sand flies. An increasing number of epidemiological and experimental studies concerning Leishmania infection in cats, as well as case reports of clinical leishmaniosis in these felids, have been published in recent years. In the present study, a comprehensive review was made by sourcing the National Library of Medicine resources to provide updated data on epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of feline leishmaniosis. Cats were found infected with Leishmania parasites worldwide, and feline leishmaniosis appears as an emergent disease mostly reported in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and in Brazil. Cats with impaired immunocompetence seem to have a higher risk to develop clinical disease. The main clinical and clinicopathological findings are dermatological lesions and hypergammaglobulinemia, respectively. Diagnosis of feline leishmaniosis remains a challenge for veterinarians, in part due to the lack of diagnosis support systems. For this reason, a diagnostic algorithm for clinical decision support is herein proposed. No evidence-based treatment protocols are currently available, and these remain empirically based. Control measures are limited and scarce. Thus, a set of prevention guidelines are herein suggested.
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17
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Tsokana CN, Sokos C, Giannakopoulos A, Birtsas P, Valiakos G, Spyrou V, Athanasiou LV, Rodi Burriel A, Billinis C. European Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as a source of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of Public Health importance: A review. Vet Med Sci 2020; 6:550-564. [PMID: 32088933 PMCID: PMC7397891 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, EBH) is probably the most important game animal in Europe throughout its historical distribution. The decline in its populations across its geographic range in Europe have been attributed to factors such as reproductive rate and the ability for adaptation, climate, feed availability, predators, anthropogenic factors and diseases. Apart from common diseases of hares with a high impact on their mortality such as European Brown hare Syndrome, EBH has been involved in the epidemiology of pathogens with zoonotic potential. In this work, the role of EBH as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum is discussed. Hares may significantly contribute to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens through maintenance of high endemicity levels as in the case of CCHFV, as a reservoir of important pathogens such as Yersinia spp., B. suis, F. tularensis and L. infantum and as a potential source of T. gondii for other animals, especially for carnivores but also for humans. However, EBH may also be a host of minor importance as in the case of HEV. The continuous surveillance of hare populations will enable the collection of information on the population health status and the pathogens currently circulating in the area posing risk for wildlife, domestic animals and humans. The possible live animal translocations of infected hares, the fact that this species acts as a host of vectors (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies) and the prey of carnivores and omnivores that travel in great distances getting into contact with domestic animals and humans, further highlights the need to be included in surveillance studies. Besides, the hunter‐harvested EBH population is an excellent indicator for recent pathogen transmission due to its short lifespan. The present review provides an overview of the role of European Brown Hare as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum aiming to highlight the contribution of this species to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantina N Tsokana
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Christos Sokos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Research Division, Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Administration, Technological Institute of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - George Valiakos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Department of Animal Production, Technological Education Institute of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | | | - Charalambos Billinis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
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18
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Bezerra JAB, Oliveira IVPDM, Yamakawa AC, Nilsson MG, Tomaz KLR, Oliveira KDSD, Rocha CSD, Calabuig CIP, Fornazari F, Langoni H, Antunes JMADP. Serological and molecular investigation of Leishmania spp. infection in cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis in Northeast Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:790-796. [PMID: 31691733 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. antibodies, and its association with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), in domestic cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Ninety-one cats were subjected to a complete clinical exam, and blood samples were collected. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to investigate the risk factors. IgG anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies were detected by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with a cut-off value of 1:40. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect genetic material of Leishmania spp. in the blood samples. The presence of antibodies against FIV and antigens of FeLV was evaluated using an immunochromatographic test. Seropositivity for Leishmania spp., FIV, and FeLV was observed in 14/91 (15.38%), 26/91 (28.57%), and 3/91 (3.29%) cats, respectively. All samples gave negative results on PCR analysis. Based on these data, no significant statistical association was observed between seropositivity for Leishmania spp., and sex, age, presence of clinical signs, evaluated risk factors, and positivity for retroviruses. These findings demonstrated for the first time that cats from Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, are being exposed to this zoonosis and might be part of the epidemiological chain of transmission of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Artur Brilhante Bezerra
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | | | - Ana Carolina Yamakawa
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Mariana Guimarães Nilsson
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Klívio Loreno Raulino Tomaz
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | | | - Célio Souza da Rocha
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - Cecília Irene Perez Calabuig
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - Felipe Fornazari
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Helio Langoni
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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Leishmania infantum in wild animals in endemic areas of southern Italy. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 67:101374. [PMID: 31707163 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infection in wildlife is increasingly reported in Europe, but scant data are available in Italy so far. This study aimed to investigate the circulation of L. infantum among sylvatic hosts in Sicily (southern Italy), a highly endemic area for canine leishmaniosis, through serological and molecular tools. Target tissues (skin, spleen, lymph nodes) collected from 71 European rabbits, 2 European hares, 7 red foxes, 11 European wildcats and 1 pine marten, were qPCR analysed for the detection of L. infantum DNA. Additionally, 40 rabbits, older than one year, were serologically screened for specific anti-Leishmania antibodies. Leishmania infantum was molecularly diagnosed in 5.4% (n = 5) of the examined animals (3/71 European rabbits, 2/7 red foxes). In many of the qPCR positive animals (4/5), the parasite DNA was more prevalent in visceral than cutaneous tissues. None of the positive animal showed signs of disease and/or macroscopic alterations of organs; low parasitic burden in all positive tissue samples was also recorded. Only one rabbit serum (i.e., 2.5%) tested positive for anti-Leishmania antibodies. The seropositive rabbit was in good health status and no amastigotes were observed in lymph-node aspirate and blood smears. This study provides first evidence of L. infantum infection in wild animals from Sicily (southern Italy). Despite the low prevalence of infection here reported, the circulation of the Leishmania in wild reservoirs in Sicily remains worthy of future investigations for a better understanding of their role in the epidemiology of the disease as well as to fine-tune control strategies in the area.
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Mhadhbi M, Sassi A. Infection of the equine population by Leishmania parasites. Equine Vet J 2019; 52:28-33. [PMID: 31498914 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Infection of equids by Leishmania (L.) parasites was previously described in both the Old and New World, particularly in Central and South America. Equine cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by the Leishmania species, L. Viannia (V.) braziliensis and L. infantum, previously identified in humans and other parasite hosts living in the same geographic endemic areas. Sporadic autochthonous clinical cases, with no travel history, were documented in several countries including Germany, Portugal, Spain, Texas and Brazil; L. infantum and L. (Mundinia) martiniquensis were the infectious species. Prevalence of subclinical infections is extremely low and CL is observed in only a small proportion of infected animals with the appearance of single or multiple cutaneous lesions located on the head, external ear, scrotum, legs and the neck. To date, there has been no report of visceral abnormalities. However, the mild clinical profile of the disease and its spontaneous regression may indicate that skin lesions related to Leishmania infection is underdiagnosed. Importantly, although the prevalence of Leishmania infections in the equine population is low, a risk may rise from its potential involvement in the parasite transmission cycles as a source of infection for phlebotomine vectors and susceptible mammalian hosts. This review article summarises our current knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of Leishmania-infected equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mhadhbi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, University La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A Sassi
- Laboratory of BioInformatics, BioMathematics and BioStatistics, LR16 IPT09, Institute Pasteur of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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21
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Ortega-García MV, Salguero FJ, Rodríguez-Bertos A, Moreno I, García N, García-Seco T, Luz Torre G, Domínguez L, Domínguez M. A pathological study of Leishmania infantum natural infection in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis). Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:2474-2481. [PMID: 31339665 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we describe the pathology of Leishmania infantum infection in naturally infected wild Leporidae and compare diagnosis of infection using histopathology, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) assay, immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Tissues were analysed from 52 European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and 7 Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) from the Community of Madrid (Spain). Our results show that L. infantum infection is associated with only minimal histopathological lesions and that L. infantum amastigotes can be detected by DFA assay in all tissues types tested, including skin. These results were confirmed by qPCR on fresh frozen tissues in 13% of rabbits and 100% of hares. However, L. infantum DNA could not be detected by qPCR on paraffin-embedded tissue obtained by laser capture microdissection. Using the DFA assay to diagnose L. infantum, infection may provide further insights into this disease in wild animals and may allow the precise tissue localization of L. infantum, thereby guiding follow-up tests with more accurate qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Ortega-García
- Subdirección General de Sistemas Terrestres, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA)-Campus La Marañosa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J Salguero
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,PHE Porton Down, Public Health England, Salisbury, UK
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Bertos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Moreno
- Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana, Área de Inmunología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea García
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa García-Seco
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriela Luz Torre
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Domínguez
- Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana, Área de Inmunología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Asfaram S, Fakhar M, Teshnizi SH. Is the cat an important reservoir host for visceral leishmaniasis? A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e20190012. [PMID: 31258555 PMCID: PMC6583674 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2019-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years feline leishmanial infections (FLI) have been studied more than
ever before in various parts of the world. However, evidence-based knowledge on
FLI has remained unavailable. The main objectives of this study were to
investigate the status of felines infected by Leishmania spp.
worldwide. Data were extracted from 10 available databases over the period of
1982 to 2017. Overall, 78 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were
used for data extraction in this systematic review. The overall FLI prevalence
by both serological and molecular methods was estimated at 10% (95% CI: 8%-14%).
In Italy, both the seroprevalence (24 %) and PCR prevalence (21 %) were found to
be higher than in other countries. The most common diagnostic test used was the
indirect fluorescent antibody test (38.5%). Studies on mixed-breed felines were
more common than those on other breeds, while the most common parasite species
was L. infantum (63%). Our findings suggest that cats act as
primary and/or secondary reservoir hosts in the transmission of the
Leishmania spp. to humans and also to dogs, by sandflies,
at least in endemic foci. Moreover, available data confirm the enzootic
stability situation of FLI in several countries including some in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Asfaram
- Student Research Committee, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fakhar
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeed Hosseini Teshnizi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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Tsakmakidis Ι, Pavlou C, Tamvakis Α, Papadopoulos T, Christodoulou V, Angelopoulou K, Dovas CI, Antoniou Μ, Anastasakis C, Diakou Α. Leishmania infection in lagomorphs and minks in Greece. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 16:100279. [PMID: 31027609 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Greece is an endemic country for human and canine leishmaniosis. Studies about the role of lagomorphs and minks in the epidemiology of the diseases are, so far, limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Leishmania infection in these animals, in different areas of the country. Samples from 393 domestic and wild rabbits, 90 hares and 200 minks were collected and examined by cytology (spleen imprints) and serology (ELISA), while spleen samples of 116, 56 and 95 of the rabbits, hares and minks, respectively, were examined by a PCR assay targeting the ITS1 region. For every animal examined a form was created, recording information like date, area, animal species, sex, etc. All imprint smears examined were negative, while serology revealed infection in 7.6% (C.I. 5.0-10.3%) rabbits, 6.7% (C.I. 1.5-11.8%) hares and 20% (C.I. 14.5-25.5%) minks. Infection was confirmed by molecular methods in 2.6% (C.I. 0.0-5.5%), 3.6% (C.I. 0.0-8.4%) and 2.1% (C.I. 0.0-5.0%) of the animals, respectively. The statistical analysis showed that minks are most likely to be seropositive and that in rabbits, the breeding method (i.e. homestead reared animals) was associated with infection. Because of the proximity of lagomorphs and minks to humans and dogs it is necessary to further elucidate their role in the epidemiology of leishmaniosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ιoannis Tsakmakidis
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christoforos Pavlou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Αndroniki Tamvakis
- Laboratory of Ecology and System Dynamics, Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, 811 00 Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece
| | - Theologos Papadopoulos
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Katerina Angelopoulou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysostomos I Dovas
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Μaria Antoniou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Christos Anastasakis
- Region of Western Macedonia, Regional Division of Kastoria, Department of Veterinary Services, 52100 Kastoria, Greece
| | - Αnastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Han S, Wu WP, Chen K, Osman I, Kiyim K, Zhao J, Hou YY, Wang Y, Wang LY, Zheng CJ. Epidemiological survey of sheep as potential hosts for Leishmania in China. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:378. [PMID: 30509251 PMCID: PMC6276147 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1701-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania parasites cause visceral leishmaniasis (VL), an important infectious disease that is endemic to large parts of the world and often leads to epidemics. Sand flies are the primary transmission vector for the parasite in endemic regions. We hypothesized that sheep might serve as an overlooked reservoir for Leishmania transmission to humans due to the asymptomatic nature of infection in many species. As a preliminary test of this hypothesis, the aim of the present study was to investigate sheep in an area of China that is endemic for the desert sub-type of zoonotic VL and establish if they are potential carriers of Leishmania. Results Sheep tissue samples were collected from abattoirs in VL endemic areas of Jiashi County, China during the non-transmission season. rK39 immunochromatographic tests were performed to detect the presence of the parasite in blood samples. In addition, DNA was extracted from the blood, and used for detection of the Leishmania-specific internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) genomic region using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach. PCR products were further analyzed to identify restriction fragment-length polymorphism patterns and representative sequences of each pattern were selected for phylogenetic analysis. The rK-39 and nested PCR data indicated positive detection rates for Leishmania in sheep of 26.32 and 54.39%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that all of the samples belonged to the species L. infantum and were closely related to strains isolated from human infections in the same area. Conclusions Sheep could be a potential host for Leishmania in VL endemic areas in China and may be an overlooked reservoir of human VL transmission in this region. To further confirm livestock as a potential host, further verification is required using a sand fly biting experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Han
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wei-Ping Wu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Kai Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Israyil Osman
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Urumqi, China
| | - Kaisar Kiyim
- Kashgar Prefectural Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kashgar, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Urumqi, China
| | - Yan-Yan Hou
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Urumqi, China
| | - Ying Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Li-Ying Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Can-Jun Zheng
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Development and characterization of mouse monoclonal antibodies to eight human complement components: Analysis of reactivity with orthologs of nine mammalian genera. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 62:7-12. [PMID: 30711050 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
To study complement function in mammalian leishmanioses, we developed mouse monoclonal antibodies to the human complement system components C1q, C4, factor D, factor H, factor B, properdin, C5 and C9. Antibody specificity was determined by indirect and capture ELISA and by Western blot. In flow cytometry analysis, seven antibodies recognized the cognate component on human serum-opsonized Leishmania promastigotes. Antibody reactivity was screened against promastigotes opsonized with sera of nine mammalian genera: pig, guinea pig, goat, rabbit, cat, dog, hamster, jird and rat. No antibody recognized jird epitopes on promastigotes. Anti-C4, -properdin, and -C5b reacted with the orthologous protein of all other mammals tested except cat (anti-properdin) and hamster (anti-C5b); anti-C9 only recognized the rabbit ortholog, and anti-C1q, -factor B and -factor H did not react with any of the nine orthologs. Such interspecies crossreactive antibodies can be valuable tools for analysis of mammalian complement function in infectious diseases.
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26
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Rabbit trypanosome detection in Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies from the leishmaniasis outbreak in Madrid, Spain. Acta Trop 2018; 187:201-206. [PMID: 30107150 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.08.011] [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: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are known vectors of several pathogens. In Spain, Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus ariasi are the proven vectors of Leishmania infantum. Since 2010 a human leishmaniasis outbreak has been notified in Madrid region, central Spain. Studies have shown that P. perniciosus is the only vector confirmed in the focus area and that rabbits and hares are the wild reservoirs incriminated in the cycle of the parasite in the outbreak. Trypanosoma nabiasi is a trypanosomatid found in wild rabbits and its presence has been reported in wild rabbits from southern Spain. Moreover, co-infection with L. infantum was found in some of these animals. However, in Madrid region, there is no information about the transmission of this trypanosome in rabbits. Hence, in this study we investigate if T. nabiasi could be circulating in the aforementioned leishmaniasis focus. Wild P. perniciosus female sand flies were captured in the affected area and analyzed using molecular methods. T. nabiasi DNA was detected in 20 out of 155 female sand flies fed on rabbits by amplification and subsequent sequencing of ITS1 and SSU rRNA fragments. Therefore, we describe for the first time the presence of T. nabiasi and its co-infection with L. infantum in P. perniciosus female sand flies. More investigation is needed in order to elucidate the role of P. perniciosus in the transmission of T. nabiasi among rabbits and its potential consequences.
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27
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Dedola C, Zobba R, Varcasia A, Visco S, Alberti A, Pipia AP, Scala A, Pinna Parpaglia ML. Serological and molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in cats of Northern Sardinia, Italy. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2018; 13:120-123. [PMID: 31014858 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infections are endemic in dogs in central and southern regions of Italy while feline leishmaniosis has only been sporadically described in these areas and few studies have been reported on serological and molecular investigation of infections in domestic cats. The purpose of this study is to assess the presence of Leishmania infantum infection in cats from Sardinia, a typical endemic area of leishmaniasis in Italy. Ninety cats attended at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Sassari, Italy, were tested for L. infantum using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test and PCR. Serological (10%) and molecular (5.5%) detection in this population was low, with antibody titres ranging from 1/40 to 1/80. Only one cat was simultaneously positive by IFAT and PCR. This study shows the presence of L. infantum infection in cats living in Sardinia, with a prevalence that falls within the ranges described in other endemic areas and confirms the need of further research to better characterize the epidemiologic role of cats in the transmission of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Dedola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Italy
| | - R Zobba
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Italy.
| | - A Varcasia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Italy.
| | - S Visco
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Italy.
| | - A Alberti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Italy.
| | - A P Pipia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Italy
| | - A Scala
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Italy.
| | - M L Pinna Parpaglia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Italy.
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Montoya A, García M, Gálvez R, Checa R, Marino V, Sarquis J, Barrera J, Rupérez C, Caballero L, Chicharro C, Cruz I, Miró G. Implications of zoonotic and vector-borne parasites to free-roaming cats in central Spain. Vet Parasitol 2018; 251:125-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Tsakmakidis Ι, Angelopoulou K, Dovas CI, Dokianakis Ε, Tamvakis Α, Symeonidou I, Antoniou Μ, Diakou Α. Leishmaniainfection in rodents in Greece. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 22:1523-1532. [DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ιoannis Tsakmakidis
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Katerina Angelopoulou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Chrysostomos I. Dovas
- Diagnostic Laboratory; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Εmmanouil Dokianakis
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; University of Crete; Heraklion Greece
| | - Αndroniki Tamvakis
- Laboratory of Ecology and System Dynamics; Department of Marine Sciences; University of the Aegean; Mytilene Greece
| | - Isaia Symeonidou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Μaria Antoniou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; University of Crete; Heraklion Greece
| | - Αnastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
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Sevá ADP, Martcheva M, Tuncer N, Fontana I, Carrillo E, Moreno J, Keesling J. Efficacies of prevention and control measures applied during an outbreak in Southwest Madrid, Spain. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186372. [PMID: 29028841 PMCID: PMC5640254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease of worldwide distribution, currently present in 98 countries. Since late 2010, an unusual increase of human visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis cases has been observed in the south-western Madrid region, totaling more than 600 cases until 2015. Some hosts, such as human, domestic dog and cat, rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and hare (Lepus granatensis), were found infected by the parasite of this disease in the area. Hares were described as the most important reservoir due to their higher prevalence, capacity to infect the vector, and presence of the same strains as in humans. Various measures were adopted to prevent and control the disease, and since 2013 there was a slight decline in the human sickness. We used a mathematical model to evaluate the efficacy of each measure in reducing the number of infected hosts. We identified in the present model that culling both hares and rabbits, without immediate reposition of the animals, was the best measure adopted, decreasing the proportion of all infected hosts. Particularly, culling hares was more efficacious than culling rabbits to reduce the proportion of infected individuals of all hosts. Likewise, lowering vector contact with hares highly influenced the reduction of the proportion of infected hosts. The reduction of the vector density per host in the park decreased the leishmaniasis incidence of hosts in the park and the urban areas. On the other hand, the reduction of the vector density per host of the urban area (humans, dogs and cats) decreased only their affected population, albeit at a higher proportion. The use of insecticide-impregnated collar and vaccination in dogs affected only the infected dogs' population. The parameters related to the vector contact with dog, cat or human do not present a high impact on the other hosts infected by Leishmania. In conclusion, the efficacy of each control strategy was determined, in order to direct future actions in this and in other similar outbreaks. The present mathematical model was able to reproduce the leishmaniasis dynamics in the Madrid outbreak, providing theoretical support based on successful experiences, such as the reduction of human cases in Southwest Madrid, Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaiá da Paixão Sevá
- Department of Mathematics of University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Maia Martcheva
- Department of Mathematics of University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Necibe Tuncer
- Department of Mathematical Sciences of Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Isabella Fontana
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Eugenia Carrillo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Moreno
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - James Keesling
- Department of Mathematics of University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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González E, Jiménez M, Hernández S, Martín-Martín I, Molina R. Phlebotomine sand fly survey in the focus of leishmaniasis in Madrid, Spain (2012-2014): seasonal dynamics, Leishmania infantum infection rates and blood meal preferences. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:368. [PMID: 28764772 PMCID: PMC5540423 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2309-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An unusual increase of human leishmaniasis cases due to Leishmania infantum is occurring in an urban area of southwestern Madrid, Spain, since 2010. Entomological surveys have shown that Phlebotomus perniciosus is the only potential vector. Direct xenodiagnosis in hares (Lepus granatensis) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) collected in the focus area proved that they can transmit parasites to colonized P. perniciosus. Isolates were characterized as L. infantum. The aim of the present work was to conduct a comprehensive study of sand flies in the outbreak area, with special emphasis on P. perniciosus. Methods Entomological surveys were done from June to October 2012–2014 in 4 stations located close to the affected area. Twenty sticky traps (ST) and two CDC light traps (LT) were monthly placed during two consecutive days in every station. LT were replaced every morning. Sand fly infection rates were determined by dissecting females collected with LT. Molecular procedures applied to study blood meal preferences and to detect L. infantum were performed for a better understanding of the epidemiology of the outbreak. Results A total of 45,127 specimens belonging to 4 sand fly species were collected: P. perniciosus (75.34%), Sergentomyia minuta (24.65%), Phlebotomus sergenti (0.005%) and Phlebotomus papatasi (0.005%). No Phlebotomus ariasi were captured. From 3203 P. perniciosus female dissected, 117 were infected with flagellates (3.7%). Furthermore, 13.31% and 7.78% of blood-fed and unfed female sand flies, respectively, were found infected with L. infantum by PCR. The highest rates of infected P. perniciosus were detected at the end of the transmission periods. Regarding to blood meal preferences, hares and rabbits were preferred, although human, cat and dog blood were also found. Conclusions This entomological study highlights the exceptional nature of the Leishmania outbreak occurring in southwestern Madrid, Spain. It is confirmed that P. perniciosus is the only vector in the affected area, with high densities and infection rates. Rabbits and hares were the main blood meal sources of this species. These results reinforce the need for an extensive and permanent surveillance in this region, and others of similar characteristics, in order to control the vector and regulate the populations of wild reservoirs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2309-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela González
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sonia Hernández
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Martín-Martín
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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Ortega MV, Moreno I, Domínguez M, de la Cruz ML, Martín AB, Rodríguez-Bertos A, López R, Navarro A, González S, Mazariegos M, Goyache J, Domínguez L, García N. Application of a specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to identify Leishmania infantum DNA in spleen, skin and hair samples of wild Leporidae. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243:92-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Miró G, Müller A, Montoya A, Checa R, Marino V, Marino E, Fuster F, Escacena C, Descalzo MA, Gálvez R. Epidemiological role of dogs since the human leishmaniosis outbreak in Madrid. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:209. [PMID: 28446214 PMCID: PMC5406968 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) has been in the spotlight since the 2009 outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Madrid. In the framework of the Leishmaniosis Surveillance Programme set up in Madrid, this study examines Leishmania-specific seroprevalences in stray dogs for the outbreak area and rest of the Madrid region over the period spanning from the outbreak to the present (2009–2016). These data are of interest because stray dogs could be sentinels for disease surveillance in endemic areas. Since 2011, we have also been monitoring owned dogs in the outbreak area. Methods Over the study period, Leishmania infantum seroprevalence was determined in 2,123 stray dogs from the outbreak and non-outbreak areas. A serological study was also performed for owned dogs in the outbreak area: high-risk dogs such as hunting or farm dogs (n = 1,722) and pets (n = 1372). All dogs were examined and blood was collected. The variables recorded for each animal were: breed, age, sex, and clinical history indicating if the animal was healthy or clinically suspected of having any disease, and if they showed a clinical picture compatible with CanL. Results Seroprevalences of L. infantum in stray dogs were similar in the two areas examined: 4.7% (20 out of 346) in the outbreak area and 5.4% (96 out of 1,777) in the remaining Madrid region (χ2 = 0.080, P = 0.777). A significant association was found between seroprevalence and age (z = -6.319; P < 0.001). Seroprevalence in owned dogs in the outbreak area was 2.1% in high-risk dogs (37 out of 1,722) and 1.2% in pets (17 out of 1,372) (χ2 = 3.561, P = 0.0591). Conclusions Both stray and owned dogs do not seem to play an important role in maintaining the transmission cycle of L. infantum in the Madrid outbreak area. The stable seroprevalence of infection observed in sentinel dogs suggests the good clinical management and prevention of CanL by local practitioners in owned dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Miró
- Grupo de Investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aurora Müller
- Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, c/Ronda de Segovia 52, 1ª planta, 28005, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Grupo de Investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocía Checa
- Grupo de Investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Marino
- Grupo de Investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eloy Marino
- Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, c/Ronda de Segovia 52, 1ª planta, 28005, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Fuster
- Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, c/Ronda de Segovia 52, 1ª planta, 28005, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Escacena
- Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, c/Ronda de Segovia 52, 1ª planta, 28005, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Descalzo
- Unidad de Investigación, Fundación Piel Sana Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología, Calle Ferraz, 100, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gálvez
- Grupo de Investigación Epicontrol-Carnívoros, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Nasiri V, Dalimi A, Ghaffarifar F. LB broth-lyophilized Rabbit serum (LLR) as a new and suitable culture medium for cultivation of promastigotes of Leishmania major. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:247-251. [PMID: 28316420 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-016-0786-1] [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: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal calf serum is the major part and the most expensive ingredient of the Leishmania culture media. Here, the efficacy of the LB broth-lyophilized Rabbit serum medium (LLR) was evaluated in cultivation of Leishmaniamajor. Conventional Luria-Bertani (LB) broth medium was prepared and autoclaved for 15 min at 121 °C and then lyophilized Rabbit serum was added at the 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 % final concentrations. The efficacy of medium was evaluated by assessing the growth ability and replication pattern of the promastigotes of L. major. According to our finding, the LLR medium with 5-10 % lyophilized Rabbit serum supported the growth of the parasites and can be used for cultivation of Leishmanian parasites with acceptable In vivo infectivity for research purpose. The ability of the parasites to survive and proliferating in the presence of lyophilized Rabbit serum indicating that this serum is a good nutritional source. This study opens a new way to make low-cost medium that could be used in cultivation of Leishmanian parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nasiri
- Department of Parasitology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Alborz, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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de la Cruz ML, Pérez A, Domínguez M, Moreno I, García N, Martínez I, Navarro A, Domínguez L, Álvarez J. Assessment of the sensitivity and specificity of serological (IFAT) and molecular (direct-PCR) techniques for diagnosis of leishmaniasis in lagomorphs using a Bayesian approach. Vet Med Sci 2016; 2:211-220. [PMID: 29067196 PMCID: PMC5645865 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania infantum, is a vector‐borne zoonotic disease that is endemic to the Mediterranean basin. The potential of rabbits and hares to serve as competent reservoirs for the disease has recently been demonstrated, although assessment of the importance of their role on disease dynamics is hampered by the absence of quantitative knowledge on the accuracy of diagnostic techniques in these species. A Bayesian latent‐class model was used here to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the Immuno‐fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) in serum and a Leishmania‐nested PCR (Ln‐PCR) in skin for samples collected from 217 rabbits and 70 hares from two different populations in the region of Madrid, Spain. A two‐population model, assuming conditional independence between test results and incorporating prior information on the performance of the tests in other animal species obtained from the literature, was used. Two alternative cut‐off values were assumed for the interpretation of the IFAT results: 1/50 for conservative and 1/25 for sensitive interpretation. Results suggest that sensitivity and specificity of the IFAT were around 70–80%, whereas the Ln‐PCR was highly specific (96%) but had a limited sensitivity (28.9% applying the conservative interpretation and 21.3% with the sensitive one). Prevalence was higher in the rabbit population (50.5% and 72.6%, for the conservative and sensitive interpretation, respectively) than in hares (6.7% and 13.2%). Our results demonstrate that the IFAT may be a useful screening tool for diagnosis of leishmaniasis in rabbits and hares. These results will help to design and implement surveillance programmes in wild species, with the ultimate objective of early detecting and preventing incursions of the disease into domestic and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andres Pérez
- Department of Veterinary Population MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. PaulMinnesotaUSA
| | - Mercedes Domínguez
- Departamento de InmunologíaInstituto de Salud Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadrid28220Spain
| | - Inmaculada Moreno
- Departamento de InmunologíaInstituto de Salud Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadrid28220Spain
| | - Nerea García
- Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria VISAVET, Universidad ComplutenseMadridSpain
| | - Irene Martínez
- Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria VISAVET, Universidad ComplutenseMadridSpain
| | - Alejandro Navarro
- Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria VISAVET, Universidad ComplutenseMadridSpain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria VISAVET, Universidad ComplutenseMadridSpain
| | - Julio Álvarez
- Department of Veterinary Population MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. PaulMinnesotaUSA
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Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endemic areas of leishmaniosis have spread and the number of reported cases has increased. Europe is one of the continents with greatest risk of the re-emergence of this zoonosis. The significance of the cat as a reservoir of Leishmania species and not simply an accidental host seems to be gaining ground, mainly because: (i) cats can present increased seropositivity between serological analyses, but the pattern of seropositivity is not consistent between cats; (ii) cats can be infected for some months and thus are available for sandflies; and (iii) cats transmit the Leishmania species agent in a competent form. Furthermore, cats have behavioural characteristics that contribute to infection by Leishmania infantum and, as such, feline leishmaniosis (FeL) has been reported worldwide. When clinical signs of FeL are present, they are non-specific and frequently occur in other feline diseases. If they go undiagnosed, they can contribute to an underestimation of the actual occurrence of the disease in cats. The low seroprevalence titres, along with the commonly asymptomatic infection in cats, can further contribute to the underestimation of FeL occurrence. This work aims to raise awareness about FeL among veterinarians by providing a review of the current status of FeL infection caused by L infantum worldwide, the major clinicopathological features of infection, along with recent developments on FeL diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Cancela Duarte
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal Group of Health Surveillance, Center of Pharmaceutical Studies, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Ramalho Sousa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Ebani VV, Poli A, Rocchigiani G, Bertelloni F, Nardoni S, Papini RA, Mancianti F. Serological survey on some pathogens in wild brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in Central Italy. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2016; 9:465-9. [PMID: 27261855 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the exposure of wild brown hares [Lepus europaeus (L. europaeus), pallas] to Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum), Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) sensu lato, Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi), Leishmania sp., Neospora caninum (N. caninum) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). METHODS Two hundred twenty-two blood serum samples of wild brown hares captured in protected areas of the province of Pisa (Central Italy) were tested to detect antibodies against the reported pathogens. RESULTS Thirty one (14.0%) animals resulted positive for at least one tested agent, with antibody titres ranging from 1:20 to 1:320. In particular, 13 (5.8%) samples were positive to B. burgdorferi s.l., 11 (4.9%) to N. caninum, 3 (1.3%) to T. gondii, 2 (0.9%) to A. phagocytophilum and 2 (0.9%) to Leishmania sp. No samples scored positive to E. cuniculi. Four animals (14.8%) resulted coinfected with 2 different pathogens. CONCLUSION The obtained results showed that B. burgdorferi s.l. N. caninum, T. gondii, A. phagocytophilum and Leishmania sp. circulate in wild brown hares in Central Italy, suggesting a possible role of L. europaeus as reservoir of these pathogens. The obtained results showed that autochthonous wild brown hares living in Central Italy have been exposed to several pathogens circulating in this area, suggesting a possible role of L. europaeus as reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Rocchigiani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Amerigo Papini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Tsokana CN, Sokos C, Giannakopoulos A, Mamuris Z, Birtsas P, Papaspyropoulos K, Valiakos G, Spyrou V, Lefkaditis M, Chatzopoulos DC, Kantere M, Manolakou K, Touloudi A, Burriel AR, Ferroglio E, Hadjichristodoulou C, Billinis C. First evidence of Leishmania infection in European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in Greece: GIS analysis and phylogenetic position within the Leishmania spp. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:313-21. [PMID: 26386969 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although the existence of a sylvatic transmission cycle of Leishmania spp., independent from the domestic cycle, has been proposed, data are scarce on Leishmania infection in wild mammals in Greece. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of Leishmania infection in the European brown hare in Greece, to infer the phylogenetic position of the Leishmania parasites detected in hares in Greece, and to identify any possible correlation between Leishmania infection in hares with environmental parameters, using the geographical information system (GIS). Spleen samples from 166 hares were tested by internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1)-nested PCR for the detection of Leishmania DNA. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on Leishmania sequences from hares in Greece in conjunction with Leishmania sequences from dogs in Greece and 46 Leishmania sequences retrieved from GenBank. The Leishmania DNA prevalence in hares was found to be 23.49 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 17.27-30.69). The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the Leishmania sequences from hares in Greece belong in the Leishmania donovani complex. The widespread Leishmania infection in hares should be taken into consideration because under specific circumstances, this species can act as a reservoir host. This study suggests that the role of wild animals, including hares, in the epidemiology of Leishmania spp. in Greece deserves further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Tsokana
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - C Sokos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.,Research Division, Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Giannakopoulos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Z Mamuris
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - P Birtsas
- Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Administration, Technological Institute of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - K Papaspyropoulos
- Research Division, Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Valiakos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - V Spyrou
- Department of Animal Production, Technological Education Institute of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - M Lefkaditis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - D C Chatzopoulos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - M Kantere
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - K Manolakou
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - A Touloudi
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - A Rodi Burriel
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - E Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - C Hadjichristodoulou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.,Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDCP), Ministry of Health, Athens, Greece
| | - C Billinis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.
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Gao CH, Wang JY, Zhang S, Yang YT, Wang Y. Survey of Wild and Domestic Mammals for Infection with Leishmania infantum following an Outbreak of Desert Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis in Jiashi, People's Republic of China. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132493. [PMID: 26177101 PMCID: PMC4503304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2008 and 2009, an outbreak of desert-subtype zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis occurred in Jiashi county, Xinjiang, China. So far, no animal reservoir has been identified for this type of visceral leishmaniasis. Therefore, we surveyed the most common mammals (wild and domestic) for Leishmania infections during the outbreak in 2008 and 2009 in order to identify the source of the visceral leishmaniasis in this region. Spleen, liver, bone marrow and blood samples collected from 86 wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), 61midday jirds (Meriones meridianus) and 27 Yarkand hares (Lepus yarkandensis) were tested for the presence of Leishmania by microscopy, culture and PCR. All of the animals were found to be negative for Leishmania infections; On the other hand, Leishmania DNA was detected in blood samples collected from livestock reared in the outbreak area: 30.36% (17/56) of sheep, 21.57% (11/51) of goats, 17.78% (8/45) of cattle, and 21.62 (8/37) of donkeys were positive for Leishmania DNA by PCR. The amplified kDNA sequences from the livestock samples matched Leishmania DNA sequences isolated from patients with visceral leishmaniasis in the study area. We suggest that these domestic mammals are a possible reservoir host for Leishmania infantum in the outbreak area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-hua Gao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, 200025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun-yun Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, 200025, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| | - Song Zhang
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, 830002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-tao Yang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, 200025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, People's Republic of China
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Pennisi MG, Cardoso L, Baneth G, Bourdeau P, Koutinas A, Miró G, Oliva G, Solano-Gallego L. LeishVet update and recommendations on feline leishmaniosis. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:302. [PMID: 26041555 PMCID: PMC4462189 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0909-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited data is available on feline leishmaniosis (FeL) caused by Leishmania infantum worldwide. The LeishVet group presents in this report a review of the current knowledge on FeL, the epidemiological role of the cat in L. infantum infection, clinical manifestations, and recommendations on diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, prognosis and prevention of infection, in order to standardize the management of this disease in cats. The consensus of opinions and recommendations was formulated by combining a comprehensive review of evidence-based studies and case reports, clinical experience and critical consensus discussions. While subclinical feline infections are common in areas endemic for canine leishmaniosis, clinical illness due to L. infantum in cats is rare. The prevalence rates of feline infection with L. infantum in serological or molecular-based surveys range from 0% to more than 60%. Cats are able to infect sand flies and, therefore, they may act as a secondary reservoir, with dogs being the primary natural reservoir. The most common clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities compatible with FeL include lymph node enlargement and skin lesions such as ulcerative, exfoliative, crusting or nodular dermatitis (mainly on the head or distal limbs), ocular lesions (mainly uveitis), feline chronic gingivostomatitis syndrome, mucocutaneous ulcerative or nodular lesions, hypergammaglobulinaemia and mild normocytic normochromic anaemia. Clinical illness is frequently associated with impaired immunocompetence, as in case of retroviral coinfections or immunosuppressive therapy. Diagnosis is based on serology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) or culture. If serological testing is negative or low positive in a cat with clinical signs compatible with FeL, the diagnosis of leishmaniosis should not be excluded and additional diagnostic methods (cytology, histology with IHC, PCR, culture) should be employed. The most common treatment used is allopurinol. Meglumine antimoniate has been administered in very few reported cases. Both drugs are administered alone and most cats recover clinically after therapy. Follow-up of treated cats with routine laboratory tests, serology and PCR is essential for prevention of clinical relapses. Specific preventative measures for this infection in cats are currently not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Grazia Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Messina, 98168, Italy.
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, 5000-801, Portugal.
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
| | - Patrick Bourdeau
- Veterinary School of Nantes ONIRIS, University of Nantes, LUNAM, Nantes, 44307, France.
| | | | - Guadalupe Miró
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gaetano Oliva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Food Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy.
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animal, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain.
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Gebresilassie A, Yared S, Aklilu E, Kirstein OD, Moncaz A, Tekie H, Balkew M, Warburg A, Hailu A, Gebre-Michael T. Host choice of Phlebotomus orientalis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in animal baited experiments: a field study in Tahtay Adiyabo district, northern Ethiopia. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:190. [PMID: 25885333 PMCID: PMC4389315 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0807-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Host choice and feeding success of sand fly vectors of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are important factors in understanding the epidemiology and for developing efficient control strategies. The aim of the present study was to determine the host preference of Phlebotomus orientalis in the VL focus of Tahtay Adiyabo district, northern Ethiopia. Methods Two separate experiments were conducted testing attraction of P. orientalis to humans, domestic animals, and small wild animals. The host choice of P. orientalis and other sand fly species was assessed using tent traps baited with seven different animals (human, cow, sheep, goat, donkey, dog and chicken) and a blank control. Baited traps were rotated every night in a Latin square design for two consecutive full rounds totaling 16 trap-nights. The second set of experiments tested attraction to small wild animals including; ground squirrel (Xerus rutilus), hare (Lepus sp.), gerbil (Tatera robusta) and spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus). Animals were caged in standard rodent traps or cylindrical wire-mesh cages. The bait animals were placed in agricultural field and the attracted sand flies were collected using unlit CDC traps for 10 trapping nights. Sand fly specimens collected from each of the experiments were identified to species level and counted. Results Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the attraction and feeding rate of P. orientalis to different baits. In the first experiment, cow-baited tent traps attracted the highest mean number of P. orientalis (mean = 510 flies). The engorgement rate of P. orientalis on donkey was the highest followed by cow, and much lower on goat, sheep, dog and chicken. In the case of smaller wild animals, more numbers of P. orientalis females were attracted to squirrels followed by hares, gerbils and the spiny rat. However, the engorgement rates for P. orientalis in the smaller animals were very low (1.08%) compared with larger domestic animals (30.53%). Conclusion The tendency of female P. orientalis to engorge in large numbers on certain species of domestic as well as wild animals strongly indicated that the species is primarily zoophilic in its host preference with feeding habits that may vary depending on the availability of hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araya Gebresilassie
- Department of Zoological Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. .,Department of Biology, College of Natural Science, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
| | - Solomon Yared
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Science, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia. .,Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Essayas Aklilu
- Department of Zoological Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Oscar David Kirstein
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Aviad Moncaz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Habte Tekie
- Department of Zoological Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Meshesha Balkew
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Alon Warburg
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Teshome Gebre-Michael
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Abstract
Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is a vector-borne zoonotic disease endemic in southern Europe, but which is spreading northwards. Millions of dogs, cats and other non-conventional companion animals susceptible to L. infantum, living in European households, may develop a severe disease and contribute to the spread of leishmaniosis because of travelling or re-homing. Dogs are the main reservoir but other new reservoirs have recently been incriminated. Sand flies remain the sole proven vector and non-vectorial transmission has been reported at individual level and in areas where the vector is absent. Clinical disease affects only a proportion of infected dogs and a complex genetic background of immune response is responsible for this susceptibility. There is a wide range of serological and parasitological diagnostic tools available whose cost-effective use depends on a reasoned approach. Clinical response to treatment of sick dogs is variable. Clinical cure is often obtained but clinical recurrence can occur and post-therapy follow up should be maintained life-long. In Europe, vaccination can be combined with individual protection with pyrethroids as part of an integrated approach to prevention. L. infantum is the only species isolated from cats in Europe and xenodiagnosis substantiated that infected cats are infectious for sand flies. Feline infection may be frequent in endemic areas, but prevalence is generally lower than in dogs. When cats are tested by both serological and molecular techniques discordant results are often observed. Feline cases have been reported from endemic areas in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, but four cases were also diagnosed in Switzerland in cats that had travelled to or been imported from Spain. Half of the cases were diagnosed in cats with impaired immune responses. Clinical manifestations compatible with feline leishmaniosis include lymph node enlargement, skin and mucocutaneous lesions, ocular lesions, chronic gingivostomatitis, hypergammaglobulinemia, and normocytic normochromic anemia. Cats have been empirically treated with some drugs used in dogs. Due to polymorphic clinical picture and the insidious progressive course, leishmaniosis can persist for a long time before dogs or cats are brought to a veterinarian and so diagnosis can be delayed. Exotic or new Leishmania spp. have been reported in humans, animals and vectors in Europe. This changing situation requires attention in Europe for designing epidemiological studies and control measures.
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Domínguez-Bernal G, Jiménez M, Molina R, Ordóñez-Gutiérrez L, Martínez-Rodrigo A, Mas A, Cutuli MT, Carrión J. Characterisation of the ex vivo virulence of Leishmania infantum isolates from Phlebotomus perniciosus from an outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Madrid, Spain. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:499. [PMID: 25376381 PMCID: PMC4229600 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since mid 2009, an outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Madrid, Spain, has involved more than 560 clinical cases. Many of the cases occurred in people who live in areas around a newly constructed green park (BosqueSur). This periurban park provides a suitable habitat for sand flies (the vectors of Leishmania infantum). Indeed, studies of blood meals from sand flies captured in the area showed a strong association between the insect vector, hares or rabbits, and humans in the area. Interestingly, up to 70% of cases have been found in immunocompetent patients (aged between 46-60 years). This study was designed to evaluate the ex vivo virulence of the L. infantum isolates from Phlebotomus perniciosus captured in this area of Madrid. METHODS Murine macrophages and dendritic cells were infected ex vivo with L. infantum strain BCN150, isolate BOS1FL1, or isolate POL2FL7. At different times after infection, the infection indices, cytokine production (IL-12p40 and IL-10), NO release and arginase activities were evaluated. RESULTS Using an ex vivo model of infection in murine bone marrow-derived cells, we found that infection with isolates BOS1FL1 and POL2FL7 undermined host immune defence mechanisms in multiple ways. The main factors identified were changes in both the balance of iNOS versus arginase activities and the equilibrium between the production of IL-12 and IL-10. Infection with isolates BOS1FL1 and POL2FL7 also resulted in higher infection rates compared to the BCN150 strain. Infection index values at 24 h were as follows: BCN150-infected cells, 110 for infected MØ and 115 for infected DC; BOS1FL1-infected cells, 300 for infected MØ and 247 for infected DC; and POL2FL7-infected cells, 275 for infected MØ and 292 for infected DC. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that L. infantum isolates captured from this endemic area exhibited high virulence in terms of infection index, cytokine production and enzymatic activities involved in the pathogenesis of visceral leishmaniosis. Altogether, these data provide a starting point for the study of the virulence behaviour of parasites (BOS1FL1 and POL2FL7) isolated from P. perniciosus during the outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Madrid, Spain, and their involvement in infecting immunocompetent hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Domínguez-Bernal
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Medical Entomology Unit, Department of Parasitology, National Centre of Microbiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Medical Entomology Unit, Department of Parasitology, National Centre of Microbiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Abel Martínez-Rodrigo
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alicia Mas
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Teresa Cutuli
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Carrión
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Chatzis MK, Leontides L, Athanasiou LV, Papadopoulos E, Kasabalis D, Mylonakis M, Rallis T, Koutinas AF, Andreadou M, Ikonomopoulos J, Saridomichelakis MN. Evaluation of indirect immunofluorescence antibody test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of infection by Leishmania infantum in clinically normal and sick cats. Exp Parasitol 2014; 147:54-9. [PMID: 25307685 PMCID: PMC7094338 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
IFAT for anti-Leishmania IgG was positive in 10/100 cats. ELISA for anti-Leishmania IgG was positive in 1/100 cats. IFAT for anti-Leishmania IgM was positive in 1/100 cats. The results of IFAT and ELISA for anti-Leishmania IgG disagreed (P = 0.039). IFAT or ELISA for anti-Leishmania IgG disagreed with the results of PCR.
Cats that live in areas where canine and human leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum is endemic may become infected and may develop anti-Leishmania antibodies. In this study 50 clinically normal and 50 cats with cutaneous and/or systemic signs that lived in an endemic area and had been previously examined for infection by L. infantum using PCR in four different tissues were serologically tested for the presence of anti-Leishmania IgG (IFAT and ELISA) and IgM (IFAT). The aim was to compare the results of IFAT, ELISA and PCR and to investigate the possible associations between seropositivity to Leishmania spp and signalment, living conditions, season of sampling, health status of the cats, and seropositivity to other infectious agents. Low concentrations of anti-Leishmania IgG were detected by IFAT in 10% of the cats and by ELISA in 1%, whereas anti-Leishmania IgM were detected by IFAT in 1%. There was disagreement between the results of IFAT and ELISA for anti-Leishmania IgG (P = 0.039) and between all serological tests and PCR (P < 0.001). The diagnostic sensitivity of all serological tests, using PCR as the gold standard, was very low, but ELISA and IFAT for anti-Leishmania IgM had 100% specificity. The diagnostic sensitivity of all serological tests could not be improved by changing the cut-off values. Seropositivity for Leishmania spp was not associated with signalment, living conditions, season of sampling and health status of the cats or with seropositivity to feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline coronavirus, Toxoplasma gondii and Bartonella henselae. In conclusion, because of their low sensitivity and very high specificity two of the evaluated serological tests (ELISA for anti-Leishmania IgG and IFAT for anti-Leishmania IgM) may be useless as population screening tests but valuable for diagnosing feline infection by L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manolis K Chatzis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43100 Karditsa, Greece.
| | - Leonidas Leontides
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Animal Health Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kasabalis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Mathios Mylonakis
- Companion Animal Clinic (Medicine), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., GR-54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Timoleon Rallis
- Companion Animal Clinic (Medicine), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., GR-54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Margarita Andreadou
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Faculty of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Votanikos, GR-11855 Athens, Greece
| | - John Ikonomopoulos
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Faculty of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Votanikos, GR-11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Manolis N Saridomichelakis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43100 Karditsa, Greece
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Millán J, Ferroglio E, Solano-Gallego L. Role of wildlife in the epidemiology of Leishmania infantum infection in Europe. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2005-14. [PMID: 24804923 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3929-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Although dogs are considered the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum infection in endemic areas in Europe, the existence of other wild vertebrate reservoirs has been proposed as a possible cause of the lack of success of control measures. Evidence of L. infantum infection in European wildlife has been reported in carnivores, lagomorphs, and rodents. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) received most attention, probably due to its taxonomic relationship with the dog and because it is the most abundant wild carnivore in Europe. Foxes and other wild carnivores often displayed high prevalences of infection but their infectiveness to the sandfly vector has never been demonstrated. However, xenodiagnosis demonstrated that black rats (Rattus rattus), are infectious to sandflies. This, together with their relative abundance, high rates of infection, and the fact that infected rats have been found on a Mediterranean island where dogs are not present, makes rats good candidate to be reservoirs of L. infantum. Recently, the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) has been recognized as the origin of a leishmaniosis outbreak in humans in Spain and xenodiagnosis showed that this species is also able to infect sandflies. In contrast, a recent survey in cave bats failed to detect infected individuals. In the future, the comparison of parasite isolates from humans, dogs and wildlife, xenodiagnosis studies in wild carnivores, and the study of other vertebrate taxonomic groups will help determine the current role of European wildlife in the epidemiology of leishmaniosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile,
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Martín-Martín I, Molina R, Rohoušová I, Drahota J, Volf P, Jiménez M. High levels of anti-Phlebotomus perniciosus saliva antibodies in different vertebrate hosts from the re-emerging leishmaniosis focus in Madrid, Spain. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:207-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Díaz-Sáez V, Merino-Espinosa G, Morales-Yuste M, Corpas-López V, Pratlong F, Morillas-Márquez F, Martín-Sánchez J. High rates of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma nabiasi infection in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in sympatric and syntrophic conditions in an endemic canine leishmaniasis area: epidemiological consequences. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:119-27. [PMID: 24774436 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infection has been reported in various host species, both domestic and wild, in some cases with high prevalence rates. However, until the recent discovery of infected hares, no studies had provided clear evidence of any significant reservoir other than domestic dogs. Our focus was on another lagomorph, Oryctolagus cuniculus or wild rabbit. This species is native to the Iberian Peninsula and its presence and abundance gave rise to the name of Spain. In an endemic area for canine leishmaniasis in the southeast of Spain, 150 rabbits were captured over a period of three years. Samples of blood, bone marrow, liver, spleen, heart and skin were taken and analysed through parasitological, serological and molecular techniques in order to detect Leishmania and Trypanosoma. 20.7% of the rabbits were infected with L. infantum and 82.4% with Trypanosoma nabiasi, and 14.8% of mixed infections were detected. Both parasites were found in all the animal organs analysed, a factor which, along with the presence of serological cross-reactions, must be taken into account in epidemiological studies on leishmaniasis. O. cuniculus is an abundant and gregarious species, with a long enough average lifespan to ensure L. infantum transmission. The presence of the parasite in the skin and blood of these rabbits with no acute manifestation of disease ensures its contact with the vector, which finds in their warrens a suitable biotope to inhabit. The rabbit therefore seems to meet the most of conditions for being considered a reservoir host of L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Díaz-Sáez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain
| | - G Merino-Espinosa
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain
| | - M Morales-Yuste
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain
| | - V Corpas-López
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain
| | - F Pratlong
- Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie CHRU de Montpellier Centre National de Référence des Leishmanioses, Montpellier, France
| | - F Morillas-Márquez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain
| | - J Martín-Sánchez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain.
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Jiménez M, González E, Martín-Martín I, Hernández S, Molina R. Could wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) be reservoirs for Leishmania infantum in the focus of Madrid, Spain? Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:296-300. [PMID: 24774435 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Xenodiagnosis has previously proved that hares (Lepus granatensis) from a focus of leishmaniasis in the southwestern Madrid region (Spain) are infective to Phlebotomus perniciosus, the only vector in the area, thus playing a probable role as active reservoirs in a sylvatic transmission cycle linked to the usual domestic one. Although actions have been taken to reduce the population of this lagomorph, a high population of wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is present in the area, which shows detectable anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies and a large number of individuals with DNA of this parasite. With the aim to elucidate the role of this lagomorph in the focus, xenodiagnostic studies carried out with wild rabbits captured in the area demonstrate that they are able to transmit L. infantum to P. perniciosus. Moreover, the study of blood meal preferences of P. perniciosus caught in the focus during and entomological survey shows strong evidence that rabbits are contributing to the maintenance of a high sand fly population in the area. These findings suggest that wild rabbits could play some role in Leishmania transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Jiménez
- Unidad de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Estela González
- Unidad de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Martín-Martín
- Unidad de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Hernández
- Unidad de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Unidad de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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Miró G, Rupérez C, Checa R, Gálvez R, Hernández L, García M, Canorea I, Marino V, Montoya A. Current status of L. infantum infection in stray cats in the Madrid region (Spain): implications for the recent outbreak of human leishmaniosis? Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:112. [PMID: 24655361 PMCID: PMC3994395 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since 2009, the incidence of human leishmaniosis in the SW of the Madrid region has been unusually high. Although dogs are the main reservoir for this disease, a role played by dogs in this outbreak has been ruled out and investigators are now considering other hosts (eg. cats, rabbits, hares) as possible alternative reservoirs. This study was designed to examine the Leishmania infantum status of stray cats in Madrid to assess its possible implications in the human leishmaniosis outbreak. Methods 346 captured stray cats were tested for antibodies against L. infantum by the indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) and nested-PCR methods were used to detect Leishmania DNA in blood samples of cats testing seropositive for L. infantum and/or retroviruses infection. Cats were also tested for Toxoplasma gondii using the direct agglutination test (DAT) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies (PetChek* FIV/FeLV). The presence of intestinal parasites was determined using a routine coprological method. Results The seroprevalence of L. infantum infection (cut off ≥ 1/100) was 3.2% (11/346). However, it was not possible to amplify Leishmania DNA in any of the blood samples. Seropositivity was not associated with sex, age, capture site, clinical status, retrovirus infection or T. gondii seropositivity. Of the 11 cats seropositive for L. infantum, 3 also tested positive for FIV, none for FeLV and 6 for T. gondii. It should be mentioned that the prevalence of FeLV p27 antigen was 4% and of FIV antibody was 9.2%. Although the seroprevalence of T. gondii was quite high at 53.5%, no T. gondii oocysts were found in any of the faeces samples analysed (n = 287). In contrast, intestinal parasites were detected in 76 (26.5%) samples, Toxocara cati being the most prevalent. Conclusions Our results suggest a stable L. infantum infection situation among the stray cats of the Madrid area; the disease is uncommon and no clinical cases have been reported to date. The detection of other zoonotic parasites such as T. gondii and T. cati in stray cats indicates a need to adopt strict control measures in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Miró
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
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