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Barbosa WZ, Magalhães KA, Pussi KF, Lima Junior MSDC, Neitzke-Abreu HC. Feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus and Leishmania spp. prevalence in cats from shelters in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2024; 33:e006324. [PMID: 38958295 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612024035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Diseases such as those caused by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) represent health problems for cats. Feline leishmaniasis (FL) has been reported in several cities across the country. The objective was to carry out a clinical-epidemiological and laboratory study of FIV, FeLV and FL in cats from shelters in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Blood samples and swabs from the conjunctival and nasal mucosa were obtained from 75 cats, from four animal shelters. Serology for FIV and FeLV was performed. For Leishmania, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on blood, conjunctiva and nasal mucosa. In the immunochromatographic serological test, seven cats tested positive for FIV and none for FeLV. No samples was positive in PCR for Leishmania. The study showed that despite the presence of human and canine leishmaniasis in the studied region, Leishmania spp. were absent in the cats studied. To avoid an increase in contagion in shelters, it is essential isolate cats with FIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walderson Zuza Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados - UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brasil
| | - Karen Araújo Magalhães
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados - UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brasil
| | - Kamily Fagundes Pussi
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados - UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brasil
| | | | - Herintha Coeto Neitzke-Abreu
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados - UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brasil
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados - UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brasil
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Cardoso SF, Guesser JVC, Rodrigues AAF, Brazil RP, Rona LDP, Pitaluga AN. Leishmania infantum detection in Nyssomyia neivai and dogs in Southern Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:269. [PMID: 38918858 PMCID: PMC11200822 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06336-z] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sand fly Nyssomyia neivai is one of the most abundant species in Southern Brazil. It is frequently found in areas that are foci of visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Santa Catarina, caused by Leishmania infantum. In this region, the main vector of L. infantum, Lutzomyia longipalpis, has not been detected. In the absence of L. longipalpis, this study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna and diagnose any potential Leishmania spp. infection in sand flies and in dogs in a region of Southern Brazil that experienced a recent canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak. METHODS This report includes a survey of the sand fly fauna at the Zoonosis Control Center of the Municipality of Tubarão (Santa Catarina, Brazil). Molecular tests were conducted to investigate Leishmania spp. natural infection in sand flies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In positive females, in addition to morphological identification, molecular analysis through DNA barcoding was performed to determine the sand fly species. Additionally, the dogs were tested for the presence of Leishmania spp. using a non-invasive technique for the collection of biological material, to be assessed by PCR. RESULTS A total of 3419 sand flies, belonging to five genera, were collected. Nyssomyia neivai was the most abundant species (85.8%), followed by Migonemyia migonei (13.3%), Pintomyia fischeri (0.8%), Evandromyia edwardsi (< 0.1%), and species of the genus Brumptomyia. (0.1%). Out of the 509 non-engorged females analyzed by PCR, two (0.4%) carried L. infantum DNA. The naturally infected females were identified as Ny. neivai, in both morphological and molecular analysis. In addition, two out of 47 conjunctival swabs from dogs tested positive for L. infantum, yielding an infection rate of 4.2%. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the presence of Ny. neivai naturally infected with L. infantum in an area where dogs were also infected by the parasite, suggesting its potential role as a vector in Southern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Fernandes Cardoso
- Department of Cell Biology, Embryology, and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance (DIVE), Santa Catarina's State Health Secretary, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - João Victor Costa Guesser
- Department of Cell Biology, Embryology, and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luísa Damazio Pitaluga Rona
- Department of Cell Biology, Embryology, and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Molecular Entomology, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (INCT-EM, CNPq), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - André Nóbrega Pitaluga
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Molecular Entomology, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (INCT-EM, CNPq), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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De Silva NL, De Silva VNH, Weerasooriya MV, Takagi H, Itoh M, Kato H, Yahathugoda TC. A real-time PCR for quantification of parasite burden and its correlations with clinical characteristics and anti-rKRP42 IgG level in cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Parasitol Int 2024; 100:102865. [PMID: 38341021 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102865] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In visceral and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, humoral immune response can reflect disease severity and parasite burden. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka is caused by a usually visceralizing parasite, Leishmania donovani. We assessed the parasite burden (relative quantity-RQ) in 190 CL patients using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR-with primers designed for this study) and smear microscopy, then correlated it with clinical parameters and IgG response. RQ of parasite DNA was determined with human-specific glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the internal control. The qPCR sensitivity was tested with serially diluted DNA from cultured L. donovani parasites. Smears were assigned a score based on number of parasites per high power field. Data from previous studies were used for comparison and correlation; nested Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) PCR as reference standard (RS) and IgG antibody titers to the Leishmania rKRp42 antigen as the immune response. The qPCR amplified and quantified 86.8% of the samples while demonstrating a fair and significant agreement with ITS1-PCR and microscopy. Parasite burden by qPCR and microscopy were highly correlated (r = 0.76; p = 0.01) but showed no correlation with the IgG response (r = 0.056; p = 0.48). Corresponding mean RQs of IgG titers grouped by percentiles, showed no significant difference (p = 0.93). Mean RQ was higher in early lesions (p = 0.04), decreased with lesion size (p = 0.12) and slightly higher among papules, nodules and wet ulcers (p = 0.72). Our study established qPCR's efficacy in quantifying parasite burden in Sri Lankan CL lesions but no significant correlation was observed between the parasite burden and host IgG response to the Leishmania rKRP42 antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hidekazu Takagi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi 480-1195, Japan.
| | - Makoto Itoh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Kato
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
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Khogali A, Elnaiem DEA, Díaz-Regañón R, Jibreel T, Nour BYM, Abdelrahman SH, Molina R, Jiménez M. Infection of Leishmania donovani in Phlebotomus orientalis Sand Flies at Different Microhabitats of a Kala-Azar Endemic Village in Eastern Sudan. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:40. [PMID: 38393129 PMCID: PMC10892308 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9020040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A study was carried out to compare the infection rates of Leishmania donovani in Phlebotomus orientalis sandflies at different microhabitats of a VL endemic village in Gedarif state, Sudan. DNA extracts of 1078 P. orientalis sand fly females sampled by CDC light traps from indoor, outdoor, peri-domestic, and sylvatic sites, in three transmission seasons, March-June 2016-18, in Helat-Belo village, were subjected to independent PCR amplifications targeting Leishmania kDNA and the cpb gene followed by ITS1 region sequencing. Leishmania kDNA was detected in 1.4% of the 1078 P. orientalis females captured in the area. Two of these specimens showed a characteristic 741 bp band of L. donovani after cpb gene amplification. The DNA sequence of the ITS1 region of the parasites matched the ITS1 L. donovani genotype F. There were no signficant differences between rates of infection of L. donovani in P. orientalis captured at different sites. Blood meals found in infected flies origninated from human (5 specimens), cattle (4 specimens) and donkey (2 specimens). The finding of fresh cow and donkey blood in the infected flies suggests the possible role of these animals in the zoopotentiation and/or zooprophylaxis against VL. The study provides important information for VL transmission models and control programs in East Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altayeb Khogali
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Dia-Eldin A. Elnaiem
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 1 Backbone Rd., Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA
| | - Ramón Díaz-Regañón
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (R.M.)
| | - Tayseer Jibreel
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Bakri Y. M. Nour
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Samira Hamid Abdelrahman
- Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 21111, Sudan; (A.K.); (T.J.); (B.Y.M.N.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (R.M.)
- Collaborative Biomedical Research Center in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (R.M.)
- Collaborative Biomedical Research Center in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Costa SF, Soares MF, Poleto Bragato J, dos Santos MO, Rebech GT, de Freitas JH, de Lima VMF. MicroRNA-194 regulates parasitic load and IL-1β-dependent nitric oxide production in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of dogs with leishmaniasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011789. [PMID: 38241360 PMCID: PMC10798644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestic dogs are the primary urban reservoirs of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis. In Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL), modulation of the host's immune response may be associated with the expression of small non-coding RNAs called microRNA (miR). miR-194 expression increases in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of dogs with leishmaniasis with a positive correlation with the parasite load and in silico analysis demonstrated that the TRAF6 gene is the target of miR-194 in PBMCs from diseased dogs. Here, we isolated PBMCs from 5 healthy dogs and 28 dogs with leishmaniasis, naturally infected with L. infantum. To confirm changes in miR-194 and TRAF6 expression, basal expression of miR-194 and gene expression of TRAF6 was measured using qPCR. PBMCs from healthy dogs and dogs with leishmaniasis were transfected with miR-194 scramble, mimic, and inhibitor and cultured at 37° C, 5% CO2 for 48 hours. The expression of possible targets was measured: iNOS, NO, T-bet, GATA3, and FoxP3 were measured using flow cytometry; the production of cytokines IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and TGF-β in cell culture supernatants was measured using capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Parasite load was measured using cytometry and qPCR. Functional assays followed by miR-194 inhibitor and IL-1β blockade and assessment of NO production were also performed. Basal miR-194 expression was increased in PBMC from dogs with Leishmaniasis and was negatively correlated with TRAF6 expression. The mimic of miR-194 promoted an increase in parasite load. There were no significant changes in T-bet, GATA3, or FoxP3 expression with miR-194 enhancement or inhibition. Inhibition of miR-194 increased IL-1β and NO in PBMCs from diseased dogs, and blockade of IL-1β following miR-194 inhibition decreased NO levels. These findings suggest that miR-194 is upregulated in PBMCs from dogs with leishmaniasis and increases parasite load, possibly decreasing NO production via IL-1β. These results increase our understanding of the mechanisms of evasion of the immune response by the parasite and the identification of possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidnei Ferro Costa
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Animal Reproduction, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus Fujimura Soares
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Animal Reproduction, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Poleto Bragato
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Animal Reproduction, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilene Oliveira dos Santos
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Animal Reproduction, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Torres Rebech
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Animal Reproduction, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Henrique de Freitas
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Animal Reproduction, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valéria Marçal Felix de Lima
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Animal Reproduction, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Castillo AP, Miranda JVO, Fonseca PLC, Silva SDO, Lopes REN, Spanhol VC, Moreira RG, Nicolino RR, Queiroz DC, de Araújo E Santos LCG, Dos Santos APS, Rivetti HAA, Martins-Duarte ES, de Almeida Vitor RW, Dos Reis JKP, Aguiar RS, da Silveira JAG. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and co-infections in stray cats in Brazil. Acta Trop 2024; 249:107056. [PMID: 37913970 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19), has been identified in cats. Notably, most positive cases were in cats that had close contact with infected humans, suggesting a role for humans in animal transmission routes. Previous studies have suggested that animals with immune depletion are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. To date, there is limited evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in stray and free-range cats affected by other pathogens. In this study, we investigated infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in stray cats from an urban park in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. From February to September 2021, 78 mixed-breed cats were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and hemopathogens using molecular analysis at Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgG in T. gondii. None of the animals in this study showed any clinical signs of infections. The SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA was detected in 7.7 % of cats, and a whole virus genome sequence analysis revealed the SARS-CoV-2 Delta lineage (B.1.617.2). Phylogenetic analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 isolated from cats was grouped into the sublineage AY.99.2, which matches the epidemiological scenario of COVID-19 in the urban area of our study. Leishmania infantum was detected and sequenced in 9 % of cats. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 23.1 %. Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. was detected in 7.7 % of the cats, with Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum being the most common. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae were detected in 38.5 % of the cats, FeLV was detected in 17,9 %, and none of the cats studied tested positive for FIV. This study reports, for the first time, the SARS-CoV-2 infection with whole-genome sequencing in stray cats in southeastern Brazil and co-infection with other pathogens, including Bartonella spp. and Feline leukemia virus. Our study observed no correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and the other detected pathogens. Our results emphasize the importance of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats to characterize their epidemiological role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinforce the importance of zoonotic disease surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisleidy Pérez Castillo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil; Laboratório de PROTOVET, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Joao Victor Oliveira Miranda
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Paula Luize Camargos Fonseca
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Soraia de Oliveira Silva
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rosálida Estevam Nazar Lopes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Viviane Campos Spanhol
- Laboratório de Retroviroses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rennan Garcias Moreira
- Centro de Laboratórios Multiusuários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rafael Romero Nicolino
- Departamento de Epidemiologia e Defesa Sanitária Animal, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Daniel Costa Queiroz
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Luiza Campos Guerra de Araújo E Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Anna Pio Soares Dos Santos
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Hugo Adriano Araújo Rivetti
- Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Prefeitura de Belo Horizonte, R. Édna Quintel, 173 - São Bernardo, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-705, Brazil
| | - Erica S Martins-Duarte
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wagner de Almeida Vitor
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jenner Karlisson Pimenta Dos Reis
- Laboratório de Retroviroses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato Santana Aguiar
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Júlia Angélica Gonçalves da Silveira
- Laboratório de PROTOVET, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
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Riebenbauer K, Czerny S, Egg M, Urban N, Kinaciyan T, Hampel A, Fidelsberger L, Karlhofer F, Porkert S, Walochnik J, Handisurya A. The changing epidemiology of human leishmaniasis in the non-endemic country of Austria between 2000 to 2021, including a congenital case. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011875. [PMID: 38198499 PMCID: PMC10805284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with intracellular protozoans of the genus Leishmania. Transmission occurs predominantly by the bite of phlebotomine sandflies, other routes, including congenital transmission, are rare. The disease manifests as either cutaneous, visceral or mucosal/mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. In recent years, changes in the epidemiological pattern have been reported from Europe. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 311 new and 29 published leishmaniasis cases occurring between 01/01/2000 and 12/31/2021 in Austria were collected and analyzed. These encompassed 146 cutaneous (CL), 14 visceral (VL), 4 mucosal, and 3 cases with concurrent VL and CL. In addition, asymptomatic infections, comprising 11 unspecified cases with Leishmania DNA detectable only in the blood and 162 cases with anti-Leishmania antibodies were reported. Particularly since 2016, the incidence of leishmaniasis has steadily risen, mainly attributable to increasing numbers of CL and cases with positive serology against Leishmania species, whereas the incidence of VL has slowly decreased. Analysis revealed that a shift in the causative species spectrum had occurred and that a substantial number of CL cases were caused by members of the Leishmania donovani/infantum complex. Simultaneous occurrence of VL and CL was identified in immunocompromised individuals, but also in a not yet reported case of an immunocompetent child after vertical transmission. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of leishmaniasis has risen in the recent years. The numbers are anticipated to keep rising due to increasing human mobility, including travel and forced migration, growing reservoir host populations as well as expansion and dispersal of vector species caused by climate and habitat changes, urbanization and globalization. Hence, elevated awareness for the disease, including possible transmission in previously non-endemic regions and non-vector transmission modes, support of sandfly surveillance efforts and implementation and establishment of public health interventions in a One Health approach are pivotal in the global efforts to control and reduce leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Czerny
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Egg
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Urban
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamar Kinaciyan
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amélie Hampel
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luise Fidelsberger
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Karlhofer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefanie Porkert
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Souza DA, Oliveira-Santos LGR, Infran JDOM, Fernandes WDS, Arrua AEC, Piranda EM, de Oliveira AG. Spatiotemporal changes in exposition risk to leishmaniases vector in residences within a fishing tourism area of Pantanal wetland. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011809. [PMID: 38048353 PMCID: PMC10721170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Miranda Municipality of Mato Grosso do Sul, borders the Pantanal wetland, a famous fishing destination visited by tourists from all over the world, and is a location where visceral leishmaniasis has been reported. To assess the risk of Leishmania infantum transmission, we studied the sandfly community, focusing on known vector and parasite presence. We conducted light trap collections twice per month at nine sites within the city (including two forested areas) for one year. We collected a total of 12,727 sand flies, 10,891 males and 1,836 females belonging to 11 species: Brumptomyia avellari, Evandromyia aldafalcaoae, Ev. evandroi, Ev. lenti, Ev. sallesi, Ev. walkeri, Lu. longipalpis, Nyssomyia whitmani, Psathyromyia bigeniculata, Pa. hermanlenti and Pa. punctigeniculata. Lutzomyia longipalpis, the proven vector of Leishmania infantum, was captured each month, and was the most abundant species observed, accounting for more than 99% of sand flies captured in most sites, especially where chicken coops were present. Evidence of Leishmania infantum infection was detected in 0.40% of Lu. longipalpis tested. We developed a generalized mixed multilevel model for Lu. longipalpis, that includes within-year seasonality, location of capture (indoors vs. outdoors), vector abundance, and sex ratio. The VL vector was abundant both inside and outside houses. Large numbers of Lu. longipalpis were observed in outdoor sites where domestic animals were present but were absent from forest sites. Our findings suggest high vector populations and Le. infantum presence in a city where tourists could be exposed to visceral leishmaniasis, with significant implications for more surveillance and control activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana Alovisi Souza
- Graduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | | | - Jucelei de Oliveira Moura Infran
- Laboratory of Human Parasitology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Wagner de Souza Fernandes
- Laboratory of Human Parasitology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Aline Etelvina Casaril Arrua
- Laboratory of Human Parasitology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Eliane Mattos Piranda
- Laboratory of Human Parasitology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Gutierrez de Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Laboratory of Human Parasitology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
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9
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Roy L, Cloots K, Uranw S, Rai K, Bhattarai NR, Smekens T, Hendrickx R, Caljon G, Hasker E, Das ML, Van Bortel W. The ongoing risk of Leishmania donovani transmission in eastern Nepal: an entomological investigation during the elimination era. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:404. [PMID: 37932813 PMCID: PMC10629032 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05986-9] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a life-threatening neglected tropical disease, is targeted for elimination from Nepal by the year 2026. The national VL elimination program is still confronted with many challenges including the increasingly widespread distribution of the disease over the country, local resurgence and the questionable efficacy of the key vector control activities. In this study, we assessed the status and risk of Leishmania donovani transmission based on entomological indicators including seasonality, natural Leishmania infection rate and feeding behavior of vector sand flies, Phlebotomus argentipes, in three districts that had received disease control interventions in the past several years in the context of the disease elimination effort. METHODS We selected two epidemiologically contrasting settings in each survey district, one village with and one without reported VL cases in recent years. Adult sand flies were collected using CDC light traps and mouth aspirators in each village for 12 consecutive months from July 2017 to June 2018. Leishmania infection was assessed in gravid sand flies targeting the small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene of the parasite (SSU-rRNA) and further sequenced for species identification. A segment (~ 350 bp) of the vertebrate cytochrome b (cytb) gene was amplified from blood-fed P. argentipes from dwellings shared by both humans and cattle and sequenced to identify the preferred host. RESULTS Vector abundance varied among districts and village types and peaks were observed in June, July and September to November. The estimated Leishmania infection rate in vector sand flies was 2.2% (1.1%-3.7% at 95% credible interval) and 0.6% (0.2%-1.3% at 95% credible interval) in VL and non-VL villages respectively. The common source of blood meal was humans in both VL (52.7%) and non-VL (74.2%) villages followed by cattle. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the risk of ongoing L. donovani transmission not only in villages with VL cases but also in villages not reporting the presence of the disease over the past several years within the districts having disease elimination efforts, emphasize the remaining threats of VL re-emergence and inform the national program for critical evaluation of disease elimination strategies in Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalita Roy
- Tropical and Infectious Disease Centre, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Kristien Cloots
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Surendra Uranw
- Department of Internal Medicine, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Keshav Rai
- Department of Microbiology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Narayan R Bhattarai
- Department of Microbiology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Tom Smekens
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rik Hendrickx
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Epco Hasker
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Murari L Das
- Department of Microbiology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Wim Van Bortel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Outbreak Research Team, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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10
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Oca-Aguilar ACMD, Fernández-Figueroa EA, Pavón-Méndez MI, López-Ávila K, Sosa-Bibiano EI, Rebollar-Téllez EA, Palacio-Vargas JA, Miranda-Ortíz H, Loría-Cervera EN. First detection of Leishmania DNA in Lutzomyia longipalpis sensu lato (Diptera: Phlebotominae) in southem Mexico. J Vector Borne Dis 2023; 60:453-456. [PMID: 38174527 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.391880] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives Lutzomyia longipalpis sensu lato is an important vector of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Latin America. In Mexico, this species has been recorded in endemic areas of leishmaniasis transmission, but it has never been detected as infected with Leishmania sp. This study aimed to explore the presence of Leishmania DNA in Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. from samples collected with a human baited trap from an endemic region of leishmaniasis in southeastern Mexico. Methods This is a prospective study where a total of 45 specimens of Lu. longipalpis s.l. collected in two sites of Yucatan state with records of leishmaniasis were tested. The nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer was amplified for the detection of Leishmania DNA. Results Two females were positive for Leishmania DNA. None of the specimens positive for parasite DNA were found fed or gravid. Our finding represents the first record of infection by Leishmania in Lu. longipalpis s.l. for the country. Interpretation & conclusion More studies are necessary to understand the potential role of this vector species in the transmission cycle of the causative agent of leishmaniasis in the southeastern and other regions of Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Montes de Oca-Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Mexico
| | | | - Mariela I Pavón-Méndez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Mexico
| | - Karina López-Ávila
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Mexico
| | - Erika I Sosa-Bibiano
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Mexico
| | - Eduardo A Rebollar-Téllez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Departamento de Zoología de Invertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
| | - Jorge A Palacio-Vargas
- Dirección de Prevención y protección de la Salud de los Servicios del Estado de Yucatán, Mexico
| | | | - Elsy N Loría-Cervera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México
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11
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Jaimes-Dueñez J, Castillo-Castañeda A, Jiménez-Leaño Á, Duque JE, Cantillo-Barraza O, Cáceres-Rivera DI, Granada Y, Triana-Chávez O, Ramírez JD. Epidemiological features of Leishmania infantum in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) suggest a latent risk of visceral leishmaniasis in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Santander, Eastern Colombia. Prev Vet Med 2023; 219:106021. [PMID: 37738753 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106021] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease caused by species of the Leishmania donovani complex that is mainly transmitted through the urban cycle involving dogs as the primary reservoir. In Colombia, the incidence of VL is increasing, along with the spread of potential vectors. This study aims to investigate the eco-epidemiological factors associated with Leishmania spp. infection in dogs from the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga (MAB), Santander, eastern Colombia, which is a region at risk for VL. We conducted molecular and serological surveillance of Leishmania spp. in 207 dogs from MAB to determine the epidemiological factors associated with infection. Subsequently, we carried out a molecular and serological analysis of phlebotomine and humans, respectively, in areas with a higher prevalence of infection, aiming to describe the main features associated with the transmission cycle. Out of the 207 dogs tested, 37 (17.8%, 95% CI = 12.6-23.1%) were positive for the presence of Leishmania antibodies by the IFAT test, and only 9 (4.3%, 95% CI = 1.55-7.15%) were positive for L. infantum by PCR. Multivariate analyses indicated that canine shelters and dogs with clinical signs commonly associated with canine VL had a higher prevalence of infection (P < 0.05). In the entomological survey, 69 blood-fed female phlebotomine of the genus Lutzomyia were captured in canine shelters, among them, 55% were identified as Lutzomyia camposi, 29% as Lu. ovallesi, 7% as Lu. dubitans, 6% as Lu. torvida, and 3% as Lu. cayennensis. The identified meal sources of the phlebotomine included human, pig, avian, cattle, and porcupine (Coendou quichua) blood. However, no phlebotomine positive for Leishmania spp. were detected by molecular analyses. Finally, 14 humans who had frequent contact with L. infantum-positive dogs were analyzed through rK39 test, but none tested was positive for IgG/IgM antibodies. The molecular and serological analyses indicate the circulation of L. infantum in dogs from MAB, with canine shelters having the highest prevalence of infection. The entomological survey of canine shelters showed a significant diversity of phlebotomine without potential vectors of L. infantum, suggesting the presence of infection in dogs from these areas could take place in other locations or through other transmission routes. The circulation of L. infantum in multiple dogs from MAB suggests a latent risk of zoonotic transmission of VL in these cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Adriana Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ángela Jiménez-Leaño
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Jonny E Duque
- Centro de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales, CINTROP, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana Isabel Cáceres-Rivera
- Grupo de Investigación para el fortalecimiento de la salud y el bienestar GIFOSABI, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Yurany Granada
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Omar Triana-Chávez
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York city, NY, USA
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12
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Xhekaj B, Hoxha I, Platzgummer K, Kniha E, Walochnik J, Sherifi K, Rexhepi A, Behluli B, Dvořák V, Fuehrer HP, Obwaller AG, Poeppl W, Stefanovska J, Cvetkovikj A. First Detection and Molecular Analysis of Leishmania infantum DNA in Sand Flies of Kosovo. Pathogens 2023; 12:1190. [PMID: 37887706 PMCID: PMC10610191 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101190] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are the principal vectors of phleboviruses and Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniases. The Mediterranean sand fly fauna is diverse, and leishmaniasis, mainly caused by Leishmania infantum, is endemic in the Balkan countries. Despite recent entomological surveys, only some districts of Kosovo have been sampled for sand flies, with no proof/confirmation of L. infantum. This study aimed to gain further insights into the species composition of natural sand fly populations in previously unsampled districts and areas in Kosovo without reports of leishmaniasis and to detect Leishmania DNA in sand flies. A sand fly survey was conducted in 2022 in all seven districts of Kosovo. Collected females were screened for Leishmania DNA by PCR. Positive samples were sequenced and subjected to maximum likelihood analysis with reference sequences for further molecular characterization. The trapping activities at 114 different localities resulted in 3272 caught specimens, comprising seven sand fly species of two genera, namely Phlebotomus neglectus, Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. tobbi, Ph. papatasi, Ph. simici, Ph. balcanicus and Sergentomyia minuta. Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in three individual sand flies of Ph. neglectus and Ph. perfiliewi. This study provides the most extensive sand fly survey in Kosovo and reports the first record of L. infantum DNA in sand flies, indicating autochthonous circulation of L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betim Xhekaj
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Ina Hoxha
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Katharina Platzgummer
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Edwin Kniha
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Kurtesh Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
| | - Agim Rexhepi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
| | - Behlul Behluli
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
| | - Vit Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Adelheid G. Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Roßauer Lände 1, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Wolfgang Poeppl
- Department of Dermatology and Tropical Medicine, Military Medical Cluster East, Austrian Armed Forces, Brünner Straße 238, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Jovana Stefanovska
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
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13
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Dutra-Rêgo F, Lima MA, Almeida GLP, de Almeida PS, Bastos GKSDV, Alexandre LVDN, Samaniego RD, da Silva WA, Ogaya ADM, Andrade-Filho JD. Molecular detection of Leishmania and blood meal analysis in sand flies from Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Acta Trop 2023; 245:106961. [PMID: 37268196 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the presence of Leishmania in sand flies collected from a peridomestic area in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, after an autochthonous case of cutaneous leishmaniasis was confirmed. A total of 1,542 sand flies belonging to seven species were collected, with Lu. cruzi being the most prevalent (94.3%). We detected the presence of DNA from Le. infantum (7 pools) and Le. braziliensis (3 pools) by sequencing the ITS1 amplicon in ten pools, all of which were composed of engorged (3) and non-engorged (7) females of Lu. cruzi. We collected 24 engorged females, with Homo sapiens being the most common blood meal source (91.6%), followed by Dasyprocta azarae and Canis lupus familiaris (4.2% each). To our knowledge, this is the first molecular evidence of Le. braziliensis in wild-caught Lu. cruzi in Brazil, suggesting its potential role as a vector for this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Dutra-Rêgo
- Grupo de Estudo em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
| | - Mariana Alves Lima
- Grupo de Estudo em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Giovana Luísa Pereira Almeida
- Grupo de Estudo em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Paulo Silva de Almeida
- Laboratório Regional de Entomologia de Dourados, Núcleo Regional de Saúde, Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Mato Grosso Sul, Brasil
| | - Grace Kelly Sguario do Valle Bastos
- Laboratório Regional de Entomologia da Gerência de Vigilância em Saúde de Corumbá, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
| | - Luiza Vilalva das Neves Alexandre
- Laboratório Regional de Entomologia da Gerência de Vigilância em Saúde de Corumbá, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Daltro Samaniego
- Laboratório Regional de Entomologia da Gerência de Vigilância em Saúde de Corumbá, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
| | - Walkiria Arruda da Silva
- Laboratório Regional de Entomologia da Gerência de Vigilância em Saúde de Corumbá, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
| | - Alcides de Moraes Ogaya
- Laboratório Regional de Entomologia da Gerência de Vigilância em Saúde de Corumbá, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
| | - José Dilermando Andrade-Filho
- Grupo de Estudo em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
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14
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Alves-Martin MF, Bertozzo TV, Aires IN, Manzini S, Paixão-Marques MDS, Guiraldi LM, dos Santos WJ, Sánchez GP, Curci VCLM, Richini-Pereira VB, Lucheis SB. Detection of Leishmania spp. in Cats: Analysis of Nasal, Oral and Conjunctival Swabs by PCR and HRM. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2468. [PMID: 37570277 PMCID: PMC10417458 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152468] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Feline leishmaniasis (FeL) is caused by several species of parasites of the genus Leishmania. The disease can occur with the presence or absence of clinical signs, similar to those observed in other common infectious diseases. In endemic regions for FeL, the infection has been associated with dermatological lesions. Therefore, considering the search for less invasive and more effective diagnostic techniques, we aimed to investigate the presence of Leishmania spp. in domestic cats through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and high-resolution melting (HRM) analyses of conjunctival, oral, and nasal epithelial cells, and we detected the presence of anti-Leishmania IgG antibodies from serological techniques of the Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) and ELISA. METHODS The PCR and HRM for detection of Leishmania spp. were performed on 36 samples of epithelial cells from the conjunctiva of male and female cats, collected using sterile swabs. The serological tests IFAT and ELISA were also performed. RESULTS The prevalence of Leishmania donovani infection was 11.1% (4/36) by PCR assay, and those results were confirmed for Leishmania species using the HRM technique. Twenty-four cats (24/36 = 66.7%) were reactive to the IFAT and twenty-two cats were reactive by the ELISA technique (22/36 = 61.1%). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS The use of conjunctival swabs was shown to be a non-invasive, practical, and easy-to-perform technique, and in addition to the genetic sequencing and HRM, it was able to identify the parasitic DNA of L. donovani in cats. This technique can be used for screening diagnosis in future epidemiological surveys of FeL and can be used as a complement to clinical and/or serological tests, as well as associating the clinical history of the animal, for the diagnostic conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Alves-Martin
- Department of Biology and Animal Science, School of Engineering, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Ilha Solteira 15385-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Thainá Valente Bertozzo
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18603-560, SP, Brazil; (T.V.B.); (I.N.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Isabella Neves Aires
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18603-560, SP, Brazil; (T.V.B.); (I.N.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Suzane Manzini
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18603-560, SP, Brazil; (T.V.B.); (I.N.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Mirian dos Santos Paixão-Marques
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18603-560, SP, Brazil; (T.V.B.); (I.N.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Lívia Maísa Guiraldi
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18603-560, SP, Brazil; (T.V.B.); (I.N.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Wesley José dos Santos
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18603-560, SP, Brazil; (T.V.B.); (I.N.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Gabriela Pacheco Sánchez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA 92697-2525, USA;
| | | | | | - Simone Baldini Lucheis
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18603-560, SP, Brazil; (T.V.B.); (I.N.A.); (S.M.)
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil
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15
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Studentsky L, Orshan L, Akad F, Ben Avi I, Diaz D, Elbaz S, Sagi O, Zagron G, Valinsky L, Davidovich-Cohen M, Baneth G. Leishmania donovani Transmission Cycle Associated with Human Infection, Phlebotomus alexandri Sand Flies, and Hare Blood Meals, Israel 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:945-955. [PMID: 37080961 PMCID: PMC10124660 DOI: 10.3201/eid2905.221657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major or L. tropica and visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. infantum have been reported in Israel. We collected Phlebotomus spp. sand flies in the Negev desert of southern Israel to identify circulating Leishmania spp. Of 22,636 trapped sand flies, 80% were P. alexandri. We sequenced Leishmania-specific internal transcribed spacer 1 fragments and K26 genes. Of 5,019 Phlebotomus female sand flies, 2.5% were Leishmania DNA-positive; 92% of infections were L. donovani. Phylogenetic analyses showed separate clustering of L. donovani and L. infantum. P. alexandri flies positive for L. donovani harbored blood meals from European hares. Leishmania DNA isolated from a patient with cutaneous leishmaniasis who lived in the survey area was identical to L. donovani from P. alexandri flies. We report circulation of L. donovani, a cause of visceral leishmaniasis, in southern Israel. Prompt diagnosis and Leishmania spp. identification are critical to prevent leishmaniasis progression.
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16
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de Souza DK, Addo SO, Desewu K, Nzelu CO, Mosore MT, Nimo-Paintsil S, Attram N, Appawu M, Wilson MD, Boakye DA. Investigating potential sand fly vectors after the first reported outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghana. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:154. [PMID: 37118766 PMCID: PMC10148561 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05767-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted through the bite of infected female sand flies. Since the first reported outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghana, in 1999, there has been limited published information on its vectors and reservoir hosts there. Previous studies have shown strong dominance of the sand fly genus Sergentomyia over the genus Phlebotomus in Ghana. Thus the aim of this study was to determine the possible sand fly vector species in Ghana, as well as their human-feeding behavior, from the time of the first reported outbreak of CL in the country. METHODS Sand flies were collected from randomly selected houses in three communities. They were identified and used for blood meal source identification and the detection of Leishmania infection using molecular methods. RESULTS: A total of 1051 female sand flies were morphologically identified, of which Sergentomyia africana africana (29%) was the predominant species. Among the 275 female sand flies that had blood-fed, the identified blood meal sources included chicken (33.8%) and goat (12.4%); the percentage of human blood meals was 32%. Single-source and mixed-source blood meals were identified in Sergentomyia africana africana (11.6%), Sergentomyia ingrami (14.9%) and Sergentomyia simillima (20%), with S. simillima having the highest proportion of blood meals that included human blood (14.6%). Using molecular methods, unfed sand flies and identified human-feeding species were examined for the presence of Leishmania DNA. Pool screening analysis revealed three pools of S. ingrami positive for Leishmania major DNA, with an infection rate of 1.27% (95% confidence interval 2.467-3.647). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that some Sergentomyia species may be involved in the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghana. However, the role of S. ingrami as a vector of leishmaniasis in Ghana needs to be conclusively validated by isolating the parasite from this species and through experimental transmission studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dziedzom K de Souza
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Seth Offei Addo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwame Desewu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Chukwunonso O Nzelu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine and Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Mba T Mosore
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shirley Nimo-Paintsil
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Naiki Attram
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Maxwell Appawu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Daniel A Boakye
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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17
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Tsurim I, Wasserberg G, Warburg A, Abbasi I, Ben Natan G, Abramsky Z. Large scale systemic control short-circuits pathogen transmission by interrupting the sand rat (Psammomys obesus)-to-sand fly (Phlebotomus papatasi) Leishmania major transmission cycle. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:4-13. [PMID: 36054150 PMCID: PMC10087256 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Systemic control uses the vertebrate hosts of zoonotic pathogens as "Trojan horses," killing blood-feeding female vectors and short-circuiting host-to-vector pathogen transmission. Previous studies focused only on the effect of systemic control on vector abundance at small spatial scales. None were conducted at a spatial scale relevant for vector control and none on the effect of systemic control on pathogen transmission rates. We tested the application of systemic control, using Fipronil-impregnated rodent baits, in reducing Leishmania major (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae; Yakimoff & Schokhor, 1914) infection levels within the vector, Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae; Scopoli, 1786) population, at the town-scale. We provided Fipronil-impregnated food-baits to all Psammomys obesus (Mammalia:Muridae; Cretzschmar, 1828), the main L. major reservoir, burrows along the southern perimeter of the town of Yeruham, Israel, and compared sand fly abundance and infection levels with a non-treated control area. We found a significant and substantial treatment effect on L. major infection levels in the female sand fly population. Sand fly abundance was not affected. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of systemic control in reducing pathogen transmission rates at a large, epidemiologically relevant, spatial scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Tsurim
- Department of Life SciencesAchva Academic CollegeIsrael
- Department of Life SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
- Gaza Envelope Research and Development CenterNetivotIsrael
| | - Gideon Wasserberg
- Biology DepartmentUniversity of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboroNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Alon Warburg
- The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute of Medical Research, Israel‐Canada, The Faculty of MedicineThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Ibrahim Abbasi
- The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute of Medical Research, Israel‐Canada, The Faculty of MedicineThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Gil Ben Natan
- Department of Life SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
| | - Zvika Abramsky
- Department of Life SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
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18
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Carrasquilla MC, Ortiz MI, Amórtegui-Hernández D, García-Restrepo S, León C, Méndez-Cardona S, González C. Pathogens, reservoirs, and vectors involved in the transmission of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases in a Colombian region. Braz J Microbiol 2023:10.1007/s42770-023-00903-9. [PMID: 36828985 PMCID: PMC9957688 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00903-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The ecology of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) is an important system of great complexity, which involves the knowledge about the pathogens and animal species entailed in maintaining transmission cycles in a given locality, including those that act as vectors and reservoirs for the transmitted pathogens. To understand the ecology of some VBDs, we studied vectors, reservoirs, and pathogens of different VBDs, including dengue, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, malaria, Zika, and chikungunya in the municipality of La Mesa, Cundinamarca, Colombia, a locality close to the capital, Bogotá. Vectors and mammals were sampled in urban and rural areas between May and August 2019. Molecular analyses were performed for the detection of pathogens in mammals and vectors, and of blood-meal sources in insects. Several vectors and mammals collected in this study have been involved in pathogen transmission cycles or may have a potential role in them. The findings of this study suggest that in the municipality of La Mesa, there are both vector and potential reservoir species, which are or could be implicated in the maintenance of the cycles of vector-borne diseases such as leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Although arbovirus infections, such as dengue, are reported in the municipality, arbovirus presence was not detected. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance of vectors and associated control operations in La Mesa, of relevance to other locations where vectors and animal hosts also occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cristina Carrasquilla
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Mario Iván Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Daniela Amórtegui-Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sebastián García-Restrepo
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Bosques Tropicales y Primatología (LEBTYP), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Cielo León
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Méndez-Cardona
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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19
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Capucci DC, Campos AM, Soares JVR, Ramos VDV, Binder C, Lima MA, Margonari C, Andrade Filho JD. Ecology and natural infection of phlebotomine sand flies in different ecotopes and environments in the municipality of Pains, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106789. [PMID: 36463952 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106789] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) are vectors of protozoa of the genus Leishmania and distributed throughout Brazil, formerly restricted to rural areas, have expanded including to periurban and urban regions, been recorded in different habitats. This study aimed to understand the dynamics of sand flies in different ecotopes in the municipality of Pains. Sand flies were captured during thirty samplings using HP light traps installed in seven different ecotopes for two consecutive nights, once a month, from August 2018 to July 2019. A total of 1,352 sand flies were captured, representing 24 species belong to ten genera. Evandromyia edwardsi was the most abundant species, followed by Evandromyia lenti and Micropygomyia quinquefer. Leishmania DNA was detected in seven female sand flies in four ecotopes, for an infection rate of 0.9%. Sand flies were collected in all seven ecotopes, although forest (23.04%), cave (20.88%) and pasture (17.75%) had higher abundance and richness. Similarity was found among ecotopes, indicating that they are all important for the maintenance of the sand fly community. Spatial analysis indicated high densities of sand flies in areas with natural characteristics. All ecotopes in the municipality were evidenced to have an adequate and harmonious epidemiological profile for the transmission and expansion of leishmaniasis throughout the territory. Because of the increasing environmental changes and deforestation in the municipality, the risk of generating ecological imbalance and increased cases of leishmaniasis is imminent, which highlights the importance of developing preventive and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Cristina Capucci
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Aldenise Martins Campos
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - João Vítor Reis Soares
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | | | - Camila Binder
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Mariana Alves Lima
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Carina Margonari
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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20
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Louizi C, Khan MAA, Faisal K, Chowdhury R, Ghosh P, Hossain F, Nisansala T, Ranasinghe S, Moreno J, Alvar J, Mondal D, Buhl T, Lüder CGK, Abd El Wahed A. Assessment of pan-Leishmania detection by recombinase polymerase amplification assay. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 105:115862. [PMID: 36493571 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2022.115862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The spread of vector habitats along with increasing human mobility can introduce atypical Leishmania species and hence can challenge existing diagnostic practices for rapid detection of active infection with species outside the narrow target range. Here we assessed the pan-Leishmania detection ability of isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assays targeting 18S rRNA gene, cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase B (Cpb) gene, and kinetoplast minicircle DNA (kDNA) regions. While the lowest limit of detection of the 18S rRNA-RPA and Cpb-RPA assays were estimated as 12 and 17 standard DNA molecules, respectively, both assays could amplify genomic DNA of 7 pathogenic Leishmania species. Evaluation of 18S rRNA-RPA and our previously developed kDNA-RPA assays on 70 real-time PCR-positive leishmaniasis samples of varying pathologies resulted in sensitivity rates of 35.71% and 88.57%, respectively, while the combined sensitivity was 98.57%. Combinatorial application of 18S rRNA-RPA and kDNA-RPA assays can be recommended for further diagnostic assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiheb Louizi
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Md Anik Ashfaq Khan
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Khaledul Faisal
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rajashree Chowdhury
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Prakash Ghosh
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Faria Hossain
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Thilini Nisansala
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Baru, Kelantan, Malaysia; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Shalindra Ranasinghe
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Javier Moreno
- WHO Collaborating Center for Leishmaniasis, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Alvar
- Royal Academy of Medicine of Spain, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Laboratory Sciences and Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Timo Buhl
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carsten G K Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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21
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A Case of Feline Leishmaniosis with Panniculitis. Case Rep Vet Med 2023; 2023:8864790. [PMID: 36685018 PMCID: PMC9848784 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8864790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and transmitted mainly by the bite of sand fly vectors. Cats are infected with at least 6 species of Leishmania. Significant associations have been found between feline leishmaniosis and coinfections mainly with FIV and/or FeLV. A 7-year-old castrated male, domestic short-haired cat was presented with unknown history and cutaneous and ocular lesions. A raised, semifirm swelling on the forehead was observed along with periocular hypotrichosis and conjunctival and third eyelid edema. The indications for pursuing a diagnosis of leishmaniosis are variable, and differing presentations may require the use of different tests. Diagnosis of feline leishmaniosis with panniculitis caused by Leishmania infantum was made by cytology, histopathology, and PCR and Leishmania antibodies (IFA). The cat responded to therapy with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol.
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22
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Ribeiro VM, Júnior DMG, Ottino J, Valle GR, de Miranda Estevam LGT, de Carvalho OV, Paz GF. Report of the presence of Leishmania infantum in the milk of a naturally infected female dog in Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100795. [PMID: 36436888 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100795] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are the most important reservoir of Leishmania infantum, the causal agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. Although lymphoid tissue is the most important biological tissue where amastigotes can be found, this paper describes the presence of L. infantum DNA in the milk of a lactating naturally infected female dog. This finding suggests the need for further studies to elucidate whether breastfeeding can be a route of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer Ottino
- Santo Agostinho Hospital Veterinário, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
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23
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Valle GR, Ribeiro VM, Teles PPDA, Ottino J, Salome DM, Melo MN, Silva SDO, da Silveira JAG, Dias AHF, Dantas-Torres F. Molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens in semen from dogs in southeastern Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100799. [PMID: 36436889 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100799] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are primarily transmitted by arthropod vectors, but secondary ways of transmission have been described, including via venereal route. Nonetheless, there is still limited research on possible sexual transmission of VBPs in dogs. We molecularly investigated the presence of vector-borne pathogens in semen from dogs living in an area where these agents are endemic. Upon PCR testing, seven out of 22 (31.8%) semen samples tested positive for at least one VBP, whereas simultaneous positivity to two or more pathogens was detected in three (13.6%) dogs. Among pathogens detected in semen, Trypanosoma cruzi (n = 1) and Leishmania infantum (n = 3) were identified to species level by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Attempts to sequence PCR products from other pathogens were unsuccessful, but coupled epidemiological and molecular data suggest the presence of Anaplasma platys (n = 5), Babesia vogeli (n = 1) and Ehrlichia canis (n = 1) in semen from dogs. Further experimental studies would be needed to confirm the sexual transmission hypothesis for these VBPs and also the possible implications of these findings for canine reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Valle
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Rua Santa Rita Durão 1160, bairro Funcionários, 30140-111,Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Vitor Márcio Ribeiro
- Hospital Veterinário Santo Agostinho, Av. Amazonas 2218, Bairro Santo Agostinho, 30180-003 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pedro Paulo de Abreu Teles
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Bairro São Luiz, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jennifer Ottino
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Bairro São Luiz, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel Magalhães Salome
- Hospital Veterinário Santo Agostinho, Av. Amazonas 2218, Bairro Santo Agostinho, 30180-003 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Norma Melo
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Bairro São Luiz, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Soraia de Oliveira Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Bairro São Luiz, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Júlia Angélica Gonçalves da Silveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Bairro São Luiz, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Aline Hallais França Dias
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Rua Santa Rita Durão 1160, bairro Funcionários, 30140-111,Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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24
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Kamani J, Harrus S, Yakubu AR, Weka RP, Nnabuife HE, Msheliza EG, Bwala FH, Nachum-Biala Y, Baneth G. Absence of DNA and anti-leishmanial antibodies in dogs (Canis familiaris) in Plateau state, Nigeria. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 34:100766. [PMID: 36041801 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100766] [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: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Dogs are important sentinels for the surveillance of some zoonotic diseases including human leishmaniasis. To obtain information on the role of dogs in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Nigeria, 98 sera and 204 DNA samples obtained from dogs were screened for anti-leishmania antibodies and DNA of Leishmania spp. using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and PCR, respectively. Initially, three out of the 98 sera samples had ELISA borderline optical density (OD) values and were retested. Two out of the three samples turned out to be negative while one sample gave yet a borderline OD value on a retest. A real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the 120-bp fragment of the minicircle kDNA of Leishmania spp. run on DNA extracted from EDTA preserved blood of the borderline positive serum failed to amplify the 120-bp sequence of Leishmania spp. In the second phase of the study, 204 DNA from dog blood samples were subjected to conventional PCR targeting the 300-350 bp of the internal transcribe spacer region 1 (ITS1) of Leishmania spp. None of the samples could be amplified (n = 204, 0%). Our study suggests that L. infantum is not prevalence in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and this should be confirmed using a larger sample of local dogs tested using PCR methods in lymphoid tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kamani
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, PMB 01 Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arin R Yakubu
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, PMB 01 Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Rebecca P Weka
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, PMB 01 Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Henry E Nnabuife
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, PMB 01 Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel G Msheliza
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, PMB 01 Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Falmata H Bwala
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, PMB 01 Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Ticha L, Sadlova J, Bates P, Volf P. Experimental infections of sand flies and geckos with Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) adleri and Leishmania (S.) hoogstraali. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:289. [PMID: 35953873 PMCID: PMC9367110 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05417-1] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Species belonging to the subgenus Sauroleishmania are parasites of reptiles, and traditionally considered to be non-pathogenic to mammals. Knowledge of the development of these parasites in sand flies and their mechanism of transmission is currently lacking. The main aim of this study was to test the susceptibility of various sand fly species to infection by two Sauroleishmania species, focusing on the localization of parasites in the sand fly intestinal tract. Methods The development of Leishmania (Sauroleishmania [S.]) adleri and Leishmania (S.) hoogstraali was studied in six sand fly species (Phlebotomus orientalis, P. argentipes, P. sergenti, P. papatasi, P. duboscqi, Sergentomyia schwetzi). Sand flies were fed through a chick-skin membrane on blood containing Sauroleishmania promastigotes, and they were dissected at various time intervals post blood meal (PBM). Guts were examined microscopically for the presence of parasites, and the intensity and localizations of infections were recorded. Morphological forms of both Sauroleishmania species developing in P. orientalis were analyzed. Experimental infections of geckos using sand fly-derived promastigotes were also performed, and the reptiles were repeatedly examined for Sauroleishmania infection by xenodiagnosis and PCR analysis. Results High infection rates for both Sauroleishmania species were observed in P. orientalis and P. argentipes, with the parasites migrating anteriorly and undergoing a peripylarian type of development, including colonization of the stomodeal valve. Conversely, the development of L. (S.) adleri in P. sergenti, P. papatasi and Se. schwetzi was restricted to the sand fly hindgut (hypopylarian type of development). Five morphological forms were distinguished for both Sauroleishmania species developing in P. orientalis. All experimentally infected geckos scored negative for Sauroleishmania based on xenodiagnosis and molecular analysis. Conclusions The results showed that Sauroleishmania promastigotes can undergo either a peripylarian or hypopylarian type of development in the sand fly intestinal tract, depending on the sand fly species infected. We demonstrated that P. argentipes and P. orientalis, two sand fly species known as permissive vectors for mammalian parasites of subgenus Leishmania, are also highly susceptible to Sauroleishmania as the parasites developed mature late-stage infections, including colonization of the sand fly stomodeal valve. Thus, the role of Phlebotomus sand flies in transmission of Sauroleishmania should be reconsidered and further investigated. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05417-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Ticha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jovana Sadlova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Paul Bates
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Carvalho GMDL, Silva DF, Xavier LDA, Soares JVR, Ramos VDV, Madureira AP, Lima MA, Tonelli GB, Paz GF, Rêgo FD, Andrade-Filho JD, Margonari C. Sand fly bioecological aspects and risk mapping of leishmaniasis by geographical information systems approach in a mineral exploration area of Brazil. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106491. [PMID: 35504313 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies of leishmaniasis in areas of great human influence and environmental change serve as important tools for the implementation of effective control plans. Mining is currently a major economic activity in Brazil with the municipality of Pains, in the state of Minas Gerais, being one of the main lime producing municipalities in the country. This study aimed to map areas of potential transmission risks within the municipality of Pains using an epidemiological approach in association with the ecological study of sand flies. Twelve samplings carried out between May 2015 and April 2016 collected a total of 12,728 sandflies, comprising 2,854 females (22.42%) and 9,874 males (77.58%), of 20 species belonging to ten genera. The most abundant species was Lutzomyia longipalpis (80%). Leishmania DNA was detected in seven pools of female sand flies with an infection rate of 0.37%. Geoprocessing and the use of maps revealed that vector sand flies are distributed throughout the urban area, as are cases of canine and human leishmaniasis. However, the greatest abundances of sand flies were at sampling points at the border of the urban area. Higher densities of sand flies and the presence of Leishmania DNA may be correlated with extensive degradation by limestone mining. Integrated and multidisciplinary research approaches are necessary to better understand how the impacts of environmental change influence these insect vectors of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danyele Franca Silva
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Laura do Amaral Xavier
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Joao Vítor Reis Soares
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Paula Madureira
- DBTEC - Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei 36307-352, Brazil
| | - Mariana Alves Lima
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Barbosa Tonelli
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Fontes Paz
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Felipe Dutra Rêgo
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Carina Margonari
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou (Fiocruz Minas), 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Leishmania infantum infection rate in dogs housed in open-admission shelters is higher than of domiciled dogs in an endemic area of canine visceral leishmaniasis. Epidemiological implications. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106492. [PMID: 35490730 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is caused by Leishmania infantum and is endemic in many areas of southeastern Brazil. We have hypothesized that the prevalence of infection by L. infantum in dogs housed in open-admission animal shelters is beyond the range of 3.4 - 9.6% reported among dogs domiciled in similar CVL-endemic areas. Hence, this study aimed to determine the rate of L. infantum infection among dogs maintained in shelters and to investigate the epidemiology of CVL in such environments by analyzing hematological and biochemical parameters. A total of 627 dogs from 17 different shelters across the State of Minas Gerais were screened using the Dual-Path Platform test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and 211 (33.6%) were found to be seropositive in both tests. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was performed on skin, bone marrow and lymphoid tissues of 118 seropositive dogs with inconclusive CVL clinical diagnosis and, of these, 78 (66.1%) were PCR+ for L. infantum and 7 (5.9%) were PCR+ for L. amazonensis. One dog presented a PCR-RFLP profile that was consistent with co-infection by both parasites. Leishmania amazonensis DNA was detected in skin samples of six single-infected dogs and this constitutes a novel finding. Dogs infected only with L. amazonensis were less debilitated than those infected by L. infantum, which showed typical clinical manifestations of CVL. The co-infected dog showed only mild clinical signs. The results presented herein not only support our original hypothesis but also suggest that dogs are potential reservoirs of L. amazonensis. Public health authorities should acknowledge their responsibility towards animals in collective shelters, recognize that they are potential foci of zoonotic diseases, and establish proper functioning directives to minimize transmission to humans and to other dogs.
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Nasereddin A, Ereqat S, Al-Jawabreh A, Taradeh M, Abbasi I, Al-Jawabreh H, Sawalha S, Abdeen Z. Concurrent molecular characterization of sand flies and Leishmania parasites by amplicon-based next-generation sequencing. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:262. [PMID: 35869485 PMCID: PMC9308317 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05388-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors of Leishmania parasites, which are the causative agents of leishmaniasis. Herein, we developed an amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (Amp-NGS) to characterize sand flies and Leishmania parasites simultaneously targeting partial fragments of 18S rDNA and ITS1 genes, respectively. METHODS Our assay was optimized using reference sand fly (n = 8) and Leishmania spp. (n = 9) samples and validated using wild-caught sand flies from Palestine. The assay was highly specific, and all DNA references were successfully identified to the species level. RESULTS Among the wild-caught sand flies (n = 187), Phlebotomus spp. represented 95% of the collected samples (177/187), including Ph. sergenti (147/187, 79%), Ph. papatasi (19/187, 10.2%), Ph. perfiliewi (3/187, 1.6%), Ph. tobbi (2/187, 1.2%) and Ph. syriacus (6/187, 3.2%). Sergentomyia spp. represented only 5% (10/187) of the collected samples and included S. dentata (n = 6), S. fallax (n = 2), S. schwetzi (n = 1) and S. ghesquiere (n = 1). The study observed strong positive correlation between sand fly identification results of the Amp-NGS and morphological identification method (r = 0.84, df = 185, P < 0.001). Some discrepancies between the two methods in the identification of closely related species (i.e. Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. tobbi and Ph. syriacus) were observed. Leishmania DNA was detected and identified as L. tropica in 14 samples (14/187, 7.5%). CONCLUSIONS Our assay was sensitive to detect (limit of detection was 0.0016 ng/reaction) and identify Leishmania DNA in sand flies, thus representing a new tool for studying sand flies and their associated Leishmania parasites in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abedelmajeed Nasereddin
- grid.16662.350000 0001 2298 706XBiochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Suheir Ereqat
- grid.16662.350000 0001 2298 706XBiochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Amer Al-Jawabreh
- grid.440578.a0000 0004 0631 5812Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine ,Leishmaniases Research Unit, Jericho, Palestine
| | - Mohamad Taradeh
- grid.16662.350000 0001 2298 706XAl-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute, Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem, Palestine ,AL-Quds Public Health Society, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Ibrahim Abbasi
- grid.16662.350000 0001 2298 706XDepartment of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Hanan Al-Jawabreh
- Leishmaniases Research Unit, Jericho, Palestine ,grid.16662.350000 0001 2298 706XAl-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute, Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem, Palestine ,AL-Quds Public Health Society, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Ziad Abdeen
- grid.16662.350000 0001 2298 706XAl-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute, Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem, Palestine ,AL-Quds Public Health Society, East Jerusalem, Palestine
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Pradella GD, Escobar TA, Santos TPD, Vargas RC, Góss GC, Ferrareze PAG, Rosa E Silva LK, Zuravski L, Pereira KB, Duarte CA, Lübeck I. PCR-RLFP characterization of Leishmania spp. in domestic animals from the south-western border of Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e005222. [PMID: 35858013 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize Leishmania spp. from canine and feline samples using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). It was conducted in the southern region of Brazil, located at border crossings to Argentina and Uruguay. Samples were collected from 116 dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and 89 cats (Felis catus). The PCR was performed to screen for an LT1 fragment from kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) target gene, and positive samples were subjected to a second PCR for an internal transcribed spacers (ITS1) region from ribosomal DNA (rDNA) target. RFLP was performed using the Haemophilus aegyptius (HAE III) restriction endonuclease (Fermentas ®). Positive samples by PCR ITS1 were sequenced and deposited in NCBI GenBank, and a phylogenetic analysis was developed. We found that 12.9% (15/116) of the samples from dogs were positive. All the 89 cat samples were negative. Positive samples were tested against Leishmania reference strains presenting different patterns in PCR-RFLP, and these samples showed bands denoting similarity to the standard species of Leishmania infantum, proven through sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The RFLP technique, alone, was shown to be feasible for practical application and confirmation of the involved Leishmania spp.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luísa Zuravski
- Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil
| | | | | | - Irina Lübeck
- Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil
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de Araújo GR, de Mello ÉM, de Oliveira VNGM, Dos Santos TR, Nunes RV, de Andrade HM, Furtado LFV, Rabelo ÉML. Bats as hosts of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in Minas Gerais, an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 32:100740. [PMID: 35725103 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100740] [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: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bats are parasitized by a wide spectrum of ecto and endoparasites, but their role as a reservoir for some zoonoses is not fully understood. The objective of this work was to evaluate the presence of Leishmania DNA in the blood of bats from 30 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We analyzed samples of 120 bats, covering 29 species. The blood samples were used for DNA extraction and submitted to conventional PCR analysis with primers directed to the Leishmania ITS-1 region of the rRNA. In total, 1.67% (2/120 samples) were positive for Leishmania spp., detected in animals from the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, the state capital. Sequencing of the positive samples revealed that both bats were infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Considering the adaptability of some bats species to synanthropic environments, the results of the present work can contribute to a better comprehension of the leishmaniasis cycle and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Rotondo de Araújo
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Érica Munhoz de Mello
- Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Prefeitura de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Valéria Nayara Gomes Mendes de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Talita Rodrigues Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ramon Vieira Nunes
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hélida Monteiro de Andrade
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luis Fernando Viana Furtado
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Unidade Passos, Avenida Juca Stockler, 1130, CEP 37900-106, Nossa Senhora das Graças, Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Élida Mara Leite Rabelo
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Al-Rashed AS, Al Jindan R, Al Jaroodi S, Al Mohanna A, Abdelhady A, El-Badry AA. Genotypic and phylogenic analyses of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Al Ahsa, Eastern Saudi Arabia during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: First cases of Leishmania tropica with the predominance of Leishmania major. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10753. [PMID: 35750705 PMCID: PMC9232512 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14702-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
During the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown period, a surge in sandflies and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases was observed in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Skin punch biopsies were obtained from 100 patients clinically diagnosed with CL in Al-Ahsa who had no travel history in the last 6 months. Impression smears were used following a three-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol using genus-specific primers targeting kDNA and ITS1. Leishmania speciation was determined by ITS1 PCR/nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing. A phylogenetic tree was constructed. The associated patient characteristics were analyzed. Using internal transcribed spacer one (ITS1)-PCR/nested PCR, 98 cases were considered true-positive CL. Leishmania major was the predominant species, and Leishmania tropica was identified in three cases. Microscopy had poor sensitivity and perfect specificity. Direct ITS1-PCR missed nine cases. Sex, residence, and treatment outcome were significantly associated with the occurrence of Leishmania; distribution of skin lesion(s) and treatment outcome were significantly associated with Leishmania genotype. This is the first time that L. tropica was identified as a cause of CL in human in Al-Ahsa, in addition to the predominant zoonotic species, L. major. We recommend using ITS1-nested PCR for negative cases by ITS1-PCR. Further exploration of Leishmania transmission dynamics in vectors and reservoir animals is essential for designing effective preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullatif S Al-Rashed
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al Jindan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salma Al Jaroodi
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al Mohanna
- Vector Borne and Diseases Prevention Center, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ayman A El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Query ID="Q1" Text="Graphical abstract: As per journal requirements, graphical abstract is necessary. Kindly check and provide the same."The magnitude of the health problems caused by leishmaniasis has been a major driving factor behind the development and implementation of leishmaniasis control programs by the national authorities in Iran, with a priority for health and environmental management. Such programs are not achievable unless all of the factors leading to the infection, including the parasite's life-cycle, vectors and reservoirs, are recognized. So far in Iran, humans and rodents have been considered the principal reservoirs of Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major, respectively, both associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), with domestic dogs considered to be the main reservoir for Leishmania infantum, associated with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The role of other mammals in maintaining the Leishmania parasite has remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate Leishmania infection among livestock in endemic areas of VL and CL in Fars province, southern Iran, using serological and molecular methods. METHODS Blood samples from 181 clinically healthy livestock, including 49 sheep, 114 goats, 16 cattle and two donkeys, were screened to detect Leishmania DNA and anti-Leishmania antibodies using qPCR (quantitative PCR) and the direct agglutination test (DAT), respectively. Four qPCR-positive samples were amplified using the internal transcribed spacer one (ITS1) primers in conventional PCR and sent for directional sequencing. RESULTS Of the 181 livestock tested, 51 (28.2%) were infected with Leishmania, using serological and molecular methods. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in 70 (38.7%) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.5-46.2) and Leishmania DNA in 93 (51.4%) (95% CI: 43.9-58.9) livestock. The identified Leishmania spp. were L. infantum and L. major. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study show a relatively high prevalence of Leishmania infection among livestock in endemic areas of the disease, in Fars province, southern Iran. Given the large population of this group of animals and the fact that they live in the vicinity of the main reservoirs of the disease and vectors, it seems that sand flies regularly bite these animals. Further studies are needed to determine the role of livestock in the parasite's life-cycle and the epidemiology of Leishmania infection.
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Alves ML, Silva DTD, Spada JCP, Leonel JAF, Benassi JC, Pereira NWB, Vioti G, Alves-Martin MF, de Almeida Paula NF, Starke-Buzetti WA, de Sousa Oliveira TMF. Use of the intradermal leishmanin test (Montenegro skin test) for feline visceral leishmaniosis: Detection of cellular immunity. Exp Parasitol 2022; 239:108294. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Gazzonis AL, Morganti G, Porcellato I, Roccabianca P, Avallone G, Gavaudan S, Canonico C, Rigamonti G, Brachelente C, Veronesi F. Detection of Leishmania spp. in Chronic Dermatitis: Retrospective Study in Exposed Horse Populations. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060634. [PMID: 35745488 PMCID: PMC9227255 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is a protozoan causing human zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) and visceral–cutaneous canine leishmaniosis (CanL) in the Mediterranean Basin. L. infantum is able to infect a large number of wild and domestic species, including cats, dogs, and horses. Since the 1990s, clinical cases of equine leishmaniasis (EL), typically characterized by cutaneous forms, have been increasingly diagnosed worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of clinical forms of EL in CanL-endemic areas in Italy, where exposure of equine populations was ascertained from recent serological surveys. For this purpose, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded skin biopsies of 47 horses presenting chronic dermatitis compatible with EL were retrospectively selected for the study and subjected to conventional and q-PCR. A singular positivity for L. infantum was found; BLAST analysis of sequence amplicons revealed a 99–100% homology with L. infantum sequences. The histological examination revealed a nodular lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic infiltrate; immunohistochemistry showed rare macrophages containing numerous positive amastigotes. The present retrospective study reports, for the first time, a case of a cutaneous lesion by L. infantum occurring in an Italian horse. Pathological and healthy skin samples should be investigated on a larger scale to provide information on the potential clinical impact of EL in the practice, and to define the role of horses in epidemiological ZVL and CanL scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.L.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Ilaria Porcellato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Paola Roccabianca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.L.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Giancarlo Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Stefano Gavaudan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche, Via Varano 286, 60100 Ancona, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Cristina Canonico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche, Via Varano 286, 60100 Ancona, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Giulia Rigamonti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Chiara Brachelente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
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De Silva NL, De Silva VNH, Deerasinghe ATH, Rathnapala UL, Itoh M, Takagi H, Weerasooriya MV, Kato H, Yahathugoda TC. Development of a Highly Sensitive Nested PCR and Its Application for the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Microorganisms 2022; 10:990. [PMID: 35630433 PMCID: PMC9145043 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent surge in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka has rendered clinical diagnosis difficult; thus, laboratory confirmation is indispensable. A modified (two novel inner primers to detect CL caused by Leishmania donovani) nested Internal Transcribed Spacer-1 (ITS1) PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method was developed and tested. The sensitivity of the modified nested PCR was tested using serial dilutions (103 to 10−2) of the DNA extract of a cultured L. donovani DD8 strain. Patients (n = 194) from Southern Sri Lanka were examined clinically, microscopically (Slit Skin Smear-SSS) and using the modified nested PCR. The modified nested PCR detected 2.55 fg of parasite DNA compared to ITS1 PCR (25 fg) and detected more cases than SSS (94.3% vs. 77.3%; p < 0.01). The RFLP pattern was L. donovani in all cases. The modified nested PCR performed well in clinically doubtful lesions (95% by PCR vs. 60% by SSS; p < 0.01), ulcerated nodules (91% vs. 71.8%; p < 0.01) and plaques (100% vs. 66.7%; p < 0.01). SSS demonstrated sensitivity (80.9%), specificity (81.8%), PPV (98.7%) and NPV (20.5%) against modified PCR. Low parasite loads and atypical lesions can be diagnosed by the proposed method with higher accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmitha Lalindi De Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka; (N.L.D.S.); (M.V.W.); (T.C.Y.)
| | | | | | | | - Makoto Itoh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi 480-1195, Japan; (M.I.); (H.T.)
| | - Hidekazu Takagi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi 480-1195, Japan; (M.I.); (H.T.)
| | | | - Hirotomo Kato
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Thishan Channa Yahathugoda
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka; (N.L.D.S.); (M.V.W.); (T.C.Y.)
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Validation of an In-House ELISA Method in the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania donovani in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050921. [PMID: 35630365 PMCID: PMC9146622 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical diagnosis has become a challenge amidst a surge of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Southern Sri Lanka. The routine diagnostic method, slit-skin smear (SSS), has variable sensitivity, leading to undiagnosed cases. Improved diagnostics are urgently needed. We assessed a new in-house ELISA method for its diagnostic capabilities against ITS-1 nested PCR (gold standard—Gs). A cohort of 190 clinical CL cases was examined by SSS microscopy, anti-rKRP42 IgG ELISA (serum- and urine-based), and rK39-Immunochromatographic strip test. Validation was done using non-endemic sera, and cutoffs were developed using the receiver operating curve. The sensitivity of SSS for case detection was 77.9% (authors) and 76.3% (technicians). ELISA vs. Gs demonstrated sensitivity (Sn) = 94.4%; specificity (Sp) = 50.0%; positive predictive value (PPV) = 97.1%; negative predictive value (NPV) = 33.3%; Kappa agreement (Kp) = 0.39/p < 0.01. Comparison of the combination method (SSS by technicians and ELISA) vs. Gs showed: Sn = 98.9%; Sp = 30.0; PPV = 96.2; NPV 60.0%; Kp = 0.378/p < 0.01. All methods performed better compared to SSS (29.4%) where the clinical diagnosis was doubtful (PCR = 94.15%; serum ELISA = 88.2%; combination = 94.1%; p < 0.01 for all). High serum anti-rKRP42 titers were seen in those with multiple lesions. Anti-rKRP42 urine ELISA was suboptimal as a diagnostic test. A 9% rate of positivity was seen for rk39-ICT, and positives recorded high anti-rKRP42 titers. The diagnostic accuracy can be increased above the level of the Gs by combining SSS and ELISA. Advanced studies are required to understand the association between rk39-ICT positivity and high anti-rKRP42 titers.
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Tasić-Otašević S, Savić S, Jurhar-Pavlova M, Stefanovska J, Stalević M, Ignjatović A, Ranđelović M, Gajić B, Cvetkovikj A, Gabrielli S. Molecular Survey of Dirofilaria and Leishmania Species in Dogs from Central Balkan. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070911. [PMID: 35405899 PMCID: PMC8997140 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariosis and leishmaniosis are severe parasitic diseases in dogs, and their causative agents can also be pathogenic to humans. In this study, we conducted a multicentric survey in the regions of Serbia and North Macedonia with the goal to establish an epidemiological scenario of dirofilariosis and leishmaniosis in the territory of Central Balkan. Using molecular analyses, a total of 535 dogs from Northern Serbia (NS), Southern Serbia (SS) and North Macedonia (NM) were screened for the presence of Dirofilaria spp. and Leishmania spp. We confirmed that Central Balkan is an endemic region for Dirofilaria (D.) immitis, as it was found to be the dominant species in this area, with the highest prevalence of 8.75% in NM, followed by NS (6.68%) and a significantly lower prevalence in SS (1.51%). Two dogs (2.5%) from NM were positive for Leishmania (L.) infantum infection. None of the dogs from Serbia tested positive for Leishmania spp. High prevalence and dominance of D. immitis species, and the rising threat of L. infantum spread to the territory of Serbia, suggest that preventive measures are of a great necessity to combat the spread of these vector-borne zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana Tasić-Otašević
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (S.T.-O.); (M.S.); (A.I.); (M.R.)
- Public Health Institute Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad, 21113 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Maja Jurhar-Pavlova
- Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Jovana Stefanovska
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia; (J.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Marko Stalević
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (S.T.-O.); (M.S.); (A.I.); (M.R.)
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatović
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (S.T.-O.); (M.S.); (A.I.); (M.R.)
- Public Health Institute Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Marina Ranđelović
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (S.T.-O.); (M.S.); (A.I.); (M.R.)
- Public Health Institute Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Bojan Gajić
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, UAE University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia; (J.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06499914589
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Squarre D, Chambaro HM, Hayashida K, Moonga LC, Qiu Y, Goto Y, Oparaocha E, Mumba C, Muleya W, Bwalya P, Chizimu J, Chembensofu M, Simulundu E, Mwasinga W, Banda N, Mwenda R, Yamagishi J, Nalubamba KS, Banda F, Munyeme M, Sawa H, Fandamu P. Autochthonous Leishmania infantum in Dogs, Zambia, 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:888-890. [PMID: 35318934 PMCID: PMC8962896 DOI: 10.3201/eid2804.212378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Guimarães RCS, Marialva EF, Feijó JA, Pereira-Silva JW, Martins-Campos KM, Gontijo CMF, Pereira AAS, Rios-Velasquez CM, Pessoa FAC. Trypanosomatids in Phlebotomine Sand Flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) From Anthropic and Sinantropic Landscapes in a Rural Settlement in the Brazilian Amazon. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:681-692. [PMID: 35022773 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosomatids (Kinetoplastida:Trypanosomatidae) protozoa are a diverse group of obligate parasites. The genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania are the most studied because of their medical importance. This work aims to evaluate the effects of anthropization processes on the composition of the phlebotomine sand fly fauna and the natural infection by Trypanosomatids, with emphasis on Leishmania. At all 3,186 sand flies were collected, distributed in 13 genera and 52 species, being Ny. umbratilis the most abundant species. There was no difference in the diversity between canopy and soil environments. The species abundance and richness were higher in the forest environment while species diversity and evenness were highest in the forest edge. The ITS1 region was used by PCR-RFLP to identify the fragment profiles of Leishmania species, followed by genetic sequencing. Here were analyzed 100 pools of female sand flies, being six positive for DNA parasite. PCR-RFLP fragment patterns similar to Endotrypanum sp. were observed in Nyssomyia anduzei, Psychodopygus amazonensis and Lutzomyia gomezi, and those fragments similar to Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis were observed in Bichromomyia flaviscutellata. ITS1 sequencing confirmed the presence of Leishmania sp. in Bi. flaviscutellata, and Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi in Ny. anduzei, Psychodopygus amazonensis, and Lu. gomezi. This is the first record of Lu. gomezi and Ps. amazonensis infection by L. naiffi in the State of Amazonas. These results show the trypanosomatid infection in sandflies from different landscapes in a rural settlement, and the finding of species infected with L.(V.) naiffi suggest that they can develop a role in the transmission cycle of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C S Guimarães
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Condições de Vida e Situações de Saúde na Amazônia - PPGVIDA. Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - ILMD Fiocruz Amazônia, Rua Teresina, 476 Adrianópolis, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - E F Marialva
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazonia - EDTA Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - ILMD Fiocruz Amazônia, Rua Teresina, 476 Adrianópolis, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - J A Feijó
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazonia - EDTA Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - ILMD Fiocruz Amazônia, Rua Teresina, 476 Adrianópolis, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - J W Pereira-Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazonia - EDTA Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - ILMD Fiocruz Amazônia, Rua Teresina, 476 Adrianópolis, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - K M Martins-Campos
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazonia - EDTA Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - ILMD Fiocruz Amazônia, Rua Teresina, 476 Adrianópolis, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - C M F Gontijo
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - A A S Pereira
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - C M Rios-Velasquez
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazonia - EDTA Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - ILMD Fiocruz Amazônia, Rua Teresina, 476 Adrianópolis, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - F A C Pessoa
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazonia - EDTA Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - ILMD Fiocruz Amazônia, Rua Teresina, 476 Adrianópolis, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
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Intra-Specific Diversity of Leishmania major Isolates: A Key Determinant of Tunisian Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Clinical Polymorphism. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030505. [PMID: 35336081 PMCID: PMC8955835 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical expression of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by Leishmania (L.) major parasites has a broad spectrum ranging from asymptomatic infection to self-limited cutaneous sores or severe disease. In concert with the host immune responses, the vector variability and the number of bites, genetic variation between L. major isolates might impact on the clinical output of the disease. We investigated herein the intra-specific variability of L. major field isolates independently of host or vector factors and then tried to correlate parasite variability to ZCL severity in corresponding patients. Several assays were applied, i.e., in vivo pathogenicity of promastigotes in a BALB/c mice model, resistance/sensibility to complement lysis, in vitro growth kinetics, and expression of different lectins on the promastigote surface. Combining all these parameters allowed us to conclude that the resistance to complement lysis and PNA/Jacalin lectins binding to parasite surfaces are important markers of parasite virulence. These factors correlate significantly with clinic polymorphism of ZCL and modestly with genetic micro-heterogeneity, a characteristic we previously revealed with a MLMT profile.
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Serra E Meira PCL, Abreu BL, de Almeida Zenóbio APL, de Castilho Sanguinette C, Rêgo FD, de Lima Carvalho GM, Saraiva L, Andrade Filho JD. Phlebotominae Fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) and Molecular Detection of Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in Urban Caves of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:257-266. [PMID: 34532734 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sand flies are often collected in urban areas, which has several implications for the risk of transmission of Leishmania Ross, 1903, to humans and other mammals. Given this scenario, we describe the sand fly fauna of caves and their surroundings in Mangabeiras Municipal Park (MMP) and Paredão Serra do Curral Park (PSCP), both located in the urban area of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, an endemic focus of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Collections were conducted monthly from November 2011 to October 2012, using CDC light traps exposed for two consecutive nights in four caves and their surroundings. Nonsystematized collections using Shannon traps and active searches were also performed around the caves. The presence of Leishmania DNA in collected female sand flies was evaluated by ITS1-PCR. A total of 857 sand flies representing fourteen species were collected in MMP, of which Evandromyia edwardsi (Mangabeira, 1941) was the most abundant. Leishmania amazonensis was detected in Brumptomyia nitzulescui (Costa Lima, 1932) and Ev. edwardsi, with the latter also having Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania infantum, and Leishmania sp. A total of 228 sand flies representing four species were collected in PSCP, of which Sciopemyia microps (Mangabeira, 1942) was the most abundant. No females from PSCP were positive for Leishmania-DNA. Studies aimed at describing sand fly faunas of cave environments and detecting Leishmania are essential to understanding the relationship between these insects and this ecotope and assessing and monitoring areas that may pose risks to the health of visitors and employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Cavalcante Lamy Serra E Meira
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses-Instituto René Rachou-FIOCRUZ Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruna Lacerda Abreu
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses-Instituto René Rachou-FIOCRUZ Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Lusardo de Almeida Zenóbio
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses-Instituto René Rachou-FIOCRUZ Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cristiani de Castilho Sanguinette
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses-Instituto René Rachou-FIOCRUZ Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Felipe Dutra Rêgo
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses-Instituto René Rachou-FIOCRUZ Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Mayr de Lima Carvalho
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses-Instituto René Rachou-FIOCRUZ Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lara Saraiva
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses-Instituto René Rachou-FIOCRUZ Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Dilermando Andrade Filho
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses-Instituto René Rachou-FIOCRUZ Minas, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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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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Espada CR, Ferreira BA, Ortiz PA, Uliana SRB, Coelho AC. Full nucleotide sequencing of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer of Leishmania species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil and its potential for species typing. Acta Trop 2021; 223:106093. [PMID: 34389323 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Species-specific diagnosis still represents a challenge in leishmaniasis management, particularly in regions with multiple endemic species. In Brazil, seven species have been recognized as etiological agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The disease comprises complex clinical presentation patterns, classified as localized, diffuse, disseminated and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. In this study, we characterized the full nucleotide sequence of a region comprising the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 and 5.8 S gene of reference strains of Leishmania (Viannia) species reported as causative agents of human leishmaniasis in Brazil. The analysis of the nucleotide sequence of this region was able to discriminate species in the Leishmania (Viannia) subgenus and to determine intra- and interspecies phylogenetic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Espada
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca A Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Paola A Ortiz
- Departamento de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Tolima, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Silvia R B Uliana
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano C Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
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Alsaad R, Hameed M. The First Record of Zoonotic Genes of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis among Human, Dogs, and Sandflies by Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction and Phylogenetic Analyses. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the zoonotic diseases that is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. The study aimed to diagnosed CL in human, dogs, and sandflies by PCR, and identification the zoonotic gene of CL by the nested PCR technique. A total of 100 patients with CL, 237 of owned-dogs, and 147 females sandflies collected. (88%) of humans samples, (95.77% skin biopsies and 20.69% of blood samples) of dogs, and (40.58%) of sandflies tissues were positive for L. major, while L. tropica infection was positive in (12%) of humans, in (4.23% symptomatic, and 6.89% asymptomatic) of dogs, and in (27.54%) of sandflies samples. The sequence ID of the local L. major in human were registered in NCBI as (MW421598.1, MW421599.1, MW421600.1), in dogs (MW421601.1, MW421602.1, MW421603.1), and sandflies (MW421604.1, MW421605.1, MW421606.1). While L. tropica in human were registered in NCBI as (MW421604.1, MW421605.1, MW421606.1), in dogs (MW421428.1, MW421429.1), and in sandflies (MW421430.1, MW421431.1). To our knowledge, this is the first study that contributes to the diagnosis of CL spp. in three different hosts (human, dogs, and sandflies) at the same time, particularly in Iraq and in Middle East countries.
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Arserim SK, Çetin H, Karakuş M, Demir S, Ser Ö, Töz S, Balcioğlu IC, Ölgen MK, Yilmaz B, Özbel Y. Determination of sand fly fauna and molecular detection of Leishmania in sand flies in Antalya Province, Southern Turkey. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3105-3111. [PMID: 34387751 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07279-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are diseases transmitted by infected female sand flies. Since the eradication of malaria in Turkey, CL is the main vector-borne disease in the country, with more than 2000 cases per year, making it a significant public health problem. The aims of this study were to carry out an entomological survey in Antalya Province, an endemic area for CL in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey, to identify sand fly fauna and to screen female specimens for the presence of Leishmania parasites (Leishmania infantum, L. tropica, L. major, and L. donovani) using molecular analysis. Sand flies were collected in 42 localities of seven districts in Antalya Province using CDC miniature light traps in two different periods, June 2012 and September 2013. The specimens were kept in 96% ethanol until the dissection was done. The head and genitalia of the specimens were cut for preparing individual slides for species identification. The rest of the body of female specimens was kept separately. The specimens were identified at the species level, and 27 pools were generated according to the locations and species for screening the presence of Leishmania. A commercial kit was used for DNA extractions. Real-time and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1) were then performed. In total, 1306 specimens comprising nine species belonging to the Phlebotomus genus were collected in the study region, with Phlebotomus neglectus/syriacus (38.82%) the most abundant, followed by P. alexandri (21.67%) and P. tobbi (20.44%). In the 27 pools, Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in four pools containing P. neglectus/syriacus and one pool containing P. tobbi. In conclusion, the sand fly fauna in the Antalya Province is diverse. The probable vector sand fly species are P. neglectus/syriacus and P. tobbi with high dominance (59.26%), which indicates a high risk of CL transmission. The data presented here may help to shed more light on the transmission cycles of the Leishmania parasite in this CL endemic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suha Kenan Arserim
- Manisa Celal Bayar University Vocational School of Health Sciences, Manisa, Turkey.
| | - Hüseyin Çetin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Karakuş
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Samiye Demir
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Önder Ser
- Public Health Laboratory, Antalya Provincial Health Directorate, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Seray Töz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - I Cüneyt Balcioğlu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - M Kirami Ölgen
- Department of Geography, Ege University Faculty of Literature, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Bahtiyar Yilmaz
- Department of Biology, Ege University Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Özbel
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
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Invasive Species as Hosts of Zoonotic Infections: The Case of American Mink ( Neovison vison) and Leishmania infantum. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071531. [PMID: 34361966 PMCID: PMC8304841 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum produces an endemic disease in the Mediterranean Basin that affects humans and domestic and wild mammals, which can act as reservoir or minor host. In this study, we analyzed the presence of the parasite in wild American minks, an invasive species in Spain. We screened for L. infantum DNA by PCR using five primer pairs: Two targeting kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), and the rest targeting the ITS1 region, the small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU) and a repetitive sequence (Repeat region). The detection limit was determined for each method using a strain of L. infantum and a bone marrow sample from an infected dog. PCR approaches employing the Repeat region and kDNA (RV1/RV2 primers) showed higher sensitivity than the other PCR methods when control samples were employed. However, only PCR of the Repeat region and nested PCR of SSU (LnSSU) detected the parasite in the samples, while the other three were unable to do so. The majority of the analyzed animals (90.1%) tested positive. American mink may act as an incidental host of the disease for other mammals and should be further investigated, not only for their negative impact on the local fauna, but also as carriers of zoonotic diseases.
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Vioti G, da Silva MD, Galvis-Ovallos F, Alves ML, da Silva DT, Leonel JAF, Pereira NWB, Benassi JC, Spada JCP, Maia C, Galati EAB, Starke-Buzetti WA, Oliveira TMFDS. Xenodiagnosis in four domestic cats naturally infected by Leishmania infantum. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2182-2190. [PMID: 34229362 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that continues to pose a serious public health problem. Albeit dogs have long been held as the major reservoirs of Leishmania infantum, the involvement of domestic cats in the zoonotic cycle of visceral leishmaniasis has gained prominence. Here, 240 cats were evaluated by clinical signs and haematological/biochemical changes compatible with leishmaniasis and were diagnosed by serological, molecular, and parasitological techniques. Thus, four cats naturally infected by L. infantum were submitted to xenodiagnosis. A total of 203 females of Lutzomyia longipalpis were subjected to feeding on four cats, with all females completing the blood meal. Parasitological and molecular assays were carried out to evaluate the presence of L. infantum in the sand flies' midgut. Promastigotes were observed in 10 females (6.5%) that fed on one cat, and L. infantum DNA was detected in 17 (8.4%) females that fed on two cats. Our results strengthen the evidence that naturally infected cats are capable of transmitting L. infantum to sand flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geovanna Vioti
- Post-Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Dantas da Silva
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fredy Galvis-Ovallos
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Luana Alves
- Post-Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diogo Tiago da Silva
- Post-Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Augusto Franco Leonel
- Post-Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nuno Wolfgang Balbini Pereira
- Post-Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia Cristina Benassi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlio Cesar Pereira Spada
- Post-Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Maia
- Department of Biology and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Ilha Solteira, Brazil
| | | | - Wilma Aparecida Starke-Buzetti
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira
- Post-Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Thakur L, Singh KK, Kushwaha HR, Sharma SK, Shankar V, Negi A, Verma G, Kumari S, Jain A, Jain M. Leishmania donovani Infection with Atypical Cutaneous Manifestations, Himachal Pradesh, India, 2014-2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:1864-1869. [PMID: 32687048 PMCID: PMC7392404 DOI: 10.3201/eid2608.191761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted a molecular study of parasite sequences from a cohort of cutaneous leishmaniasis patients in Himachal Pradesh, India. Results revealed atypical cutaneous disease caused by Leishmania donovani parasites. L. donovani variants causing cutaneous manifestations in this region are different from those causing visceral leishmaniasis in northeastern India.
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Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Tavakoli Oliaee R, Jafarzadeh A, Khosravi A. Determinants of Unresponsiveness to Treatment in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Focus on Anthroponotic Form Due to Leishmania tropica. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:638957. [PMID: 34140933 PMCID: PMC8203913 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.638957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a curable disease; however, due to various risk factors, unresponsiveness to CL treatments is inevitable. The treatment of CL has been firmly correlated with multiple determinants, such as demographical, clinical, and environmental factors, the host’s immune response, poor treatment adherence, the parasite’s genetic make-up, and Leishmania RNA virus. This study primarily focuses on the risk factors associated with different therapeutic outcomes following meglumine antimoniate (MA; Glucantime®) treatment and policy approaches to prevent unresponsiveness in CL patients with a focus on anthroponotic form (ACL). Findings suggest that effective preventive and therapeutic measures should be more vigorously implemented, particularly in endemic areas. Accordingly, extensive training is essential to monitor drug unresponsiveness regularly, especially in tropical regions where the disease is prevalent. Since humans are the fundamental reservoir host of ACL due to L. tropica, prompt detection, early diagnosis, and timely and effective treatment could help control this disease. Furthermore, major challenges and gaps remain: efficacious vaccine, new tools, and expert staff are crucial before CL can be definitively controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Lata S, Kumari S, Das R, Pasi S, Dhiman RC. Typical and atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis in Himachal Pradesh (India). Heliyon 2021; 7:e07282. [PMID: 34189318 PMCID: PMC8220184 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is in elimination phase in India while cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is being reported from new foci. In Himachal Pradesh (HP), a foci of CL had been reported along Satluj River, but the causative agent poses a dilemma, hence the present study was undertaken in Shimla, Kullu and Kinnaur districts. METHODS A total of 28 CL patients from Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital Shimla (IGMC) in 2018, were tested by rK39., Twelve fresh cases were subjected to microscopic detection of Leishmania parasite, PCR and sequencing. Skin biopsies of 3-4 mm diameter were cultured, as well as imprints were prepared for the detection of Leishmania amastigotes. Biopsy samples were inoculated into different culture media (M199, RPMI 1640, NNN) and were incubated at 22-24 °C. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to characterize Leishmania parasite species. RESULTS Of 28 patients, one was positive by rK39 dipstick test and one imprint was found positive for Leishmania amstigotes. Twelve biopsy DNA samples subjected to PCR for Leishmania kDNA, were found Lesihmania positive. Identification of Leishmania species was confirmed by PCR-RFLP and sequencing method. Of 12 Leishmania positive samples, six were identified as L. donovani, three L. tropica, two L.major and one remained unidentified. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the existence of three species of parasites i.e., L. donovani, L. tropica and L. major indicating the existence of typical and atypical leishmaniasis in Himachal Pradesh. The occurrence of CL cases in HP, Kerala or elsewhere should not be ignored considering them just cases of CL alone. Further studies are warranted to confirm the existence of L.donovani zymodeme MON37 from cases of CL in HP or L.donovani zymodeme MON2 strain causing VL in Bihar. Elimination of CL should also be considered along with goal of Kala -Azar elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Lata
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 11007, India
| | - Sandhya Kumari
- Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, 171001, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ram Das
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 11007, India
| | - Shweta Pasi
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 11007, India
| | - Ramesh C. Dhiman
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 11007, India
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