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Silva CMDA, Dos Santos FN, Mota TF, Brodskyn CI, Fraga DBM, Magalhães-Junior JT. Identification of Lutzomyia longipalpis' using MALDI-TOF peptide/protein profiles. Acta Trop 2024; 257:107303. [PMID: 38950763 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Sand flies are vectors of great public health importance, since they constitute a group of hematophagous insects responsible for etiological agents transmission of zoonotic diseases such a visceral leishmaniasis. In face of the expansion of these diseases, efficient control strategies are needed which depend on comprehending the sand fly eco-epidemiology. In this regard, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has been used for bacteria, fungi and yeast detection studies through peptide/protein profiles. However, little is known about interference of biological factors associated with vector ecology, such as blood meal preferences and even sand fly age on the peptide/protein profiles. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the differences in peptide/protein profiles of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, by means of MALDI-TOF, due to the sand fly's age, sex, blood meal source and Leishmania infantum infection. Sample preparation was made removing both head and last abdomen segments keeping the thorax, its appendices and the rest of the abdomen. Five specimens per pool were used to obtain peptide/protein extract of which 1 μL solution was deposited over 1 μL MALDI matrix dried. Characteristic spectra were analyzed using principal coordinate analysis as well as indicator species analysis to discriminate differences in sand flies's peptide/protein profile by sex, age, blood meal source and L. infantum infection. The results show that the evaluated variables produced distinct peptide/protein profiles, demonstrated by the identification of specific diagnostic ions. It was found that the interference of biological factors should be taken into account when using the MALDI-TOF analysis of sand fly species identification and eco-epidemiological applications in field studies. Based on our results, we believe that it is possible to identify infected specimens and the source of blood meal in a collection of wild sand flies, serving to measure infectivity and understand the dynamics of the vector's transmission chain. Our results may be useful for epidemiological studies that look at the ecology of sand flies and leishmaniasis, as well as for raising awareness of biological characteristics' impact on peptide/protein profiles in sand fly species identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caliene Melo de Andrade Silva
- Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia (UFOB), Centro Multidisciplinar da Barra, Barra, Bahia, Brazil, 47100-000; Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IGM-FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 40296-710.
| | - Fábio Neves Dos Santos
- Laboratório ThoMSon de Espectrometria de Massas, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, 13083-970; Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Campus Universitário de Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 40170-290
| | - Tiago Feitosa Mota
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IGM-FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 40296-710
| | - Claudia Ida Brodskyn
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IGM-FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 40296-710
| | - Deborah Bittencourt Mothé Fraga
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IGM-FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 40296-710; Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 40170-110
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Badiezadeh P, Esmaeilifallah M, Haddadniaa M, Abtahi SM. Evaluation of the biodiversity and distribution of sand flies and tracking of Leishmania major in them in central Iran. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:3245-3255. [PMID: 38171018 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2300750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Many areas of Iran are endemic regarding Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) as a parasitic disease transmitted by a female sand fly vector's bite. The present study investigated the distribution of sand flies in Harand and Egieh in Isfahan province, Central Iran. Overall, 408 out of 1260 collected sand flies were identified morphologically, among which 353 and 55 were isolated from Harand and Egieh, respectively. Also, 66.4% and 33.6% of the sand flies were female and male, respectively. The most prevalent sand fly species were Phlebotomus papatasi (52%), followed by Ph. caucasicus (40.4%), Sergentomyia sintoni (4.9%), and Ph. kazeruni (0.7%). Among 180 molecularly-analyzed sand flies, 14 (7.77%) were found infected with L. major, with 9 out of 103 (8.73%) Ph. papatasi and 5 out of 75 (6.66%) Ph. caucasicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisima Badiezadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Esmaeilifallah
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Haddadniaa
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Abtahi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Bursali F, Touray M. The complexities of blood-feeding patterns in mosquitoes and sandflies and the burden of disease: A minireview. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1580. [PMID: 39171609 PMCID: PMC11339650 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes and sandflies exhibit a wide range of blood feeding patterns, targeting a wide range of vertebrate species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, for proteins vital for egg development. This broad host range increases the opportunity for them to acquire pathogens of numerous debilitating-and-fatal diseases from various animal reservoirs, playing a significant role in disease crossover between animals and humans, also known as zoonotic transmission. This review focuses on the intricate blood-feeding habits of these dipteran vectors, their sensory systems and the complex dance between host and pathogen during disease transmission. We delve into the influence of blood sources on pathogen spread by examining the insect immune response and its intricate interplay with pathogens. The remarkable sense of smell guiding them towards food sources and hosts is explored, highlighting the interplay of multiple sensory cues in their navigation. Finally, we examine the challenges in mosquito control strategies and explore innovations in this field, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to combat this global health threat. By understanding the biology and behaviour of these insects, we can develop more effective strategies to protect ourselves and mitigate the burden of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Bursali
- Biology Department, Faculty of ScienceAydin Adnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
| | - Mustapha Touray
- Biology Department, Faculty of ScienceAydin Adnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
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Alharbi B, Ahmed M. Epidemiological Mapping of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Descriptive Study. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00285-7. [PMID: 39186211 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00285-7] [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: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease that affects individuals worldwide. An epidemiological observational population-cohort study was conducted on the basis of comprehensive research on CL incidence in Saudi and non-Saudi residents. The Ministry of Health recorded the incidence of CL between January 2020 and December 2022. The chi-square test was used to analyze the data and determine CL incidence rates in age-specific incidence rates (ASIRs) and gender between Saudi and non-Saudi residents in Saudi Arabia. The study found that between 2020 and 2022, there were 2280 cases of CL in Saudi Arabia, with 1367 and 913 cases in men and women, respectively. Of Saudi nationals, 64.26% and 12.91% were male and female, respectively. The frequency of CL was higher (87.09%) among non-Saudi residents than among Saudi nationals, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001) between the two groups. The ASIRs for CL were higher in patients aged 15-45 years. This study revealed variations in CL incidence rates among the 13 administrative regions; Qassim, followed by Aseer, Ha'il, and Madinah, had higher rates than the other regions. These findings indicate the need for targeted interventions and public health strategies to reduce the burden on CL, particularly among non-Saudi residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basmah Alharbi
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mawahib Ahmed
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, 51452, Saudi Arabia.
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Nascimento de Campos HG, Gennari SM, da Silva RE, Soares HS, Costa JDOJ, de Azevedo SS, Marcili A. Molecular e serological detection of Leishmania infantum (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) in domestic dogs in Manaus city, Amazonas, Brazil. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024:tjae110. [PMID: 39182231 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis are zoonosis widely spread in Brazil, caused by the protozoan of the genus Leishmania, which includes several species. The disease manifests itself in the visceral or tegumentary form, and the main reservoir is the dogs. Manaus is the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon region, and despite the importance of the municipality, practically nothing is known about leishmaniosis in humans and animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and risk factors associated with the presence of Leishmania infantum in domiciliated dogs from Manaus. Molecular (polymerase chain reaction) and serological (immunofluorescent antibody test) methods were used as an indication of the circulation of the parasite. Blood samples for 154 domiciled dogs were obtained, and prevalence ratio and analysis of the variables were performed. Serum antibodies anti-Leishmania spp. were detected in 20.8% (95% CI: 14.4%-27.2%). Access to the street and zone of residence (P < 0.01) were associated with higher seropositivity. Molecular diagnosis for L. infantum detected positivity in 60 (39%) of the 154 (95% CI: 31.3%-46.7%) animals, and the variables street access, contact with dogs, and zone of residence were associated with higher frequencies of positivity (P < 0.05). Both serology and molecular diagnosis detected positive dogs in the municipality. This is the first description of the circulation of L. infantum infecting dogs in Manaus. As the municipality is classified as nonendemic, studies of isolation and characterization of the isolate must be done urgently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Única, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Herbert Sousa Soares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Única, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaciara de Oliveira Jorge Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Santos de Azevedo
- Unidade Acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, Brazil
| | - Arlei Marcili
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Única, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Huang M, Kingan S, Shoue D, Nguyen O, Froenicke L, Galvin B, Lambert C, Khan R, Maheshwari C, Weisz D, Maslen G, Davison H, Aiden EL, Korlach J, Dudchenko O, McDowell MA, Richards S. Improved high quality sand fly assemblies enabled by ultra low input long read sequencing. Sci Data 2024; 11:918. [PMID: 39181902 PMCID: PMC11344823 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03628-y] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are the vectors of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease. High-quality reference genomes are an important tool for understanding the biology and eco-evolutionary dynamics underpinning disease epidemiology. Previous leishmaniasis vector reference sequences were limited by sequencing technologies available at the time and inadequate for high-resolution genomic inquiry. Here, we present updated reference assemblies of two sand flies, Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis. These chromosome-level assemblies were generated using an ultra-low input library protocol, PacBio HiFi long reads, and Hi-C technology. The new P. papatasi reference has a final assembly span of 351.6 Mb and contig and scaffold N50s of 926 kb and 111.8 Mb, respectively. The new Lu. longipalpis reference has a final assembly span of 147.8 Mb and contig and scaffold N50s of 1.09 Mb and 40.6 Mb, respectively. Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologue (BUSCO) assessments indicated 94.5% and 95.6% complete single copy insecta orthologs for P. papatasi and Lu. longipalpis. These improved assemblies will serve as an invaluable resource for future genomic work on phlebotomine sandflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | | | - Douglas Shoue
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Oanh Nguyen
- DNA Technologies and Expression Analysis Cores, UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lutz Froenicke
- DNA Technologies and Expression Analysis Cores, UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ruqayya Khan
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chirag Maheshwari
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David Weisz
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gareth Maslen
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Helen Davison
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Erez Lieberman Aiden
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Theoretical and Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Olga Dudchenko
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Theoretical and Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Stephen Richards
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Sajid M, Siddiqui H, Zafar H, Yousuf S, Threadgill MD, Choudhary MI. Thiourea-functionalized aminoglutethimide derivatives as anti-leishmanial agents. Future Med Chem 2024; 16:1485-1497. [PMID: 38953461 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2024.2359362] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: We aim to develop new anti-leishmanial agents against Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica.Materials & methods: A total of 23 thiourea derivatives of (±)-aminoglutethimide were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro activity against promastigotes of L. major and L. tropica.Results & conclusion: The N-benzoyl analogue 7p was found potent (IC50 = 12.7 μM) against L. major and non toxic to normal cells. The docking studies, indicates that these inhibitors may target folate and glycolytic pathways of the parasite. The N-hexyl compound 7v was found strongly active against both species, and lacked cytotoxicity against normal cells, whereas compound 7r, with a 3,5-bis-(tri-fluoro-methyl)phenyl unit, was active against Leishmania, but was cytotoxic in nature. Compound 7v was thus identified as a hit for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sajid
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical & Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Hina Siddiqui
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical & Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
| | - Humaira Zafar
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine & Drug Research, International Center for Chemical & Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Sammer Yousuf
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical & Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Michael D Threadgill
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FL, UK
| | - Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical & Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine & Drug Research, International Center for Chemical & Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, 21452, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science & Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Komplek Campus C, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia
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Shah HK, Fathima PA, Ajithlal PM, Mathew JS, Saini P. Molecular Identification of Host Blood Meal from Phlebotomine Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Kerala, India. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 39066720 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Female phlebotomine sandflies serve as vectors for the transmission of Leishmania parasites, perpetuating an enzootic cycle by disseminating between sylvatic and domestic animals. Humans form a part of this cycle because the sandflies search for a blood source required for egg development. The present study aimed to identify the feeding preferences of different sandfly fauna from six districts of Kerala, India, using molecular tools. An entomological survey was conducted during 2021-2023 in Kollam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Palakkad. Both indoor and outdoor habitats were targeted from sandfly collection using different standard tools and methods. Sandflies were identified using standard taxonomic keys, and DNA was extracted from blood meal collected from sandflies. A total of 7366 sandfly specimens were collected during the study period, which belonged to three different genera and 19 species. Blood source was successfully identified from 119 sandflies revealing that the Sergentomyia genus preferably fed on small reptiles and amphibians, whereas Phlebotomus genus was found to mainly feed on mammalian and avian blood. Sergentomyia zeylanica was an exception, as it primarily fed on mammalian blood sources. Interestingly, humans were the second feeding source for Phlebotomus species, which are the proven vectors. Comprehending the feeding patterns of sandflies is crucial, not just for public health but also for obtaining insights into the ecological dynamics between vectors and hosts, ultimately enabling more efficient strategies for disease control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P A Fathima
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam, India
| | - P M Ajithlal
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam, India
| | - Jessu S Mathew
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam, India
| | - Prasanta Saini
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam, India
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Piyasiri SB, Fathima P, Shah HK, Senanyake S, Samaranayake N, Karunaweera ND, Rahi M, Saini P. Comparative Analysis of Phlebotomus argentipes Vector of Leishmaniasis in India and Sri Lanka. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1459. [PMID: 39065228 PMCID: PMC11278908 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071459] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomus argentipes is the predominant sandfly vector of leishmaniasis in the Indian subcontinent. India and Sri Lanka primarily report visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani. We compared Ph. argentipes from two locations, focusing on its morphological, molecular, and salivary protein characteristics. Sandflies were captured using CDC light traps and cattle-baited net traps. Species identification and morphological comparisons were carried out using standard taxonomic keys. DNA extracted from 12 Sri Lankan sandfly samples was PCR-amplified and sequenced for the variable region of Cytochrome oxidase subunit I. Existing DNA sequences of India from GenBank were utilized for a phylogenetic analysis between Sri Lanka and India. Salivary protein profiles were studied using SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and electrospray ionization/LC/MS/MS. The morphological similarities observed between female Ph. argentipes from India and Sri Lanka suggest the presence of Ph. argentipes var. glaucus. A phylogenetic analysis showed genetic divergence between Ph. argentipes populations, but both shared a similar salivary protein profile. A common, strong 30 kDa immunogenic band comprised PagSP05, PagSP06, and PagSP17 proteins of Ph. argentipes. The similarity between the immunogenic salivary proteins suggests their potential use as common markers for vector exposure or immune response stimulants across regions. The use of multiple samples for each category of serum would improve the comprehensiveness of the immunogenic profiles obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachee Bhanu Piyasiri
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 0800, Sri Lanka; (S.B.P.); (S.S.); (N.S.); (N.D.K.)
| | - P.A. Fathima
- Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam 686003, Kerala, India (H.K.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Harish Kumar Shah
- Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam 686003, Kerala, India (H.K.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Sanath Senanyake
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 0800, Sri Lanka; (S.B.P.); (S.S.); (N.S.); (N.D.K.)
| | - Nilakshi Samaranayake
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 0800, Sri Lanka; (S.B.P.); (S.S.); (N.S.); (N.D.K.)
| | - Nadira Darshani Karunaweera
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 0800, Sri Lanka; (S.B.P.); (S.S.); (N.S.); (N.D.K.)
| | - Manju Rahi
- Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam 686003, Kerala, India (H.K.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Prasanta Saini
- Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam 686003, Kerala, India (H.K.S.); (M.R.)
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DeWinter S, Shahin K, Fernandez-Prada C, Greer AL, Weese JS, Clow KM. Ecological determinants of leishmaniasis vector, Lutzomyia spp.: A scoping review. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39011830 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Leishmania spp. are zoonotic parasites transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, including those of the Lutzomyia genus, which can cause leishmaniases in both humans and dogs. Lutzomyia spp. are established in many countries in South and Central America and some areas of the southern United States, with suspected potential of these vectors to undergo further range expansion due to climate change. A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extensions for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to describe the current state of knowledge on the key ecological factors associated with Lutzomyia spp. survival, reproduction and establishment. The following electronic databases were searched for eligible studies published from 1 January 1990, to the date of search, 26 April 2023: CAB Direct (CABI), MEDLINE (via Ovid), Biological Sciences Database and Environmental Sciences Database. Primary research articles that were available in English and focused on ecological factors associated with Lutzomyia spp., such as climatic and habitat factors, geographic range, seasonality and temporality, and host abundance, were eligible for inclusion in the study. Following de-duplication, a total of 167 studies were included in Level 1 screening, 64 studies were included in Level 2 screening and 31 studies met the criteria for data extraction. Study locations included Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, the United States, Mexico and Canada, with some studies including multiple regions. A total of 31 different Lutzomyia spp. were assessed across these studies, with most (51.6%) of the studies focused on Lutzomyia longipalpis. Eligible studies investigated factors such as seasonality (n = 5), temperature (n = 19), precipitation (n = 13), humidity (n = 2), vegetation presence or requirements (n = 13), ecotypes (n = 7), and/or community type (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) (n = 5). Lutzomyia spp. activity was found to be higher during the rainy season, and peak when temperatures were between 20 and 25°C. Lutzomyia spp. were also found to preferentially reside in tropical or subtropical forests, which are characterised by their lack of a distinct dry season and high precipitation. This scoping review summarised the current state of the literature on the ecological factors associated with the survival, activity and reproduction of Lutzomyia spp. While there appears to be some consensus in the literature regarding some ecological requirements (such as seasonality, temperature and habitat features), overall, there is a lack of published research in this topic. This poses a significant challenge for future studies, which aim to predict the future distribution of Lutzomyia spp. in the context of climate and land use changes. Additional ecological research is urgently needed on Lutzomyia spp. given their relevance to both human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney DeWinter
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keana Shahin
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amy L Greer
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katie M Clow
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Hong XG, Zhu Y, Wang T, Chen JJ, Tang F, Jiang RR, Ma XF, Xu Q, Li H, Wang LP, Sun Y, Fang LQ, Liu W. Mapping the distribution of sandflies and sandfly-associated pathogens in China. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012291. [PMID: 39012845 PMCID: PMC11251628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012291] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding and mapping the distribution of sandflies and sandfly-associated pathogens (SAPs) is crucial for guiding the surveillance and control effort. However, their distribution and the related risk burden in China remain poorly understood. METHODS We mapped the distribution of sandflies and SAPs using literature data from 1940 to 2022. We also mapped the human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases using surveillance data from 2014 to 2018. The ecological drivers of 12 main sandfly species and VL were identified by applying machine learning, and their distribution and risk were predicted in three time periods (2021-2040, 2041-2060, and 2061-2080) under three scenarios of climate and socioeconomic changes. RESULTS In the mainland of China, a total of 47 sandfly species have been reported, with the main 12 species classified into three clusters according to their ecological niches. Additionally, 6 SAPs have been identified, which include two protozoa, two bacteria, and two viruses. The incidence risk of different VL subtypes was closely associated with the distribution risk of specific vectors. The model predictions also revealed a substantial underestimation of the current sandfly distribution and VL risk. The predicted areas affected by the 12 major species of sandflies and the high-risk areas for VL were found to be 37.9-1121.0% and 136.6% larger, respectively, than the observed range in the areas. The future global changes were projected to decrease the risk of mountain-type zoonotic VL (MT-ZVL), but anthroponotic VL (AVL) and desert-type zoonotic VL (DT-ZVL) could remain stable or slightly increase. CONCLUSIONS Current field observations underestimate the spatial distributions of main sandfly species and VL in China. More active surveillance and field investigations are needed where high risks are predicted, especially in areas where the future risk of VL is projected to remain high or increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Geng Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- The 949th Chinese PLA Hospital, Altay, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Fang Tang
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Chinese People’s Armed Police Forces, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Rui-Ruo Jiang
- Institute of NBC Defense, PLA Army, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Fang Ma
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, P. R. China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Li-Ping Wang
- Center for Public Health Surveillance and Information Service, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Li-Qun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, P. R. China
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12
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Wudarski J, Aliabadi S, Gulia-Nuss M. Arthropod promoters for genetic control of disease vectors. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:619-632. [PMID: 38824066 PMCID: PMC11223965 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.04.011] [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] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) impose devastating effects on human health and a heavy financial burden. Malaria, Lyme disease, and dengue fever are just a few examples of VBDs that cause severe illnesses. The current strategies to control VBDs consist mainly of environmental modification and chemical use, and to a small extent, genetic approaches. The genetic approaches, including transgenesis/genome modification and gene-drive technologies, provide the basis for developing new tools for VBD prevention by suppressing vector populations or reducing their capacity to transmit pathogens. The regulatory elements such as promoters are required for a robust sex-, tissue-, and stage-specific transgene expression. As discussed in this review, information on the regulatory elements is available for mosquito vectors but is scant for other vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Wudarski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Simindokht Aliabadi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.
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13
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Trájer AJ, Hoxha I, Xhekaj B, Platzgummer K, Dvořák V, Obwaller AG, Stefanovska J, Cvetkovikj A, Walochnik J, Sherifi K, Kniha E. Ecological setting of phlebotomine sand flies in the Republic of Kosovo. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33029. [PMID: 39021964 PMCID: PMC11253276 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33029] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniasis, as well as phleboviruses. In the Balkans, the endemicity and spreading of sand fly-borne diseases are evident, particularly in the Republic of Kosovo, a country with a predominantly humid continental climate. To date, understanding the drivers behind the spatial structure and diversity patterns of sand fly communities in humid continental regions remains limited. Therefore, elucidating the geographical and ecological factors contributing to the presence of potential vector species in the country is crucial. We aimed to enhance our understanding of factors influencing sand fly occurrence in cool and wet wintering humid continental areas, which could serve as a model for other countries with similar climatic conditions. Therefore, we assessed the currently known sand fly fauna through detailed environmental analyses, including Voronoi tessellation patterns, entropy calculations, Principal Coordinate and Component Analyses, Hierarchical Clustering, Random Trees, and climatic suitability patterns. Notable differences in the ecological tolerance of the species were detected, and the most important climatic features limiting sand fly presence were wind speed and temperature seasonality. Sand flies were observed to prefer topographical environments with little roughness, and the modelled climatic suitability values indicated that, dominantly, the western plain regions of Kosovo harbour the most diverse sand fly fauna; and are the most threatened by sand fly-borne diseases. Phlebotomus neglectus and P. perfiliewi, both confirmed vectors for L. infantum and phleboviruses, were identified as two main species with vast distribution in Kosovo. Contrary to this, most other present species are relatively sparse and restricted to temperate rather than humid continental regions. Our findings reveal a diverse potential sand fly fauna in Kosovo, indicating the need for tailored strategies to address varying risks across the country's western and eastern regions in relation to leishmaniasis control amidst changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila J. Trájer
- University of Pannonia, Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Egyetem u. 10. H-8200, Hungary
| | - Ina Hoxha
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Betim Xhekaj
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina ‘Hasan Prishtina’, Bulevardi ‘Bill Clinton’, P.N. 10000 Prishtinë, Kosovo
| | - Katharina Platzgummer
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vit Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adelheid G. Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Roßauer Lände 1, 1090, 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
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kurtesh Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina ‘Hasan Prishtina’, Bulevardi ‘Bill Clinton’, P.N. 10000 Prishtinë, Kosovo
| | - Edwin Kniha
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Zafari S, Motavallihaghi S, Salehzadeh A, Zahirnia A, Sazmand A, Maghsood AH. Molecular investigation of Leishmania in sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) and rodents (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Nahavand, west of Iran. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:253. [PMID: 38922451 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08265-3] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by different species of Leishmania is transmitted by Phlebotominae sandflies. This disease remains a public health concern in Iran. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine Leishmania infection in sandflies and reservoir rodents in six rural regions of Nahavand, located in western Iran. From May to October 2022, sandflies and rodents were collected and identified at the species level. Additionally, rodents' skin lesions and earlobe specimens were collected separately for microscopic and molecular examination. All specimens were tested for Leishmania DNA by PCRs targeting the parasite's ITS-2 and 18S rRNA gene and positive were Sanger sequenced. A total of 3396 sandflies belonging to seven subgenera and 11 species, i.e., Phlebotomus papatasi (42.7%), P. major (20.6%), P. mascitti (0.3%), P. neglectus (0.2%), P. alexandri (0.2%), P. turanicus (0.3%), Sergentomyia murgabiensis (18.1%), S. dentata (10.5%), S. theodori (5.8%), S. antennata (1.1%), and S. pawlowski (0.1%) were identified. Based on the species population, 29 pools of sandflies were examined for the presence of Leishmania DNA using conventional PCR (cPCR), and individual DNAs were tested when positive. Leishmania major DNA was detected in two P. papatasi and Leishmania sp. in one P. major individual sandfly. This is the first report of Leishmania infection in sandflies from Hamadan province. The captured rodents (n = 61) belonged to four families and seven species, i.e., Arvicola amphibius (37.7%), Mus musculus (29.5%), Microtus socialis (13.1%), Apodemus sylvaticus (11.5%), Talpa davidiana (4.9%), Apodemus witherbyi (1.6%), and Rattus norvegicus (1.6%). Microscopic and molecular examinations of the rodent lesions and earlobes scored negative results. The presence of Leishmania in the Phlebotominae sandflies in Nahavand indicates a potential threat to humans and animals in the region. Regular monitoring and examination of the sandflies' population and timely diagnosis and treatment of new patients are strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Zafari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyedmousa Motavallihaghi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Aref Salehzadeh
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Zahirnia
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Maghsood
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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15
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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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16
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Savardashtaki A, Khalili Alashti S, Vafadar A, Sadeghi M, Baneshi M, Hashemi KS, Karami J, Muro A, Manzano-Roman R, Rashidi S. An integrated bioinformatic analysis of microarray datasets to identify biomarkers and miRNA-based regulatory networks in leishmaniasis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12981. [PMID: 38839916 PMCID: PMC11153516 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63462-5] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Micro RNAs (miRNAs, miRs) and relevant networks might exert crucial functions during differential host cell infection by the different Leishmania species. Thus, a bioinformatic analysis of microarray datasets was developed to identify pivotal shared biomarkers and miRNA-based regulatory networks for Leishmaniasis. A transcriptomic analysis by employing a comprehensive set of gene expression profiling microarrays was conducted to identify the key genes and miRNAs relevant for Leishmania spp. infections. Accordingly, the gene expression profiles of healthy human controls were compared with those of individuals infected with Leishmania mexicana, L. major, L. donovani, and L. braziliensis. The enrichment analysis for datasets was conducted by utilizing EnrichR database, and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network to identify the hub genes. The prognostic value of hub genes was assessed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, the miRNAs that interact with the hub genes were identified using miRTarBase, miRWalk, TargetScan, and miRNet. Differentially expressed genes were identified between the groups compared in this study. These genes were significantly enriched in inflammatory responses, cytokine-mediated signaling pathways and granulocyte and neutrophil chemotaxis responses. The identification of hub genes of recruited datasets suggested that TNF, SOCS3, JUN, TNFAIP3, and CXCL9 may serve as potential infection biomarkers and could deserve value as prognostic biomarkers for leishmaniasis. Additionally, inferred data from miRWalk revealed a significant degree of interaction of a number of miRNAs (hsa-miR-8085, hsa-miR-4673, hsa-miR-4743-3p, hsa-miR-892c-3p, hsa-miR-4644, hsa-miR-671-5p, hsa-miR-7106-5p, hsa-miR-4267, hsa-miR-5196-5p, and hsa-miR-4252) with the majority of the hub genes, suggesting such miRNAs play a crucial role afterwards parasite infection. The hub genes and hub miRNAs identified in this study could be potentially suggested as therapeutic targets or biomarkers for the management of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Savardashtaki
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Khalili Alashti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Asma Vafadar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Baneshi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kimia Sadat Hashemi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jafar Karami
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (E-INTRO), Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), University of Salamanca, 37008, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Raúl Manzano-Roman
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (E-INTRO), Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), University of Salamanca, 37008, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Sajad Rashidi
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.
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Vivero-Gomez R, Duque-Granda D, Rader JA, Stuckert A, Santander-Gualdron R, Cadavid-Restrepo G, Moreno-Herrera CX, Matute DR. Humidity and temperature preference in two Neotropical species of sand flies. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:246. [PMID: 38831449 PMCID: PMC11149334 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06325-2] [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: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arthropods vector a multitude of human disease-causing organisms, and their geographic ranges are shifting rapidly in response to changing climatic conditions. This is, in turn, altering the landscape of disease risk for human populations that are brought into novel contact with the vectors and the diseases they carry. Sand flies in the genera Lutzomyia and Pintomyia are vectors of serious disease-causing agents such as Leishmania (the etiological agent of leishmaniasis) and may be expanding their range in the face of climate change. Understanding the climatic conditions that vector species both tolerate physiologically and prefer behaviorally is critical to predicting the direction and magnitude of range expansions and the resulting impacts on human health. Temperature and humidity are key factors that determine the geographic extent of many arthropods, including vector species. METHODS We characterized the habitat of two species of sand flies, Lutzomyia longipalpis and Pintomyia evansi. Additionally, we studied two behavioral factors of thermal fitness-thermal and humidity preference in two species of sand flies alongside a key aspect of physiological tolerance-desiccation resistance. RESULTS We found that Lu. longipalpis is found at cooler and drier conditions than Pi. evansi. Our results also show significant interspecific differences in both behavioral traits, with Pi. evansi preferring warmer, more humid conditions than Lu. longipalpis. Finally, we found that Lu. longipalpis shows greater tolerance to extreme low humidity, and that this is especially pronounced in males of the species. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results suggest that temperature and humidity conditions are key aspects of the climatic niche of Lutzomyia and Pintomyia sand flies and underscore the value of integrative studies of climatic tolerance and preference in vector biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Vivero-Gomez
- Grupo de Microdiversidad and Bioprospección, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biociencias, Laboratorio de Procesos Moleculares, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
- PECET (Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales), Universidad de Antioquia, SIU-Sede de Investigación Universitaria, Street 62 # 52-59Laboratory 632, 050003, Medellín, Postal Code, Colombia
| | - Daniela Duque-Granda
- Grupo de Microdiversidad and Bioprospección, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biociencias, Laboratorio de Procesos Moleculares, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jonathan A Rader
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Adam Stuckert
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo Santander-Gualdron
- Grupo de Microdiversidad and Bioprospección, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biociencias, Laboratorio de Procesos Moleculares, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gloria Cadavid-Restrepo
- Grupo de Microdiversidad and Bioprospección, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biociencias, Laboratorio de Procesos Moleculares, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Claudia X Moreno-Herrera
- Grupo de Microdiversidad and Bioprospección, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biociencias, Laboratorio de Procesos Moleculares, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Daniel R Matute
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
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Carvalho Cabral P, Stegeman SK, Olivier M, Cermakian N. Circadian Regulation of Leishmania Parasite Internalisation in Macrophages and Downstream Cellular Events. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13053. [PMID: 38817112 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13053] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Leishmania spp. parasites use macrophages as a host cell during infection. As a result, macrophages have a dual role: clearing the parasite as well as acting as host cells. Recently, studies have shown that macrophages harbour circadian clocks, which affect many of their functions such as phagocytosis, receptor expression and cytokine release. Interestingly, Leishmania major infection in hosts was also shown to be under circadian control. Therefore, we decided to investigate what underlies the rhythms of L. major infection within macrophages. Using a culture model of infection of bone marrow-derived macrophages with L. major promastigotes, we show that the parasites are internalised into macrophages with a 24-h variation dependent on a functional circadian clock in the cells. This was associated with a variation in the number of parasites per macrophage. The cell surface expression of parasite receptors was not controlled by the cells' circadian clock. In contrast, the expression of the components of the endocytic pathway, EEA1 and LC3b, varied according to the time of infection. This was paralleled by variations in parasite-induced ROS production as well as cytokine tumour necrosis factor α. In summary, we have uncovered a time-dependent regulation of the internalisation of L. major promastigotes in macrophages, controlled by the circadian clock in these cells, as well as subsequent cellular events in the endocytic pathway, intracellular signalling and cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophia K Stegeman
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Cermakian
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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19
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Suckow MA, Bolton ID, McDowell MA. Overview and Approaches for Handling of Animal Models of Leishmaniasis. Comp Med 2024; 74:148-155. [PMID: 39107941 PMCID: PMC11267445 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-24-029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a disease of global relevance, results from infection with the protozoan parasite, Leishmania, which is transmitted to susceptible hosts through the bite of sand flies. Multiple forms of leishmaniasis may occur, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. Research with animal models remains an important approach to help define basic pathophysi- ologic processes associated with infection and disease. In this regard, mice and hamsters represent the most commonly used models. The severity of leishmaniasis in animal models depends on several factors, including genotype of the host and parasite and the dose and route of administration of the parasite to the host, and severity of outcome may range from subclinical to severe illness. This review provides basic background on leishmaniasis, relevant animal models, the pathophysiology and clinical signs in animals used as models of leishmaniasis, and general approaches to mitigate risk to personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Suckow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Iris D Bolton
- Freimann Life Science Center, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; and
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
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20
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Msellemu D, Tanner M, Yadav R, Moore SJ. Occupational exposure to malaria, leishmaniasis and arbovirus vectors in endemic regions: A systematic review. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 6:100185. [PMID: 39027087 PMCID: PMC11252614 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases, including dengue, leishmaniasis and malaria, may be more common among individuals whose occupations or behaviours bring them into frequent contact with these disease vectors outside of their homes. A systematic review was conducted to ascertain at-risk occupations and situations that put individuals at increased risk of exposure to these disease vectors in endemic regions and identify the most suitable interventions for each exposure. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines on articles published between 1945 and October 2021, searched in 16 online databases. The primary outcome was incidence or prevalence of dengue, leishmaniasis or malaria. The review excluded ecological and qualitative studies, abstracts only, letters, commentaries, reviews, and studies of laboratory-acquired infections. Studies were appraised, data extracted, and a descriptive analysis conducted. Bite interventions for each risk group were assessed. A total of 1170 articles were screened and 99 included. Malaria, leishmaniasis and dengue were presented in 47, 41 and 24 articles, respectively; some articles presented multiple conditions. The most represented populations were soldiers, 38% (43 of 112 studies); refugees and travellers, 15% (17) each; migrant workers, 12.5% (14); miners, 9% (10); farmers, 5% (6); rubber tappers and missionaries, 1.8% (2) each; and forest workers, 0.9% (1). Risk of exposure was categorised into round-the-clock or specific times of day/night dependent on occupation. Exposure to these vectors presents a critical and understudied concern for outdoor workers and mobile populations. When devising interventions to provide round-the-clock vector bite protection, two populations are considered. First, mobile populations, characterized by their high mobility, may find potential benefits in insecticide-treated clothing, though more research and optimization are essential. Treated clothing offers personal vector protection and holds promise for economically disadvantaged individuals, especially when enabling them to self-treat their clothing to repel vectors. Secondly, semi-permanent and permanent settlement populations can receive a combination of interventions that offer both personal and community protection, including spatial repellents, suitable for extended stays. Existing research is heavily biased towards tourism and the military, diverting attention and resources from vulnerable populations where these interventions are most required like refugee populations as well as those residing in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Msellemu
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rajpal Yadav
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Academy of Public Health Entomology, Udaipur, 313 002, India
| | - Sarah J. Moore
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), P.O. Box 447, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
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21
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Benelli G, Germinara GS, Volf P, Otranto D. Smelly interactions: host-borne volatile organic compounds triggering behavioural responses in mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:227. [PMID: 38755646 PMCID: PMC11100076 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06299-1] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals emitted as products of cell metabolism, which reflects the physiological and pathological conditions of any living organisms. These compounds play a key role as olfactory cues for arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks, which act in the transmission of pathogens to many animal species, including humans. Some VOCs may influence arthropod behaviour, e.g., host preference and oviposition site selection for gravid females. Furthermore, deadly vector-borne pathogens such as Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania infantum are suggested to manipulate the VOCs profile of the host to make them more attractive to mosquitoes and sand fly vectors, respectively. Under the above circumstances, studies on these compounds have demonstrated their potential usefulness for investigating the behavioural response of mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks toward their vertebrate hosts, as well as potential tools for diagnosis of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Herein, we provide an account for scientific data available on VOCs to study the host seeking behaviour of arthropod vectors, and their usefulness as attractants, repellents, or tools for an early diagnosis of VBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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González-Montero MC, Andrés-Rodríguez J, García-Fernández N, Pérez-Pertejo Y, Reguera RM, Balaña-Fouce R, García-Estrada C. Targeting Trypanothione Metabolism in Trypanosomatids. Molecules 2024; 29:2214. [PMID: 38792079 PMCID: PMC11124245 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102214] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by trypanosomatids, including African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Chagas disease, and different forms of leishmaniasis, are Neglected Tropical Diseases affecting millions of people worldwide, mainly in vulnerable territories of tropical and subtropical areas. In general, current treatments against these diseases are old-fashioned, showing adverse effects and loss of efficacy due to misuse or overuse, thus leading to the emergence of resistance. For these reasons, searching for new antitrypanosomatid drugs has become an urgent necessity, and different metabolic pathways have been studied as potential drug targets against these parasites. Considering that trypanosomatids possess a unique redox pathway based on the trypanothione molecule absent in the mammalian host, the key enzymes involved in trypanothione metabolism, trypanothione reductase and trypanothione synthetase, have been studied in detail as druggable targets. In this review, we summarize some of the recent findings on the molecules inhibiting these two essential enzymes for Trypanosoma and Leishmania viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Cristina González-Montero
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
| | - Julia Andrés-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
| | - Nerea García-Fernández
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
| | - Yolanda Pérez-Pertejo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rosa M. Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Carlos García-Estrada
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
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23
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Ampol R, Somwang P, Khositharattanakool P, Promrangsee C, Pataradool T, Tepboonreung P, Siriyasatien P, Preativatanyou K. Nanopore-Based Surveillance of Leishmania Parasites in Culicoides Latrielle (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Caught from the Affected Community and Tham Phra Cave in Chiang Rai Province, the Endemic Area of Leishmaniasis in Northern Thailand. INSECTS 2024; 15:327. [PMID: 38786883 PMCID: PMC11122411 DOI: 10.3390/insects15050327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In this research, we elucidated the species composition of Culicoides biting midges, infection prevalence, and genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites circulating in the affected community in Chiang Rai Province, being the most endemic area in Northern Thailand. A total of 146 parous and gravid females, belonging to at least twelve Culicoides species in five subgenera and one species group, were trapped from three collection sites with an overall Leishmania prevalence of 26.7% (39/146). Leishmania was detected, using ITS1-PCR, in C. mahasarakamense (15), C. guttifer (11), C. (Trithecoides) spp. (8), C. jacobsoni (2), C. oxystoma (2), and C. orientalis (1). The evidence of Leishmania infection in these last five species represents new records in Northern Thailand. Given a high infection rate in cavernicolous specimens, this indicates an increased risk of parasite exposure when visiting the cave. Using the nanopore amplicon sequencing, L. martiniquensis was ubiquitously identified in all positives, and more than half of these were also co-infected with L. orientalis. The genetic diversity analysis revealed 13 and 17 unique haplotypes for L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis, respectively. Higher haplotype diversity and relatively low nucleotide diversity were observed in both parasite populations, suggesting recent population divergence. Neutrality tests (Tajima's D and Fu and Li's D) showed to be significantly negative, indicating rapid population growth or a selective sweep. Moreover, dominant haplotypes of both Leishmania species were 100% identical to those in all leishmaniasis patients previously reported from Northern Thailand, strongly supporting the imperative role of Culicoides spp. in disease transmission. Essentially, this research provides the first entomological surveillance data representing the sympatric existence, transmission dynamics, and genetic complexity of two autochthonous Leishmania (Mundinia) parasites in several Culicoides species in the endemic area of Northern Thailand. This would contribute to a more complete understanding of the epidemiology of vector infection and facilitate the development of vector control programs to effectively reduce the transmission of this neglected tropical disease in endemic areas of Northern Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinnara Ampol
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Puckavadee Somwang
- Biomedical Technology Research Group for Vulnerable Populations, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; (P.S.); (P.K.)
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Pathamet Khositharattanakool
- Biomedical Technology Research Group for Vulnerable Populations, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; (P.S.); (P.K.)
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Chulaluk Promrangsee
- Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Thanapat Pataradool
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Medical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Piyapat Tepboonreung
- Medical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kanok Preativatanyou
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Maleki-Ravasan N, Ghafari SM, Najafzadeh N, Karimian F, Darzi F, Davoudian R, Farshbaf Pourabad R, Parvizi P. Characterization of bacteria expectorated during forced salivation of the Phlebotomus papatasi: A neglected component of sand fly infectious inoculums. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012165. [PMID: 38771858 PMCID: PMC11108182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012165] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The infectious inoculum of a sand fly, apart from its metacyclic promastigotes, is composed of factors derived from both the parasite and the vector. Vector-derived factors, including salivary proteins and the gut microbiota, are essential for the establishment and enhancement of infection. However, the type and the number of bacteria egested during salivation is unclear. In the present study, sand flies of Phlebotomus papatasi were gathered from three locations in hyperendemic focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Isfahan Province, Iran. By using the forced salivation assay and targeting the 16S rRNA barcode gene, egested bacteria were characterized in 99 (44%) out of 224 sand flies. Culture-dependent and culture-independent methods identified the members of Enterobacter cloacae and Spiroplasma species as dominant taxa, respectively. Ten top genera of Spiroplasma, Ralstonia, Acinetobacter, Reyranella, Undibacterium, Bryobacter, Corynebacterium, Cutibacterium, Psychrobacter, and Wolbachia constituted >80% of the saliva microbiome. Phylogenetic analysis displayed the presence of only one bacterial species for the Spiroplasma, Ralstonia, Reyranella, Bryobacter and Wolbachia, two distinct species for Cutibacterium, three for Undibacterium and Psychrobacter, 16 for Acinetobacter, and 27 for Corynebacterium, in the saliva. The abundance of microbes in P. papatasi saliva was determined by incorporating the data on the read counts and the copy number of 16S rRNA gene, about 9,000 bacterial cells, per sand fly. Both microbiological and metagenomic data indicate that bacteria are constant companions of Leishmania, from the intestine of the vector to the vertebrate host. This is the first forced salivation experiment in a sand fly, addressing key questions on infectious bite and competent vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fateh Karimian
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Darzi
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Parviz Parvizi
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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La Rosa F, Varotto-Boccazzi I, Saresella M, Marventano I, Cattaneo GM, Hernis A, Piancone F, Otranto D, Epis S, Bandi C, Clerici M. The non-pathogenic protozoon Leishmania tarentolae interferes with the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human cells: new perspectives in the control of inflammation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1298275. [PMID: 38707903 PMCID: PMC11066211 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1298275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Innate immune responses against infectious agents can act as triggers of inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, various pathogens have developed mechanisms for the evasion of the immune response, based on an inhibition of innate immunity and inflammatory responses. Inflammatory diseases could thus be controlled through the administration of pathogens or pathogen-derived molecules, capable of interfering with the mechanisms at the basis of inflammation. In this framework, the NLRP3 inflammasome is an important component in innate antimicrobial responses and a major player in the inflammatory disease. Parasites of the genus Leishmania are master manipulators of innate immune mechanisms, and different species have been shown to inhibit inflammasome formation. However, the exploitation of pathogenic Leishmania species as blockers of NLRP3-based inflammatory diseases poses safety concerns. Methods To circumvent safety issues associated with pathogenic parasites, we focused on Leishmania tarentolae, a species of Leishmania that is not infectious to humans. Because NLRP3 typically develops in macrophages, in response to the detection and engulfment microorganisms, we performed our experiments on a monocyte-macrophage cell line (THP-1), either wild type or knockout for ASC, a key component of NLRP3 formation, with determination of cytokines and other markers of inflammation. Results L. tarentolae was shown to possess the capability of dampening the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the consequent expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, with minor differences compared to effects of pathogenic Leishmania species. Conclusion The non-pathogenic L. tarentolae appears a promising pro-biotic microbe with anti-inflammatory properties or a source of immune modulating cellular fractions or molecules, capable of interfering with the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ambra Hernis
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Sara Epis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Abdoul-Latif FM, Oumaskour K, Abdallah N, Ainane A, Houmed Aboubaker I, Merito A, Mohamed H, Ainane T. Overview of Research on Leishmaniasis in Africa: Current Status, Diagnosis, Therapeutics, and Recent Advances Using By-Products of the Sargassaceae Family. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:523. [PMID: 38675483 PMCID: PMC11054980 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040523] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis in Africa, which has been designated as a priority neglected tropical disease by various global organizations, exerts its impact on millions of individuals, primarily concentrated within this particular region of the world. As a result of the progressively grave epidemiological data, numerous governmental sectors and civil organizations have concentrated their endeavors on this widespread outbreak with the objective of devising appropriate remedies. This comprehensive examination delves into multiple facets of this parasitic ailment, scrutinizing the associated perils, diagnostic intricacies, and deficiencies within the existing therapeutic protocols. Despite the established efficacy of current treatments, they are not immune to deleterious incidents, particularly concerning toxicity and the emergence of parasitic resistance, thus accentuating the necessity of exploring alternative avenues. Consequently, this research not only encompasses conventional therapeutic approaches, but also extends its scope to encompass complementary and alternative medicinal techniques, thereby striving to identify innovative solutions. A particularly auspicious dimension of this study lies in the exploration of natural substances and by-products derived from some brown algae of the Sargassaceae family. These resources possess the potential to assume a pivotal role in the management of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatouma Mohamed Abdoul-Latif
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (ISSS), Djibouti City P.O. Box 2530, Djibouti
- Medicinal Research Institute, Center for Studies and Research of Djibouti, IRM-CERD, Route de l’Aéroport, Haramous, Djibouti City P.O. Box 486, Djibouti
| | - Khadija Oumaskour
- Superior School of Technology of Khenifra, University of Sultan Moulay Slimane, P.O. Box 170, Khenifra 54000, Morocco
| | - Nadira Abdallah
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (ISSS), Djibouti City P.O. Box 2530, Djibouti
| | - Ayoub Ainane
- Superior School of Technology of Khenifra, University of Sultan Moulay Slimane, P.O. Box 170, Khenifra 54000, Morocco
| | | | - Ali Merito
- Medicinal Research Institute, Center for Studies and Research of Djibouti, IRM-CERD, Route de l’Aéroport, Haramous, Djibouti City P.O. Box 486, Djibouti
| | - Houda Mohamed
- Peltier Hospital of Djibouti, Djibouti City P.O. Box 2123, Djibouti
| | - Tarik Ainane
- Superior School of Technology of Khenifra, University of Sultan Moulay Slimane, P.O. Box 170, Khenifra 54000, Morocco
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Sánchez Uzcátegui YDV, Silveira FT, de Morais TG, Furtado RR, Vasconcelos dos Santos T, Póvoa MM. Experimental Susceptibility of Nyssomyia antunesi and Lutzomyia longipalpis (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) to Leishmania ( Viannia) lainsoni and L. ( V.) lindenbergi (Trypanosomatidae: Leishmaniinae). Microorganisms 2024; 12:809. [PMID: 38674753 PMCID: PMC11051748 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040809] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The present work assessed the experimental susceptibility of Nyssomyia antunesi and Lutzomyia longipalpis to Leishmania (Viannia) lainsoni and L. (V.) lindenbergi. A L. (Leishmania) chagasi-Lu. longipalpis combination was used as a susceptible control. Wild-caught Ny. antunesi and laboratory-bred Lu. longipalpis were membrane-fed on blood with a 5 × 106/mL log-phase promastigote culture suspension and dissected on days 2 and 8 post-blood meal (pbm) for analysis focused on the assessment of parasitoses, as well as placement and promastigote morphotyping. Survival curves were constructed. In all combinations, promastigotes were observed on day 8 pbm. For both Leishmania species, in Lu. longipalpis, the presence of parasites was observed up to the stomodeal valve, while in Ny. antunesi, the presence of parasites was observed up to the cardia. There were no significant differences in parasitosis between L. (V.) lainsoni and L. (V.) lindenbergi in either Ny. antunesi or Lu. longipalpis. Six morphological promastigote forms were distinguished in Giemsa-stained gut smears. The survival curves of all combinations decreased and were affected differently by several Lu. longipalpis-parasite combinations, as well with Lu. longipalpis-uninfected blood. These findings stress Lu. longipalpis as experimentally susceptible to Leishmania spp. and suggest the putative susceptibility of Ny. antunesi to L. (V.) lainsoni and L. (V.) lindenbergi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yetsenia del Valle Sánchez Uzcátegui
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela
| | | | - Thais Gouvea de Morais
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ribeiro Furtado
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil
| | - Thiago Vasconcelos dos Santos
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil
| | - Marinete Marins Póvoa
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil
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Lapierre TJWJD, Farago DN, de Moura Lodi Cruz MGF, de Melo Resende D, de Oliveira ACR, Dos Santos BRM, de Oliveira Souza F, Michelan-Duarte S, Chelucci RC, Andricopulo AD, Ferreira LLG, Pilau EJ, Murta SMF, de Oliveira Rezende Júnior C. Evaluation and discovery of novel benzothiazole derivatives as promising hits against Leishmania infantum. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14525. [PMID: 38627214 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
An early exploration of the benzothiazole class against two kinetoplastid parasites, Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi, has been performed after the identification of a benzothiazole derivative as a suitable antileishmanial initial hit. The first series of derivatives focused on the acyl fragment of its class, evaluating diverse linear and cyclic, alkyl and aromatic substituents, and identified two other potent compounds, the phenyl and cyclohexyl derivatives. Subsequently, new compounds were designed to assess the impact of the presence of diverse substituents on the benzothiazole ring or the replacement of the endocyclic sulfur by other heteroatoms. All compounds showed relatively low cytotoxicity, resulting in decent selectivity indexes for the most active compounds. Ultimately, the in vitro ADME properties of these compounds were assessed, revealing a satisfying water solubility, gastrointestinal permeability, despite their low metabolic stability and high lipophilicity. Consequently, compounds 5 and 6 were identified as promising hits for further hit-to-lead exploration within this benzothiazole class against L. infantum, thus providing promising starting points for the development of antileishmanial candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danilo Nascimento Farago
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela de Melo Resende
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ Minas), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriane Cristina Rosa de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Brenda Rosa Macedo Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Felipe de Oliveira Souza
- Laboratório de Biomoléculas e Espectrometria de Massas (LaBioMass), Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Simone Michelan-Duarte
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal e Computacional (LQMC), Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael C Chelucci
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal e Computacional (LQMC), Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano D Andricopulo
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal e Computacional (LQMC), Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo L G Ferreira
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal e Computacional (LQMC), Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Jorge Pilau
- Laboratório de Biomoléculas e Espectrometria de Massas (LaBioMass), Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Silvane Maria Fonseca Murta
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ Minas), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Celso de Oliveira Rezende Júnior
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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29
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Bharadava K, Upadhyay TK, Kaushal RS, Ahmad I, Alraey Y, Siddiqui S, Saeed M. Genomic Insight of Leishmania Parasite: In-Depth Review of Drug Resistance Mechanisms and Genetic Mutations. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:12500-12514. [PMID: 38524425 PMCID: PMC10955595 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, which is caused by a parasitic protozoan of the genus Leishmania, is still a major threat to global health, impacting millions of individuals worldwide in endemic areas. Chemotherapy has been the principal method for managing leishmaniasis; nevertheless, the evolution of drug resistance offers a significant obstacle to therapeutic success. Drug-resistant behavior in these parasites is a complex phenomenon including both innate and acquired mechanisms. Resistance is frequently related to changes in drug transportation, drug target alterations, and enhanced efflux of the drug from the pathogen. This review has revealed specific genetic mutations in Leishmania parasites that are associated with resistance to commonly used antileishmanial drugs such as pentavalent antimonials, miltefosine, amphotericin B, and paromomycin, resulting in changes in gene expression along with the functioning of various proteins involved in drug uptake, metabolism, and efflux. Understanding the genetic changes linked to drug resistance in Leishmania parasites is essential for creating approaches for tackling and avoiding the spread of drug-resistant variants. Based on which specific treatments focus on mutations and pathways could potentially improve treatment efficacy and help long-term leishmaniasis control. More study is needed to uncover the complete range of genetic changes generating medication resistance and to develop new therapies based on available information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krupanshi Bharadava
- Biophysics
& Structural Biology, Research & Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
- Department
of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences & Research
and Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Radhey Shyam Kaushal
- Biophysics
& Structural Biology, Research & Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
- Department
of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences & Research
and Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser Alraey
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samra Siddiqui
- Department
of Health Service Management, College of Public Health and Health
Informatics, University of Hail, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department
of Biology, College of Science, University
of Hail, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
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30
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Rodrigues BL, da Silva Costa G, Godoy RE, Pereira Júnior AM, Cella W, Ferreira GEM, de Medeiros JF, Shimabukuro PHF. Molecular and morphometric study of Brazilian populations of Psychodopygus davisi. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 38:83-98. [PMID: 37867259 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we analysed the molecular and morphometric differences of several populations of the putative sand fly vector Psychodopygus davisi (Root, 1934) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in Brazil. We amplified the 658 base pair fragments of the DNA barcoding region-cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene-for 57 specimens of P. davisi and three specimens of Psychodopygus claustrei (Abonnenc, Léger & Fauran, 1979). We merged our data with public sequences of the same species available from GenBank. Then, the combined dataset-87 sequences and 20 localities-was analysed using population structure analysis and different species delimitation approaches. Geometric morphometry of wings was performed for 155 specimens of P. davisi populations from the North, Midwest and Southeast Brazilian regions, analysing the differences in centroid sizes and canonical variates. Molecular analysis indicated high intraspecific genetic distance values for P. davisi (maximum p distance = 5.52%). All algorithms identified P. davisi and P. claustrei as distinct molecular taxonomic units, despite the low interspecific distance (p distance to the nearest neighbour = 4.79%). P. davisi sequences were split into four genetic clusters by population structure analysis and at least five genetic lineages using intermediate scenarios of the species delimitation algorithms. The species validation analysis of BPP strongly supported the five-species model in our dataset. We found high genetic diversity in this taxon, which is in agreement with its wide geographic distribution in Brazil. Furthermore, the wing analysis showed that specimens from the Southeast Region of Brazil are different from those in the North and the Midwest. The evolutionary patterns of P. davisi populations in Brazil suggest the presence of candidate species, which need to be validated in future studies using a more comprehensive approach with both genomic data and morphological characters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Leite Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Glaucilene da Silva Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Estado de Rondônia, LACEN-RO, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wilsandrei Cella
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense, Paraná, Brazil
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Tefé, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Eduardo Melim Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia Genética, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Jansen Fernandes de Medeiros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Paloma Helena Fernandes Shimabukuro
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Coleção de Flebotomíneos (Fiocruz/COLFLEB), Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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31
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Nath M, Bhowmik D, Saha S, Nandi R, Kumar D. Identification of potential inhibitor against Leishmania donovani mitochondrial DNA primase through in-silico and in vitro drug repurposing approaches. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3246. [PMID: 38332162 PMCID: PMC10853515 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53316-5] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmania donovani is the causal organism of leishmaniasis with critical health implications affecting about 12 million people around the globe. Due to less efficacy, adverse side effects, and resistance, the available therapeutic molecules fail to control leishmaniasis. The mitochondrial primase of Leishmania donovani (LdmtPRI1) is a vital cog in the DNA replication mechanism, as the enzyme initiates the replication of the mitochondrial genome of Leishmania donovani. Hence, we target this protein as a probable drug target against leishmaniasis. The de-novo approach enabled computational prediction of the three-dimensional structure of LdmtPRI1, and its active sites were identified. Ligands from commercially available drug compounds were selected and docked against LdmtPRI1. The compounds were chosen for pharmacokinetic study and molecular dynamics simulation based on their binding energies and protein interactions. The LdmtPRI1 gene was cloned, overexpressed, and purified, and a primase activity assay was performed. The selected compounds were verified experimentally by the parasite and primase inhibition assay. Capecitabine was observed to be effective against the promastigote form of Leishmania donovani, as well as inhibiting primase activity. This study's findings suggest capecitabine might be a potential anti-leishmanial drug candidate after adequate further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitul Nath
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India
| | - Deep Bhowmik
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India
| | - Satabdi Saha
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India
| | - Rajat Nandi
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India
| | - Diwakar Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India.
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32
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Rodríguez-Rojas JJ, Lozano-Sardaneta YN, Fernández-Salas I, Sánchez-Casas RM, Becker I. Species diversity, barcode, detection of pathogens and blood meal pattern in Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) from northeastern Mexico. Acta Trop 2024; 249:107064. [PMID: 37926385 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107064] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
More than 90 species of phlebotomines are vectors of parasites, bacteria, and viruses, which cause disease in animals and humans. Therefore, their study is necessary to establish prevention and control strategies. Mexico is an endemic country for leishmaniasis, mostly in the center and southern regions of the country, yet only few studies have been conducted in the northern part of the country. The present study aims to: (a) assess the alpha diversity of Phlebotominae in an annual cycle, (b) to correlate climatic variables with abundance, (c) to generate barcodes of these insects as part of the integrative taxonomy, and (d) to detect Leishmania, Wolbachia and blood sources in an area close to where a case of autochthonous leishmaniasis has been detected in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. A systematic sampling was conducted during three consecutive nights from 17:00 to 22:00 h., placing Shannon traps, CDC traps with incandescent light, and BG Sentinel 2 + BG Lure traps. A total catch effort of 660 nights/traps/hours was achieved, in which a total number of 707 phlebotomines (58% female and 42% male) of six species were collected and identified. The most abundant species were Psathyromyia cratifer (57%) and Psathyromyia shannoni sensu stricto (26%). The highest abundance (72%; 507/707) was collected during March, April and May 2021. Barcodes were generated for four species of phlebotomines, which represent new records for Mexico. For the molecular detection of microorganisms, 302 specimens were analyzed, although no specimens were positive for Leishmania spp. Wolbachia strains were detected in phlebotomines with an infection rate of 1.32% (4/302) and found in Pa. cratifer and Lu. cruciata. Likewise, human DNA was identified in female Lu. cruciata and Pa. cratifer phlebotomines. These findings indicate the presence of potential vector species of the parasite Leishmania spp. This result shows the need for further entomological surveillance to elucidate the transmission mechanisms in these northern areas of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Jesús Rodríguez-Rojas
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64460, Mexico
| | - Yokomi N Lozano-Sardaneta
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Biología, Colección Nacional de Insectos, Ciudad de México 06720, Mexico.
| | - Ildefonso Fernández-Salas
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León 66455, Mexico
| | - Rosa María Sánchez-Casas
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, General Escobedo, Nuevo León, 66054, Mexico
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico.
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Chakrabarti A, Bansal R, Mondal A, Upadhyay P, Gupta A, Verma P, Garg S, Pati S, Singh S. Epithelial homelessness: an atypical form of anoikis triggered by Leishmania interaction with epithelial cells. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:33-49. [PMID: 37830931 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Leishmaniasis is characterized by a spectrum of diseases with two main clinical forms, cutaneous and visceral, caused by Leishmania tropica and Leishmania donovani, respectively. Studying Leishmania's interaction with the epithelial barrier at the initial site of a bite is crucial to understanding the establishment of the disease. Materials & methods: To discern parasite-host epithelial interaction, we developed in vitro cellular models involving co-cultures of Leishmania and MDCK epithelial cells. Results: Both L. donovani-MDCK and L. tropica-MDCK co-culture models demonstrated a phenomenon known as atypical anoikis apoptosis, typically identified by distinctive 'flipping in' of cell membranes and disordered cytoskeletal frameworks. Conclusion: This study bridges the gap in the fundamental understanding of the intricate latticework involving vector-Leishmania-host and may inform drug development strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Chakrabarti
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India
| | - Ruby Bansal
- Special Center for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Abir Mondal
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India
| | - Prince Upadhyay
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India
| | - Aashima Gupta
- Special Center for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Pritee Verma
- Special Center for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Swati Garg
- Special Center for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Soumya Pati
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Center for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
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Santamaría-Aguirre J, Jacho D, Méndez MA, Poveda A, Carrión J, Fanarraga ML. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Enhancing the Leishmanicidal Activity of Delamanid. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:41. [PMID: 38258053 PMCID: PMC10818933 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010041] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a zoonotic parasitic disease transmitted by infected sandflies, impacts nearly 1 million people yearly and is endemic in many countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean; despite this, it remains a neglected disease with limited effective treatments, particularly in impoverished communities with limited access to healthcare. This study aims to repurpose approved drugs for an affordable leishmaniasis treatment. After the screening of potential drug candidates by reviewing databases and utilizing molecular docking analysis, delamanid was chosen to be incorporated into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNPs). Both in cellulo and in vivo tests confirmed the successful payload release within macrophages and through the epidermis following topical application on murine skin. The evaluation of macrophages infected with L. infantum amastigotes showed that the encapsulated delamanid exhibited greater leishmanicidal activity compared with the free drug. The process of encapsulating delamanid in SLNPs, as demonstrated in this study, places a strong emphasis on employing minimal technology, ensuring energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reproducibility. It enables consistent, low-cost production of nanomedicines, even on a small scale, offering a promising step toward more accessible and effective leishmaniasis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Santamaría-Aguirre
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Grupo de Nanomedicina, Instituto Valdecilla—IDIVAL, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Zoonosis y Salud Pública (GIBCIZ), Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Daniela Jacho
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Miguel A. Méndez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ), Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170157, Ecuador
| | - Ana Poveda
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Zoonosis y Salud Pública (GIBCIZ), Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Javier Carrión
- Grupo ICPVet, Departamento Sanidad Animal, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica L. Fanarraga
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Grupo de Nanomedicina, Instituto Valdecilla—IDIVAL, 39011 Santander, Spain
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35
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Tom A, Kumar NP, Kumar A, Saini P. Interactions between Leishmania parasite and sandfly: a review. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:6. [PMID: 38052752 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08043-7] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis transmission cycles are maintained and sustained in nature by the complex crosstalk of the Leishmania parasite, sandfly vector, and the mammalian hosts (human, as well as zoonotic reservoirs). Regardless of the vast research on human host-parasite interaction, there persists a substantial knowledge gap on the parasite's development and modulation in the vector component. This review focuses on some of the intriguing aspects of the Leishmania-sandfly interface, beginning with the uptake of the intracellular amastigotes from an infected host to the development of the parasite within the sandfly's alimentary canal, followed by the transmission of infective metacyclic stages to another potential host. Upon ingestion of the parasite, the sandfly hosts an intricate repertoire of immune barriers, either to evade the parasite or to ensure its homeostatic coexistence with the vector gut microbiome. Sandfly salivary polypeptides and Leishmania exosomes are co-egested with the parasite inoculum during the infected vector bite. This has been attributed to the modulation of the parasite infection and subsequent clinical manifestation in the host. While human host-based studies strive to develop effective therapeutics, a greater understanding of the vector-parasite-microbiome and human host interactions could help us to identify the targets and to develop strategies for effectively preventing the transmission of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anns Tom
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - N Pradeep Kumar
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- ICMR- Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, India
| | - Prasanta Saini
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India.
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36
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Divenuto F, Marascio N, Quirino A, Giancotti A, Filice S, Gigliotti S, Campolo MP, Campolo M, Barreca GS, Lamberti AG, Castelli G, Bruno F, Matera G. Cellular mediators in human leishmaniasis: Critical determinants in parasite killing or disease progression. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107037. [PMID: 37805040 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107037] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Data on cellular immunity mediators in the early phase of human leishmaniasis are still limited and controversial. In order to mimic the changes of humoral mediators during the early phase of human natural infection, some Th1, Th2, Treg, and Breg cytokines, MCP-1, and the nitric oxide (NO) from human PBMC, stimulated by Leishmania infantum, Leishmania major, Leishmania donovani and Leishmania tropica infective metacyclic promastigotes, were determined. After 4 h of L. major, L. donovani, and L. tropica challenge, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 levels were significantly higher than negative control cultures with saline (SF) instead of Leishmania promastigotes, unlike L. infantum-stimulated TNFα and L. major-stimulated IL-1β. We obtained higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines after stimulation of human PBMCs by L. infantum and L. donovani, compared to those observed after the challenge of PBMCs by L. major and L. tropica. Regarding IL-35, such cytokine levels were significantly increased following infection with L. infantum and L. donovani, in contrast to L. major and L. tropica. Up to our knowledge, we are the first to study the effect of four different species of Leishmania on IL-35 levels in human cells. Our study highlights how several Leishmania species can up-regulate different groups of cytokines (Th1, Th2, Treg and Breg) and modulate NO release in a different way. This original aspect can be explained by different Leishmania cell products, such as LPG, obtained from different strains/species of live parasites. Our findings would contribute to the development of new therapeutics or vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Divenuto
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - N Marascio
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A Quirino
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - A Giancotti
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - S Filice
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - S Gigliotti
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M P Campolo
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M Campolo
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - G S Barreca
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A G Lamberti
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - G Castelli
- National Reference Center for Leishmaniasis (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - F Bruno
- National Reference Center for Leishmaniasis (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - G Matera
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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37
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Rodrigues BL, Brilhante AF, de Souza Pinto I, Galati EAB. Trichophoromyia auraensis: evidence for cryptic species and first record in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2933-2944. [PMID: 37773460 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07982-5] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Trichophoromyia auraensis (Mangabeira, 1942) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) has a wide geographic distribution in the western region of the Amazon biome, where it is a putative Leishmania vector. Here, we reported for the first time a population of this species in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, in the eastern Amazon, from which we DNA-barcoded and compared with previously processed specimens from Acre State, in the western Amazon. For this, we analyzed the DNA barcoding fragment (658 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of Trichophoromyia species using phylogenetic gene trees, and species delimitation algorithms. The analyses of COI barcodes showed high values of genetic distance (mean K2P = 5.17) and well-supported clades/MOTUs for the eastern and western populations of T. auraensis, which may indicate a possible complex of cryptic species. The western population of this taxon merged with the close-related sand fly Trichophoromyia velezbernali Posada-López, Galvis and Galati, 2018 from Colombia, which may be associated with the recent speciation history and introgression between these populations. These evidences should be evaluated with a more comprehensive sampling in terms of analyzed populations and molecular markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Leite Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Israel de Souza Pinto
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará (IFPA), Itaituba, PA, Brasil
| | - Eunice Aparecida Bianchi Galati
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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38
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Vargas Roman VC, Bezemer J, Calvopiña M, Ortega F, Salazar NB, Schallig HDFH, de Vries HJC. Multi-sensorial perceptions of risk: the aesthetics behind (muco)cutaneous leishmaniasis-related stigma in Ecuador. Anthropol Med 2023; 30:362-379. [PMID: 37781888 DOI: 10.1080/13648470.2023.2259184] [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: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous research on the stigma associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis, a vector-transmitted parasitic disease, focuses on aesthetic appearance affectation as the leading cause of stigmatisation. However, Indigenous populations in the hinterland of Amazonian Ecuador trigger stigma expressions by recognising (muco)cutaneous leishmaniasis, primarily through atypical smell, followed by the odd voice sound, appearance and taste. This empirical way of recognising symptoms relies on embodied forms of identifying a disease, contrasting the Western supremacy of visuality and demanding to be understood via multi-sensorial anthropology. Through ethnographic research and data retrieved from eighty-three semistructured interviews and fifteen focus groups in seven Ecuadorian ethnic groups - including six Indigenous groups in the Amazon region - this paper analyses how the sensorium is a health thermometer. Findings reveal that differentiated cultural responses to a sense of peril, contagion and social (self)rejection, understood as stigma expressions, are linked to the holistic approach to health (or well-being) shared by Indigenous populations. In forest societies, well-being is explained through successful (non-)human relationships, and disease permeates through bodies that lack balanced relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica C Vargas Roman
- Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunology, Infectious Diseases Programme, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob Bezemer
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunology, Infectious Diseases Programme, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory for Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Fundación Misión Cristiana de Salud, Hospital Shell, Shell, Ecuador
| | - Manuel Calvopiña
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Carrera de Medicina, OneHealth Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Noel B Salazar
- Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Henk D F H Schallig
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunology, Infectious Diseases Programme, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory for Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry J C de Vries
- Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Center for Sexual Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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39
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Perin LR, Parreira LA, Barcelos ECS, Santos MFC, Menini L, Gomes DDO, Careta FDP. In vitro effect of alpha-bisabolol and its synthetic derivatives on macrophages, promastigotes, and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-6. [PMID: 38013219 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2288232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis are public health problems in Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. The treatment has a high cost and toxicity. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the leishmanicidal activity of alpha-bisabolol and its three synthetic derivatives, P1, P2, and P3, on the promastigotes and amastigotes Leishmania infantum and L. amazonensis forms. Alpha-bisabolol showed the lowest IC50 with 3.43 for L. amazonensis promastigotes, while P1 was the most toxic for L. infantum with an IC50 of 9.10. The derivative P3 was better for the amastigote form, with an IC50 of 3.39 for L. amazonensis. All the compounds effectively decreased the intracellular load of amastigote and its ability to turn promastigote again. Thus, alpha-bisabolol and its three synthetic derivatives were effective in their leishmanicidal activity. Therefore, it can be an option for developing new treatments against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Reisen Perin
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Brasil
| | - Luciana Alves Parreira
- Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Brasil
| | | | | | - Luciano Menini
- Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo/Campus de Alegre, Alegre, Brasil
| | - Daniel de Oliveira Gomes
- Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas/Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brasil
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Taslimi Y, Habibzadeh S, Goyonlo VM, Akbarzadeh A, Azarpour Z, Gharibzadeh S, Shokouhy M, Persson J, Harandi AM, Mizbani A, Rafati S. Tape-disc-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TD-LAMP) method as noninvasive approach for diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. tropica. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21397. [PMID: 38027876 PMCID: PMC10643283 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21397] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease caused by the bite of infectious female sand flies with high socioeconomic burdens. There is currently no non-invasive, point-of-care, diagnostic method with high sensitivity and specificity available for CL. We herein report the development of a non-invasive tape disc (TD) sampling method combined with a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay using primer sets targeting kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) of Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) with a colorimetric readout for species-specific diagnosis of CL. We tested our Tape-Disc (TD)-LAMP method on a panel of skin samples collected by TD from 35 confirmed L. tropica patients, 35 healthy individuals and 35 patients with non-L. tropica infections. The detection limit of the TD-LAMP assay was determined as 1 fg (fg), and the assay sensitivity and specificity of 97 % and 100 % for L. tropica infection, respectively. This non-invasive, sensitive and rapid diagnostic method warrants further exploration of its use for differential diagnosis of CL in disease endemic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Taslimi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Habibzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amin Akbarzadeh
- Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Azarpour
- Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Safoora Gharibzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Shokouhy
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Josefine Persson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ali M. Harandi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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41
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Kulkarni A, Delgadillo FM, Gayathrinathan S, Grajeda BI, Roy S. Current Status of Omics Studies Elucidating the Features of Reproductive Biology in Blood-Feeding Insects. INSECTS 2023; 14:802. [PMID: 37887814 PMCID: PMC10607566 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Female insects belonging to the genera Anopheles, Aedes, Glossina, and Rhodnius account for the majority of global vector-borne disease mortality. In response to mating, these female insects undergo several molecular, physiological, and behavioral changes. Studying the dynamic post-mating molecular responses in these insects that transmit human diseases can lead to the identification of potential targets for the development of novel vector control methods. With the continued advancements in bioinformatics tools, we now have the capability to delve into various physiological processes in these insects. Here, we discuss the availability of multiple datasets describing the reproductive physiology of the common blood-feeding insects at the molecular level. Additionally, we compare the male-derived triggers transferred during mating to females, examining both shared and species-specific factors. These triggers initiate post-mating genetic responses in female vectors, affecting not only their reproductive success but also disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Kulkarni
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Frida M. Delgadillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Environmental Science and Engineering Ph.D. Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Sharan Gayathrinathan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Brian I. Grajeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Biosciences Ph.D. Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Sourav Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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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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Aghakhani N, Azami M, Mohaghegh MA. Cutaneous leishmaniasis lowers the quality of life: a neglected truth. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2023; 18:Doc21. [PMID: 37829252 PMCID: PMC10566011 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nader Aghakhani
- Food and Beverages Safety Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azami
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniosis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Microbiology, Hojjatieh Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Hojjatieh Hospital, Isfahan, Iran
- Basir Laboratory Research and Development Center, Basir Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Mohaghegh
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
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Pessoa LMB, Pinto EHC, Chaves TES, Rabelo GDS, Brito AL, Zanini VM, Nunes MCDL, Viana LA. Phlebotomine sand flies (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in an area of canine infection caused by Leishmania infantum in the state of Amapá, eastern Amazon. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2023; 32:e002423. [PMID: 37703122 PMCID: PMC10503820 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612023054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
In 2017, the Brazilian State of Amapá registered the first occurrence of visceral leishmaniosis (VL) in 17 dogs in the outskirts of the capital, Macapá. Given the lack of knowledge on phlebotomines in that area, this study aimed to survey the fauna of these Diptera. Sampling was performed using CDC light traps placed at ten sampling sites. The specimens captured were Evandromyia walkeri (n=237), Nyssomyia antunesi (n=65) and Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (n=6). The phlebotomine species composition resulted in low species diversity, and none of the main vectors of the etiological agent of VL were identified in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thiago Evangelista Silva Chaves
- Laboratório de Estudos Morfofisiológicos e Parasitários, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá – UNIFAP, Macapá, AP, Brasil
| | - Gabriele da Silva Rabelo
- Laboratório de Estudos Morfofisiológicos e Parasitários, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá – UNIFAP, Macapá, AP, Brasil
| | - Adrielly Lobato Brito
- Laboratório de Estudos Morfofisiológicos e Parasitários, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá – UNIFAP, Macapá, AP, Brasil
| | | | | | - Lúcio André Viana
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade Tropical, Universidade Federal do Amapá – UNIFAP, Macapá, AP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Estudos Morfofisiológicos e Parasitários, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá – UNIFAP, Macapá, AP, Brasil
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45
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Lionello FCP, Rotundo S, Bruno G, Marino G, Morrone HL, Fusco P, Costa C, Russo A, Trecarichi EM, Beltrame A, Torti C. Touching Base with Some Mediterranean Diseases of Interest from Paradigmatic Cases at the "Magna Graecia" University Unit of Infectious Diseases: A Didascalic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2832. [PMID: 37685370 PMCID: PMC10486464 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13172832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Among infectious diseases, zoonoses are increasing in importance worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean region. We report herein some clinical cases from a third-level hospital in Calabria region (Southern Italy) and provide a narrative review of the most relevant features of these diseases from epidemiological and clinical perspectives. Further, the pathogenic mechanisms involved in zoonotic diseases are reviewed, focusing on the mechanisms used by pathogens to elude the immune system of the host. These topics are of particular concern for individuals with primary or acquired immunodeficiency (e.g., people living with HIV, transplant recipients, patients taking immunosuppressive drugs). From the present review, it appears that diagnostic innovations and the availability of more accurate methods, together with better monitoring of the incidence and prevalence of these infections, are urgently needed to improve interventions for better preparedness and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Carmelo Pio Lionello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Salvatore Rotundo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Gabriele Bruno
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Gabriella Marino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Helen Linda Morrone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Paolo Fusco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, “Mater Domini” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Chiara Costa
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, “Mater Domini” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, “Mater Domini” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Enrico Maria Trecarichi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, “Mater Domini” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Anna Beltrame
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Gainesville, FL 33620, USA;
| | - Carlo Torti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.C.P.L.); (S.R.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (H.L.M.); (A.R.); (E.M.T.); (C.T.)
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, “Mater Domini” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
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46
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Kaewmee S, Mano C, Phanitchakun T, Ampol R, Yasanga T, Pattanawong U, Junkum A, Siriyasatien P, Bates PA, Jariyapan N. Natural infection with Leishmania ( Mundinia) martiniquensis supports Culicoides peregrinus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) as a potential vector of leishmaniasis and characterization of a Crithidia sp. isolated from the midges. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1235254. [PMID: 37675418 PMCID: PMC10478001 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1235254] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autochthonous leishmaniasis in Thailand is increasing but the natural vectors that are responsible for transmission remain unknown. Experimental in vivo infections in Culicoides spp. with Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis and Leishmania (Mundinia) orientalis, the major causative pathogens in Thailand, have demonstrated that biting midges can act as competent vectors. Therefore, the isolation and detection of Leishmania and other trypanosomatids were performed in biting midges collected at a field site in an endemic area of leishmaniasis in Tha Ruea and a mixed farm of chickens, goats, and cattle in Khuan Phang, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand. Results showed that Culicoides peregrinus was the abundant species (>84%) found in both locations and only cow blood DNA was detected in engorged females. Microscopic examination revealed various forms of Leishmania promastigotes in the foregut of several C. peregrinus in the absence of bloodmeal remnants, indicating established infections. Molecular identification using ITS1 and 3'UTR HSP70 type I markers showed that the Leishmania parasites found in the midges were L. martiniquensis. The infection rate of L. martiniquensis in the collected flies was 2% in Tha Ruea and 6% in Khuan Phang, but no L. orientalis DNA or parasites were found. Additionally, organisms from two different clades of Crithidia, both possibly new species, were identified using SSU rRNA and gGAPDH genes. Choanomastigotes and promastigotes of both Crithidia spp. were observed in the hindgut of the dissected C. peregrinus. Interestingly, midges infected with both L. martiniquensis and Crithidia were found. Moreover, four strains of Crithidia from one of the clades were successfully isolated into culture. These parasites could grow at 37°C in the culture and infect BALB/c mice macrophages but no multiplication was observed, suggesting they are thermotolerant monoxenous trypanosomatids similar to Cr. thermophila. These findings provide the first evidence of natural infection of L. martiniquensis in C. peregrinus supporting it as a potential vector of L. martiniquensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saowalak Kaewmee
- Medical Parasitology Program, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chonlada Mano
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Thanari Phanitchakun
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Rinnara Ampol
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thippawan Yasanga
- Medical Science Research Equipment Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Urassaya Pattanawong
- Molecular Biology of Malaria and Opportunistic Parasites Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anuluck Junkum
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paul A. Bates
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Narissara Jariyapan
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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47
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Afonso P, Coelho AC, Quintas H, Cardoso L. Leishmania Seroprevalence in Dogs: Comparing Shelter and Domestic Communities. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2352. [PMID: 37508129 PMCID: PMC10376450 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142352] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a chronic, systemic, and often severe disease. The main causative agent of CanL is a protozoan parasite, Leishmania infantum, with phlebotomine sand flies acting as vectors. In Europe and other continents, L. infantum is also responsible for leishmaniosis in other animals, such as cats, horses, and humans. In Portugal, animal and human leishmaniosis is endemic, and high prevalence levels of infections and disease have been reported in dogs. There is a prejudice against stray animals and also those housed in shelters, assuming they have higher levels of infection with vector-borne pathogens, including L. infantum, when compared to domestic animals. In northeastern Portugal, serum samples were obtained from March to May 2022 in three shelters (n = 179) and thirteen veterinary clinics (n = 164), resulting in 343 dogs being analyzed for antibodies to Leishmania spp. by the direct agglutination test (DAT). The overall seroprevalence was 9.9%, with 15.2% seroprevalence in domestic dogs and 5.0% in the shelter ones (p = 0.003). The fact that shelter dogs had a lower seroprevalence could be explained by more regular veterinary care provided in shelters regarding preventive measures, including insecticides with an antifeeding effect, in comparison with domestic dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Afonso
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Agrarian School, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Mountain Research Center (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Hélder Quintas
- Agrarian School, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Mountain Research Center (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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48
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Symeonidou I, Sioutas G, Gelasakis AI, Tsokana CN, Papadopoulos E. Leishmaniosis in Greece: The Veterinary Perspective. Pathogens 2023; 12:769. [PMID: 37375459 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis caused by the protozoon Leishmania infantum that is transmitted through the bites of infected phlebotomine sandflies is of major veterinary concern in Greece. The country is endemic with particularly favourable environmental conditions for the spread of this infection. Moreover, Greece remains a popular touristic destination, and the continuous travel of pets raises concern regarding the possible dissemination of infection from endemic to non-endemic areas. Dogs are the main reservoir host, although other animal species, including humans, may also be infected. Canine leishmaniosis manifests as a visceral disease that can result in death if left untreated. Serological and molecular epizootiological studies have confirmed circulation of the parasite in Greek canine and feline populations as well as in other mammals. As a result, constant surveillance and identification of high-risk localities are necessary to establish chemoprophylactic protocols for travelling animals to safeguard animal and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaia Symeonidou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Sioutas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios I Gelasakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Constantina N Tsokana
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Preativatanyou K, Chinwirunsirisup K, Phumee A, Khositharattanakool P, Sunantaraporn S, Depaquit J, Siriyasatien P. Species diversity of phlebotomine sand flies and sympatric occurrence of Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis, Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani complex, and Trypanosoma spp. in the visceral leishmaniasis focus of southern Thailand. Acta Trop 2023; 244:106949. [PMID: 37211153 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106949] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Autochthonous leishmaniasis in Thailand has recently been a public health concern due to an increasing number of new clinical cases. Most indigenous cases were diagnosed with Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis, and Leishmania (Mundinia) orientalis. However, some doubts regarding vector misidentification have arisen and need to be elucidated. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the species composition of sand flies and determine the molecular prevalence of trypanosomatids in the transmission area of leishmaniasis in southern Thailand. In the present study, a total of 569 sand flies were caught from the vicinity of a visceral leishmaniasis patient's house in Na Thawi District, Songkhla Province. Of these, 229 parous and gravid females consisted of Sergentomyia khawi, Se. barraudi, Phlebotomus stantoni, Grassomyia indica, and Se. hivernus, accounting for 31.4%, 30.6%, 29.7%, 7.9%, and 0.4%, respectively. However, Se. gemmea, which has previously been proposed as the most abundant species and putative vector of visceral leishmaniasis, was not found in the present study. Based on ITS1-PCR and sequence analysis, two specimens of Gr. indica and Ph. stantoni showed positive amplification of L. martiniquensis and L. donovani complex, respectively, the first one being presumed indigenous and the second one being not. Anuran Trypanosoma was also molecularly detected using SSU rRNA-PCR and ubiquitously found in sixteen specimens of four dominant sand fly species except for Se. hivernus. The obtained sequences could be phylogenetically categorized into the two major amphibian clades (An04/Frog1 and An01+An02/Frog2). The existence of the monophyletic subgroup and distinct lineage suggests them as novel Trypanosoma species. The TCS network analysis of these anuran Trypanosoma sequences also revealed high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.925 ± 0.050), but low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.019 ± 0.009). Furthermore, the living anuran trypanosomes were microscopically demonstrated in a single specimen of Gr. indica, supporting the vectorial capacity. Importantly, our data confirmed the scarcity of Se. gemmea and also uncovered, for the first time, the co-circulation of L. martiniquensis, L. donovani complex, and suspected novel anuran Trypanosoma spp. in phlebotomine sand files, implicating their potential role as vectors of trypanosomatid parasites. Therefore, the novel data from this study would greatly facilitate the comprehension of the complexity of trypanosomatid transmission and the establishment of prevention and control measures for this neglected disease more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanok Preativatanyou
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Komson Chinwirunsirisup
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Atchara Phumee
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Excellent Center for Dengue and Community Public Health (EC for DACH), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Pathamet Khositharattanakool
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; Biomedical Technology Research Group for Vulnerable Populations, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Sakone Sunantaraporn
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Jérôme Depaquit
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR Cap Santé, EA7510 ESCAPE-USC ANSES VECPAR, Reims, France
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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50
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Jacques Dit Lapierre TJW, Cruz MGFDML, Brito NPF, Resende DDM, Souza FDO, Pilau EJ, da Silva MFB, Neves BJ, Murta SMF, Rezende Júnior CDO. Hit-to-lead optimization of a pyrazinylpiperazine series against Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115445. [PMID: 37156183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
An early hit-to-lead optimization of a novel pyrazinylpiperazine series against L. infantum and L. braziliensis has been performed after an extensive SAR focusing on the benzoyl fragment of hit (4). Deletion of the meta-Cl of (4) led to the obtention of the para-hydroxyl derivative (12), on which the design of most monosubstituted derivatives of the SAR was based. Further optimization of the series, involving disubstituted benzoyl fragments and the hydroxyl substituent of (12), allowed the obtention of a total of 15 compounds with increased antileishmanial potency (IC50 < 10 μM), nine of which displayed activity in the low micromolar range (IC50 < 5 μM). This optimization ultimately identified the ortho, meta-dihydroxyl derivative (46) as an early lead for this series (IC50 (L. infantum) = 2.8 μM, IC50 (L. braziliensis) = 0.2 μM). Additional assessment of some selected compounds against other trypanosomatid parasites revealed that this series is selective towards Leishmania parasites, and in silico ADMET predictions revealed satisfactory profiles for these compounds, allowing further lead optimization of the pyrazinylpiperazine class against Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nícolas Peterson Ferreira Brito
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Melo Resende
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ Minas), Belo Horizonte, MG, 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Felipe de Oliveira Souza
- Laboratório de Biomoléculas e Espectrometria de Massas (LaBioMass), Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Maringá, PR, 807020-900, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Jorge Pilau
- Laboratório de Biomoléculas e Espectrometria de Massas (LaBioMass), Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Maringá, PR, 807020-900, Brazil
| | - Meryck Felipe Brito da Silva
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics (LabChem), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Bruno Junior Neves
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics (LabChem), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Silvane Maria Fonseca Murta
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ Minas), Belo Horizonte, MG, 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Celso de Oliveira Rezende Júnior
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG, 38400-902, Brazil.
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