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Shahabi S, Azizi K, Asgari Q, Sarkari B. Leishmania major Infection in Synanthropic Rodents: Evidence for the Urbanization of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Southern Iran. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2024; 2024:4896873. [PMID: 38487175 PMCID: PMC10940013 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4896873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is of particular importance in southern Iran. This study aimed to investigate the infection of rodents with Leishmania major in an urban area of Fars Province, located in southern Iran. Rodents were trapped and samples from the liver, spleen, and skin were collected. Impression smears were prepared from these tissues and any skin lesions and were examined microscopically. In addition, a portion of the samples were preserved for subsequent DNA extraction. A total of 41 rodents belonging to three species were caught from 10 trapping stations in gardens or houses within the area. The caught rodent species were Rattus rattus (n = 25, 60.97%), Mus musculus (n = 15, 36.58%), and Meriones persicus (n = 1, 2.5%). Leishmania amastigotes were seen in the spleen tissue smear of 6 (2.43%) of the rodents, including 4 of R. rattus and 2 of M. musculus. Skin lesions were observed on the muzzles of two R. rattus and one M. musculus. Samples taken from these lesions tested positive for Leishmania infection. Leishmania DNA was detected in 18 (43.9%) rodents, including 11 R. rattus, 6 M. musculus, and one M. persicus, based on DNA sequencing of the ITS2 gene and PCR of the kDNA. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that the parasite infecting the rodents was L. major. The detection of Leishmania infection in these rodents in urban areas raises concerns about the urbanization of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. major. This urbanization poses unique challenges for control and prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kourosh Azizi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Zanet S, Occhibove F, Capizzi D, Fratini S, Giannini F, Hoida AD, Sposimo P, Valentini F, Ferroglio E. Zoonotic Microparasites in Invasive Black Rats ( Rattus rattus) from Small Islands in Central Italy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3279. [PMID: 37894002 PMCID: PMC10603634 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203279] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive species have a detrimental impact on native populations, particularly in island ecosystems, and they pose a potential zoonotic and wildlife threat. Black rats (Rattus rattus) are invasive species that disrupt native flora and fauna on islands and serve as potential competent reservoirs for various pathogens and parasites. Microparasites screening was conducted in rat populations from small islands in central Italy (the Pontine Islands and Pianosa) with the aim of assessing the role of rats in maintaining infections, particularly in cases where key reservoir hosts were scarce or absent. We focused on microparasites of zoonotic and veterinary relevance. A total of 53 rats was kill-trapped and target tissues were analysed with molecular techniques. We observed the absence or very low prevalence of Anaplasma spp., while Babesia was found in rats from all locations, marking the first recorded instance of Babesia divergens in wild rats. Data from Pianosa strongly suggest the presence of an autochthonous Leishmania infantum cycle in the Tuscan archipelago islands. Neospora caninum was absent from all islands, even in areas where dogs, the main reservoirs, were present. Toxoplasma gondii was only recorded on the Pontine Islands, where genotyping is needed to shed light on infection dynamics. This study confirms that invasive species, such as rats, may be responsible for maintaining an increased parasitological threat to fauna and human communities in certain ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Flavia Occhibove
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Dario Capizzi
- Directorate for Natural Capital, Latium Region, Parks and Protected Areas, Viale del Tintoretto 432, 00142 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sara Fratini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Francesca Giannini
- Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano, Loc. Enfola, 57037 Portoferraio, Italy;
| | - Avner Dan Hoida
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Paolo Sposimo
- Nature and Environment Management Operators SRL (NEMO), Piazza Massimo D’Azeglio 11, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Flaminia Valentini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
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Floro e Silva M, Roque GAS, Machado DDA, Rocha FJS, Giorgio S. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis replicates in mouse bone marrow. Acta Trop 2022; 230:106407. [PMID: 35304124 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106407] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by species of the protozoan Leishmania. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis causes the cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms of the disease. Experimental cutaneous infection of mice is one of the most important preclinical research models of leishmaniasis. Here, we investigated the course of infection in mice inoculated with two reference strains of L. (V.) braziliensis (MHOM/BR/00/BA788 strain [BA] and MHOM/BR/94/H-3227 strain [CE]). Although both parasite strains induced detectable footpad lesions, BA-infected mice developed small non-ulcerated lesions that self-healed, whereas CE-infected mice developed small non-ulcerated lesions that did not regress. The parasites were detected in the footpad lesions, lymph nodes draining the site of inoculation, spleen, and bone marrow of mice infected with BA or CE parasites at 6 and 25 weeks post-inoculation. These data indicate that L (V.) braziliensis-infected mice harbor parasites that spread, even when these animals do not display overt lesions. In addition, this is the first report of the presence of the parasite in the bone marrow of mice inoculated with L. (V.) braziliensis.
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A Systematic Review (1990-2021) of Wild Animals Infected with Zoonotic Leishmania. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051101. [PMID: 34065456 PMCID: PMC8160881 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis are neglected diseases caused by several species of Leishmania that affect humans and many domestic and wild animals with a worldwide distribution. The objectives of this review are to identify wild animals naturally infected with zoonotic Leishmania species as well as the organs infected, methods employed for detection and percentage of infection. A literature search starting from 1990 was performed following the PRISMA methodology and 161 reports were included. One hundred and eighty-nine species from ten orders (i.e., Carnivora, Chiroptera, Cingulata, Didelphimorphia, Diprotodontia, Lagomorpha, Eulipotyphla, Pilosa, Primates and Rodentia) were reported to be infected, and a few animals were classified only at the genus level. An exhaustive list of species; diagnostic techniques, including PCR targets; infected organs; number of animals explored and percentage of positives are presented. L. infantum infection was described in 98 wild species and L. (Viania) spp. in 52 wild animals, while L. mexicana, L. amazonensis, L. major and L. tropica were described in fewer than 32 animals each. During the last decade, intense research revealed new hosts within Chiroptera and Lagomorpha. Carnivores and rodents were the most relevant hosts for L. infantum and L. (Viannia) spp., with some species showing lesions, although in most of the studies clinical signs were not reported.
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De Carvalho AG, Guimarães Luz JG, Leite Dias JV, Tiwari A, Steinmann P, Ignotti E. Hyperendemicity, heterogeneity and spatial overlap of leprosy and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the southern Amazon region of Brazil. GEOSPATIAL HEALTH 2020; 15. [PMID: 33461274 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2020.892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases characterized by skin lesions are highly endemic in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. We analyzed the spatial distribution of leprosy and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) and identified the degree of overlap in their distribution. All new cases of leprosy and CL reported between 2008 and 2017 through the national reporting system were included in the study. Scan statistics together with univariate Global and Local Moran's I were employed to identify clusters and spatial autocorrelation for each disease, with the spatial correlation between leprosy and CL measured by bivariate Global and Local Moran's I. Finally, we evaluated the demographic characteristics of the patients. The number of leprosy (N = 28,204) and CL (N = 24,771) cases in Mato Grosso and the highly smoothed detection coefficients indicated hyperendemicity and spatial distribution heterogeneity. Scan statistics demonstrated overlap of high-risk clusters for leprosy (RR = 2.0; P <0.001) and CL (RR = 4.0; P <0.001) in the North and Northeast mesoregions. Global Moran's I revealed a spatial autocorrelation for leprosy (0.228; P = 0.001) and CL (0.311; P = 0.001) and a correlation between them (0.164; P = 0.001). Both diseases were found to be concentrated in urban areas among men aged 31-60 years, of brown-skinned ethnicity and with a low educational level. Our findings indicate a need for developing integrated and spatially as well as socio-demographically targeted public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gabriela De Carvalho
- School of Medicine, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Rondonópolis; School of Medicine, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso.
| | - João Gabriel Guimarães Luz
- School of Medicine, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Rondonópolis, Brazil; Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - João Victor Leite Dias
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Anuj Tiwari
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam.
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel.
| | - Eliane Ignotti
- School of Medicine, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso; School of Health Sciences, Post-Graduation Program Environment Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Mato Grosso.
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da Rocha Silva FB, Miguel DC, Machado VE, Oliveira WHC, Goulart TM, Tosta CD, Pinheiro HP, Pinto MC. Influence of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infection on the attractiveness of BALB/c mice to Nyssomyia neivai (Diptera: Psychodidae). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214574. [PMID: 30934013 PMCID: PMC6443145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors for several pathogens, with Leishmania being the most important. In Brazil, the main aetiological agent of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, and Nyssomyia neivai is one of its main vectors in São Paulo state and other areas of South America. Similar to other haematophagous insects, sand flies use volatile compounds called kairomones to locate their hosts for blood meals. A possible increase in the attractiveness of hosts infected with Leishmania infantum to their vectors has been demonstrated. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether L. braziliensis-infected hosts present higher attractiveness to Ny. neivai and to identify differences in the volatile compounds released by infected and uninfected mice. RESULTS Behavioural experiments in which sand fly females directly fed on infected or uninfected mice showed no significant differences in the attractiveness of the mice or the blood volume ingested. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays also revealed no significant differences in the attractiveness of these hosts to Ny. neivai. No differences were observed in the profiles of the volatile compounds released by the two groups of mice. However, PCA and cluster analysis were able to classify the 31 identified compounds into three clusters according to their abundances. This classification showed a possible role for individual variation in the absence of differences in volatile profiles and attractiveness between infected and uninfected mice. CONCLUSION In this first cross-sectional study with an aetiological agent of ACL, there were no statistically significant differences in the attractiveness of infected hosts to their vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Benini da Rocha Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Câmpus Araraquara, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Danilo Ciccone Miguel
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Vicente Estevam Machado
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Câmpus Araraquara, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Wanderson Henrique Cruz Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Câmpus Araraquara, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Thais Marchi Goulart
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Christiann Davis Tosta
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de São Paulo (IFSP), Campus Matão, Matão, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Hildete Prisco Pinheiro
- Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Mara Cristina Pinto
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Câmpus Araraquara, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brasil
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Santos AGAD, Lima LLD, Mota CA, Gois MB, Fernandes ACBS, Silveira TGV, Sant'Ana DDMG, Nogueira de Melo GDA. Insights of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infection in golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) intestine. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:1624-1632. [PMID: 30119238 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.07.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The present study compared and evaluated morphological and quantitative alterations in the ileum of hamsters infected by two L. (V.) braziliensis strains isolated from patients with different lesion aspects and treatment responses. MAIN METHODS Hamsters were infected in the left hindpaw with a suspension of promastigotes (2 × 107/100 μl) of two different strains of L. (V.) braziliensis. After 90 or 120 days, the animals were euthanized. Samples of the ileum and mesenteric lymph node were collected for histological examination and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. KEY FINDINGS All infected animals developed similar profile of paw lesions. In peripheral blood there was an increase in the number of mononuclear cells which contributed to elevated global leukocytes count. Increases in the width and height of villi and width and depth of crypts were observed. The thickness of the muscular layers, submucosa, and intestinal wall also increased. Histopathological alterations were observed, including inflammatory infiltrate in crypts and a large number of immune cells in the lamina propria, submucosa, and muscular layer. Immune cells were found inside myenteric ganglia, with an increase in the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes. Leishmania DNA was detected in the ileum and mesenteric lymph node at both times of infection. The presence of amastigotes in the ileum was revealed by immunohistochemistry. SIGNIFICANCE The infection with different strains of L. (V.) braziliensis causes morphological and quantitative alterations in the ileum of hamsters and the parasite can migrate to the mesenteric lymph node and intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lainy Leiny de Lima
- Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Colombo Avenue, 5790, 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Camila Alves Mota
- Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Colombo Avenue, 5790, 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Biondaro Gois
- Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Viriato Lobo Street, 44571-020, Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil
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Cardoso RM, de Araújo NNSL, Romero GAS, Souza TTCM, Dietrich AG, Mendes JD, Reis ML, Ferreira JBC, Hecht MM, Gurgel-Gonçalves R. Expanding the knowledge about Leishmania species in wild mammals and dogs in the Brazilian savannah. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:171. [PMID: 25889365 PMCID: PMC4386096 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0780-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wild, synanthropic and domestic mammals act as hosts and/or reservoirs of several Leishmania spp. Studies on possible reservoirs of Leishmania in different areas are fundamental to understand host-parasite interactions and develop strategies for the surveillance and control of leishmaniasis. In the present study, we evaluated the Leishmania spp. occurrence in mammals in two conservation units and their surroundings in Brasília, Federal District (FD), Brazil. Methods Small mammals were captured in Brasília National Park (BNP) and Contagem Biological Reserve (CBR) and dogs were sampled in residential areas in their vicinity. Skin and blood samples were evaluated by PCR using different molecular markers (D7 24Sα rRNA and rDNA ITS1). Leishmania species were identified by sequencing of PCR products. Dog blood samples were subjected to the rapid immunochromatographic test (DPP) for detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. Results 179 wild mammals were studied and 20.1% had Leishmania DNA successfully detected in at least one sample. Six mammal species were considered infected: Clyomys laticeps, Necromys lasiurus, Nectomys rattus, Rhipidomys macrurus, Didelphis albiventris and Gracilinanus agilis. No significant difference, comparing the proportion of individuals with Leishmania spp., was observed between the sampled areas and wild mammal species. Most of the positive samples were collected from the rodent N. lasiurus, infected by L. amazonensis or L. braziliensis. Moreover, infections by Trypanosoma spp. were detected in N. lasiurus and G. agilis. All 19 dog samples were positive by DPP; however, only three (15.8%) were confirmed by PCR assays. DNA sequences of ITS1 dog amplicons showed 100% identity with L. infantum sequence. Conclusions The results suggest the participation of six species of wild mammals in the enzootic transmission of Leishmania spp. in FD. This is the first report of L. amazonensis in N. lasiurus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0780-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Martins Cardoso
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, 70904970, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Nadjar Nitz Silva Lociks de Araújo
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doença de Chagas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, 70904970, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Adolfo Sierra Romero
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, 70904970, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Thaís Tâmara Castro Minuzzi Souza
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, 70904970, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Ana Gabriela Dietrich
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, 70904970, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Júnio Donizette Mendes
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, 70904970, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Lima Reis
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, 70670350, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Jônatas Barbosa Cavalcante Ferreira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, 70904970, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Machado Hecht
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doença de Chagas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, 70904970, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, 70904970, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
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Ferreira EDC, Cruz I, Cañavate C, de Melo LA, Pereira AAS, Madeira FAM, Valério SAN, Cunha HM, Paglia AP, Gontijo CMF. Mixed infection of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in rodents from endemic urban area of the New World. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:71. [PMID: 25890323 PMCID: PMC4374209 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0392-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Brazil Leishmania braziliensis and L. infantum are the principal species responsible for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases, respectively. Domestic dogs are the main reservoirs of visceral leishmaniasis, while rodents and marsupials are the main reservoirs for cutaneous leishmaniasis. It has also been suggested that dogs could play a role in transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The identification of the species of Leishmania, the reservoirs, and the vectors involved in each particular transmission cycle is critical for the establishment of control activities. Belo Horizonte has emerged as an endemic region for leishmaniases, however, epidemiological studies assessing the contribution of wild reservoirs to transmission are scarce in the area. The aim of this study was to investigate Leishmania spp. infection in possible reservoirs of an urbanized area. Results A high rate of infection was found in small mammals (64.9%) and dogs (DG1 30.4% and DG2 48.6%). The presence of L. infantum and L. braziliensis was detected in small mammals and dogs, and mixed infections by both species were detected in rodents which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first description of this phenomenon in an urban area. Additionally, L. amazonensis was detected in the canine samples. Conclusion The possible role of these animals as a source of infection of the vector of each species of Leishmania identified should not be overlooked and should be taken into account in future control activities. The results of mixed infection by L. braziliensis and L. infantum in cosmopolitan rodents as M. musculus and R. rattus, may have important implications in the context of the control of leishmaniasis in urban areas, especially when considering that these rodents live in close relationship with human dwellings, especially those in more precarious conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Israel Cruz
- WHO Collaborating Center for Leishmaniasis, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madri, Espanha.
| | - Carmen Cañavate
- WHO Collaborating Center for Leishmaniasis, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madri, Espanha.
| | - Lutiana Amaral de Melo
- Serviço de Biologia Molecular e Bioinformática, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
| | - Agnes Antônia Sampaio Pereira
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
| | | | | | | | - Adriano Pereira Paglia
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
| | - Célia Maria Ferreira Gontijo
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
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Wild and synanthropic reservoirs of Leishmania species in the Americas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2014; 3:251-62. [PMID: 25426421 PMCID: PMC4241529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania parasites are maintained by multiple hosts included in seven mammal orders. Reservoir hosts are the assemblage of species responsible for Leishmania maintenance. Mammal host–Leishmania interaction determines host competence to infect vectors. Associate ecological and parasitological data are crucial to understand the wild cycle. Prevention of human cases is dependent on a thorough knowledge of the wild cycle.
The definition of a reservoir has changed significantly in the last century, making it necessary to study zoonosis from a broader perspective. One important example is that of Leishmania, zoonotic multi-host parasites maintained by several mammal species in nature. The magnitude of the health problem represented by leishmaniasis combined with the complexity of its epidemiology make it necessary to clarify all of the links in transmission net, including non-human mammalian hosts, to develop effective control strategies. Although some studies have described dozens of species infected with these parasites, only a minority have related their findings to the ecological scenario to indicate a possible role of that host in parasite maintenance and transmission. Currently, it is accepted that a reservoir may be one or a complex of species responsible for maintaining the parasite in nature. A reservoir system should be considered unique on a given spatiotemporal scale. In fact, the transmission of Leishmania species in the wild still represents an complex enzootic “puzzle”, as several links have not been identified. This review presents the mammalian species known to be infected with Leishmania spp. in the Americas, highlighting those that are able to maintain and act as a source of the parasite in nature (and are thus considered potential reservoirs). These host/reservoirs are presented separately in each of seven mammal orders – Marsupialia, Cingulata, Pilosa, Rodentia, Primata, Carnivora, and Chiroptera – responsible for maintaining Leishmania species in the wild.
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Shender LA, De Los Santos M, Montgomery JM, Conrad PA, Ghersi BM, Razuri H, Lescano AG, Mazet JAK. Native rodent species are unlikely sources of infection for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis along the Transoceanic Highway in Madre de Dios, Peru. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103358. [PMID: 25062033 PMCID: PMC4111550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated 2.3 million disability-adjusted life years are lost globally from leishmaniasis. In Peru's Amazon region, the department of Madre de Dios (MDD) rises above the rest of the country in terms of the annual incidence rates of human leishmaniasis. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the species most frequently responsible for the form of disease that results in tissue destruction of the nose and mouth. However, essentially nothing is known regarding the reservoirs of this vector-borne, zoonotic parasite in MDD. Wild rodents have been suspected, or proven, to be reservoirs of several Leishmania spp. in various ecosystems and countries. Additionally, people who live or work in forested terrain, especially those who are not regionally local and whose immune systems are thus naïve to the parasite, are at most risk for contracting L. (V.) braziliensis. Hence, the objective of this study was to collect tissues from wild rodents captured at several study sites along the Amazonian segment of the newly constructed Transoceanic Highway and to use molecular laboratory techniques to analyze samples for the presence of Leishmania parasites. Liver tissues were tested via polymerase chain reaction from a total of 217 rodents; bone marrow and skin biopsies (ear and tail) were also tested from a subset of these same animals. The most numerous rodent species captured and tested were Oligoryzomys microtis (40.7%), Hylaeamys perenensis (15.7%), and Proechimys spp. (12%). All samples were negative for Leishmania, implying that although incidental infections may occur, these abundant rodent species are unlikely to serve as primary reservoirs of L. (V.) braziliensis along the Transoceanic Highway in MDD. Therefore, although these rodent species may persist and even thrive in moderately altered landscapes, we did not find any evidence to suggest they pose a risk for L. (V.) braziliensis transmission to human inhabitants in this highly prevalent region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Shender
- Wildlife Health Center, One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Joel M. Montgomery
- Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit 6, Lima, Peru
| | - Patricia A. Conrad
- Wildlife Health Center, One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Bruno M. Ghersi
- Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit 6, Lima, Peru
| | - Hugo Razuri
- Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit 6, Lima, Peru
| | - Andres G. Lescano
- Parasitology Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit 6, Lima, Peru
| | - Jonna A. K. Mazet
- Wildlife Health Center, One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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Lima BS, Dantas-Torres F, de Carvalho MR, Marinho-Junior JF, de Almeida EL, Brito MEF, Gomes F, Brandão-Filho SP. Small mammals as hosts of Leishmania spp. in a highly endemic area for zoonotic leishmaniasis in North-Eastern Brazil. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2013; 107:592-7. [PMID: 23868744 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trt062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania parasites cause leishmaniasis in humans and animals worldwide. These parasites are transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, which become infected upon feeding on an infected mammalian host. We assessed the occurrence of Leishmania infection in small mammals in an area of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis endemicity. METHODS A total of 180 small mammals were trapped in 2003 and 2006 in a rural area in north-eastern Brazil. Spleen and skin samples from these animals were assessed by two PCR protocols, one targeting Leishmania (Viannia) spp. and other Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Additionally, serum samples were tested by an immunochromatographic test with rK39 as antigen. RESULTS Overall, 23.2% (38/164) of the animals were positive to L. (V.) spp. and 8.8% (14/160) to L. (L.) infantum). Five animals of four species (Didelphis albiventris, Nectomys squamipes, Rattus rattus and Holochilus sciureus) were positive by both PCR protocols, an overall co-infection rate of 2.5%. By serology, 5% (7/139) of the animals were positive, but all of them were PCR-negative. An isolate obtained from a water rat (N. squamipes) was characterized as L. (V.) braziliensis (zymodeme Z-74). CONCLUSIONS This study reinforces the involvement of different small mammals (e.g., N. squamipes, R. rattus and H. scieurus) in the transmission cycles of L. (V.) braziliensis and L. (L.) infantum in north-eastern Brazil. The finding of L. (V.) braziliensis infection in black rats suggests a rapid process of adaptation of a New World Leishmania species to an Old World rodent and raises interesting questions regarding the co-evolution of these parasites and their vertebrate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna S Lima
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 50670420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Calodium hepaticum: household clustering transmission and the finding of a source of human spurious infection in a community of the Amazon region. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1943. [PMID: 23285301 PMCID: PMC3527340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a worldwide helminth parasite of which several aspects of transmission still remain unclear. In the Amazon region, the mechanism of transmission based on the ingestion of eggs present in the liver of wild mammals has been suggested as the cause of the spurious infections described. We performed an epidemiological investigation to determine the incidence, risk of spurious infection and the dynamics of transmission of C. hepaticum in a community of the Brazilian Amazon. Methodology/Principal Findings: Stool samples of 135 individuals, two dog feces and liver tissue from a peccary (captured and eaten by the residents) were analyzed by conventional microscopy. Dog feces were collected from the gardens of households presenting human cases of spurious C. hepaticum infections. Community practices and feeding habits related to the transmission of the parasite were investigated. The individual incidence of spurious infection was 6.7% (95% CI: 2.08–11.24). Cases of spurious infection were observed in 7.5% of the families and the household incidence was from 50% to 83.3%. The risk of spurious infection was 10-fold greater in persons consuming the liver of wild mammals (p = 0.02). The liver tissue of a peccary and one feces sample of a dog presented eggs of C. hepaticum. The consumption of the infected liver was the cause of the spurious infections reported in one household. Conclusions/Significance: This is the first identification of a source of spurious infection by C. hepaticum in humans and we describe a high rate of incidence in household clusters related to game liver alimentary habits. The finding of a dog feces contaminating peridomiciliary ground suggests the risk of new infections. We conclude that the mechanism of transmission based on the ingestion of liver is important for the dynamics of transmission of C. hepaticum in the studied area. The zoonotic parasite Calodium hepaticum is the causative agent of rarely reported liver disease (hepatic calodiasis) and spurious infections in humans. In spurious infections eggs of this parasite are excreted in the stools without causing disease. It has been suggested that the cause of this type of infection in Amazonian areas is the ingestion of liver of wild mammals infected with the eggs of the parasite. Nonetheless, studies are needed to confirm this mechanism of transmission and investigate its epidemiological importance. In the present study we report the high individual (6.7%) and household incidence (50%–83.3%) of spurious infection in a rural community of the Brazilian Amazon. We found a high risk of spurious infection among subjects who usually ate the liver of wild mammals and detected a source of spurious infection in humans (peccary liver) as well as, for the first time, ground contamination with infected dog feces in a household presenting human cases. We confirm the existence of this mechanism of transmission of C. hepaticum and suggest that it is important for transmission not only in this area but probably also in other areas of the Amazon with similar sociocultural characteristics.
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