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Galvão GR, Gonçalves EC, Moura LGS, Virgolino RR, Neves AMP, Aguiar DCF. First molecular description of autochthonous urban cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil. BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 83:e267617. [PMID: 37311132 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.267617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an anthropozoonosis transmitted by vectors, with dogs being the main domestic reservoirs. Brazil is one of the countries most affected by this disease, and it has been described in humans and dogs in every region in the country. In the northern region leishmaniasis cases in humans have been described in more than 100 municipalities in the State, including the capital, Belém. This study involves two cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in which the animals developed clinical signs compatible with the disease in urban areas in Belém, the Pará state capital. The diagnosis was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect SSUr-rDNA and kDNA of Leishmania sp. and Leishmania infantum, respectively. In one of the cases the animal died and in the other the animal underwent treatment with medicines prescribed for dogs. Through this treatment, parasitemia in the second animal has been kept under control and is being monitored through molecular tests. Previously, no canine cases had been notified from urban neighborhoods in the city of Belém, but only on the island of Cotijuba, at a distance of 29 kilometers from the city. Cases of canine and human leishmaniasis have been recorded close to the capital, Belém, which has areas of conserved vegetation and where the presence of disease vectors has been described. Thus, as has been done in several other Brazilian cities, this study uses clinical and laboratory findings to confirm the presence of autochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Belém.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Galvão
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia - UFRA, Hospital Veterinário Mário Dias Teixeira, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | - E C Gonçalves
- Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Tecnologia Biomolecular, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | | | - R R Virgolino
- Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Tecnologia Biomolecular, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | - A M P Neves
- Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Tecnologia Biomolecular, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | - D C F Aguiar
- Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Tecnologia Biomolecular, Belém, PA, Brasil
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Aguiar DCF, Nascimento DDNDS, Penner DF, de Castro BDSL, Virgolino RR, Neves AMP, Siqueira ADS, Gonçalves EC. First molecular detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in a domestic cat ( Felis catus) from an urban area in eastern Amazon. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20220048. [PMID: 37223440 PMCID: PMC10202461 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2022-0048] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Domestic cats have been implicated as accidental hosts of Leishmania sp. However, in recent years, the recurrent description of new cases in endemic and nonendemic areas draw attention to the potential epidemiological role of cats as reservoir hosts. Although dogs are considered urban reservoirs, cats could act as a secondary natural reservoirs in these areas. Thus, feline leishmaniasis has become an emerging disease in several countries worldwide. Case presentation This study aimed to describe the first case of feline leishmaniasis in a stray animal that presented lesions compatible with the disease in Belém, Pará, Brazil, an important urban area in eastern Amazon. Serological tests for Leishmania infantum (ELISA and IFA) were nonreactive, whereas histopathological examination indicated infectious dermatitis caused by Leishmania spp. or Toxoplasma gondii. Cytopathological study of lesion aspirate confirmed the presence of Leishmania sp. amastigotes within macrophages. Finally, molecular analyses revealed that the feline infection was caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi. Conclusion To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study reports the first case of natural infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in a feline from eastern Amazon. These findings suggest domestic cats as potential secondary reservoir hosts of Leishmania spp. in Belém, which reinforces the importance of further epidemiological investigation of feline leishmaniasis, especially in urban areas with human cases.
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Ratzlaff FR, Fernandes FD, Osmari V, Silva D, de Paula Vasconcellos JS, Braunig P, Vogel FSF, de Ávila Botton S, Dos Santos HF, Cargnelutti JF, Caldart ET, Campos A, de Mello Filho JA, Soares JF, Fagundes-Moreira R, Witt AA, Pacheco SM, Sangioni LA. Prevalence and molecular detection of Leishmania spp. in bats from Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3193-3202. [PMID: 36048268 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07639-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to detect the occurrence of infection by Leishmania spp.in bats from 34 municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul state (RS; southern Brazil) from 2016 to 2021. A total of 109 bats were provided by the Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde of RS, including six species belonged to Molossidae family, six to Vespertilionidae family, and two to Phyllostomidae family. Leishmania spp. was identified using the nested-PCR method by amplifying the SSU rDNA ribosomal subunit gene into four organ pools: (1) the liver, spleen, and lymph node; (2) heart and lungs; (3) skin; and (4) bone marrow of each bat. Three (3/109, 2.7%) animals tested positive for Leishmania spp. The respective PCR-positive organs came from pools 1 and 3. Two bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) were from the municipality of Canoas, and sequences analysis confirms the species identification as Leishmania infantum. In the third bat (Molossus molossus), from Rio Grande, it was not possible to determine the protozoa species, being considered Leishmania spp. Our results indicate that bats can participate in the biological cycle of Leishmania spp. and perform as host, reservoir, and/or source of infection of the protozoa in different areas of RS. More studies will be needed to elucidate the role of these Chiropteras in the circulation of Leishmania spp. This is the first study reporting the occurrence of Leishmania spp. in bats in Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Raquel Ratzlaff
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fagner D'ambroso Fernandes
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa Osmari
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Daniele Silva
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Jaíne Soares de Paula Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Braunig
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Sônia de Ávila Botton
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Helton Fernandes Dos Santos
- Laboratório Central de Diagnóstico Em Patologia Aviária (LCDPA), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), CEP, Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 44, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia (LABAC), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), CEP, Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Eloiza Teles Caldart
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), CEP, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR-445, Km 380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Aline Campos
- Centro Estadual de Vigilância Em Saúde (CEVS), Av. Ipiranga, 5400, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - José Américo de Mello Filho
- Departamento de Engenharia Rural, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), CEP, Av. Roraima, 1000, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - João Fabio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade de Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Fagundes-Moreira
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - André Alberto Witt
- Divisão de Defesa Sanitária Animal (DDA), Secretaria da Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural (SEAPDRA), Av. Getúlio Vargas, 1384, Porto Alegre, CEP, 90150-004, Brazil
| | - Susi Missel Pacheco
- Instituto Sauver - Organização não governamental, R. Dr. Paulo Franco Dos Réis, 40, Boa Vista, Porto Alegre, 90480-090, Brazil
| | - Luís Antônio Sangioni
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
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Leishmania diversity in bats from an endemic area for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in Southeastern Brazil. Acta Trop 2022; 228:106327. [PMID: 35085511 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the occurrence of Leishmania infection in bats in urban and wild areas in an endemic municipality for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Between April 2014 to April 2015, 247 bats were captured and classified into 26 species belonging to Phyllostomidae (90.7%), Vespertilionidae (8.1%) and Molossidae (1.2%) families. Blood samples from 247 bats were collected and submitted to nested-PCR, targeting the variable V7-V8 region of the SSU rRNA gene, followed by sequencing of the PCR product. The overall infection rate of Leishmania spp. in bats was 4.4%. Of the eleven bats infected, ten were frugivorous bats: Artibeus planirostris (8/11), Artibeus lituratus (1/11) and Artibeus cinereus (1/11) and one a nectarivorous bat (Glossophaga soricina). None of the individuals exhibited macroscopic alterations in the skin, spleen or liver. Phylogenetic analysis separated Leishmania species in clades corresponding to the subgenera Viannia, Leishmania, and Mundinia, and supported that the isolates characterized in the present study clustered closely with Leishmania (Viannia) sp., Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Here we report for the first time the bat Artibeus cinereus as a host of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. In the study we found that the mean abundance of bats did not differ in wild habitats and urban areas and that bat-parasite interactions were similarly distributed in the two environments. On the other hand, further studies should be conducted in more recent times to verify whether there have been changes in these parameters.
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Jariyapan N, Bates MD, Bates PA. Molecular identification of two newly identified human pathogens causing leishmaniasis using PCR-based methods on the 3' untranslated region of the heat shock protein 70 (type I) gene. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009982. [PMID: 34847144 PMCID: PMC8631652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PCR-based methods to amplify the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of the heat shock protein 70 (type I) gene (HSP70-I) have previously been used for typing of Leishmania but not with Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis and L. (Mundinia) orientalis, newly identified human pathogens. Here, the 3′-UTRs of HSP70-I of L. martiniquensis, L. orientalis, and 10 other species were sequenced and analyzed. PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis targeting the 3′-UTR of HSP70-I was developed. Also, the detection limit of HSP70-I-3′-UTR PCR methods was compared with two other commonly used targets: the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene and the internal transcribed spacer 1 region of the rRNA (ITS1-rRNA) gene. Results showed that HSP70-I-3′-UTR PCR methods could be used to identify and differentiate between L. martiniquensis (480–2 bp) and L. orientalis (674 bp) and distinguished them from parasites of the subgenus Viannia and of the subgenus Leishmania. PCR-RFLP patterns of the 3′-UTR of HSP70-I fragments digested with BsuRI restriction enzyme successfully differentiated L. martiniquensis, L. orientalis, L. braziliensis, L. guyanensis = L. panamensis, L. mexicana = L. aethiopica = L. tropica, L. amazonensis, L. major, and L. donovani = L. infantum. For the detection limit, the HSP70-I-3′-UTR PCR method could detect the DNA of L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis at the same concentration, 1 pg/μL, at a similar level to the SSU-rRNA PCR. The PCR that amplified ITS1-rRNA was more sensitive (0.01 pg/μL) than that of the HSP70-I-3′-UTR PCR. However, the sizes of both SSU-rRNA and ITS1-rRNA PCR amplicons could not differentiate between L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis. This is the first report of using HSP70-I-3′-UTR PCR based methods to identify the parasites causing leishmaniasis in Thailand. Also, the BsuRI-PCR-RFLP method can be used for differentiating some species within other subgenera. L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis, newly identified human pathogens, cause visceral leishmaniasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis in HIV-negative patients, respectively. However, both parasite species cause disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis accompanying visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-positive patients. Species typing in leishmaniasis is important in diagnostics, epidemiology, and clinical studies. We show here that the 3′-UTR of HSP70-I region is a suitable target for PCR-based identification and discrimination between L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis. The technique is simple to perform and can be implemented in all settings where PCR is available. In species with similar PCR product size, the BsuRI-PCR-RFLP patterns of the 3′-UTR of HSP70-I fragments can be used for differentiating some species within other subgenera. However, where identification of species is essential or there is a travel history outside Thailand, sequencing of the HSP70-I-3′-UTR product or a similar discriminating target sequence is recommended. The PCR-based methods used in this study can also be applicable to the identification of Leishmania species obtained from vectors and reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narissara Jariyapan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
| | - Michelle D. Bates
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A. Bates
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Reimão JQ, Coser EM, Lee MR, Coelho AC. Laboratory Diagnosis of Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis: Current and Future Methods. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1632. [PMID: 33105784 PMCID: PMC7690623 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease with two main clinical forms: cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Diagnosis of leishmaniasis is still a challenge, concerning the detection and correct identification of the species of the parasite, mainly in endemic areas where the absence of appropriate resources is still a problem. Most accessible methods for diagnosis, particularly in these areas, do not include the identification of each one of more than 20 species responsible for the disease. Here, we summarize the main methods used for the detection and identification of leishmaniasis that can be performed by demonstration of the parasite in biological samples from the patient through microscopic examination, by in vitro culture or animal inoculation; by molecular methods through the detection of parasite DNA; or by immunological methods through the detection of parasite antigens that may be present in urine or through the detection of specific antibodies against the parasite. Potential new methods that can be applied for laboratory diagnosis of leishmaniasis are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Quero Reimão
- Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí, Jundiaí 13202-550, Brazil; (J.Q.R.); (M.R.L.)
| | - Elizabeth Magiolo Coser
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-862, Brazil;
| | - Monica Ran Lee
- Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí, Jundiaí 13202-550, Brazil; (J.Q.R.); (M.R.L.)
| | - Adriano Cappellazzo Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-862, Brazil;
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Hong A, Zampieri RA, Shaw JJ, Floeter-Winter LM, Laranjeira-Silva MF. One Health Approach to Leishmaniases: Understanding the Disease Dynamics through Diagnostic Tools. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9100809. [PMID: 33019713 PMCID: PMC7599840 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9100809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are zoonotic vector-borne diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania that affect millions of people around the globe. There are various clinical manifestations, ranging from self-healing cutaneous lesions to potentially fatal visceral leishmaniasis, all of which are associated with different Leishmania species. Transmission of these parasites is complex due to the varying ecological relationships between human and/or animal reservoir hosts, parasites, and sand fly vectors. Moreover, vector-borne diseases like leishmaniases are intricately linked to environmental changes and socioeconomic risk factors, advocating the importance of the One Health approach to control these diseases. The development of an accurate, fast, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for leishmaniases is a priority, and the implementation of various control measures such as animal sentinel surveillance systems is needed to better detect, prevent, and respond to the (re-)emergence of leishmaniases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahyun Hong
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil; (A.H.); (R.A.Z.); (L.M.F.-W.)
| | - Ricardo Andrade Zampieri
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil; (A.H.); (R.A.Z.); (L.M.F.-W.)
| | - Jeffrey Jon Shaw
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Lucile Maria Floeter-Winter
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil; (A.H.); (R.A.Z.); (L.M.F.-W.)
| | - Maria Fernanda Laranjeira-Silva
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil; (A.H.); (R.A.Z.); (L.M.F.-W.)
- Correspondence:
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Veasey JV, Zampieri RA, Lellis RF, Freitas THPD, Winter LMF. Identification of Leishmania species by high-resolution DNA dissociation in cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. An Bras Dermatol 2020; 95:459-468. [PMID: 32518010 PMCID: PMC7335872 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background American cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious dermatosis caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, which comprises a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations depending on the parasite species involved in the infections and the immunogenetic response of the host. The use of techniques for amplification of the parasites DNA based on polymerase chain reaction polymerase chain reaction and the recent application of combined techniques, such as high-resolution DNA dissociation, have been described as a viable alternative for the detection and identification of Leishmania spp. in biological samples. Objectives To identify the Leishmania species using the polymerase chain reaction high-resolution DNA dissociation technique in skin biopsies of hospital-treated patients, and compare with results obtained by other molecular identification techniques. Methods A retrospective study assessing patients with suspected American cutaneous leishmaniasis seen at a hospital in São Paulo/Brazil was conducted. The paraffin blocks of 22 patients were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction high-resolution DNA dissociation to confirm the diagnosis and identify the species. Results Of the 22 patients with suspected American cutaneous leishmaniasis, the parasite was identified in 14, comprising five cases (35.6%) of infection by L. amazonensis, four (28.5%) by L. braziliensis, two (14.4%) by L. amazonensis + L. infantum chagasi, two (14.4%) by L. guyanensis, and one (7.1%) by Leishmania infantum chagasi. In one of the samples, in which the presence of amastigotes was confirmed on histopathological examination, the polymerase chain reaction high-resolution DNA dissociation technique failed to detect the DNA of the parasite. Study limitations The retrospective nature of the study and small number of patients. Conclusions The method detected and identified Leishmania species in paraffin-embedded skin biopsies with a sensitivity of 96.4% and could be routinely used in the public health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Verrinder Veasey
- Dermatology Clinic, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Hospital da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo Andrade Zampieri
- Department of Physiology, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rute Facchini Lellis
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Hospital da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thaís Helena Proença de Freitas
- Dermatology Clinic, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Hospital da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Kaufer A, Stark D, Ellis J. A review of the systematics, species identification and diagnostics of the Trypanosomatidae using the maxicircle kinetoplast DNA: from past to present. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:449-460. [PMID: 32333942 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Trypanosomatid family are a diverse and widespread group of protozoan parasites that belong to the higher order class Kinetoplastida. Containing predominantly monoxenous species (i.e. those having only a single host) that are confined to invertebrate hosts, this class is primarily known for its pathogenic dixenous species (i.e. those that have two hosts), serving as the aetiological agents of the important neglected tropical diseases including leishmaniasis, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) and human African trypanosomiasis. Over the past few decades, a multitude of studies have investigated the diversity, classification and evolutionary history of the trypanosomatid family using different approaches and molecular targets. The mitochondrial-like DNA of the trypanosomatid parasites, also known as the kinetoplast, has emerged as a unique taxonomic and diagnostic target for exploring the evolution of this diverse group of parasitic eukaryotes. This review discusses recent advancements and important developments that have made a significant impact in the field of trypanosomatid systematics and diagnostics in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Kaufer
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Damien Stark
- Department of Microbiology, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - John Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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Ahuja K, Vats A, Beg MA, Kariyawasam KKGDUL, Chaudhury A, Chatterjee M, Karunaweera ND, Selvapandiyan A. High resolution melting based method for rapid discriminatory diagnosis of co-infecting Leptomonas seymouri in Leishmania donovani-induced leishmaniasis. Parasitol Int 2019; 75:102047. [PMID: 31887394 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania donovani, a protozoan parasite of family Trypanosomatidae, causes fatal visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Indian subcontinent and Africa and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka. Another member of Trypanosomatidae, Leptomonas seymouri, resembling Leishmania was discovered recently to co-exist with L. donovani in the clinical samples from India and Sri Lanka and therefore, interfere with its investigations. We earlier described a method for selective elimination of such co-existing L. seymouri from clinical samples of VL exploiting the differential growth of the parasites at 37 °C in vitro. Here, we explored ways for a rapid discriminatory diagnosis using high resolution melting (HRM) curves to detect co-occurring L. seymouri with L. donovani in clinical samples. Initial attempt with kDNA-minicircle (mitochondrial DNA) based HRM did not display different Tm values between L. donovani and L. seymouri. Surprisingly, all of their minicircle sequences co-existed in similar clades in the dendrogram analysis, although the kDNA sequences are known for its species and strain specific variations among the Trypanosomatids. However, an HRM analysis that targets the HSP70 gene successfully recognized the presence of L. seymouri in the clinical isolates. This discovery will facilitate rapid diagnosis of L. seymouri and further investigations in to this elusive organism, including the clinico-pathological implications of its co-existence with L. donovani in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Ahuja
- JH-Institute of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Bio & Nano Technology, Bio & Nano Technology Centre, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, India
| | - Abhishek Vats
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Mirza Adil Beg
- JH-Institute of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - K K G D U L Kariyawasam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No. 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka
| | - Ashok Chaudhury
- Department of Bio & Nano Technology, Bio & Nano Technology Centre, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, India
| | - Mitali Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata 700020, India
| | - Nadira D Karunaweera
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No. 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka
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Abstract
Phylogenetics is an important component of the systems biology approach. Knowledge about evolution of the genus Leishmania is essential to understand various aspects of basic biology of these parasites, such as parasite-host or parasite-vector relationships, biogeography, or epidemiology. Here, we present a comprehensive guideline for performing phylogenetic studies based on DNA sequence data, but with principles that can be adapted to protein sequences or other molecular markers. It is presented as a compilation of the most commonly used genetic targets for phylogenetic studies of Leishmania, including their respective primers for amplification and references, as well as details of PCR assays. Guidelines are, then, presented to choose the best targets in relation to the types of samples under study. Finally, and importantly, instructions are given to obtain optimal sequences, alignments, and datasets for the subsequent data analysis and phylogenetic inference. Different bioinformatics methods and software for phylogenetic inference are presented and explained. This chapter aims to provide a compilation of methods and generic guidelines to conduct phylogenetics of Leishmania for nonspecialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Kuhls
- Molekulare Biotechnologie und Funktionelle Genomik, Technische Hochschule Wildau, Wildau, Germany.
| | - Isabel Mauricio
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
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12
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Müller KE, Zampieri RA, Aoki JI, Muxel SM, Nerland AH, Floeter-Winter LM. Amino acid permease 3 (aap3) coding sequence as a target for Leishmania identification and diagnosis of leishmaniases using high resolution melting analysis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:421. [PMID: 30012182 PMCID: PMC6048756 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The leishmaniases comprise a spectrum of clinical manifestations caused by different species of Leishmania. Identification of species is important for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up management. However, there is no gold standard for species identification. High resolution melting analysis (HRM) offers a possibility to differentiate Leishmania species without the need for processing of the PCR-product. The amino acid permease 3 (aap3) gene is an exclusive target for trypanosomatids and is conserved among Leishmania spp., thus it can be a valuable target for an HRM assay for diagnosis of the leishmaniases. Results The HRM dissociation profiles of three amplicons targeting the aap3-coding region allowed the discrimination of L. (Leishmania) donovani, L. (L.) infantum, L. (L.) major, L. (L.) tropica, L. (L.) mexicana, L. (L.) amazonensis, L. (Viannia) braziliensis, L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) lainsoni, L. (V.) naiffi and L. (V.) shawi using DNA from promastigote cultures. The protocol was validated with DNA samples from clinical infection in humans and a cat, naturally infected sand flies, and experimentally infected mice. Conclusions HRM analysis using the aap3 coding sequence as target is a relatively cheap, fast and robust strategy to detect and discriminate Leishmania species from all the endemic regions worldwide. The target and method proved to be useful in clinical, field and experimental samples, thus it could be used as a tool in diagnosis as well as ecological and epidemiological studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2989-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Erik Müller
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Postboks 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Ricardo Andrade Zampieri
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Rua do Matão Travessa 14 no. 101, São Paulo, SP, 05508900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Ide Aoki
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Rua do Matão Travessa 14 no. 101, São Paulo, SP, 05508900, Brazil
| | - Sandra Marcia Muxel
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Rua do Matão Travessa 14 no. 101, São Paulo, SP, 05508900, Brazil
| | - Audun Helge Nerland
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Postboks 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lucile Maria Floeter-Winter
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Rua do Matão Travessa 14 no. 101, São Paulo, SP, 05508900, Brazil
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13
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Lourenço JLM, Minuzzi-Souza TT, Silva LR, Oliveira AC, Mendonça VJ, Nitz N, Aguiar LM, Gurgel-Gonçalves R. High frequency of trypanosomatids in gallery forest bats of a Neotropical savanna. Acta Trop 2018; 177:200-206. [PMID: 29050949 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Bats are well-known hosts of trypanosomatids, though information about their role as reservoirs of these protozoans in the Brazilian savanna is poorly known. We aimed to analyze the occurrence of trypanosomatid species in bats occurring in remnants of gallery forests of Brasília, Federal District of Brazil. We sampled bats using mist nets in six sites, and we collected blood, wing fragments and oral swab samples from all captured individuals. Trypanosomatids were identified in the captured bats through sequencing of the SSUrRNA region and kDNA qPCR. We found no parasite in blood smears of 146 individuals of 14 species captured, but blood cultures were positive for nine bats. We detected trypanosomatids molecularly in 111 (76%) specimens of all bat species in the studied areas. Most of the infected bats had Leishmania-like DNA detected in blood and swab samples of the oral mucosa. We distinguished three species of Trypanosoma (Trypanosoma dionisii, T. rangeli and T. cruzi) in Carollia perspicillata. SSUrRNA PCR of oral samples is a non-invasive and practical method for identification of trypanosomatid species in bats. Our results support our belief that bats could be potential reservoirs for Trypanosoma and Leishmania-like species in the enzootic cycle of these parasites in gallery forests of the Brazilian Cerrado biome.
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Machado TDO, Minuzzi-Souza TTC, Ferreira TDS, Freire LP, Timbó RV, Vital TE, Nitz N, Silva MN, Santos ADS, Sales NMC, Obara MT, Andrade AJD, Gurgel-Gonçalves R. The role of gallery forests in maintaining Phlebotominae populations: potential Leishmania spp. vectors in the Brazilian savanna. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2017; 112:681-691. [PMID: 28953996 PMCID: PMC5607517 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760170126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge on synanthropic phlebotomines and their natural infection by Leishmania is necessary for the identification of potential areas for leishmaniasis occurrence. OBJECTIVE To analyse the occurrence of Phlebotominae in gallery forests and household units (HUs) in the city of Palmas and to determine the rate of natural infection by trypanosomatids. METHODS Gallery forests and adjacent household areas were sampled on July (dry season) and November (rainy season) in 2014. The total sampling effort was 960 HP light traps and eight Shannon traps. Trypanosomatids were detected in Phlebotominae females through the amplification of the SSU rDNA region, and the positive samples were used in ITS1-PCR. Trypanosomatid species were identified using sequencing. FINDINGS A total of 1,527 sand flies representing 30 species were captured in which 949 (28 spp.) and 578 (22 spp.) were registered in July and November, respectively. In July, more specimens were captured in the gallery forests than in the HUs, and Nyssomyia whitmani was particularly frequent. In November, most of the specimens were found in the HUs, and again, Ny. whitmani was the predominant species. Lutzomyia longipalpis was commonly found in domestic areas, while Bichromomyia flaviscutellata was most frequent in gallery forests. Molecular analysis of 154 pools of females (752 specimens) identified Leishmania amazonensis, L. infantum, and Crithidia fasciculata in Ny. whitmani, as well as L. amazonensis in Lu. longipalpis, Trypanosoma sp. and L. amazonensis in Pintomyia christenseni, and L. amazonensis in both Psathyromyia hermanlenti and Evandromyia walkeri. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These results show the importance of gallery forests in maintaining Phlebotominae populations in the dry month, as well as their frequent occurrence in household units in the rainy month. This is the first study to identify Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Crithidia species in Phlebotominae collected in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tâmara Dias Oliveira Machado
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Brasília, DF, Brasil.,Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Tocantins, Coordenação de Ciências Matemáticas e Naturais, Palmas, TO, Brasil
| | - Thaís Tâmara Castro Minuzzi-Souza
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Brasília, DF, Brasil.,Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Biociências, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Tauana de Sousa Ferreira
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Luciana Pereira Freire
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Renata Velôzo Timbó
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Tamires Emanuele Vital
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Biociências, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Nadjar Nitz
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Biociências, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Mariana Neiva Silva
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Alcinei de Souza Santos
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Tocantins, Coordenação de Ciências Matemáticas e Naturais, Palmas, TO, Brasil
| | - Nathyla Morgana Cunha Sales
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Tocantins, Coordenação de Ciências Matemáticas e Naturais, Palmas, TO, Brasil
| | | | - Andrey José de Andrade
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Brasília, DF, Brasil.,Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Área de Patologia, Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Brasília, DF, Brasil
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15
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Boni SM, Oyafuso LK, Soler RDC, Lindoso JAL. Efficiency of noninvasive sampling methods (swab) together with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for diagnosing American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2017; 59:e38. [PMID: 28591266 PMCID: PMC5459545 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201759038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional diagnostic methods used to detect American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis, such as histopathology using biopsy samples, culture techniques, and direct search for parasites, have low sensitivity and require invasive collection procedures. This study evaluates the efficiency of noninvasive sampling methods (swab) along with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for diagnosing American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis using skin and mucous samples from 25 patients who had tested positive for leishmaniasis. The outcome of the tests performance on swab samples was compatible with PCR results on biopsy samples. The findings have also shown that PCR-kDNA test is more efficient than PCR-HSP70 and qPCR tests (sensitivity of 92.3%, 40.7%, and 41%, respectively). Given the high sensitivity of the tests and the fact that the sampling method using swabs affords greater patient comfort and safety, it could be said that this method is a promising alternative to conventional biopsy-based methods for the molecular diagnosis of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Macente Boni
- Centro Universitário Cesumar, Departamento de Biomedicina, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - José Angelo Lauletta Lindoso
- Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia (LIM 38 HC-FMUSP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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16
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Dávila AMR, Momen H. Internal-transcribed-spacer (ITS) sequences used to explore phylogenetic relationships within Leishmania. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00034983.2000.11813588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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17
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Wilson SM. DNA-based methods in the detection ofLeishmaniaparasites: field applications and practicalities. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00034983.1995.11813019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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18
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Coelho AC, Oliveira JC, Espada CR, Reimão JQ, Trinconi CT, Uliana SRB. A Luciferase-Expressing Leishmania braziliensis Line That Leads to Sustained Skin Lesions in BALB/c Mice and Allows Monitoring of Miltefosine Treatment Outcome. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004660. [PMID: 27144739 PMCID: PMC4856402 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania braziliensis is the most prevalent species isolated from patients displaying cutaneous and muco-cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America. However, there are difficulties for studying L. braziliensis pathogenesis or response to chemotherapy in vivo due to the natural resistance of most mouse strains to infection with these parasites. The aim of this work was to develop an experimental set up that could be used to assess drug efficacy against L. braziliensis. The model was tested using miltefosine. Methodology/Principal Findings A L. braziliensis line, originally isolated from a cutaneous leishmaniasis patient, was passaged repeatedly in laboratory rodents and further genetically manipulated to express luciferase. Once collected from a culture of parasites freshly transformed from amastigotes, 106 wild type or luciferase-expressing stationary phase promastigotes were inoculated subcutaneously in young BALB/c mice or golden hamsters. In both groups, sustained cutaneous lesions developed at the site of inoculation, no spontaneous self- healing being observed 4 months post-inoculation, if left untreated. Compared to the wild type line features, no difference was noted for the luciferase-transgenic line. Infected animals were treated with 5 or 15 mg/kg/day miltefosine orally for 15 days. At the end of treatment, lesions had regressed and parasites were not detected. However, relapses were observed in animals treated with both doses of miltefosine. Conclusions/Significance Here we described experimental settings for a late-healing model of cutaneous leishmaniasis upon inoculation of a luciferase-expressing L. braziliensis line that can be applied to drug development projects. These settings allowed the monitoring of the transient efficacy of a short-term miltefosine administration. Leishmania braziliensis is the most prevalent species isolated from patients displaying either cutaneous or mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in South America. In this study, we developed a transgenic luciferase-expressing L. braziliensis line. These parasites were passaged in hamsters and mice and then transformed back into promastigotes. Once inoculated subcutaneously in the footpad of young laboratory animals—BALB/c mice or golden hamsters, rapid and sustained footpad thickness increase developed. This experimental model was used to monitor the parasite load fluctuations and the response to miltefosine treatment. Mice were treated orally over a two-week period, starting at week 4 post-inoculation. Though such a regimen was shown to display efficacy, the effect was not sustained and both parasite re-expansion and delayed footpad thickness increase were noticed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano C. Coelho
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jordana C. Oliveira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline R. Espada
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Q. Reimão
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiana T. Trinconi
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia R. B. Uliana
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Zampieri RA, Laranjeira-Silva MF, Muxel SM, Stocco de Lima AC, Shaw JJ, Floeter-Winter LM. High Resolution Melting Analysis Targeting hsp70 as a Fast and Efficient Method for the Discrimination of Leishmania Species. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004485. [PMID: 26928050 PMCID: PMC4771719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania cause a large spectrum of clinical manifestations known as Leishmaniases. These diseases are increasingly important public health problems in many countries both within and outside endemic regions. Thus, an accurate differential diagnosis is extremely relevant for understanding epidemiological profiles and for the administration of the best therapeutic protocol. Methods/Principal Findings Exploring the High Resolution Melting (HRM) dissociation profiles of two amplicons using real time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) targeting heat-shock protein 70 coding gene (hsp70) revealed differences that allowed the discrimination of genomic DNA samples of eight Leishmania species found in the Americas, including Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi, L. (L.) amazonensis, L. (L.) mexicana, L. (Viannia) lainsoni, L. (V.) braziliensis, L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) naiffi and L. (V.) shawi, and three species found in Eurasia and Africa, including L. (L.) tropica, L. (L.) donovani and L. (L.) major. In addition, we tested DNA samples obtained from standard promastigote culture, naturally infected phlebotomines, experimentally infected mice and clinical human samples to validate the proposed protocol. Conclusions/Significance HRM analysis of hsp70 amplicons is a fast and robust strategy that allowed for the detection and discrimination of all Leishmania species responsible for the Leishmaniases in Brazil and Eurasia/Africa with high sensitivity and accuracy. This method could detect less than one parasite per reaction, even in the presence of host DNA. The different clinical forms of the Leishmaniases range from cutaneous to visceral infections and are caused by organisms belonging to the genus Leishmania. Controversy over the validity of different molecular methods to correctly identify a species hinders the association of a given species with different clinical forms, complicating the prognosis and the development of suitable treatment protocols. A correct identification leads to a better understanding of the action and consequent development of new drugs and immunological reactions. It also provides important information about the relationship of each species with its hosts (humans, animal reservoirs and sandflies) in different geographical areas and ecological situations, helping to design control strategies. Today, PCR is the most commonly used method for Leishmania identification, but even though several targets have been described, no simple and direct protocol has emerged. In this paper, we coupled hsp70 real-time PCR with the determination of amplicon melting profiles in order to explore polymorphic regions by HRM analysis. This methodology yielded discriminatory melting temperature (Tm) values for Brazilian and Eurasian/African Leishmania species. The protocol has proven to be 100% reliable with both clinical and experimental samples. The major advantage of the presently described method is that it is simple, less expensive, highly sensitive and easily automated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Andrade Zampieri
- Physiology Department, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Marcia Muxel
- Physiology Department, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jeffrey Jon Shaw
- Parasitology Department, Biomedical Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Laranjeira-Silva MF, Zampieri RA, Muxel SM, Floeter-Winter LM, Markus RP. Melatonin attenuates Leishmania (L.) amazonensis infection by modulating arginine metabolism. J Pineal Res 2015; 59:478-87. [PMID: 26383232 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute inflammatory responses induced by bacteria or fungi block nocturnal melatonin synthesis by rodent pineal glands. Here, we show Leishmania infection does not impair daily melatonin rhythm in hamsters. Remarkably, the attenuated parasite burden and lesion progression in hamsters infected at nighttime was impaired by blockage of melatonin receptors with luzindole, whereas melatonin treatment during the light phase attenuated Leishmania infection. In vitro studies corroborated in vivo observations. Melatonin treatment reduced macrophage expression of Cat-2b, Cat1, and ArgI, genes involved in arginine uptake and polyamine synthesis. Indeed, melatonin reduced macrophage arginine uptake by 40%. Putrescine supplementation reverted the attenuation of infectivity by melatonin indicating that its effect was due to the arrest of parasite replication. This study shows that the Leishmania/host interaction varies in a circadian manner according to nocturnal melatonin pineal synthesis. Our results provide new data regarding Leishmania infectiveness and show new approaches for applying agonists of melatonin receptors in Leishmaniasis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra M Muxel
- Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Regina P Markus
- Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Identification and Biological Characterization of Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis Isolated from a Patient with Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Goiás, a Nonendemic Area for This Species in Brazil. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:350764. [PMID: 26583102 PMCID: PMC4637049 DOI: 10.1155/2015/350764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize clinical field isolates of Leishmania spp. obtained from patients with American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) who live in Goiás state, Brazil. The presumed areas of infection were in Goiás, Tocantins, and Pará states. Three isolates of parasites were identified as L. (Viannia) braziliensis and one as L. (V.) guyanensis. The in vitro growth profiles were found to be similar for all parasites. Nevertheless, in C57BL/6 mice, L. (V.) guyanensis infection was better controlled than L. (V.) braziliensis. Yet in C57BL/6 mice deficient in interferon gamma, L. (V.) guyanensis lesions developed faster than those caused by L. (V.) braziliensis isolates. In BALB/c mice, the development of lesions was similar for isolates from both species; however, on the 11th week of infection, amastigotes could not be observed in macrophages from L. (V.) guyanensis-infected mice. Thus, L. (V.) guyanensis can be circulating in Goiás, a state where autochthonous cases of this species had not yet been reported. Considering the difficulties to differentiate L. (V.) guyanensis from L. (V.) braziliensis at the molecular, morphological, and clinical (human and murine models) levels, the presence of L. (V.) guyanensis infections is possibly underestimated in several regions of Brazil.
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Andrade MS, Courtenay O, F. Brito ME, Carvalho FG, Carvalho AWS, Soares F, Carvalho SM, Costa PL, Zampieri R, Floeter-Winter LM, Shaw JJ, Brandão-Filho SP. Infectiousness of Sylvatic and Synanthropic Small Rodents Implicates a Multi-host Reservoir of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004137. [PMID: 26448187 PMCID: PMC4598029 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The possibility that a multi-host wildlife reservoir is responsible for maintaining transmission of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis causing human cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is tested by comparative analysis of infection progression and infectiousness to sandflies in rodent host species previously shown to have high natural infection prevalences in both sylvatic or/and peridomestic habitats in close proximity to humans in northeast Brazil. Methods The clinical and parasitological outcomes, and infectiousness to sandflies, were observed in 54 colonized animals of three species (18 Necromys lasiurus, 18 Nectomys squamipes and 18 Rattus rattus) experimentally infected with high (5.5×106/ml) or low (2.8×105/ml) dose L. (V.) braziliensis (MBOL/BR/2000/CPqAM95) inoculum. Clinical signs of infection were monitored daily. Whole animal xenodiagnoses were performed 6 months post inoculation using Lutzomyia longipalpis originating from flies caught in Passira, Pernambuco, after this parasite evaluation was performed at necropsy. Heterogeneities in Leishmania parasite loads were measured by quantitative PCR in ear skin, liver and spleen tissues. Results All three rodent species proved to establish infection characterized by short-term self-resolving skin lesions, located on ears and tail but not on footpads (one site of inoculation), and variable parasite loads detected in all three tissues with maximum burdens of 8.1×103 (skin), 2.8×103 (spleen), and 8.9×102 (liver). All three host species, 18/18 N. lasiurus, 10/18 N. squamipes and 6/18 R. rattus, also proved infectious to sandflies in cross-sectional study. R. rattus supported significantly lower tissue parasite loads compared to those in N. lasiurus and N. squamipes, and N. lasiurus appeared to be more infectious, on average, than either N. squamipes or R. rattus. Conclusions A multi-host reservoir of cutaneous leishmaniasis is indicated in this region of Brazil, though with apparent differences in the competence between the rodent species. The results provide preliminary insights into links between sylvatic and peri-domestic transmission cycles associated with overlaps in the rodent species’ ecological niches. Across the Americas, Leishmania (V.) braziliensis is the predominant Leishmania species causing cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in humans. Transmitted by Phlebotomine sandflies, questions remain about the epidemiological contributions of the numerous zoonotic and more domestic host species. Domestication of the principal vector and human infection patterns suggest that human infection risk is predominantly peridomestic, whereas control strategies will be more complex if there is a link to a wildlife transmission cycle. Almost no studies have been conducted on the transmission potential of natural hosts of L. (V.) braziliensis. This study evaluates the infectiousness of experimentally infected natural rodent host species, that in different ecological habitats are proposed to act as a single or a multi-host reservoir. Clinical and parasitological development, and the ability to transmit Leishmania to sandflies, was observed under experimental conditions using a single strain of L. (V.) braziliensis isolated from the wild rat, Necromys lasiurus. Xenodiagnoses were performed with laboratory bred sand fly females established from a local population of Lutzomyia longipalpis. All three rodent species developed disseminated subclinical parasitological infections, but clinical signs (lesions) were transient and self-resolving. N. squamipes, N. lasiurus and R. rattus were all infectious when asymptomatic, though their competence in transmission potential appears to differ with R. rattus showing signs of lower susceptibility. These results provide further evidence that a multi-host reservoir is responsible for maintaining transmission with a bridge between infectious sylvatic and peridomestic rodent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S. Andrade
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Orin Courtenay
- Warwick Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (WIDER) and School of Life Sciences, University Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Maria E. F. Brito
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Francisco G. Carvalho
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Ana Waléria S. Carvalho
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fábia Soares
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Silvia M. Carvalho
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Pietra L. Costa
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Zampieri
- Biosiences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jeffrey J. Shaw
- Biomedical Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JJS); SPBF
| | - Sinval P. Brandão-Filho
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JJS); SPBF
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Shaw J, Pratlong F, Floeter-Winter L, Ishikawa E, El Baidouri F, Ravel C, Dedet JP. Characterization of Leishmania (Leishmania) waltoni n.sp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), the Parasite Responsible for Diffuse Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dominican Republic. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 93:552-8. [PMID: 26149864 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania parasites isolated, between 1979 and 1988 by the late Bryce Walton, from Dominican Republic (DR) patients with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, were characterized using a panel of 12 isoenzymes, 23 monoclonal antibodies, small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSu rDNA), and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). The isoenzyme and monoclonal antibody profiles and the MLSA results showed that the Dominican Republic parasites were distinct from other described Leishmania species. This new species belongs to the mexicana complex, which is distributed in central and parts of northern South America. It is suggested that the parasites uniqueness from other members of the mexicana complex is related to it being isolated on an island for millions of years. If Leishmania (Leishmania) waltoni fails to adapt to some imported mammal, such as the house rat, it will be the only Leishmania to be classified as an endangered species. The excessive destruction of habitats on Hispaniola threatens the survival of its vectors and presumed natural reservoirs, such as the rodent hutias and the small insectivorous mammal solenodon. The concept of Leishmania species is discussed in the light of recent evaluations on criteria for defining bacterial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Shaw
- Parasitology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; French National Reference Centre on Leishmaniasis, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France; Biology Department, BioSciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; Tropical Medicine Nucleus, Pará Federal University, Brazil; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Francine Pratlong
- Parasitology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; French National Reference Centre on Leishmaniasis, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France; Biology Department, BioSciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; Tropical Medicine Nucleus, Pará Federal University, Brazil; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Lucile Floeter-Winter
- Parasitology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; French National Reference Centre on Leishmaniasis, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France; Biology Department, BioSciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; Tropical Medicine Nucleus, Pará Federal University, Brazil; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Edna Ishikawa
- Parasitology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; French National Reference Centre on Leishmaniasis, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France; Biology Department, BioSciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; Tropical Medicine Nucleus, Pará Federal University, Brazil; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Fouad El Baidouri
- Parasitology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; French National Reference Centre on Leishmaniasis, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France; Biology Department, BioSciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; Tropical Medicine Nucleus, Pará Federal University, Brazil; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Christophe Ravel
- Parasitology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; French National Reference Centre on Leishmaniasis, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France; Biology Department, BioSciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; Tropical Medicine Nucleus, Pará Federal University, Brazil; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Jean-Pierre Dedet
- Parasitology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; French National Reference Centre on Leishmaniasis, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France; Biology Department, BioSciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil; Tropical Medicine Nucleus, Pará Federal University, Brazil; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
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Abstract
Leishmania is an infectious protozoan parasite related to African and American trypanosomes. All Leishmania species that are pathogenic to humans can cause dermal disease. When one is confronted with cutaneous leishmaniasis, identification of the causative species is relevant in both clinical and epidemiological studies, case management, and control. This review gives an overview of the currently existing and most used assays for species discrimination, with a critical appraisal of the limitations of each technique. The consensus taxonomy for the genus is outlined, including debatable species designations. Finally, a numerical literature analysis is presented that describes which methods are most used in various countries and regions in the world, and for which purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gert Van der Auwera
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium Antwerp University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
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25
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Reimão JQ, Oliveira JC, Trinconi CT, Cotrim PC, Coelho AC, Uliana SRB. Generation of luciferase-expressing Leishmania infantum chagasi and assessment of miltefosine efficacy in infected hamsters through bioimaging. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003556. [PMID: 25679212 PMCID: PMC4332486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The only oral drug available for the treatment of leishmaniasis is miltefosine, described and approved for visceral leishmaniasis in India. Miltefosine is under evaluation for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Americas although its efficacy for the treatment of human visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum chagasi has not been described. Drug efficacy for visceral leishmaniasis is ideally tested in hamsters, an experimental model that mimics human disease. Luciferase has been validated as a quantitative tool for the determination of parasite burden in experimental leishmaniasis. However, there are no reports of luciferase detection in the model of progressive visceral leishmaniasis in hamsters. Therefore, the aims of this study were to generate recombinant Leishmania infantum chagasi expressing the luciferase gene (Lc-LUC), characterize the biological properties of this transgenic line as compared with the wild-type parasites and evaluate miltefosine effectiveness in Lc-LUC infected hamsters. Methodology/Principal Findings A transgenic line containing a luciferase encoding gene integrated into the ribosomal DNA locus was obtained and shown to produce bioluminescence which correlated with the number of parasites. Lc-LUC growth curves and susceptibility to pentavalent antimony and miltefosine in vitro were indistinguishable from the wild-type parasites. The effectiveness of pentavalent antimony was evaluated in Lc-LUC infected hamsters through bioimaging and determination of Leishman Donovan Units. Both methods showed concordant results. Miltefosine was effective in the treatment of Lc-LUC-infected hamsters, as demonstrated by the reduction in parasite burden in a dose-dependent manner and by prolongation of animal survival. Conclusions/Significance Luciferase expressing parasites are a reliable alternative for parasite burden quantification in hamsters with advantages such as the possibility of estimating parasite load before drug treatment and therefore allowing distribution of animals in groups with equivalent mean parasite burden. Miltefosine was effective in vivo in an L. infantum chagasi experimental model of infection. Studies to determine drug efficacy in experimental models of leishmaniasis involve several difficulties. Parasite quantification in tissues is generally done by techniques that are laborious and time consuming, such as limiting dilution and microscopic counting of amastigotes in imprinting of infected organs. To overcome some of these problems, we described in this study an experimental model of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) using parasites expressing luciferase. Leishmania infantum chagasi, the etiologic agent of VL in Latin America, was genetically manipulated to express the luciferase gene in order to produce light upon addition of luciferin. We inoculated these parasites in hamsters and, about one month post-infection, we detected light in the abdominal and/or pelvic region, indicating widespread infection. We compared the data obtained by bioluminescence with microscopic counting of amastigotes in imprinting of infected spleens and both methods showed concordant results. Aiming to validate our model to be used in drug effectiveness experiments, we performed the experimental treatment with pentavalent antimony, the first choice drug for VL treatment in Latin America. We also treated infected hamsters with miltefosine, the only oral drug used for leishmaniasis treatment and for which effectiveness against L. infantum chagasi infected hamsters had not yet been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Q. Reimão
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Jordana C. Oliveira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiana T. Trinconi
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo C. Cotrim
- Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano C. Coelho
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia R. B. Uliana
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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26
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Hitakarun A, Tan-ariya P, Siripattanapipong S, Mungthin M, Piyaraj P, Naaglor T, Siriyasatien P, Tiwananthagorn S, Leelayoova S. Comparison of PCR methods for detection of Leishmania siamensis infection. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:458. [PMID: 25274259 PMCID: PMC4188918 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania siamensis, a newly identified species, has been reported as a causative agent of leishmaniasis in Thailand. This organism has been identified and genetically characterized using PCR techniques based on several target genes. However, the sensitivities and specificities of these methods for the diagnosis of L. siamensis infection have never been evaluated. METHODS To evaluate the sensitivities and specificities of PCR methods to detect L. siamensis infection, PCR for different genetic markers, i.e., the small subunit ribosomal RNA region (SSU-rRNA), the internal transcribed spacer 1 region (ITS1), cysteine protease B (cpb), cytochrome b (cyt b), heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), the spliced leader mini-exon, and the triose-phosphate isomerase (tim) genes were compared. RESULTS Both the ITS1-PCR and the SSU rRNA-PCR could detect promastigote of L. siamensis at concentrations as low as 0.05 parasites/μl or the DNA concentration at 2.3 pg/μl. Though the ITS1-PCR method only recognized 8 samples as positive, all of these could be assessed as true positive according to microscopic diagnosis and/or amplifying the results of the PCR and their sequencing, while other methods also produced false positive results. Compared with the ITS1-PCR method, the PCR amplified SSU-rRNA and cpb gene showed 100% sensitivity for the detection of L. siamensis in clinical specimens. The PCR amplified mini-exon and hsp70 gene also gave a high sensitivity of 87.5%. In contrast, the PCR methods for cyt b and tim gene showed low sensitivity. The PCR methods for cyt b, mini-exon and tim gene showed 100% specificity compared with the ITS1-PCR. CONCLUSION As a result, the ITS1-PCR method is a suitable target for PCR-based detection of L. siamensis infection in clinical specimens due to its high sensitivity and specificity. The results of this study can be used for molecular diagnosis as well as in epidemiological studies of L. siamensis in affected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atitaya Hitakarun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Peerapan Tan-ariya
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | | | - Mathirut Mungthin
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Phunlerd Piyaraj
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Tawee Naaglor
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Saruda Tiwananthagorn
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand.
| | - Saovanee Leelayoova
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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27
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Mayer MG, Santos MGD, Silva MFLD, Floeter-Winter LM. Footprints of a trypanosomatid RNA world: pre-small subunit rRNA processing by spliced leader addition trans-splicing. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 107:522-31. [PMID: 22666864 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000400013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The addition of a capped mini-exon [spliced leader (SL)] through trans-splicing is essential for the maturation of RNA polymerase (pol) II-transcribed polycistronic pre-mRNAs in all members of the Trypanosomatidae family. This process is an inter-molecular splicing reaction that follows the same basic rules of cis-splicing reactions. In this study, we demonstrated that mini-exons were added to precursor ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) are transcribed by RNA pol I, including the 5' external transcribed spacer (ETS) region. Additionally, we detected the SL-5'ETS molecule using three distinct methods and located the acceptor site between two known 5'ETS rRNA processing sites (A' and A1) in four different trypanosomatids. Moreover, we detected a polyadenylated 5'ETS upstream of the trans-splicing acceptor site, which also occurs in pre-mRNA trans-splicing. After treatment with an indirect trans-splicing inhibitor (sinefungin), we observed SL-5'ETS decay. However, treatment with 5-fluorouracil (a precursor of RNA synthesis that inhibits the degradation of pre-rRNA) led to the accumulation of SL-5'ETS, suggesting that the molecule may play a role in rRNA degradation. The detection of trans-splicing in these molecules may indicate broad RNA-joining properties, regardless of the polymerase used for transcription.
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28
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Leelayoova S, Siripattanapipong S, Hitakarun A, Kato H, Tan-ariya P, Siriyasatien P, Osatakul S, Mungthin M. Multilocus characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Leishmania siamensis isolated from autochthonous visceral leishmaniasis cases, southern Thailand. BMC Microbiol 2013; 13:60. [PMID: 23506297 PMCID: PMC3724499 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-13-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania siamensis is an emerging disease continuously reported in six southern provinces of Thailand. To date, the phylogenetic relationships among Leishmania isolates from Thai patients and other Leishmania species are still unclear and the taxonomic diversity needs to be established. In this study, the phylogenetic inference trees were constructed based on four genetic loci (i.e., SSU-rRNA, ITS1, hsp70, and cyt b), using DNA sequences obtained from autochthonous VL patients from southern Thailand and reference sequences of reported Leishmania isolates from other studies deposited in GenBank. Results Phylogenetic analyses of hsp70 and cyt b loci supported a clade comprised of L. siamensis isolates, which is independent to the other members in the genus Leishmania. In combination with genetic distance analysis, sequence polymorphisms were observed among L. siamensis isolates and two different lineages could be differentiated, lineages PG and TR. Phylogenetic analysis of the cyt b gene further showed that L. siamensis lineage TR is closely related to L. enrietti, a parasite of guinea pigs. Conclusion The finding of this study sheds further light on the relationships of L. siamensis, both in intra- and inter-species aspects. This information would be useful for further in-depth studies on the biological properties of this important parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saovanee Leelayoova
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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NICODEMO AC, AMATO VS, MIRANDA AM, FLOETER-WINTER LMF, ZAMPIERI RA, FERNADES ER, DUARTE MIS. Are the severe injuries of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by an exacerbated Th1 response? Parasite Immunol 2012; 34:440-3. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2012.01372.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Bualert L, Charungkiattikul W, Thongsuksai P, Mungthin M, Siripattanapipong S, Khositnithikul R, Naaglor T, Ravel C, El Baidouri F, Leelayoova S. Autochthonous disseminated dermal and visceral leishmaniasis in an AIDS patient, southern Thailand, caused by Leishmania siamensis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 86:821-4. [PMID: 22556080 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the first establishment of in vitro cultivation and genotypic characterization of Leishmania siamensis isolated from an autochthonous disseminated dermal and visceral leishmaniasis in a Thai acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient. The molecular identification has shown that the parasite was identical to L. siamensis, a recently described Leishmania species reported in the southern provinces of Thailand. The phylogenetic analysis has confirmed L. siamensis as closely related to the zoonotic Leishmania species L. enrietti.
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31
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Zauli RC, Yokoyama-Yasunaka JK, Miguel DC, Moura AS, Pereira LI, da Silva IA, Lemes LG, Dorta ML, de Oliveira MA, Pitaluga AN, Ishikawa EA, Rodrigues JC, Traub-Cseko YM, Bijovsky AT, Ribeiro-Dias F, Uliana SR. A dysflagellar mutant of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis isolated from a cutaneous leishmaniasis patient. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:11. [PMID: 22236464 PMCID: PMC3271977 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parasites of the Leishmania genus alternate between the flagellated extracellular promastigote stage and intracellular amastigotes. Here we report the characterization of a Leishmania isolate, obtained from a cutaneous leishmaniasis patient, which presents peculiar morphological features. Methods The parasite was cultured in vitro and characterized morphologically using optical and electron microscopy. Identification was performed based on monoclonal antibodies and internal ribosomal spacer typing. In vitro macrophage cultures, murine experimental models and sand fly infections were used to evaluate infectivity in vitro and in vivo. Results The isolate was identified as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. In the atypical promastigotes grown in culture, a short flagellum surrounded or interrupted by a protuberance of disorganized material was observed. A normal axoneme was present close to the basal body but without elongation much further outside the flagellar pocket. A disorganized swelling at the precocious end of the axoneme coincided with the lack of a paraflagellar rod structure. The isolate was able to infect macrophages in vitro, induce lesions in BALB/c mice and infect Lutzomyia longipalpis. Conclusions Notwithstanding the lack of an extracellular flagellum, this isolate infects macrophages in vitro and produces lesions when inoculated into mice. Moreover, it is able to colonize phlebotomine sand flies. Considering the importance attributed to the flagellum in the successful infection and survival of Leishmania in the insect midgut and in the invasion of macrophages, these findings may bring new light into the infectious mechanisms of L. (V.) braziliensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogéria C Zauli
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
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Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis identification by PCR in the state of Para, Brazil. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2011; 105:173-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2010.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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de Lima ACS, Zampieri RA, Tomokane TY, Laurenti MD, Silveira FT, Corbett CEP, Floeter-Winter LM, Gomes CMC. Leishmania sp. identification by PCR associated with sequencing of target SSU rDNA in paraffin-embedded skin samples stored for more than 30 years. Parasitol Res 2010; 108:1525-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Depledge DP, MacLean LM, Hodgkinson MR, Smith BA, Jackson AP, Ma S, Uliana SRB, Smith DF. Leishmania-specific surface antigens show sub-genus sequence variation and immune recognition. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4:e829. [PMID: 20927190 PMCID: PMC2946902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A family of hydrophilic acylated surface (HASP) proteins, containing extensive and variant amino acid repeats, is expressed at the plasma membrane in infective extracellular (metacyclic) and intracellular (amastigote) stages of Old World Leishmania species. While HASPs are antigenic in the host and can induce protective immune responses, the biological functions of these Leishmania-specific proteins remain unresolved. Previous genome analysis has suggested that parasites of the sub-genus Leishmania (Viannia) have lost HASP genes from their genomes. Methods/Principal Findings We have used molecular and cellular methods to analyse HASP expression in New World Leishmania mexicana complex species and show that, unlike in L. major, these proteins are expressed predominantly following differentiation into amastigotes within macrophages. Further genome analysis has revealed that the L. (Viannia) species, L. (V.) braziliensis, does express HASP-like proteins of low amino acid similarity but with similar biochemical characteristics, from genes present on a region of chromosome 23 that is syntenic with the HASP/SHERP locus in Old World Leishmania species and the L. (L.) mexicana complex. A related gene is also present in Leptomonas seymouri and this may represent the ancestral copy of these Leishmania-genus specific sequences. The L. braziliensis HASP-like proteins (named the orthologous (o) HASPs) are predominantly expressed on the plasma membrane in amastigotes and are recognised by immune sera taken from 4 out of 6 leishmaniasis patients tested in an endemic region of Brazil. Analysis of the repetitive domains of the oHASPs has shown considerable genetic variation in parasite isolates taken from the same patients, suggesting that antigenic change may play a role in immune recognition of this protein family. Conclusions/Significance These findings confirm that antigenic hydrophilic acylated proteins are expressed from genes in the same chromosomal region in species across the genus Leishmania. These proteins are surface-exposed on amastigotes (although L. (L.) major parasites also express HASPB on the metacyclic plasma membrane). The central repetitive domains of the HASPs are highly variant in their amino acid sequences, both within and between species, consistent with a role in immune recognition in the host. Single-celled Leishmania parasites, transmitted by sand flies, infect humans and other mammals in many tropical and sub-tropical regions, giving rise to a spectrum of diseases called the leishmaniases. Species of parasite within the Leishmania genus can be divided into two groups (referred to as sub-genera) that are separated by up to 100 million years of evolution yet are highly related at the genome level. Our research is focused on identifying gene differences between these sub-genera that may identify proteins that impact on the transmission and pathogenicity of different Leishmania species. Here we report the presence of a highly-variant genomic locus (OHL) that was previously described as absent in parasites of the L. (Viannia) subgenus (on the basis of lack of key genes) but is present and well-characterised (as the LmcDNA16 locus) in all members of the alternative subgenus, L. (Leishmania). We demonstrate that the proteins encoded within the LmcDNA16 and OHL loci are similar in their structure and surface localisation in mammalian-infective amastigotes, despite significant differences in their DNA sequences. Most importantly, we demonstrate that the OHL locus proteins, like the HASP proteins from the LmcDNA16 locus, contain highly variable amino acid repeats that are antigenic in man and may therefore contribute to future vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Depledge
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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35
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Savani ESMM, de Almeida MF, de Oliveira Camargo MCG, D’Auria SRN, Silva MMS, de Oliveira ML, Sacramento D. Detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in Brazilian bats. Vet Parasitol 2010; 168:5-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2009] [Revised: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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36
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Suankratay C, Suwanpimolkul G, Wilde H, Siriyasatien P. Autochthonous visceral leishmaniasis in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient: the first in thailand and review of the literature. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2010; 82:4-8. [PMID: 20064986 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of visceral leishmaniasis in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected 37-year-old Thai fisherman who presented with nephritonephrotic syndrome, fever, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy revealed many amastigotes within macrophages. Kidney biopsy showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleotide sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 1 of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene in blood and kidney biopsy specimens showed Leishmania species previously described in a Thai patient with visceral leishmaniasis. Only four autochthonous cases of leishmaniasis have been reported in Thailand since 1996. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of autochthonous visceral leishmaniasis in an HIV-infected Thai. With an increasing number of patients with autochthonous leishmaniasis in association with the presence of potential vector, it remains to be determined whether this vector-borne disease will become an emerging infectious disease in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chusana Suankratay
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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37
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Zauli-Nascimento RC, Miguel DC, Yokoyama-Yasunaka JKU, Pereira LIA, Pelli de Oliveira MA, Ribeiro-Dias F, Dorta ML, Uliana SRB. In vitro sensitivity of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis Brazilian isolates to meglumine antimoniate and amphotericin B. Trop Med Int Health 2009; 15:68-76. [PMID: 19874570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02414.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Resistance of Leishmania parasites to specific chemotherapy has become a well-documented problem in the Indian subcontinent in recent years but only a few studies have focused on the susceptibility of American Leishmania isolates. Our susceptibility assays to meglumine antimoniate were performed against intracellular amastigotes after standardizing an in vitro model of macrophage infection appropriate for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis isolates. For the determination of promastigote susceptibility to amphotericin B, we developed a simplified MTT-test. The sensitivity in vitro to meglumine antimoniate and amphotericin B of 13 isolates obtained from Brazilian patients was determined. L. (V.) braziliensis isolates were more susceptible to meglumine antimoniate than Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. EC(50), EC(90) and activity indexes (calculated over the sensitivity of reference strains), suggested that all isolates tested were susceptible in vitro to meglumine antimoniate, and did not show association with the clinical outcomes. Isolates were also uniformly susceptible in vitro to amphotericin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogéria C Zauli-Nascimento
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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38
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Amato VS, Tuon FF, de Andrade, Jr HF, Bacha H, Pagliari C, Fernandes ER, Duarte MIS, Neto VA, Zampieri RA, Floeter-Winter LM, Celeste BJ, Oliveira J, Quiroga MM, Mascheretti M, Boulos M. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction on paraffin-embedded material improve the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Amazon region. Int J Dermatol 2009; 48:1091-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.04099.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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39
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Defining DNA-based operational taxonomic units for microbial-eukaryote ecology. Appl Environ Microbiol 2009; 75:5797-808. [PMID: 19592529 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00298-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA sequence information has increasingly been used in ecological research on microbial eukaryotes. Sequence-based approaches have included studies of the total diversity of selected ecosystems, studies of the autecology of ecologically relevant species, and identification and enumeration of species of interest for human health. It is still uncommon, however, to delineate protistan species based on their genetic signatures. The reluctance to assign species-level designations based on DNA sequences is in part a consequence of the limited amount of sequence information presently available for many free-living microbial eukaryotes and in part a consequence of the problematic nature of and debate surrounding the microbial species concept. Despite the difficulties inherent in assigning species names to DNA sequences, there is a growing need to attach meaning to the burgeoning amount of sequence information entering the literature, and there is a growing desire to apply this information in ecological studies. We describe a computer-based tool that assigns DNA sequences from environmental databases to operational taxonomic units at approximately species-level distinctions. This approach provides a practical method for ecological studies of microbial eukaryotes (primarily protists) by enabling semiautomated analysis of large numbers of samples spanning great taxonomic breadth. Derivation of the algorithm was based on an analysis of complete small-subunit (18S) rRNA gene sequences and partial gene sequences obtained from the GenBank database for morphologically described protistan species. The program was tested using environmental 18S rRNA data sets for two oceanic ecosystems. A total of 388 operational taxonomic units were observed for 2,207 sequences obtained from samples collected in the western North Atlantic and eastern North Pacific oceans.
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40
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Sukmee T, Siripattanapipong S, Mungthin M, Worapong J, Rangsin R, Samung Y, Kongkaew W, Bumrungsana K, Chanachai K, Apiwathanasorn C, Rujirojindakul P, Wattanasri S, Ungchusak K, Leelayoova S. A suspected new species of Leishmania, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in a Thai patient. Int J Parasitol 2008; 38:617-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2007.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/28/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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41
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Spanakos G, Piperaki ET, Menounos PG, Tegos N, Flemetakis A, Vakalis NC. Detection and species identification of Old World Leishmania in clinical samples using a PCR-based method. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2008; 102:46-53. [PMID: 17669452 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2007.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2007] [Revised: 05/26/2007] [Accepted: 05/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a simple, low-cost method for the detection and species differentiation of Leishmania directly from clinical samples, for routine use in a parasitology laboratory. A total of 87 samples was used, including 60 peripheral blood, seven bone marrow and 17 skin lesion material samples, derived from Greek patients with visceral or cutaneous leishmaniasis, and three reference strains. PCR was performed using primers designed to amplify the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of the rRNA gene. Identification of the Leishmania species studied was achieved by digestion with a single restriction endonuclease (RFLP), single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequencing of the PCR-generated fragments. Typing identified all visceral and one cutaneous leishmaniasis strains as L. infantum, twelve of the cutaneous leishmaniasis strains as L. tropica and four as L. major. The described PCR method proved efficient for the detection of pathogenic Leishmania species in various clinical samples, most importantly in peripheral blood samples. Furthermore, PCR followed by a simple RFLP using a single restriction endonuclease was capable of identifying all Leishmania species commonly encountered in Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Spanakos
- Department of Parasitology, Entomology and Tropical Diseases, National School of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Ave, 11521 Athens, Greece.
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42
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Tolezano JE, Uliana SRB, Taniguchi HH, Araújo MFL, Barbosa JAR, Barbosa JER, Floeter-Winter LM, Shaw JJ. The first records of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in dogs (Canis familiaris) diagnosed clinically as having canine visceral leishmaniasis from Araçatuba County, São Paulo State, Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2007; 149:280-4. [PMID: 17720321 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2007] [Revised: 04/30/2007] [Accepted: 07/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Two cases of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis are reported in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). These are the first records of this parasite in this species. The animals lived in the endemic visceral leishmaniasis area of Araçatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil and were initially diagnosed, on clinical grounds, as having visceral leishmaniasis. Attempted parasite isolation from inguinal lymph node aspirates was unsuccessful and the indirect immunofluorescent test for visceral leishmaniasis was negative in both cases. Parasites were seen in cytological preparations of their lymph nodes and the DNA obtained from these same tissues produced the expected fragment in a Leishmania specific rDNA based PCR assay. The products only hybridized with the L. (L.) amazonensis specific probe S8. No human cases of L. (L.) amazonensis have been reported in this region. These results suggest that L. (L.) amazonensis is being transmitted in the peridomestic habitat and that this parasite is responsible for a clinical condition that is similar to visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. (L.) i. chagasi that is present in the same area.
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Affiliation(s)
- José E Tolezano
- Seção de Parasitoses Sistêmicas, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 351 8o andar, 01246-902 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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43
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do Nascimento JC, de Paiva BR, dos Santos Malafronte R, Fernandes WD, Galati EAB. Natural infection of phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a visceral-leishmaniasis focus in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2007; 49:119-22. [PMID: 17505673 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652007000200011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2006] [Accepted: 10/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to investigate natural infection by Leishmania in phlebotomine females in a visceral-leishmaniasis focus in Antonio João county in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Between June and October 2003, the digestive tracts of 81 females captured in Aldeia Campestre, Aldeia Marangatu and Povoado Campestre were dissected. The females were separated by species, location, area and date of capture into 13 groups and kept in ethanol 70%. To identify the Leishmania species using the PCR technique, amplifications of the ribosomal-DNA (rDNA) and mini-exon genes were analyzed. Of the 81 specimens, 77 (95%) were Lutzomyia longipalpis, making this the most common species; only one specimen of each of the species Brumptomyia avellari, Evandromyia cortelezzii, Evandromyia lenti and Nyssomyia whitmani was found. Trypanosomatids were identified in eight of the nine groups of Lutzomyia longipalpis (10.39%) one group from Aldeia Campestre, one from Aldeia Marangatu and six from Povoado Campestre; of the eight groups, one from Aldeia Marangatu and another, with promastigotes forms also confirmed by dissection (1.23%) from Povoado Campestre, were identified by PCR as Leishmania chagasi (2.6%). The other groups gave negative results. These findings indicate that there is a high risk of leishmaniasis transmission in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Cezar do Nascimento
- Regional Entomology Laboratory, State Department of Health, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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44
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de Paiva BR, Secundino NFC, Pimenta PFP, Galati EAB, Andrade Junior HF, Malafronte RDS. Padronização de condições para detecção de DNA de Leishmania spp. em flebotomíneos (Diptera, Psychodidae) pela reação em cadeia da polimerase. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2007; 23:87-94. [PMID: 17187107 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-311x2007000100010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A correta identificação dos agentes etiológicos em insetos vetores é de crucial importância aos estudos epidemiológicos. A pesquisa de flagelado nesses vetores, pela dissecção de seu trato digestivo, observação microscópica do seu conteúdo ou por isolamento dos parasitas provenientes de insetos em meios de cultura, tem-se mostrado operacionalmente inadequada e com baixa especificidade do diagnóstico, pois fêmeas de flebotomíneos também podem albergar outros flagelados como Trypanosoma e Endotrypanum. Acreditamos que por sua eficiência e especificidade, a amplificação de seqüências-alvo do DNA da Leishmania, por meio da reação em cadeia de polimerase, pode ser aplicada na investigação de sua presença em flebotomíneos, desde que estes estejam devidamente acondicionados e o DNA do parasita extraído a partir de metodologia adequada. Este trabalho descreve metodologias utilizadas na padronização da conservação dos espécimes de flebotomíneos e extração do DNA da Leishmania como uma alternativa mais prática que os métodos tradicionais.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byanca Regina de Paiva
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
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45
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Silva ES, Gontijo CM, Melo MN. Response to Brandão-Filho and Shaw: Molecular markers for Leishmania diagnosis. Trends Parasitol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2006.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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46
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Tuon FF, Sabbaga Amato V, Floeter-Winter LM, de Andrade Zampieri R, Amato Neto V, Siqueira França FO, Shikanai-Yasuda MA. Cutaneous leishmaniasis reactivation 2 years after treatment caused by systemic corticosteroids - first report. Int J Dermatol 2006; 46:628-30. [PMID: 17550567 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2006.03096.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), an endemic anthropozoonosis in various countries in the world, is caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. Despite reports on ATL reactivation as a result of immunosuppression, to the best of our knowledge, this paper describes the first case of ATL reactivation in its localized form (cutaneous leishmaniasis) associated with the administration of systemic corticosteroids. The possible action of corticosteroids on the host immune response to the parasite in patients with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis is discussed. This report demonstrates the possibility of ATL reactivation in patients using corticosteroids, an observation that should be considered in individuals treated with this medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Francisco Tuon
- Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Clinic, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
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47
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Paiva BR, Secundino NFC, Nascimento JC, Pimenta PFP, Galati EAB, Junior HFA, Malafronte RS. Detection and identification of Leishmania species in field-captured phlebotomine sandflies based on mini-exon gene PCR. Acta Trop 2006; 99:252-9. [PMID: 17055444 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2006.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2005] [Revised: 08/15/2006] [Accepted: 08/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the most diverse and complex of all vector-borne diseases. Because it involves several overlapping species and sandfly vectors, the disease has a complex ecology and epidemiology. Adequate therapy and follow-up depend on parasitological diagnosis, but classical methods present several constraints when identifying species. We describe a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which uses primers designed from mini-exon repetitive sequences that are specific for subgenus LeishmaniaViannia (PV), as well as sequences with specificity for genus (PG) that can distinguish between Leishmania species from other insect flagellates with minor differences in PCR products. For standardization, these PCR were tested in experimentally infected sandflies, and Leishmania infection in these insects was successfully confirmed. This methodology identified a 3.9% infection rate in field-captured phlebotomine sandflies from an endemic region in Brazil. Natural infection by Leishmania species was identified in three samples of Lutzomyia longipalpis, of which two were Leishmania (L.) chagasi and one Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Irrespective of specific epidemiological conclusions, the method used in this study was able to identify Leishmania infections both in experimentally infected and field-captured phlebotomine sandflies, and could be a useful tool in epidemiological studies and strategic planning for the control of human leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Paiva
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
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48
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Disch J, Caligiorne RB, Maciel F, Oliveira MC, Orsini M, Dias-Neto E, Rabello A. Single-step duplex kDNA-PCR for detection of Leishmania donovani complex in human peripheral blood samples. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2006; 56:395-400. [PMID: 16935456 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2006.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2006] [Revised: 06/27/2006] [Accepted: 07/03/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed using a sense Leishmania genus-specific oligonucleotides to amplify the conserved region of 120 bp of minicircle kDNA and an additional antisense Leishmania donovani oligonucleotide that amplifies a complex-specific fragment of 90 bp. All 12 tested reference isolates of the L. donovani complex yielded a complex-specific amplification product of 90 bp concurrently with a genus-specific 120-bp product. All 17 tested reference isolates pertaining to other complexes presented only the genus-specific 120-bp product. Peripheral blood samples of twenty patients with visceral leishmaniasis positive by the genus-specific PCR presented both fragments with the duplex assay. This duplex PCR can be applied as a 1-step diagnostic tool where discrimination of L. donovani complex species is relevant for clinical and epidemiologic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolande Disch
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
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49
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Nogueira YL, Galati EAB. Reproduction of Leishmania (Leishmania ) infantum chagasi in conditioned cell culture growth medium. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2006; 48:147-50. [PMID: 16847504 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652006000300006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmanias can be produced by inoculation in conditioned McCoy cell culture growth medium (CGM). Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi (100 parasites) grown in NNN medium was inoculated in 2.5 mL CGM, kept in plates (24 wells) and its multiplication was observed for five days (120 hours). After day 5, the medium was saturated with the flagellate forms of the parasite (promastigotes). The reproduction of the leishmanias was observed every 24 hours and the number of parasites was calculated by counting the parasites in a drop of 10 µ L and photomicrographied. So the number of Leishmanias was adjusted to 1 mL volume. The advantage of the technique by isolation of Leishmania in CGM demonstrated in this study is its low cost and high efficacy even with a small quantity of parasites (10² promastigotes) used as inoculum. Additionally, isolation of the leishmania can be obtained together with an increase in their density (180 times) as observed by growth kinetics, within a shorter time. These results justify the use of this low-cost technique for the isolation and investigation of the behavior and multiplication of Leishmania both in vertebrates and invertebrates, besides offering means of obtaining antigens, whether whole antigens (leishmanias) or the soluble antigens produced by the parasites which may be useful for the production of new diagnostic kits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeda L Nogueira
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Avc. Dr. Arnaldo 715, 01246-902 São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
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50
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Simpson AGB, Stevens JR, Lukes J. The evolution and diversity of kinetoplastid flagellates. Trends Parasitol 2006; 22:168-74. [PMID: 16504583 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2006.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2005] [Revised: 01/09/2006] [Accepted: 02/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Five years ago, little was known about kinetoplastid evolution. Recent improvements in the taxon sampling for nuclear rRNA genes and several protein markers have transformed this understanding. Parasitism evolved at least four times in kinetoplastids. Obligate parasitic trypanosomatids are a relatively 'derived' group within kinetoplastids; their closest relative is likely to be the free-living Bodo saltans, and the ancestral trypanosomatids were probably parasites of insects. Although subject to recent controversy, trypanosomes (genus Trypanosoma) probably constitute a monophyletic group. Several unusual features of trypanosomatid genomes (e.g. trans-splicing, mitochondrial RNA editing and intron poverty) are common in kinetoplastids and pre-date the adoption of parasitism. The framework of relationships is becoming robust enough for real comparative approaches to be used to understand kinetoplastid biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair G B Simpson
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, B3H 4J1
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