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Fathima PA, Kumar Shah H, Sivalaxmi B, Haritha HA, Ajithlal PM, Aiswarya RS, Saini P. Genetic diversity of Leishmania donovani causing visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Western Ghats, India. Gene 2024; 928:148803. [PMID: 39074644 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The visceral and atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis (VL and CL) caused by Leishmania donovani is an emerging infectious disease in the Western Ghats, Kerala, India. In this study, L. donovani specific kinetoplast minicircle DNA (k-DNA) sequence analysis was conducted to ascertain the genetic variability among the L. donovani isolates from the Western Ghats. Out of 23CL and 5 VL suspected patient samples, 18CL and 3 VL tested positive for k-DNA diagnostic PCR. Subsequently, 17CL and 3 VL samples were found positive for L. donovani specific k-DNA PCR. Although the genetic diversity among the VL and CL isolates was low, there was clear variation from the parasites reported from other countries. The parasites characterized from the current study were more related to those reported from East Africa and India.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Fathima
- Indian Council of Medical Research- Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - Harish Kumar Shah
- Indian Council of Medical Research- Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - B Sivalaxmi
- Indian Council of Medical Research- Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - H A Haritha
- Indian Council of Medical Research- Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - P M Ajithlal
- Indian Council of Medical Research- Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - R S Aiswarya
- Indian Council of Medical Research- Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - Prasanta Saini
- Indian Council of Medical Research- Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India.
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2
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Hendrickx R, Melkamu R, Tadesse D, Teferi T, Feijens PB, Vleminckx M, van Henten S, Alves F, Shibru T, van Griensven J, Caljon G, Pareyn M. Spliced-Leader RNA as a Dynamic Marker for Monitoring Viable Leishmania Parasites During and After Treatment. J Infect Dis 2024; 230:183-187. [PMID: 39052713 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Accurate detection of viable Leishmania parasites is critical for evaluating visceral leishmaniasis (VL) treatment response at an early timepoint. We compared the decay of kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) and spliced-leader RNA (SL-RNA) in vitro, in vivo, and in a VL patient cohort. An optimized combination of blood preservation and nucleic acid extraction improved efficiency for both targets. SL-RNA degraded more rapidly during treatment than kDNA, and correlated better with microscopic examination. SL-RNA quantitative polymerase chain reaction emerges as a superior method for dynamic monitoring of viable Leishmania parasites. It enables individualized treatment monitoring for improved prognoses and has potential as an early surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rik Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Roma Melkamu
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar
| | | | - Tedla Teferi
- Malaria and Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, Arba Minch General Hospital, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Pim-Bart Feijens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Margot Vleminckx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Saskia van Henten
- Clinical Sciences Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fabiana Alves
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tamiru Shibru
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University
| | - Johan van Griensven
- Clinical Sciences Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Myrthe Pareyn
- Clinical Sciences Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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3
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Maestrini S, Diotallevi A, Santilli L, Canovari B, Orlandi C, Buffi G, Ceccarelli M, Galluzzi L. The use of conjunctival swabs in the diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 110:116450. [PMID: 39029389 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe disease whose diagnosis comprises immunological tests, microscopic biopsy examination, and biomolecular assays. In veterinary medicine, conjunctival swabs are widely used for detection of parasite DNA. Here, we describe the case of human VL in which conjunctival swabs were successfully used for Leishmania detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Maestrini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Aurora Diotallevi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Luca Santilli
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, San Salvatore Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale Pesaro-Urbino, Pesaro, Italy
| | - Benedetta Canovari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, San Salvatore Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale Pesaro-Urbino, Pesaro, Italy
| | - Chiara Orlandi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Gloria Buffi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Marcello Ceccarelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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4
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Latrofa MS, Cereda M, Louzada-Flores VN, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Q3 lab-on-chip real-time PCR for the diagnosis of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0010424. [PMID: 38661386 PMCID: PMC11237631 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00104-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by many Leishmania spp. which infect humans and other mammalian hosts. Leishmania infantum is the main agent of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) whose diagnosis is usually confirmed by serological and molecular tests. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and analytical sensitivities of a lab-on-chip (LOC) real-time PCR applied on the portable Q3-Plus V2 platform (Q3 qPCR) in the detection of L. infantum. The Q3 qPCR performance was assessed by comparing the quantification cycle (Cq) values with those obtained using the qPCR run on a CFX96 Real-Time System (CFX96 qPCR). A total of 173 DNA samples (extracted from bone marrow, lymph node, blood, buffy coat, conjunctival swab, and skin) as well as 93 non-extracted samples (NES) (bone marrow, lymph node, blood, and buffy coat) collected from dogs were tested with both systems. Serial dilutions of each representative DNA and NES sample were used to assess the analytical sensitivity of the Q3 qPCR system. Overlapping Cq values were obtained with the Q3 qPCR and CFX96 qPCR, both using DNA extracted from L. infantum promastigotes (limit of detection, <1 promastigote per milliliter) and from biological samples as well as with NES. However, the Q3 qPCR system showed a higher sensitivity in detecting L. infantum in NES as compared with the CFX96 qPCR. Our data indicate that the Q3 qPCR system could be a reliable tool for detecting L. infantum DNA in biological samples, bypassing the DNA extraction step, which represents an advance in the point-of-care diagnostic of CanL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Cereda
- STMicroelectronics Srl, Agrate Brianza (MB), Italy
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
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5
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Lahmamsi H, Ananou S, Lahlali R, Tahiri A. Lactic acid bacteria as an eco-friendly approach in plant production: Current state and prospects. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2024; 69:465-489. [PMID: 38393576 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-024-01146-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Since the late nineteenth century, the agricultural sector has experienced a tremendous increase in chemical use in response to the growing population. Consequently, the intensive and indiscriminate use of these substances caused serious damage on several levels, including threatening human health, disrupting soil microbiota, affecting wildlife ecosystems, and causing groundwater pollution. As a solution, the application of microbial-based products presents an interesting and ecological restoration tool. The use of Plant Growth-Promoting Microbes (PGPM) affected positive production, by increasing its efficiency, reducing production costs, environmental pollution, and chemical use. Among these microbial communities, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are considered an interesting candidate to be formulated and applied as effective microbes. Indeed, these bacteria are approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Qualified Presumption of Safety statute and Generally Recognized as Safe for various applications. To do so, this review comes as a road map for future research, which addresses the different steps included in LAB formulation as biocontrol, bioremediation, or plant growth promoting agents from the isolation process to their field application passing by the different identification methods and their various uses. The plant application methods as well as challenges limiting their use in agriculture are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitam Lahmamsi
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie Microbienne et Molécules Bioactives, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Route Immouzer BP 2202, Fez, Morocco
- Unité de Phytopathologie, Département de Protection des Plantes, Ecole Nationale d'Agriculture, Km10, Rt Haj Kaddour, BP S/40, 50001, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Samir Ananou
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie Microbienne et Molécules Bioactives, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Route Immouzer BP 2202, Fez, Morocco
| | - Rachid Lahlali
- Unité de Phytopathologie, Département de Protection des Plantes, Ecole Nationale d'Agriculture, Km10, Rt Haj Kaddour, BP S/40, 50001, Meknes, Morocco.
| | - Abdessalem Tahiri
- Unité de Phytopathologie, Département de Protection des Plantes, Ecole Nationale d'Agriculture, Km10, Rt Haj Kaddour, BP S/40, 50001, Meknes, Morocco.
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6
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De Silva NL, De Silva VNH, Weerasooriya MV, Takagi H, Itoh M, Kato H, Yahathugoda TC. A real-time PCR for quantification of parasite burden and its correlations with clinical characteristics and anti-rKRP42 IgG level in cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Parasitol Int 2024; 100:102865. [PMID: 38341021 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In visceral and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, humoral immune response can reflect disease severity and parasite burden. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka is caused by a usually visceralizing parasite, Leishmania donovani. We assessed the parasite burden (relative quantity-RQ) in 190 CL patients using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR-with primers designed for this study) and smear microscopy, then correlated it with clinical parameters and IgG response. RQ of parasite DNA was determined with human-specific glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the internal control. The qPCR sensitivity was tested with serially diluted DNA from cultured L. donovani parasites. Smears were assigned a score based on number of parasites per high power field. Data from previous studies were used for comparison and correlation; nested Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) PCR as reference standard (RS) and IgG antibody titers to the Leishmania rKRp42 antigen as the immune response. The qPCR amplified and quantified 86.8% of the samples while demonstrating a fair and significant agreement with ITS1-PCR and microscopy. Parasite burden by qPCR and microscopy were highly correlated (r = 0.76; p = 0.01) but showed no correlation with the IgG response (r = 0.056; p = 0.48). Corresponding mean RQs of IgG titers grouped by percentiles, showed no significant difference (p = 0.93). Mean RQ was higher in early lesions (p = 0.04), decreased with lesion size (p = 0.12) and slightly higher among papules, nodules and wet ulcers (p = 0.72). Our study established qPCR's efficacy in quantifying parasite burden in Sri Lankan CL lesions but no significant correlation was observed between the parasite burden and host IgG response to the Leishmania rKRP42 antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hidekazu Takagi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi 480-1195, Japan.
| | - Makoto Itoh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Kato
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
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7
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van Dijk NJ, Hagos DG, Huggins DM, Carrillo E, Ajala S, Chicharro C, Kiptanui D, Solana JC, Abner E, Wolday D, Schallig HDFH. Simplified molecular diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: Laboratory evaluation of miniature direct-on-blood PCR nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011637. [PMID: 38713648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in resource-limited endemic regions is currently based on serological testing with rK39 immunochromatographic tests (ICTs). However, rK39 ICT frequently has suboptimal diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, treatment monitoring and detection of VL relapses is reliant on insensitive and highly invasive tissue aspirate microscopy. Miniature direct-on-blood PCR nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay (mini-dbPCR-NALFIA) is an innovative and user-friendly molecular tool which does not require DNA extraction and uses a lateral flow strip for result read-out. This assay could be an interesting candidate for more reliable VL diagnosis and safer test of cure at the point of care. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS The performance of mini-dbPCR-NALFIA for diagnosis of VL in blood was assessed in a laboratory evaluation and compared with the accuracy of rK39 ICTs Kalazar Detect in Spain and IT LEISH in East Africa. Limit of detection of mini-dbPCR-NALFIA was 650 and 500 parasites per mL of blood for Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum, respectively. In 146 blood samples from VL-suspected patients from Spain, mini-dbPCR-NALFIA had a sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity 97.2%, while Kalazar Detect had a sensitivity of 71.2% and specificity of 94.5%, compared to a nested PCR reference. For a sample set from 58 VL patients, 10 malaria patients and 68 healthy controls from Ethiopia and Kenya, mini-dbPCR-NALFIA had a pooled sensitivity of 87.9% and pooled specificity of 100% using quantitative PCR as reference standard. IT LEISH sensitivity and specificity in the East African samples were 87.9% and 97.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Mini-dbPCR-NALFIA is a promising tool for simplified molecular diagnosis of VL and follow-up of treated patients in blood samples. Future studies should evaluate its use in endemic, resource-limited settings, where mini-dbPCR-NALFIA may provide an accurate and versatile alternative to rK39 ICTs and aspirate microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert J van Dijk
- Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases Programme, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dawit Gebreegziabiher Hagos
- Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases Programme, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Daniela M Huggins
- Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eugenia Carrillo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda (Madrid), Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sophia Ajala
- Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carmen Chicharro
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda (Madrid), Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Kiptanui
- Kacheliba Sub-County Hospital, Kacheliba, West Pokot County, Kenya
| | - Jose Carlos Solana
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda (Madrid), Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Edwin Abner
- Kacheliba Sub-County Hospital, Kacheliba, West Pokot County, Kenya
| | - Dawit Wolday
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Henk D F H Schallig
- Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases Programme, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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8
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Pereira IAG, Freitas CS, Câmara RSB, Jesus MM, Lage DP, Tavares GSV, Soyer TG, Ramos FF, Soares NP, Santiago SS, Martins VT, Vale DL, Pimenta BL, Ludolf F, Oliveira FM, Duarte MC, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Costa AV, Gonçalves DU, Roatt BM, Teixeira RR, Coelho EAF. Treatment using vanillin-derived synthetic molecules incorporated into polymeric micelles is effective against infection caused by Leishmania amazonensis species. Exp Parasitol 2024; 260:108743. [PMID: 38513973 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Treatment against leishmaniasis presents problems, mainly due to the toxicity of the drugs, high cost, and the emergence of resistant strains. A previous study showed that two vanillin-derived synthetic molecules, 3s [4-(2-hydroxy-3-(4-octyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)propoxy)-3-methoxybenzaldehyde] and 3t [4-(3-(4-decyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)-3-methoxybenzaldehyde], presented antileishmanial activity against Leishmania infantum, L. amazonensis, and L. braziliensis species. In the present work, 3s and 3t were evaluated to treat L. amazonensis-infected mice. Molecules were used pure or incorporated into Poloxamer 407-based micelles. In addition, amphotericin B (AmpB) and its liposomal formulation, Ambisome®, were used as control. Animals received the treatment and, one and 30 days after, they were euthanized to evaluate immunological, parasitological, and biochemical parameters. Results showed that the micellar compositions (3s/Mic and 3t/Mic) induced significant reductions in the lesion mean diameter and parasite load in the infected tissue and distinct organs, as well as a specific and significant antileishmanial Th1-type immune response, which was based on significantly higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, nitrite, and IgG2a isotype antibodies. Drug controls showed also antileishmanial action; although 3s/Mic and 3t/Mic have presented better and more significant parasitological and immunological data, which were based on significantly higher IFN-γ production and lower parasite burden in treated animals. In addition, significantly lower levels of urea, creatinine, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase were found in mice treated with 3s/Mic and 3t/Mic, when compared to the others. In conclusion, results suggest that 3s/Mic and 3t/Mic could be considered as therapeutic candidates to treat against L. amazonensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela A G Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila S Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel S B Câmara
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M Jesus
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela P Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele S V Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tauane G Soyer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nícia P Soares
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas Em Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Samira S Santiago
- Grupo de Síntese e Pesquisa de Compostos Bioativos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Avenida PH Rolfs, S/N, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vívian T Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danniele L Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Breno L Pimenta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ludolf
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-110, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabrício M Oliveira
- Instituto Federal de Educação de Minas Gerais, Rua Afonso Sardinha, 90, Bairro Pioneiros, 36420-000, Ouro Branco, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José S/N, Umacollo, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Adilson V Costa
- Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo, Alto Universitário, S/n, Guararema, 29500-000, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Denise U Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno M Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas Em Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Róbson R Teixeira
- Grupo de Síntese e Pesquisa de Compostos Bioativos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Avenida PH Rolfs, S/N, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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9
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Yimer M, Takele Y, Yizengaw E, Nibret E, Sumova P, Volf P, Yismaw G, Alehegn M, Rowan A, Müller I, Cotton JA, Chapman LAC, Kropf P. Demographic characteristics and prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infection in migrant workers working in an endemic area in Northwest Ethiopia. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 4:1367387. [PMID: 38655403 PMCID: PMC11035784 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2024.1367387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a neglected tropical disease that causes substantial morbidity and mortality, is a serious health problem in Ethiopia. Infections are caused by Leishmania (L.) donovani parasites. Most individuals remain asymptomatic, but some develop VL, which is generally fatal if not treated. We identified the area of Metema-Humera in Northwest Ethiopia as a setting in which we could follow migrant workers when they arrived in an endemic area. The demographic characteristics of this population and factors associated with their risk of asymptomatic infection are poorly characterised. Methods We divided our cohort into individuals who visited this area for the first time (first comers, FC) and those who had already been in this area (repeat comers, RC). We followed them from the beginning (Time 1, T1) to the end of the agricultural season (Time 2, T2), performing tests for sand fly bite exposure (anti-sand fly saliva antibody ELISA) and serology for Leishmania infection (rK39 rapid diagnostic test and the direct agglutination test) at each time point and collecting information on risk factors for infection. Results Our results show that most migrant workers come from non-endemic areas, are male, young (median age of 20 years) and are farmers or students. At T1, >80% of them had been already exposed to sand fly bites, as shown by the presence of anti-saliva antibodies. However, due to seasonality of sand flies there was no difference in exposure between FC and RC, or between T1 and T2. The serology data showed that at T1, but not at T2, a significantly higher proportion of RC were asymptomatic. Furthermore, 28.6% of FC became asymptomatic between T1 and T2. Over the duration of this study, one FC and one RC developed VL. In multivariable logistic regression of asymptomatic infection at T1, only age and the number of visits to Metema/Humera were significantly associated with asymptomatic infection. Conclusion A better understanding of the dynamics of parasite transmission and the risk factors associated with the development of asymptomatic infections and potentially VL will be essential for the development of new strategies to prevent leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulat Yimer
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Yegnasew Takele
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Endalew Yizengaw
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Institute of Biotechnology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Endalkachew Nibret
- Institute of Biotechnology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Petra Sumova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Michael Alehegn
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Aileen Rowan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrid Müller
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Cotton
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lloyd A. C. Chapman
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale Kropf
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Dorji T, Dorjee S, Wangdi T, Tshokey T, Pradhan AR, Penjor K, Namgay R, Togbye T, Karunaweera N. Efforts toward the Elimination of Visceral Leishmaniasis in South Asia: A Review of Progress in Bhutan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:633-638. [PMID: 38471147 PMCID: PMC10993832 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are a group of diseases under the category of neglected tropical diseases targeted for global elimination. However, they continue to pose major clinical and public health problems, especially among those living in poor socioeconomic conditions. Here, we summarize leishmaniasis elimination efforts in Bhutan. Between 1994 and 2022, Bhutan recorded 54 cases of leishmaniasis across 14 of its 20 districts. There are seven species of Phlebotomus and three species of Sergentomyia sand flies documented in the country. At a subnational level, all endemic districts recorded a visceral leishmaniasis annual incidence <1 per 10,000 population, meeting the regional elimination targets. Serological testing with ELISA and molecular testing with polymerase chain reaction were established at the Royal Center for Disease Control in 2022. A leishmaniasis prevention and management guideline was adopted in 2023 to aid clinicians in diagnosis and management. Active and passive case surveillance was integrated with the national infectious disease early warning and response system. Risk-based entomological surveillance and control have also been prioritized. Climate change may play a major role in rendering districts in the temperate zone favorable for vector proliferation. The country's medical university introduced a diploma course in medical entomology in 2023 to augment the human resources needed for vector surveillance efforts. However, leishmaniasis elimination lacks dedicated programmatic management amid competing priorities for resources against other infectious diseases. Leishmaniasis elimination requires a targeted and programmatic approach in Bhutan, including cross-border collaborative efforts with neighboring Indian states. Bhutan remains highly committed to achieving leishmaniasis elimination targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thinley Dorji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Bhutan
| | - Sithar Dorjee
- Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tenzin Wangdi
- Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Gelephu, Bhutan
| | - Tshokey Tshokey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Ambika Rani Pradhan
- Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
- Department of Dermatology, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Kinley Penjor
- Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Rinzin Namgay
- Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Gelephu, Bhutan
| | - Togbye Togbye
- Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Gelephu, Bhutan
| | - Nadira Karunaweera
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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da Silva AR, Herrera HM, de Oliveira CE, Torres JM, Ferreira AMR, Leite JDS, Menezes RC, Martinez ÉV, de Oliveira GMDS, Santos FM, de Andrade GB. The relationships among Leishmania infantum and phyllostomid bats assessed by histopathological and molecular assays. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100904. [PMID: 38261956 PMCID: PMC10797179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.100904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Bats have been reported as reservoir host of Leishmania spp. worldwide, mostly by molecular detection. However, it is still unclear whether bats act as reservoirs of Leishmania infantum to sandflies vectors. In this sense, the investigation of amastigotes forms in the target organs, and the characterization of their associated inflammation, may help to clarify the epidemiological importance of bats in endemic areas for leishmaniasis. The aim of this work was to investigate the host-parasite relationships under microscopic evaluation and predict the epidemiological role of two phyllostomid bats species naturally infected by L. infantum in an endemic area for human leishmaniasis. Fragments of skin, liver and spleen of L. infantum positive and negative bats (Artibeus planirostris and Carollia perspicillata) by qPCR, were studied by histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Both groups, positive and negative, did not show differences in the histopathological study, presenting only discrete tissue changes. Liver and skin showed mild inflammatory reactions. Findings on spleen consisted of reactivity of the lymphoid follicles, expressive presence of apoptotic cells and macrophages containing abundant phagocytic cells debris. We did not find amastigote forms in tissues by histological and IHC techniques in positive qPCR bats. Our results allow us to hypothesize that phyllostomid bats seem to have an important role in reducing the risk of transmission, possibly acting as dead-end host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanderson Rodrigues da Silva
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Av. Tamandaré, 6000, CEP: 79117900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Av. Tamandaré, 6000, CEP: 79117900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Av. Tamandaré, 6000, CEP: 79117900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carina Elisei de Oliveira
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Av. Tamandaré, 6000, CEP: 79117900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Av. Tamandaré, 6000, CEP: 79117900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- LAMP LAB - LAMP Diagnostico LTDA– Av. Tamandaré, 6000, Jardim Seminário, 79117-900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jaire Marinho Torres
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Av. Tamandaré, 6000, CEP: 79117900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Reis Ferreira
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Rua Vital Brazil, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana da Silva Leite
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Rua Vital Brazil, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Caldas Menezes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, Av. Brasil, 4036, Sala 119, Manguinhos, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Érica Verneque Martinez
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação Científica, Av. Tamandaré, 6000, CEP: 79117900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gabrielly Moreira dos Santos de Oliveira
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação Científica, Av. Tamandaré, 6000, CEP: 79117900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Filipe Martins Santos
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Av. Tamandaré, 6000, CEP: 79117900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- LAMP LAB - LAMP Diagnostico LTDA– Av. Tamandaré, 6000, Jardim Seminário, 79117-900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gisele Braziliano de Andrade
- Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Av. Tamandaré, 6000, CEP: 79117900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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12
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Pacher G, Franca T, Lacerda M, Alves NO, Piranda EM, Arruda C, Cena C. Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Using FTIR Spectroscopy and Machine Learning: An Animal Model Study. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:467-474. [PMID: 38189234 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a polymorphic and spectral skin disease caused by Leishmania spp. protozoan parasites. CL is difficult to diagnose because conventional methods are time-consuming, expensive, and low-sensitive. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with machine learning (ML) algorithms has been explored as an alternative to achieve fast and accurate results for many disease diagnoses. Besides the high accuracy demonstrated in numerous studies, the spectral variations between infected and noninfected groups are too subtle to be noticed. Since variability in sample set characteristics (such as sex, age, and diet) often leads to significant data variance and limits the comprehensive understanding of spectral characteristics and immune responses, we investigate a novel methodology for diagnosing CL in an animal model study. Blood serum, skin lesions, and draining popliteal lymph node samples were collected from Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis-infected BALB/C mice under experimental conditions. The FTIR method and ML algorithms accurately differentiated between infected (CL group) and noninfected (control group) samples. The best overall accuracy (∼72%) was obtained in an external validation test using principal component analysis and support vector machine algorithms in the 1800-700 cm-1 range for blood serum samples. The accuracy achieved in analyzing skin lesions and popliteal lymph node samples was satisfactory; however, notable disparities emerged in the validation tests compared to results obtained from blood samples. This discrepancy is likely attributed to the elevated sample variability resulting from molecular compositional differences. According to the findings, the successful functioning of prediction models is mainly related to data analysis rather than the differences in the molecular composition of the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Pacher
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Humana, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Thiago Franca
- Laboratório de Óptica e Fotônica (SISFOTON-UFMS), Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Miller Lacerda
- Laboratório de Óptica e Fotônica (SISFOTON-UFMS), Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Natália O Alves
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Humana, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Eliane M Piranda
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Humana, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Carla Arruda
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Humana, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Cícero Cena
- Laboratório de Óptica e Fotônica (SISFOTON-UFMS), Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79070-900, Brazil
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13
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Shmueli M, Ben-Shimol S. Review of Leishmaniasis Treatment: Can We See the Forest through the Trees? PHARMACY 2024; 12:30. [PMID: 38392937 PMCID: PMC10892631 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There are three known clinical syndromes of leishmaniasis: cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (MCL), and visceral disease (VL). In MCL and VL, treatment must be systemic (either oral or intravenous), while CL treatment options vary and include observation-only localized/topical treatment, oral medications, or parenteral drugs. Leishmaniasis treatment is difficult, with several factors to be considered. First, the efficacy of treatments varies among different species of parasites prevalent in different areas on the globe, with each species having a unique clinical presentation and resistance profile. Furthermore, leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD), resulting in a lack of evidence-based knowledge regarding treatment. Therefore, physicians often rely on case reports or case series studies, in the absence of randomized controlled trials (RCT), to assess treatment efficacy. Second, defining cure, especially in CL and MCL, may be difficult, as death of the parasite can be achieved in most cases, while the aesthetic result (e.g., scars) is hard to predict. This is a result of the biological nature of the disease, often diagnosed late in the course of disease (with possible keloid formation, etc.). Third, physicians must consider treatment ease of use and the safety profile of possible treatments. Thus, topical or oral treatments (for CL) are desirable and promote adherence. Fourth, the cost of the treatment is an important consideration. In this review, we aim to describe the diverse treatment options for different clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis. For each currently available treatment, we will discuss the various considerations mentioned above (efficacy, ease of use, safety, and cost).
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Shmueli
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Shalom Ben-Shimol
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 8410115, Israel
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14
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Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Jaimes J, Castillo-Castañeda AC, Madigan R, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Validation of Oxford nanopore sequencing for improved New World Leishmania species identification via analysis of 70-kDA heat shock protein. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:458. [PMID: 38111024 PMCID: PMC10726620 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06073-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. This infection is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, with symptoms greatly dependent on the causal parasitic species. Here we present the design and application of a new 70-kDa heat shock protein gene (hsp70)-based marker of 771 bp (HSP70-Long). We evaluated its sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic performance employing an amplicon-based MinION™ DNA sequencing assay to identify different Leishmania species in clinical samples from humans and reservoirs with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We also conducted a comparative analysis between our novel marker and a previously published HSP70 marker known as HSP70-Short, which spans 330 bp. METHODS A dataset of 27 samples from Colombia, Venezuela and the USA was assembled, of which 26 samples were collected from humans, dogs and cats affected by CL and one sample was collected from a dog with VL in the USA (but originally from Greece). DNA was extracted from each sample and underwent conventional PCR amplification utilizing two distinct HSP70 markers: HSP70-Short and HSP70-Long. The subsequent products were then sequenced using the MinION™ sequencing platform. RESULTS The results highlight the distinct characteristics of the newly devised HSP70-Long primer, showcasing the notable specificity of this primer, although its sensitivity is lower than that of the HSP70-Short marker. Notably, both markers demonstrated strong discriminatory capabilities, not only in distinguishing between different species within the Leishmania genus but also in identifying instances of coinfection. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the outstanding specificity and effectiveness of HSP70-based MinION™ sequencing, in successfully discriminating between diverse Leishmania species and identifying coinfection events within samples sourced from leishmaniasis cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús Jaimes
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana C Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Roy Madigan
- Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, 286 Singing Oaks, Ste 113, Spring Branch, TX, 78070, USA
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Samsami S, Namavari S, Ataei S, Ghasemian A, Yazdanpanah A, Sepahi N, Hatam G, Faramarzi H, Mirzaei H, Ranjbar R, Ghanbariasad A. A Novel Multiplex LAMP Assay for the Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum from Iran. J Trop Med 2023; 2023:9326183. [PMID: 38028028 PMCID: PMC10676275 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9326183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is one of the neglected tropical diseases despite being responsible for serious clinical symptoms, some of which lead to fatal outcomes. Thus, there is a need to apply accurate, rapid, and specific diagnostic measurements in order to control the disease and reduce the mortality rate. We aimed to develop and validate a multiplex LAMP assay for the diagnosis of VL caused by Leishmania infantum (L. infantum). Moreover, a thorough assessment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of multiplex LAMP in identifying various Leishmania species, such as Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) and Leishmania major (L. major) in comparison to Leishmania infantum (L. infantum). The diagnostic performance of the multiplex LAMP method for VL was compared to each LAMP assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and nested PCR technique. Two separated primers were set and used in a multiplex LAMP assay which was designed based on the ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer II) and were selected on the basis of conserved and high copy number region. Multiplex LAMP primers were designed using an online tool available at https://www.primerexplorer.jp/e. The alignment was performed using MEGA5, and the primers were further adjusted utilizing GENE Runner software. All molecular methods were tested on the serial dilution of cloned plasmid containing ITS region from standard strains of L. infantum, L. tropica, and L. major. Moreover, multiplex LAMP assay was evaluated and compared based on both standard strains and 55 clinical samples from humans as well as dogs. Various approaches were applied to interpret the multiplex LAMP reaction which deciphered a higher sensitivity when compared to the RT-qPCR for L. infantum (one copy number of plasmid, equal to 0.85 femtograms (fg) of plasmid concentration, and 0.004 parasite DNA per μL) detection while these three standard strains of Leishmania were confirmed to contain 40 DNA copies using RT-qPCR. Additionally, the multiplex LAMP detection limit was approximately equivalent to RT-qPCR for L. major and L. tropica, which included 0.342 picograms (pg) and 342 femtograms (fg) of plasmid concentration, 4 × 103 and 4 × 102 copy number of plasmid, and 17.1 and 1.71 parasite DNA per μL for L. major and L. tropica, respectively. Nested PCR exhibited a lower detection limit for L. infantum of 4 × 106 plasmid copy number compared to multiplex LAMP and RT-qPCR. Multiplex LAMP has the potential for accurate and rapid detection of infectious disease, successful treatment, and finding and monitoring asymptomatic cases, especially in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Samsami
- Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sahar Namavari
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Saeed Ataei
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Ava Yazdanpanah
- Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Neda Sepahi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Faramarzi
- Department of Community Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hadi Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Razie Ranjbar
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Ali Ghanbariasad
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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de Avelar DM, Santos CC, Fusaro Faioli A. Developments in Leishmaniasis diagnosis: A patent landscape from 2010 to 2022. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002557. [PMID: 37910459 PMCID: PMC10619796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The current study aims to contribute to the understanding of leishmaniasis diagnosis by providing an overview of patent filings in this field and analyzing whether the methods revealed are consistent with the needs described by the scientific community, in special the main gaps detected by the World Health Organization's 2021-2030 Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases. To this aim, a patent search was carried out focusing on documents disclosing leishmaniasis diagnostic methods supported by experimental evidence and with earliest priority date from 2010 onwards. Our results show that patenting activity is low and patent families are often formed by individual filings. Most R&D activity occurs in Brazil, which is also the main market of protection. Brazilian academic institutions are the main patent drivers, and collaboration between different institutions is rare. Most patent families describe immunological methods based on ELISA assays, using antibodies directed to K39 and homologues. kDNA is the primary gene for molecular testing. Experimental evidence of test performance in fulfilling critical diagnostic gaps is usually absent. The patent scenario suggests that leishmaniasis diagnostic gaps need to be more closely addressed to drive innovation directed to the control and/or elimination of leishmaniasis. From the public policy point of view, the following strategies are suggested: (i) strengthening collaborative networks, (ii) enhancing the participation of the private sector, and (iii) increasing funding, with special focus on the remaining diagnostic gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alice Fusaro Faioli
- Instituto René Rachou—Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Inovação em Doenças de Populações Negligenciadas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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18
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Alemu C, Wudu H, Dessie G, Gashu C. Time to death and its determinant factors of visceral leishmaniasis with HIV co-infected patients during treatment period admitted at Metema hospital, Metema, Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study design. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 2023; 9:18. [PMID: 37898767 PMCID: PMC10613359 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-023-00203-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the parasites Leishmania donovani spices complex that can spread to internal organs and the disease is fatal with a fatality rate of nearly 100% if left untreated. Visceral Leishmania-HIV (HIV1) coinfection disease is a new clinical form of leishmaniasis very serious disease in the endemic part of the world. It also served as the primary cause of death in the lowlands of Ethiopia with the endemic Humara and Metema that are located near the Sudanese border. METHODS A total of 153 visceral leishmaniases with HIV co-infection secondary data was taken from the medical chart of patients from January 2015 to January 2021 and a hospital-based cross-sectional study design was carried out to retrieve relevant information. The data entered by SPSS and analysed using STATA version 14 and R4.2.1 statistical software packages using a non-parametric Model, semi-parametric Cox proportional hazard survival models at 5% significance level. RESULT Among the total visceral leishmaniasis with HIV co-infected patients 3.27% were females and 96.73% were males, 19 (12.42%) patients died and 134(87.58%) patients were censored. The Cox proportional hazard model result indicates that severe acute malnutrition, baseline CD4+ cell count ≥100, and underweight significantly contributed to the survival time of a patient. Cox proportional hazard model shows that severe acute malnutrition (HR=4.40027, 95% CI= 2.455061 262.7934, P-value=0.007), baseline CD4+cell count ≥100 (HR=0.2714623, 95% CI= 0.0764089 0.9644395, P-value=0.044), and Underweight (HR=4.678169, 95% CI= 1.970097 11.10872, P-value=0.040) significantly contributed to a shorter survival time. CONCLUSION Visceral leishmaniases with HIV co-infected patients show a large number of deaths occurred in the earlier days of treatment this implies that Visceral leishmaniasis accelerates HIV replication and disease progression death. The researcher suggests that people be aware of the burden posed by those risk factors and knowledgeable about the diseases. So, the researcher recommended that to health workers implement primary health care in those patients and careful consideration of a neglected parasitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chekol Alemu
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Gambella University, Gambella, Ethiopia.
| | - Habitamu Wudu
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Gambella University, Gambella, Ethiopia
| | - Getu Dessie
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dambi Dollo University, Dembi Dolo, Ethiopia
| | - Chalachew Gashu
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Oda Bultum University, Chiro, Ethiopia
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Gu XB, Zhou Y, Hao GY, Wang Y, Yang FS, Huang CR, Tian Y, Xie Y, He R, Xu J. Development of the first PCR for detection of Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi infection and its comparison to microscopic examination and serological assay in rabbits. Vet Parasitol 2023; 320:109979. [PMID: 37393884 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Psoroptes mites are the common ecto-parasites of wild and domestic animals worldwide, which causes considerable economic losses in livestock industry. Microscopy is deemed to be the 'gold standard' for the diagnosis of Psoroptes mite infection but it has poor sensitivity for low mite infections and/or sub-clinical infections. To overcome these shortcomings, we screened four genes to develop a sensitive and specific PCR for the detection of Psoroptes mite infection in rabbits, and confirmed its practicability in detecting early infection and monitoring treatment outcome with traditional microscopy and serological tests. Results showed that PCR assay targeting ITS2 (ITS2-PCR) had a high specificity and sensitivity (detection limit: 40.3 pg/μL DNA) for detecting P. ovis DNA. In rabbits artificially infected with P. ovis, all three diagnostic tests showed the same detection rate from 14 days post infection (dpi) to 42 days dpi. However, these diagnostic tests behave differently at 7 dpi and after treatment: at 7 dpi, the detection rate of ITS2-PCR was higher than rPsoSP3-based iELISA and traditional microscopy (ITS2-PCR: 88.9%, rPsoSP3-iELISA: 77.7%, microscopy: 33.3%); at 7 days post treatment (dpt), positivity rates of ITS2-PCR and microscopy rapidly decreased to 0.00% and 11.1%, whereas rPsoSP3-iELISA remained 100% positive rate. Furthermore, the comprehensive comparisons of diagnostic performance and features of three diagnostic tests at 7 dpi were performed. Compared to ITS2-PCR or rPsoSP3-iELISA, microscopy had the lowest sensitivity, and the agreement between these assays was low (κ < 0.3). Field study showed that ITS2-PCR showed a higher detection rate than microscopy (19.4% and 11.1%, respectively). Our results suggested that the ITS2-PCR developed in this study provided a new laboratory tool for diagnosis of P. ovis var. cuniculi infection, and it had advantages over microscopic examination in detection low-level mite infections and serological assay in monitoring treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- X B Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Y Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - G Y Hao
- School of Animal Science, Xichang College, Xichang 615013, China
| | - Y Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - F S Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - C R Huang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Y Tian
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Y Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - R He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - J Xu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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20
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Pishbin E, Sadri F, Dehghan A, Kiani MJ, Hashemi N, Zare I, Mousavi P, Rahi A. Recent advances in isolation and detection of exosomal microRNAs related to Alzheimer's disease. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 227:115705. [PMID: 36958383 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurological condition, is associated with various internal and external risk factors in the disease's early stages. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is essential for treatment management. Circulating exosomal microRNAs could be a new class of valuable biomarkers for early Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. Different kinds of biosensors have been introduced in recent years for the detection of these valuable biomarkers. Isolation of the exosomes is a crucial step in the detection process which is traditionally carried out by multi-step ultrafiltration. Microfluidics has improved the efficiency and costs of exosome isolation by implementing various effects and forces on the nano and microparticles in the microchannels. This paper reviews recent advancements in detecting Alzheimer's disease related exosomal microRNAs based on methods such as electrochemical, fluorescent, and SPR. The presented devices' pros and cons and their efficiencies compared with the gold standard methods are reported. Moreover, the application of microfluidic devices to detect Alzheimer's disease related biomarkers is summarized and presented. Finally, some challenges with the performance of novel technologies for isolating and detecting exosomal microRNAs are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmail Pishbin
- Bio-microfluidics Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadri
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Amin Dehghan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Kiani
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nader Hashemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Zare
- Research and Development Department, Sina Medical Biochemistry Technologies Co. Ltd., Shiraz 7178795844, Iran
| | - Pegah Mousavi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Amid Rahi
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Comprehensive Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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21
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Liu L, Liu B, Wang L, Li C, Zhou Y, Zhu J, Ding J, Liu S, Cheng Z. Sohlh1 and Lhx8 are prominent biomarkers to estimate the primordial follicle pool in mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:46. [PMID: 37194006 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01097-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient evaluation of the primordial follicle pool (PFP) of mammalian models is an essential subject in biomedical research relating to ovarian physiology and pathogenesis. Our recent study has identified a gene signature including Sohlh1, Nobox, Lhx8, Tbpl2, Stk31, Padi6, and Vrtn strongly correlated with ovarian reserve by using bioinformatics analysis. Aimed to investigate the validity of these candidate biomarkers for evaluating the PFP, we utilized an OR comparison model to decode the relationship between the numbers of PFP and candidate biomarkers in the present study. Our results suggest that these biomarkers Sohlh1, Nobox, Lhx8, Tbpl2, Stk31, Padi6, and Vrtn possess independent potential to evaluate the number of the PFP. And the combination of Sohlh1 and Lhx8 can be used as the optimal biomarkers for rapid assessment of the PFP in the murine ovary. Our findings provide a new perspective for evaluating the PFP of the ovary in animal studies and the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Biting Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Caixia Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jihui Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jinye Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Shupeng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Zhongping Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
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22
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van der Ende J, Schallig HDFH. Leishmania Animal Models Used in Drug Discovery: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101650. [PMID: 37238080 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Many different animal models are in use for drug development for leishmaniasis, but a universal model does not exist. There is a plethora of models, and this review assesses their design, quality, and limitations, including the attention paid to animal welfare in the study design and execution. A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines of available literature after the year 2000 describing animal models for leishmaniasis. The risk of bias was determined using the SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias assessment tool. A total of 10,980 records were initially identified after searching the databases PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and SciELO. Based on the application of predetermined exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 203 papers describing 216 animal experiments were available for full analysis. Major reasons for exclusion were a lack of essential study information or appropriate ethical review and approval. Mice (82.8%; an average of 35.9 animals per study) and hamsters (17.1%; an average of 7.4 animals per study) were the most frequently used animals, mostly commercially sourced, in the included studies. All studies lacked a formal sample size analysis. The promastigote stages of L. amazonensis or L. major were most frequently used to establish experimental infections (single inoculum). Animal welfare was poorly addressed in all included studies, as the definition of a human end-point or consideration of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) was hardly addressed. Most animals were euthanized at the termination of the experiment. The majority of the studies had an unknown or high risk of bias. Animal experiments for drug development for leishmaniasis mainly poorly designed and of low quality, lack appropriate ethical review, and are deficient in essential information needed to replicate and interpret the study. Importantly, aspects of animal welfare are hardly considered. This underpins the need to better consider and record the details of the study design and animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob van der Ende
- Fundación Quina Care Ecuador, Puerto el Carmen de Putumayo 210350, Sucumbíos, Ecuador
| | - Henk D F H Schallig
- Experimental Parasitology Unit, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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23
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Floridia V, Sfulcini M, D’Alessandro E, Cattaneo L, Mezzetti M, Liotta L, Trevisi E, Lopreiato V, Minuti A. Effect of Different Anticoagulant Agents on Immune-Related Genes in Leukocytes Isolated from the Whole-Blood of Holstein Cows. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:406. [PMID: 36833333 PMCID: PMC9957540 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Anticoagulants, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium citrate (Na-citrate), or heparin are normally used in hematological clinical tests to prevent coagulation. Although anticoagulants are fundamental for the correct application of clinical tests, they produce adverse effects in different fields, such as those involving specific molecular techniques; for instance, quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) and gene expression evaluation. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of 14 genes in leukocytes that were isolated from the blood of Holstein cows, and which were collected in Li-heparin, K-EDTA, or Na-citrate tubes; then, they were analyzed using qPCR. Only the SDHA gene showed a significant dependence (p ≤ 0.05) on the anticoagulant that was used with the lowest expression; this was observed in Na-Citrate after being compared with Li-heparin and K-EDTA (p < 0.05). Although a variation in transcript abundance with the three anticoagulants was observed in almost all the investigated genes, the relative abundance levels were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the qPCR results were not influenced by the presence of the anticoagulant; thus, we had the opportunity to choose the test tube that was used in the experiment without interfering effects impacting the gene expression levels caused by the anticoagulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Floridia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Università di Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Marta Sfulcini
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Enrico D’Alessandro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Università di Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Cattaneo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Matteo Mezzetti
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Luigi Liotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Università di Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Erminio Trevisi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Lopreiato
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Università di Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Minuti
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
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24
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Louizi C, Khan MAA, Faisal K, Chowdhury R, Ghosh P, Hossain F, Nisansala T, Ranasinghe S, Moreno J, Alvar J, Mondal D, Buhl T, Lüder CGK, Abd El Wahed A. Assessment of pan-Leishmania detection by recombinase polymerase amplification assay. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 105:115862. [PMID: 36493571 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2022.115862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The spread of vector habitats along with increasing human mobility can introduce atypical Leishmania species and hence can challenge existing diagnostic practices for rapid detection of active infection with species outside the narrow target range. Here we assessed the pan-Leishmania detection ability of isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assays targeting 18S rRNA gene, cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase B (Cpb) gene, and kinetoplast minicircle DNA (kDNA) regions. While the lowest limit of detection of the 18S rRNA-RPA and Cpb-RPA assays were estimated as 12 and 17 standard DNA molecules, respectively, both assays could amplify genomic DNA of 7 pathogenic Leishmania species. Evaluation of 18S rRNA-RPA and our previously developed kDNA-RPA assays on 70 real-time PCR-positive leishmaniasis samples of varying pathologies resulted in sensitivity rates of 35.71% and 88.57%, respectively, while the combined sensitivity was 98.57%. Combinatorial application of 18S rRNA-RPA and kDNA-RPA assays can be recommended for further diagnostic assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiheb Louizi
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Md Anik Ashfaq Khan
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Khaledul Faisal
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rajashree Chowdhury
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Prakash Ghosh
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Faria Hossain
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Thilini Nisansala
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Baru, Kelantan, Malaysia; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Shalindra Ranasinghe
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Javier Moreno
- WHO Collaborating Center for Leishmaniasis, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Alvar
- Royal Academy of Medicine of Spain, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Laboratory Sciences and Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Timo Buhl
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carsten G K Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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25
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Usmael UA, Tesema NB, Girma S, Kendie DA, Abas MK. Detection of Leishmania donovani using ITS1-RFLP from positive and negative smear samples among clinically reported patients visiting University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:963. [PMID: 36577945 PMCID: PMC9797380 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the Leishmania donovani species complex that can spread to internal organs and leading to death if not treated on time. Diagnosis of leishmaniasis is based on clinical signs and symptoms, microscopy, serological and molecular techniques. Because of a broad spectrum of diverse clinical manifestations and similarities of the responses to different species, identification to the species level is often difficult for the proper patient treatment and management. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the PCR- RFLP assay of the ITS1 region for identification of L. donovani species from clinical smear slide patient samples. METHOD DNA extraction was performed on a total of 90 smear slide samples using phenol-chloroform method. The PCR detection limit was determined by L. donovani reference strain DNA. The ITS1 region was amplified at 320 bp using LITSR/L5.8S genus specific primers and then the ITS1-PCR products were subjected to RFLP assay for confirmation of L. donovani species using HaeIII restriction enzyme. RESULTS Of the total samples ITS1-PCR revealed the true positive, false positive, true negative, and false negative results of 42 (46.7%), 6 (6.7%), 37 (41.1%) and 5 (5.6%), respectively. Considering microscopy as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of the ITS1- PCR technique was 89.4%, 86.0%, 87.5%, and 88.1% respectively. All ITS1-PCR positive clinical samples were confirmed as L. donovani species by PCR-RFLP patterns. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the ITS1- RFLP method is highly sensitive and more specific for identification of L. donovani species in the smear negative clinical samples of visceral leishmaniasis patients. There is also significant association and degree of agreement between the two methods. For direct identification of L. donovani species from clinical samples, irrespective of genus and species level, PCR-RFLP is more recommendable than a microscope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umer Ahmed Usmael
- grid.59547.3a0000 0000 8539 4635Departments of Medical Biotechnology, University of Gondar, Ethiopia and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nega Berhane Tesema
- grid.59547.3a0000 0000 8539 4635Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Selfu Girma
- grid.418720.80000 0000 4319 4715Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Desalegn Adane Kendie
- grid.59547.3a0000 0000 8539 4635Leishmania Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Musin Kelel Abas
- grid.472240.70000 0004 5375 4279Departments of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Dinulos JE, Dinulos JG. Present and future: infectious tropical travel rashes and the impact of climate change. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2022; 130:452-462. [PMID: 36574899 PMCID: PMC9789609 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2022.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we discuss pertinent cutaneous findings with which patients may present after travel to tropical destinations. We address arthropod-borne infectious diseases such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, cutaneous larva migrans, and myiasis. We discuss other relevant diseases with cutaneous signs such as monkey pox and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We provide clinicians with information regarding the background, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these tropical rashes. In addition, we address the impact that climate change will have on the temporal and geographic incidence of these rashes. Viral, fungal, and vector-borne diseases have seen a geographic expansion into more northern latitudes. Among these are tick-borne Lyme disease, aquatic snail-related seabather's eruption, and atopic dermatitis. As these diseases spread, we believe that the updated information within this article is significant to the practicing physician in today's warming world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James G Dinulos
- Seacoast Dermatology, PLLC, Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Department of Dermatology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire; Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Framingham, Connecticut.
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Alaeenovin E, Parvizi P, Ghafari SM. Two Leishmania species separation targeting the ITS-rDNA and Cyt b genes by developing and evaluating HRM- qPCR. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2022; 55:S0037-86822022000100342. [PMID: 36542013 PMCID: PMC9757716 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0186-2022] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incidence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis as an infectious and neglected disease is increasing, for the diagnosis of which several traditional methods and conventional PCR techniques have been developed, employing different genes for species identification. METHODS Leishmania parasites were sampled, DNA was extracted, and new specific and sensitive primers were designed. Two ITS-rDNA and Cyt b genes were targeted by qPCR using the High- Resolution Melting method to identify Leishmania parasites. The standard curves were drawn, compared, and identified by high-resolution melting curve analysis. RESULTS Melting temperature and Cycle of Threshold of ITS-rDNA was higher than Cyt b but Cyt b was more sensitive than ITS-rDNA when Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica were analyzed and evaluated. By aligning melt curves, normalizing fluorescence curves, and difference plotting melt curves, each Leishmania species was distinguished easily. L. major and L. tropica were separated at 83.6 °C and 84.7 °C, respectively, with less than 0.9 °C of temperature difference. Developing sensitivity and specificity of real-time PCR based on EvaGreen could detect DNA concentration to less than one pmol. CONCLUSIONS Precise identification of Leishmania parasites is crucial for strategies of disease control. Real-time PCR using EvaGreen provides rapid, highly sensitive, and specific detection of parasite's DNA. The modified High-Resolution Melting could determine unique curves and was able to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms according to small differences in the nucleotide content of Leishmania parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Alaeenovin
- Pasteur Institute of Iran, Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Parvizi
- Pasteur Institute of Iran, Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Maryam Ghafari
- Pasteur Institute of Iran, Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Tehran, Iran
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Al-abodi HR, Fadhel Wathah E. Identification of the parasites that cause children's cutaneous leishmaniasis and several types of immune response cells. BIONATURA 2022. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2022.07.04.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis has received many epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, quantitative and other studies. The current study aims to determine the type of leishmaniasis parasite that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis in children in the Al-Diwaniyah governorate in central Iraq to assess the level of variations in globulins and immune cells in children with cutaneous leishmaniasis. Fifty-nine was a positive sample for the traditional laboratory examination of cutaneous leishmaniasis in children whose ages ranged between (8 months-10 and years). They were collected from the Maternity and Children Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021. The samples were subjected to molecular diagnostics to determine the type of leishmaniasis that causes the disease using Real-Time PCR. ELISA was approved to measure the levels of variation in the concentrations of IgG and IgM among the group of infected and healthy children. The results indicated that children's predominant type causing cutaneous leishmaniasis is L. major 52 samples (88.13%). The immunological study showed clear and statistically significant differences in the mean globulin concentrations for comparing the patient's L. major with the control group at a probability level (P≤0.05). The current study concluded that L. major is the dominant species responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Keywords: Catenous leishmaniasis, L. major, Real-Time PCR.
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Laboratory diagnostics for human Leishmania infections: a polymerase chain reaction-focussed review of detection and identification methods. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:412. [PMID: 36335408 PMCID: PMC9636697 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05524-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infections span a range of clinical syndromes and impact humans from many geographic foci, but primarily the world's poorest regions. Transmitted by the bite of a female sand fly, Leishmania infections are increasing with human movement (due to international travel and war) as well as with shifts in vector habitat (due to climate change). Accurate diagnosis of the 20 or so species of Leishmania that infect humans can lead to the successful treatment of infections and, importantly, their prevention through modelling and intervention programs. A multitude of laboratory techniques for the detection of Leishmania have been developed over the past few decades, and although many have drawbacks, several of them show promise, particularly molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction. This review provides an overview of the methods available to diagnostic laboratories, from traditional techniques to the now-preferred molecular techniques, with an emphasis on polymerase chain reaction-based detection and typing methods.
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Chen W, Wang W, Wang X, Li Z, Wu K, Li X, Li Y, Yi L, Zhao M, Ding H, Fan S, Chen J. Advances in the differential molecular diagnosis of vesicular disease pathogens in swine. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1019876. [PMID: 36386633 PMCID: PMC9641196 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1019876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Senecavirus A (SVA) and swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV) are members of the family Picornaviridae, which can cause similar symptoms - vesicular lesions in the tissues of the mouth, nose, feet, skin and mucous membrane of animals. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of these viruses allows for control measures to prevent the spread of these diseases. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time RT-PCR are traditional and reliable methods for pathogen detection, while their amplification reaction requires a thermocycler. Isothermal amplification methods including loop-mediated isothermal amplification and recombinase polymerase amplification developed in recent years are simple, rapid and do not require specialized equipment, allowing for point of care diagnostics. Luminex technology allows for simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens. CRISPR-Cas diagnostic systems also emerging nucleic acid detection technologies which are very sensitivity and specificity. In this paper, various nucleic acid detection methods aimed at vesicular disease pathogens in swine (including FMDV, SVA and SVDV) are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxian Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keke Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuwan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingqiu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxing Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuangqi Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangqi Fan, ; Jinding Chen,
| | - Jinding Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangqi Fan, ; Jinding Chen,
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de Carvalho BC, Vital T, Osiro J, Gomes CM, Noronha E, Dallago B, Rosa ADC, Carvalho JL, Hagström L, Hecht M, Nitz N. Multiparametric analysis of host and parasite elements in new world tegumentary leishmaniasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:956112. [PMID: 36017367 PMCID: PMC9395741 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.956112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tegumentary leishmaniasis is a tropical disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Clinically, the disease presents a broad spectrum of symptoms, the mechanisms underlying the development of lesions remaining to be fully elucidated. In the present work, we performed a correlation and multiparametric analysis to evaluate how parasite- and host-related aspects associate with each other, and with the different clinical manifestations of tegumentary leishmaniasis. This cross-sectional study involved 75 individuals from endemic areas of Brazil, grouped according to their symptoms. Leishmania species were determined by DNA sequencing, and parasite load, antibody production, and cytokine profile were evaluated by kDNA qPCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, principal component analysis, canonical discriminant analysis, and correlation analysis. Among the recruited patients, 23 (31%) were asymptomatic, 34 (45%) had primary cutaneous leishmaniasis, 10 (13%) presented recurrent cutaneous leishmaniasis, and eight (11%) had mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Leishmania species identified included L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, and L. guyanensis. Surprisingly, no Leishmania RNA virus infection was detected in any sample. In summary, our work showed that parasite load, antibody production, and cytokine levels alone are not determinants for tegumentary leishmaniasis symptoms. However, the correlation analysis allowed us to observe how these factors are correlated to each other within the groups, which revealed a unique network for each clinical manifestation. Our work reinforces the complexity of tegumentary leishmaniasis outcomes - which are associated with multiple host and parasite-related elements and provides a holistic model of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Caroline de Carvalho
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Tamires Vital
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Osiro
- Dermatology Diagnostic Group, Dermatomicology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ciro Martins Gomes
- Dermatology Diagnostic Group, Dermatomicology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Elza Noronha
- Brasília University Hospital, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dallago
- Laboratory of Animal Welfare, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ana de Cássia Rosa
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Luciana Hagström
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Mariana Hecht
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nadjar Nitz
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Nadjar Nitz,
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Briggs N, Wei BM, Ahuja C, Baker C, Foppiano Palacios C, Lee E, O’Grady N, Singanamala S, Singh K, Bandaranayake TD, Cohen JM, Damsky W, Davis MW, Mejia R, Nelson CA, Topal JE, Azar MM. Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Pregnant Immigrant. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac360. [PMID: 35928503 PMCID: PMC9345408 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection that causes significant maternal morbidity, and even fetal mortality, during pregnancy, yet there are limited therapeutic options. Here, we report a case of leishmaniasis in a pregnant immigrant with exuberant mucocutaneous lesions with favorable response to liposomal amphotericin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neima Briggs
- Correspondence: Neima Briggs, MD, PhD, Yale School of Medicine, PO Box 208022, New Haven, CT 06520-8022, USA ()
| | - Brian M Wei
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chaarushi Ahuja
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Catherine Baker
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Carlo Foppiano Palacios
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emily Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Niamh O’Grady
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Santhi Singanamala
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Katelyn Singh
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Thilinie D Bandaranayake
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Cohen
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - William Damsky
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew W Davis
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rojelio Mejia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Caroline A Nelson
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Topal
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Marwan M Azar
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Pradella GD, Escobar TA, Santos TPD, Vargas RC, Góss GC, Ferrareze PAG, Rosa E Silva LK, Zuravski L, Pereira KB, Duarte CA, Lübeck I. PCR-RLFP characterization of Leishmania spp. in domestic animals from the south-western border of Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e005222. [PMID: 35858013 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize Leishmania spp. from canine and feline samples using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). It was conducted in the southern region of Brazil, located at border crossings to Argentina and Uruguay. Samples were collected from 116 dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and 89 cats (Felis catus). The PCR was performed to screen for an LT1 fragment from kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) target gene, and positive samples were subjected to a second PCR for an internal transcribed spacers (ITS1) region from ribosomal DNA (rDNA) target. RFLP was performed using the Haemophilus aegyptius (HAE III) restriction endonuclease (Fermentas ®). Positive samples by PCR ITS1 were sequenced and deposited in NCBI GenBank, and a phylogenetic analysis was developed. We found that 12.9% (15/116) of the samples from dogs were positive. All the 89 cat samples were negative. Positive samples were tested against Leishmania reference strains presenting different patterns in PCR-RFLP, and these samples showed bands denoting similarity to the standard species of Leishmania infantum, proven through sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The RFLP technique, alone, was shown to be feasible for practical application and confirmation of the involved Leishmania spp.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luísa Zuravski
- Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil
| | | | | | - Irina Lübeck
- Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil
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Canine Cytokines Profile in an Endemic Region of L. infantum: Related Factors. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060305. [PMID: 35737357 PMCID: PMC9231092 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis is caused by infection with parasite Leishmania infantum, which are transmitted by sandflies Phlebotomus. Canine leishmaniosis is an endemic disease in the Mediterranean region. The immune response could vary between hosts and determines the severity of the disease and clinical features. The aim of this study was to analyze the serum levels of cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8, which are related to the activation of Th1 or Th2 immune responses in dogs living in the L. infantum endemic region. Moreover, we intend to relate and correlate these levels with different factors, such as sex, age, diet, lifestyle, and breed. Epidemiological data and serum were recovered for seventy-eight dogs, and serum levels of cytokines described previously were analyzed by using the ELISA method. The results showed differences in serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-8 between breeds. The lifestyle also affected serum levels of IL-2. The main conclusion of this study is that Ibizan hounds and crossbred dogs have a serological profile of cytokines that seems to indicate certain protections against infection by L. infantum compared to boxer and purebred breeds.
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Establish an allele-specific real-time PCR for Leishmania species identification. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:60. [PMID: 35655325 PMCID: PMC9164491 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00992-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis is a serious neglected tropical disease that may lead to life-threatening outcome, which species are closely related to clinical diagnosis and patient management. The current Leishmania species determination method is not appropriate for clinical application. New Leishmania species identification tool is needed using clinical samples directly without isolation and cultivation of parasites. Methods A probe-based allele-specific real-time PCR assay was established for Leishmania species identification between Leishmania donovani and L. infantum for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and among L. major, L. tropica and L. donovani/L. infantum for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), targeting hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) and spermidine synthase (SPDSYN) gene with their species-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The limit of detection of this assay was evaluated based on 8 repeated tests with intra-assay standard deviation < 0.5 and inter-assay coefficients of variability < 5%. The specificity of this assay was tested with DNA samples obtained from Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Brucella melitensis and Orientia tsutsugamushi. Total 42 clinical specimens were used to evaluate the ability of this assay for Leishmania species identification. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using HGPRT and SPDSYN gene fragments to validate the performance of this assay. Results This new method was able to detect 3 and 12 parasites/reaction for VL and CL respectively, and exhibited no cross-reaction with P. falciparum, T. gondii, B. melitensis, O. tsutsugamushi and non-target species of Leishmania. Twenty-two samples from VL patients were identified as L. donovani (n = 3) and L. infantum (n = 19), and 20 specimens from CL patients were identified as L. major (n = 20), providing an agreement of 100% compared with sequencing results. For further validation, 29 sequences of HGPRT fragment from nine Leishmania species and 22 sequences from VL patients were used for phylogenetic analysis, which agreed with the results of this new method. Similar results were obtained with 43 sequences of SPDSYN fragment from 18 Leishmania species and 20 sequences from CL patients. Conclusions Our assay provides a rapid and accurate tool for Leishmania species identification which is applicable for species-adapted therapeutic schedule and patient management. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-00992-y.
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Mota TF, Brodskyn CI, Morello LG, Marchini FK, Krieger MA, de Cássia Pontello Rampazzo R, Fraga DBM. Multiplex qPCR assay to determine Leishmania infantum load in Lutzomyia longipalpis sandfly samples. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 36:176-184. [PMID: 35089617 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to develop a multiplex qPCR to detect Leishmania infantum load in different sandfly sample settings using Leishmania kDNA and sandfly vacuolar ATPase (VATP) subunit C as internal control gene. The amplification of Lutzomyia longipalpis VATP gene was evaluated together with Leishmania infantum kDNA in a multiplex reaction. The concentration of VATP gene oligonucleotides was adjusted until no statistically significant difference was observed between all multiplex standard curves and singleplex curves, that is, only kDNA amplification. Limit of detection (LoD) was measured using a probit model and a cut-off defined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Limit of quantification (LoQ) was assessed by a linear model using the coefficient of variation threshold of 25%. After assuring VATP gene amplification, its primer-probe concentrations were best at 100 nM/10 nM, respectively. The cut-off Cq value for L. infantum kDNA was defined as 35.46 with 100% of sensitivity and specificity. A total of 95% LoD was determined to be of 0.162 parasites while LoQ was 5.858. Our VATP/kDNA multiplex qPCR assay shows that it can be used to evaluate both DNA integrity and determine L. infantum load in L. longipalpis even for low yielded samples, that is, individual midguts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Feitosa Mota
- Laboratório de Interação Parasito-Hospedeiro e Epidemiologia (LaIPHE), Instituto Gonçalo Moniz (IGM), FIOCRUZ-BA, Rua Waldemar Falcão, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Claudia Ida Brodskyn
- Laboratório de Interação Parasito-Hospedeiro e Epidemiologia (LaIPHE), Instituto Gonçalo Moniz (IGM), FIOCRUZ-BA, Rua Waldemar Falcão, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Luis Gustavo Morello
- Instituto Carlos Chagas (ICC), FIOCRUZ-PR, Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, Curitiba, Brazil
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP), Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Klerynton Marchini
- Instituto Carlos Chagas (ICC), FIOCRUZ-PR, Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, Curitiba, Brazil
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP), Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurelio Krieger
- Instituto Carlos Chagas (ICC), FIOCRUZ-PR, Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Deborah Bittencourt Mothé Fraga
- Laboratório de Interação Parasito-Hospedeiro e Epidemiologia (LaIPHE), Instituto Gonçalo Moniz (IGM), FIOCRUZ-BA, Rua Waldemar Falcão, Salvador, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Produção Animal, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
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Weslati M, Ghrab J, Benabid M, Souissi O, Aoun K, Bouratbine A. Diversity, Abundance and Leishmania infantum Infection Rate of Phlebotomine Sandflies in an Area with Low Incidence of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northern Tunisia. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1012. [PMID: 35630455 PMCID: PMC9144524 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10051012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the study of sandfly Leishmania infection in an area of low incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in Tunisia. Sandflies were collected monthly using CDC light-traps set in houses and animal shelters during May-November 2016 and 2017. All males were identified at the species level. A sample of 878 females including all gravid specimens was subjected to kDNA qPCR for Leishmania detection and parasite load estimation. Leishmania species were determined by ITS1 PCR sequencing, and species identification of infected sandflies was performed by DNA barcoding. Phlebotomus perfiliewi and P. perniciosus were the dominant species during the two-year period. However, comparison of their relative abundances showed that P. perniciosus was more abundant during peaks of 2017 with longer activity duration. Real-time kDNA PCR did not detect Leishmania infection in 2016, although it identified four positive specimens (0.7%) in 2017. All four infected specimens were identified as P. perniciosus. ITS1 PCR sequencing allowed L. infantum identification in one kDNA qPCR-positive specimen. This was a P. perniciosus gravid female with a high parasite load caught during the long-lasting peak of 2017. This work highlights the usefulness of multi-seasonal studies of sandfly dynamics and kDNA qPCR in screening Leishmania infection and determining L. infantum vectors in hypo-endemic foci of human leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Weslati
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
| | - Jamila Ghrab
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences et Technologies de l’Environnement de Borj Cedria, Université de Carthage, Carthage 1054, Tunisia
| | - Meriem Benabid
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
| | - Olfa Souissi
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
| | - Karim Aoun
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
| | - Aïda Bouratbine
- «Laboratoire de Recherche Parasitoses Médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, LR 16IPT06 and LR 20IPT06», Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.W.); (J.G.); (M.B.); (O.S.); (K.A.)
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Farrokhi-Karibozorg M, Ghayour-Najafabadi Z, Hejazi SH, Ataei-Pirkooh A, Mohebali M, Teimouri P, Hajjaran H. Molecular identification of Leishmania RNA virus in cutaneous leishmaniasis patients and rodent reservoirs in Isfahan province, Iran. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 98:105222. [PMID: 35066166 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania RNA virus (LRV) is a double-strand RNA virus that was first detected in members of the Leishmania viannia in the New World. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of LRV in the Leishmania species isolated from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients and rodents as reservoirs in Isfahan province an old zoonotic CL focus, center of Iran. Totally, 85 samples were collected from CL patients (n = 80) and rodent reservoirs (n = 5) from different regions of Isfahan province. Species identification was determined using the PCR-RFLP method. Viral dsRNA was extracted and for observation of 5.3 kb dsRNA on an agarose gel. The presence of LRV was surveyed using the Semi-nested PCR method. For phylogenetic analyzes, 6 samples of 13 isolates were sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was drawn by MEGA7 version 7.0.26. Of 80 Leishmania isolates recovered from the patients with CL, 79 and only one were identified as L. major and L. tropica, respectively. Also, the PCR assays detected four L. major and one L. turanica in five assessed Rhombomys opimus as the rodent reservoirs. LRV was detected only in Leishmania species isolated from 13 species of 85 (15.3%) CL including (L. major, n = 12) and (L. tropica, n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis showed that they were belonged to LRV2 and had the highest similarity with Iranian reference LRV2 in GenBank. Our results showed that the LRV2 was present in cutaneous Leishmania species in Isfahan province is the most historical and touristic province of Iran. In the study LRV was not reported from rodent reservoirs, it may be due to the small sample size. Phylogenetic analysis of current sequences demonstrated that these isolates belong to the registered LRV2 of the Old World.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Farrokhi-Karibozorg
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghayour-Najafabadi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Seyed Hossein Hejazi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Center for Research in Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Angila Ataei-Pirkooh
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvin Teimouri
- Navab Safavi Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Homa Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Yeom D, Kim J, Kim S, Ahn S, Choi J, Kim Y, Koo C. A Thermocycler Using a Chip Resistor Heater and a Glass Microchip for a Portable and Rapid Microchip-Based PCR Device. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020339. [PMID: 35208463 PMCID: PMC8876486 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study proposes a rapid and inexpensive thermocycler that enables rapid heating of samples using a thin glass chip and a cheap chip resistor to overcome the on-site diagnostic limitations of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Microchip PCR devices have emerged to miniaturize conventional PCR systems and reduce operation time and cost. In general, PCR microchips require a thin-film heater fabricated through a semiconductor process, which is a complicated process, resulting in high costs. Therefore, this investigation substituted a general chip resistor for a thin-film heater. The proposed thermocycler consists of a compact glass microchip of 12.5 mm × 12.5 mm × 2 mm that could hold a 2 μL PCR sample and a surface-mounted chip resistor of 6432 size (6.4 mm × 3.2 mm). Improving heat transfer from the chip resistor heater to the PCR reaction chamber in the microchip was accomplished via the design and fabrication of a three-dimensional chip structure using selective laser-induced etching, a rapid prototyping technique that allowed to be embedded. The fabricated PCR microchip was combined with a thermistor temperature sensor, a blower fan, and a microcontroller. The assembled thermocycler could heat the sample at a maximum rate of 28.8 °C/s per second. When compared with a commercially available PCR apparatus running the same PCR protocol, the total PCR operating time with a DNA sample was reduced by about 20%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsun Yeom
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Korea; (D.Y.); (J.K.)
| | - Jeongtae Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Korea; (D.Y.); (J.K.)
| | - Sungil Kim
- Department of Laser and Electron Beam Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.); (J.C.)
| | - Sanghoon Ahn
- Department of Laser and Electron Beam Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.); (J.C.)
| | - Jiyeon Choi
- Department of Laser and Electron Beam Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.); (J.C.)
| | - Youngwook Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea;
| | - Chiwan Koo
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Korea; (D.Y.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-821-1168
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Erber AC, Sandler PJ, de Avelar DM, Swoboda I, Cota G, Walochnik J. Diagnosis of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) protocols: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:34. [PMID: 35073980 PMCID: PMC8785018 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05133-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensitive, reliable and fast diagnostic tools that are applicable in low-resource settings, at the point of care (PoC), are seen as crucial in the fight against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Addressing the need for a PoC test, several diagnostic tests, including serological and molecular methods, have been developed and evaluated in the past. One promising molecular method, already implemented for diagnosis of a range of diseases, is the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) protocol. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, using a comprehensive search strategy, we focus on studies evaluating the performance of LAMP for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis in humans and other mammals such as dogs, compared with microscopy and/or any other molecular diagnostic method. A meta-analysis, pooling sensitivity and specificity rates and calculating areas under the curve (AUCs) in summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) plots, was conducted on datasets extracted from studies, grouped by clinical condition and sample type. We found high sensitivity and specificity for LAMP when compared with microscopy and PCR using blood samples, with pooled estimate values of > 90% for all subgroups, corresponding to calculated AUC values > 0.96, except for LAMP compared to microscopy for diagnosis of CL. However, only a limited number of studies were truly comparable. Most of the observed heterogeneity is likely based on true differences between the studies rather than sampling error only. Due to simple readout methods and low laboratory equipment requirements for sample preparation compared to other molecular methods, LAMP is a promising candidate for a molecular (near-)PoC diagnostic method for VL and CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Christine Erber
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1st floor, 1090, Vienna, Austria. .,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK.
| | - Peter Julian Sandler
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, FH Campus Wien University of Applied Sciences, Helmut-Qualtinger Gasse 2, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Moreira de Avelar
- Pesquisa Clínica e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ines Swoboda
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, FH Campus Wien University of Applied Sciences, Helmut-Qualtinger Gasse 2, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gláucia Cota
- Pesquisa Clínica e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Sukhumavasi W, Kaewamatawong T, Somboonpoonpol N, Jiratanh M, Wattanamethanont J, Kaewthamasorn M, Leelayoova S, Tiwananthagorn S. Liver- and Spleen-Specific Immune Responses in Experimental Leishmania martiniquensis Infection in BALB/c Mice. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:794024. [PMID: 34977224 PMCID: PMC8718515 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.794024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania martiniquensis is a neglected cause of an emerging leishmaniasis in many countries, including France, Germany, Switzerland, the United States of America, Myanmar, and Thailand, with different clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic, cutaneous (CL), visceral (VL), and atypically disseminated CL and VL. The persistence of parasites and the recurrence of the disease after treatment are challenges in controlling the disease. To explore efficient prophylaxis and therapy, this study aimed to investigate infection outcome and organ-specific immune responses after inoculation with L. martiniquensis (MHOM/TH/2011/PG; 5 x 106 promastigotes) in BALB/c mice via intravenous and intraperitoneal routes. A quantitative PCR technique, targeting L. martiniquensis ITS1, was primarily established to estimate the parasite burden. We found that the infection in the liver resolved; however, persistent infection was observed in the spleen. Histopathology with Leishmania-specific immunostaining revealed efficient hepatic granuloma formation, while splenic disorganization with parasitized macrophages at different locations was demonstrated. The mRNA expression of Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12p40) and iNOS in the liver and spleen was upregulated. In addition, high expression of IL-10 was observed in the spleen in the chronic phase, revealing a significant moderate correlation with the parasite persistence [r(12) = 0.72, P = 0.009]. Further clarification of the mechanisms of persistent infection and experimental infection in immunosuppressed murine models are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woraporn Sukhumavasi
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Feline Infectious Disease and Health for Excellence Research Unit, Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Theerayuth Kaewamatawong
- Veterinary Pathology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nawaphat Somboonpoonpol
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Montakan Jiratanh
- Parasitology Section, National Institute of Animal Health, Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Juntra Wattanamethanont
- Parasitology Section, National Institute of Animal Health, Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Morakot Kaewthamasorn
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Saovanee Leelayoova
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Saruda Tiwananthagorn
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Research Center of Producing and Development of Products and Innovations for Animal Health and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Rahim S, Sharif MM, Amin MR, Rahman MT, Karim MM. Real Time PCR-based diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis using urine samples. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000834. [PMID: 36962767 PMCID: PMC10022223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) through the detection of its causative agents namely Leishmania donovani and L. infantum is traditionally based on immunochromatographic tests, microscopy of bone marrow, spleen aspirates, liver or lymph node and differential diagnosis. While the first process has low specificity, the later one carries the risk of fatal hemorrhage. Over the last decade, multiple Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based diagnosis has been developed using blood and urine sample with a varying degree of sensitivity and specificity, an issue worth improving for precision diagnosis. Earlier, we reported a PCR-based diagnosis of L. donovani in peripheral blood using a novel set of PCR primers with absolute specificity. Using the same set of primers and PCR conditions, here we describe diagnosis of L. donovani from urine, for a non-invasive, rapid and safe diagnosis. Diagnosis of VL was carried out using urine samples collected from clinically diagnosed VL patients (n = 23) of Bangladesh in Real Time PCR. Test results were validated by comparing blood samples from the same set of patients. Sensitivity and specificity of this diagnosis was analyzed using retrospective bone marrow samples, collected earlier from confirmed VL patients (n = 19). The method showed 100% sensitivity in detecting L. donovani in urine and corresponding blood and retrospective bone marrow samples, as well as 100% specificity in control groups. A Real Time PCR-based molecular detection system using urine sample is hereafter presented what could be a, non-invasive approach for VL detection with precision and perfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiur Rahim
- Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Robed Amin
- Department of Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis : update on biological diagnosis. LA TUNISIE MEDICALE 2022; 100:13-26. [PMID: 35822327 PMCID: PMC8996314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe life threatening parasitosis requiring early management of cases. It is an emerging disease in the Mediterranean region with a spread of endemic areas and an increase in case incidence. The patient profile has also evolved with more affected adults, presenting generally non-specific symptoms. Hence the interest of a systematic biological confirmation. The microscopic detection of Leishmania amastigotes in bone marrow aspirates (BMA) smears is the gold standard diagnostic technique. However, it requires invasive sampling. Serological tests searching for specific antibodies remain highly contributory, but their interpretation must always take into account the epidemiological context and the patient's clinical and biological features. Currently, the Western-Blot represents the most specific serological technique for diagnostic confirmation. VL diagnosis has greatly improved by the introduction of both rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and molecular biological techniques. RDTs using recombinant rk39 antigen are easy to perform and deliver results in less than 30 minutes. Real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is currently retained as the best technique for VL diagnosis. It is efficient on simple blood samples, allowing to avoid invasive BMA needed for microscopy. In addition, real time PCR estimates parasite load which is helpful for the post-treatment follow-up. In any case, the choice of techniques to be used should be strategic and adapted to the local epidemiology as well as to the means available.
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Kumari D, Singh K. Exploring the paradox of defense between host and Leishmania parasite. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 102:108400. [PMID: 34890999 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, still remains a global concern for the healthcare sector. The primary causative agents of the disease comprise diverse leishmanial species, leading to recurring failures in disease diagnosis and delaying the initiation of appropriate chemotherapy. Various species of the Leishmania parasite cause diverse clinical manifestations ranging from skin ulcers to systemic infections. Therefore, host immunity in response to different forms of infecting species of Leishmania becomes pivotal in disease progression or regression. Thus, understanding the paradox of immune arsenals during host and parasite interface becomes crucial to eliminate this deadly disease. In the present review, we have elaborated on the immunological perspectives of the disease and discussed primary host immune cells that form a defense line to counteract parasite infection. Furthermore, we also have shed light on the immune cells and effector molecules responsible for parasite survival in host lethal milieu/ environment. Next, we have highlighted recent molecules/compounds showing potent leishmanicidal activities pertaining to their pro-oxidant and immuno-modulatory mechanisms. This review addresses an immuno-biological overview of the factors influencing the parasitic disease, as this knowledge can aid in the unraveling/ identification of potential biomarkers, novel therapeutics, and vaccine candidates against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Kumari
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Kuljit Singh
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Limeira CH, Oliveira MDD, Araújo Júnior JP, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, Silva MLCR, Azevedo SSD, Alves CJ. Molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in donkeys and mules under semiarid conditions in Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e015021. [PMID: 34910019 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a parasitic zoonosis that mainly affects poorest and most vulnerable populations, and domestic dogs are considered to be the main source of infection to the vector and therefore humans. However, several studies have investigated the role of other vertebrate hosts in the disease cycle. In this context, the aim of the present study was to conduct a survey of Leishmania infantum infection in donkeys and mules living in a semiarid region of Brazil. Whole blood sampled from 72 equids (65 donkeys and 7 mules) was used to perform molecular diagnosis using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique. A total of 25% of the samples (18/72) were positive through qPCR, but there were no significant differences between the species (donkeys or mules), sex (male or female) and abandonment situation of the animals (yes or no). Donkeys and mules living under semiarid conditions have high frequency of L. infantum infection. It is therefore worth assigning importance to these species in the epidemiological cycle of visceral leishmaniasis, either as potential reservoirs or just as an abundant food source for vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clécio Henrique Limeira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Luana Cristiny Rodrigues Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
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Zulfiqar B, Avery VM. Assay development in leishmaniasis drug discovery: a comprehensive review. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 17:151-166. [PMID: 34818139 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2002843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cutaneous, muco-cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis occur due to an infection with the protozoan parasite Leishmania. The current therapeutic options are limited mainly due to extensive toxicity, emerging resistance and variation in efficacy based on species and strain of the Leishmania parasite. There exists a high unmet medical need to identify new chemical starting points for drug discovery to tackle the disease. AREAS COVERED The authors have highlighted the recent progress, limitations and successes achieved in assay development for leishmaniasis drug discovery. EXPERT OPINION It is true that sophisticated and robust phenotypic in vitro assays have been developed during the last decade, however limitations and challenges remain with respect to variation in activity reported between different research groups and success in translating in vitro outcomes in vivo. The variability is not only due to strain and species differences but also a lack of well-defined criteria and assay conditions, e.g. culture media, host cell type, assay formats, parasite form used, multiplicity of infection and incubation periods. Thus, there is an urgent need for more physiologically relevant assays that encompass multi-species phenotypic approaches to identify new chemical starting points for leishmaniasis drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Zulfiqar
- Discovery Biology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Vicky M Avery
- Discovery Biology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.,Discovery Biology, Griffith University Drug Discovery Programme for Cancer Therapeutics, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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Silgado A, Armas M, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Goterris L, Ubals M, Temprana-Salvador J, Aparicio G, Chicharro C, Serre-Delcor N, Ferrer B, Molina I, García-Patos V, Pumarola T, Sulleiro E. Changes in the microbiological diagnosis and epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in real-time PCR era: A six-year experience in a referral center in Barcelona. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009884. [PMID: 34758023 PMCID: PMC8580242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by different species of the protozoa Leishmania spp. Cutaneous lesions are the most common clinical manifestation. This disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, including the Mediterranean basin. In Spain, Leishmania (L.) infantum is the only endemic species, but imported cases are often diagnosed. Different classical parasitological methods can be performed for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) diagnosis; but currently molecular techniques serve as a relevant tool for the detection and characterization of Leishmania parasites. We aimed to evaluate clinical and epidemiological characteristics of CL diagnosed patients by real-time PCR in a tertiary hospital over a six-year period. Methodology/Principal findings Clinical, epidemiological and microbiological data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. In our study, CL was confirmed in 59 (31.4%) out of 188 patients by real-time PCR, showing an increase over recent years: 11 cases of CL between 2014 and 2016 and 48 between 2017 and 2019. Real-time PCR was performed on skin swabs and/or biopsies samples, with a positivity of 38.5% and 26.5%, respectively. Results were 100% concordant when biopsy and skin swab were performed simultaneously. L. (L.) infantum was the most frequent species detected (50%), followed by L. (L.) major (45%) and Viannia subgenus (5%), which were detected only in imported cases. L. (L.) major was almost entirely detected in travelers/migrants from Morocco. Multiple and atypical skin lesions were more common in imported cases than in autochthonous cases (44.4% vs. 21.8%). Conclusions/Significance An increase in both autochthonous and imported CL cases has been observed in past years in our hospital. Molecular techniques assist in improving CL diagnosis and characterization of the Leishmania species, mainly in imported cases. Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by different species of the genus Leishmania. This disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, including the Mediterranean basin. In Spain, the only endemic species is L. (L) infantum, although there are cases of imported leishmaniasis due to travel and migration of people from other endemic areas. Cutaneous lesions are the most common clinical form, but L. (L) infantum can also cause mucosal or visceral involvement. Although microscopic diagnosis and skin biopsy specimens are still used in routine diagnosis for cutaneous leishmaniasis, they are time-consuming and invasive, respectively. Currently, molecular techniques, such as real-time PCR, are very sensitive tools for the detection and identification of Leishmania parasites. In addition, the skin swab sample seems to be a non-invasive alternative for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. In the present work, we describe the clinical characteristics of 59 patients diagnosed by real-time PCR of cutaneous leishmaniasis, as well as the molecular epidemiology of the causative species. We show that there has been an increase in cutaneous leishmaniasis cases, both autochthonous and imported cases, over the study period. The presence of Leishmania species other than L. (L) infantum is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroa Silgado
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mayuli Armas
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Drassanes, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lidia Goterris
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Ubals
- Department of Dermatology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Temprana-Salvador
- Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gloria Aparicio
- Department of Dermatology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Núria Serre-Delcor
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Drassanes, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Berta Ferrer
- Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Drassanes, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicenç García-Patos
- Department of Dermatology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomas Pumarola
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Beasley EA, Pessôa-Pereira D, Scorza BM, Petersen CA. Epidemiologic, Clinical and Immunological Consequences of Co-Infections during Canine Leishmaniosis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113206. [PMID: 34827938 PMCID: PMC8614518 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), the most severe, visceralizing form of disease caused by Leishmania infantum transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. CanL is frequently diagnosed in the Mediterranean basin and South America, although it is also found in other regions, including the United States (U.S.). Dogs in these regions are at risk for co-infections, prominently tick-borne diseases. Our review examines epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic mechanisms found during the most common eight CanL co-infections reported in published literature. Co-infections alter immunologic processes and disease progression impacting CanL diagnosis, therapeutic responses, and prognosis. Abstract Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a vector-borne, parasitic disease. CanL is endemic in the Mediterranean basin and South America but also found in Northern Africa, Asia, and the U.S. Regions with both competent sand fly vectors and L. infantum parasites are also endemic for additional infectious diseases that could cause co-infections in dogs. Growing evidence indicates that co-infections can impact immunologic responses and thus the clinical course of both CanL and the comorbid disease(s). The aim for this review is to summarize epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic factors contributing to eight primary co-infections reported with CanL: Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, Paracoccidioides braziliensis. Co-infection causes mechanistic differences in immunity which can alter diagnostics, therapeutic management, and prognosis of dogs with CanL. More research is needed to further explore immunomodulation during CanL co-infection(s) and their clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin A. Beasley
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Danielle Pessôa-Pereira
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Breanna M. Scorza
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christine A. Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Correspondence:
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Kumari D, Perveen S, Sharma R, Singh K. Advancement in leishmaniasis diagnosis and therapeutics: An update. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174436. [PMID: 34428435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is regarded as a neglected tropical disease by World Health Organization (WHO) and is ranked next to malaria as the deadliest protozoan disease. The primary causative agents of the disease comprise of diverse leishmanial species sharing clinical features ranging from skin abrasions to lethal infection in the visceral organs. As several Leishmania species are involved in infection, the role of accurate diagnosis becomes pivotal in adding new dimensions to anti-leishmanial therapy. Diagnostic methods must be fast, reliable, easy to perform, highly sensitive, and specific to differentiate among similar parasitic diseases. Herein, we present the conventional and recent approaches impended for the disease diagnosis and their sensitivity, specificity, and clinical application in parasite detection. Furthermore, we have also elaborated various new methods to cure leishmaniasis, which include host-directed therapies, drug repurposing, nanotechnology, and combinational therapy. This review addresses novel techniques and innovations in leishmaniasis, which can aid in unraveling new strategies to fight against the deadly infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Kumari
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Summaya Perveen
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Rashmi Sharma
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Kuljit Singh
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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Development of Quantitative Rapid Isothermal Amplification Assay for Leishmania donovani. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11111963. [PMID: 34829309 PMCID: PMC8625035 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11111963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantification of pathogen load, although challenging, is of paramount importance for accurate diagnosis and clinical management of a range of infectious diseases in a point-of-need testing (PONT) scenario such as in resource-limited settings. We formulated a quantification approach to test the standard-curve based absolute quantification ability of isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay. As a test of principle, a 10-fold dilution series of Leishmania donovani (LD) genomic DNA prepared in nuclease-free-water (NFW), and from culture-spiked-blood (CSB) were tested, and a 15 min assay was performed. A modified algorithm was formulated to derive the detection outcome. The threshold-record times (Tr) in seconds thus obtained were plotted against the initial load of parasite genomes for log-linear regression analysis. The quantitative RPA (Q-RPA) assay was further evaluated against a LD quantitative (q)-PCR assay with DNA extracted from visceral and post-Kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis case specimens and stratified into different ranges of threshold cycle (Ct). The best-fitted regression models were found linear with mean r2/root mean square error (RMSE) values of residual points (in seconds) estimated as 0.996/8.063 and 0.992/7.46 for replicated series of NFW and CSB, respectively. In both series, the lower limit of detection reached less than 0.1 parasite genome equivalent DNA. Absolute agreement between Q-RPA and LD-qPCR was found for test positivity, and strong positive correlations were observed between the Tr and Ct values (r = 0.89; p < 0.0001) as well as between the absolute parasite loads (r = 0.87; p < 0.0001) quantified by respective assays. The findings in this very first Q-RPA assay for leishmaniasis are suggestive of its potential in monitoring LD load in clinical specimens, and the development of rapid Q-RPA assays for other infectious diseases.
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