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Spindola CZ, Figueiredo FB, Arruda MM, Campos MP, Biffi LJ, Sebolt APR, Godinho NM, Chryssafidis AL, de Moura AB. Canine visceral leishmaniasis: Seroprevalence and georeferencing in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 52:101054. [PMID: 38880562 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101054] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) has long been considered an endemic disease in the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil, while the southern region remains non-endemic. However, in recent years, several cases of CVL have been reported in southern states. The objective of this work was to determine the seroprevalence of CVL in dogs in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, through immunochromatographic tests (DPP®) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and its correlation with environmental characteristics through georeferencing. Blood samples from dogs (n = 1227) were collected in six mesoregions of the state and evaluated by the rapid test (DPP®). Positive samples were sent to Lacen (Central Public Health Laboratory) in Santa Catarina to be tested using ELISA. Information obtained from the epidemiological questionnaire was subjected to statistical analysis (Chi-square and Student's t-test; P < 0.05) to verify the correlation between serology and the analyzed variables. The locations (GPS) of the samples were used for georeferencing and creating heatmaps (Kernel Method). Four animals that died from CVL were necropsied and organ samples were collected for molecular analysis (PCR), immunohistochemistry, and histopathology (HE). Of the 1227 dogs analyzed, 22 (1.8%) were reactive in the DPP® and of these, 7 (0.6%) were also positive in the ELISA. A correlation (P < 0.01) was observed between positive serology and region, environment, access to the street, and clinical signs. The positive cases were concentrated in the eastern region of the state, in low-altitude areas with average rainfall and higher average temperatures, and in more populated areas close to forest fragments. PCR, HE, and immunohistochemistry, along with serology, have proven to be efficient for characterizing positive cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Zomer Spindola
- Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Center for Agroveterinary Sciences (CAV), Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine, 2090 Luiz de Camões Ave, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil; University Center Barriga Verde (UNIBAVE), 601 Pe. João Leonir Dall'Alba St, Orleans, SC 88870-000, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Borges Figueiredo
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Carlos Chagas Institute, 3775 Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader St, Curitiba, PR 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Mauro Maciel Arruda
- University Center Barriga Verde (UNIBAVE), 601 Pe. João Leonir Dall'Alba St, Orleans, SC 88870-000, Brazil
| | - Monique Paiva Campos
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Carlos Chagas Institute, 3775 Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader St, Curitiba, PR 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Josoé Biffi
- Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Center for Agroveterinary Sciences (CAV), Laboratory for Geocomputation, Department of Environmental and Sanitation Engineering, 2090 Luiz de Camões Ave, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Remor Sebolt
- Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Center for Agroveterinary Sciences (CAV), Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine, 2090 Luiz de Camões Ave, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil
| | - Natã Medeiros Godinho
- Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Center for Agroveterinary Sciences (CAV), Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine, 2090 Luiz de Camões Ave, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil
| | - Andreas Lazaros Chryssafidis
- Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Center for Agroveterinary Sciences (CAV), Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine, 2090 Luiz de Camões Ave, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil
| | - Anderson Barbosa de Moura
- Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Center for Agroveterinary Sciences (CAV), Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine, 2090 Luiz de Camões Ave, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil.
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Vilas-Boas DF, Nakasone EKN, Gonçalves AAM, Lair DF, de Oliveira DS, Pereira DFS, Silva GG, Conrado IDSS, Resende LA, Zaldívar MF, Mariano RMDS, Dutra WO, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Galdino AS, Silveira-Lemos D, Giunchetti RC. Global Distribution of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis and the Role of the Dog in the Epidemiology of the Disease. Pathogens 2024; 13:455. [PMID: 38921753 PMCID: PMC11206782 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060455] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the species Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (syn = Leishmania chagasi) and Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani, which are transmitted by hematophagous insects of the genera Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is considered the main urban reservoir of the parasite due to the high parasite load on its skin, serving as a source of infection for sandfly vectors and, consequently, perpetuating the disease in the urban environment. Some factors are considered important in the perpetuation and spread of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in urban areas, such as stray dogs, with their errant behavior, and houses that have backyards with trees, shade, and organic materials, creating an attractive environment for sandfly vectors. CVL is found in approximately 50 countries, with the number of infected dogs reaching millions. However, due to the difficulty of controlling and diagnosing the disease, the number of infected animals could be even greater. In the four continents endemic for CVL, there are reports of disease expansion in endemic countries such as Brazil, Italy, Morocco, and Tunisia, as well as in areas where CVL is not endemic, for example, Uruguay. Socio-environmental factors, such as migration, drought, deforestation, and global warming, have been pointed out as reasons for the expansion into areas where it had been absent. Thus, the objective of this review is to address (i) the distribution of CVL in endemic areas, (ii) the role of the dog in the visceral leishmaniasis epidemiology and the factors that influence dog infection and the spread of the disease, and (iii) the challenges faced in the control of CVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernandes Vilas-Boas
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Eiji Kevin Nakasone Nakasone
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Ana Alice Maia Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Daniel Ferreira Lair
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Diana Souza de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Diogo Fonseca Soares Pereira
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Geralda Gabriele Silva
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Ingrid dos Santos Soares Conrado
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Lucilene Aparecida Resende
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Maykelin Fuentes Zaldívar
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Reysla Maria da Silveira Mariano
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Walderez Ornelas Dutra
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru;
| | - Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, Federal University of São João Del-Rei (UFSJ), Midwest Campus, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil;
| | - Denise Silveira-Lemos
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
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de Freitas Milagres T, López-de-Felipe M, da Silva WJ, Martín-Martín I, Gálvez R, da Silva OS. Same parasite, different outcomes: unraveling the epidemiology of Leishmania infantum infection in Brazil and Spain. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:774-785. [PMID: 37442747 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Human leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is an important health problem worldwide. One of the main aspects arousing interest is the epidemiological scenario surrounding Le. infantum infection in the New World (NW) and Old World (OW). This parasite was introduced to the Americas during European colonization leading to different epidemiology outcomes, even more enigmatic in the face of global changes. Thus, this review aims to highlight the differences and similarities between Le. infantum epidemiology between Brazil (NW) and Spain (OW), as both countries are leading the total number of leishmaniosis cases in their respective continents. Grounded on a systemic view, this article also draws attention to possible common innovative strategies to rethink ways of controlling infections caused by Le. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarcísio de Freitas Milagres
- Flebocollect Medical Entomology Citizen Science Group, Madrid, Spain; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Wellington Junior da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Inés Martín-Martín
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gálvez
- Flebocollect Medical Entomology Citizen Science Group, Madrid, Spain; Department of Specific Didactics, School of Education and Teacher Training, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Onilda Santos da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Buffi G, Ceccarelli M, Diotallevi A, Abruzzese M, Bruno F, Castelli G, Vitale F, Andreoni F, Bencardino D, Magnani M, Galluzzi L. High-resolution melting (HRM)-based detection of polymorphisms in the malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase genes for Leishmania infantum genotyping. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:282. [PMID: 37580789 PMCID: PMC10426199 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05878-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease endemic in the Mediterranean region where Leishmania infantum is the causative agent of human and canine infection. Characterization of this parasite at the subspecies level can be useful in epidemiological studies, to evaluate the clinical course of the disease (e.g. resistant strains, visceral and cutaneous forms of leishmaniasis) as well as to identify infection reservoirs. Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE), a method currently recognized as the reference method for characterizing and identifying strains of Leishmania, is cumbersome and time-consuming and requires cultured parasites. These disadvantages have led to the development of other methods, such as multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST), for typing Leishmania parasites; however, these methods have not yet been applied for routine use. In this study, we first used MLST to identify informative polymorphisms on single-copy genes coding for metabolic enzymes, following which we developed two rapid genotyping assays based on high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis to explore these polymorphisms in L. infantum parasites. METHODS A customized sequencing panel targeting 14 housekeeping genes was designed and MLST analysis was performed on nine L. infantum canine and human strains/isolates. Two quantitative real-time PCR-HRM assays were designed to analyze two informative polymorphisms on malic enzyme (ME) and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) genes (390T/G and 1831A/G, respectively). The two assays were applied to 73 clinical samples/isolates from central/southern Italy and Pantelleria island, and the results were confirmed by DNA sequencing in a subset of samples. RESULTS The MLST analysis, together with sequences available in the Genbank database, enabled the identification of two informative polymorphisms on the genes coding for ME and GPI. The fast screening of these polymorphisms using two HRM-based assays in 73 clinical samples/isolates resulted in the identification of seven genotypes. Overall, genotype 1 (sequence type 390T/1831G) was the most highly represented (45.2%) in the overall sample and correlated with the most common L. infantum zymodemes (MON-1, MON-72). Interestingly, in Pantelleria island, the most prevalent genotype (70.6%) was genotype 6 (sequence type 390T/1831A). CONCLUSIONS Applying our HRM assays on clinical samples allowed us to identify seven different genotypes without the need for parasite isolation and cultivation. We have demonstrated that these assays could be used as fast, routine and inexpensive tools for epidemiological surveillance of L. infantum or for the identification of new infection reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Buffi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Marcello Ceccarelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Aurora Diotallevi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | | | - Federica Bruno
- OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Germano Castelli
- OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Francesca Andreoni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Daniela Bencardino
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy.
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El Mazini S, Barhoumi M, Mhaidi I, Daoui O, Kbaich MA, El Kacem S, El Idrissi Saik I, Riyad M, Bekhti K, Guizani I, Lemrani M. Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Leishmania infantum in Morocco as Revealed by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) Approach. Pathogens 2023; 12:785. [PMID: 37375475 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is endemic in Morocco, and it causes both visceral (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In this study, the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach was used to investigate the phylogeny and population structure of Leishmania infantum strains isolated from CL and VL patients and the canine reservoir in different leishmaniasis endemic foci in Morocco. For this purpose, eight loci (pgm, alat, me, fh, g6pd, pgd, gpi and cytb) were amplified in 40 samples, out of which 31 were successfully sequenced. The genetic diversity analysis detected a high degree of intraspecific genetic variability among the studied strains. The phylogenetic and the haplotype analyses showed that most of the strains from the same geographical areas clustered together. The recombination among Leishmania infantum strains was revealed through a splits tree analysis and the number of recombination events. Moreover, the assessment of the gene flow between Leishmania infantum and Leishmania tropica through phylogenetic analysis and haplotype diversity in two endemic foci where the two species were sympatric showed no genetic exchange between the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara El Mazini
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fes 30000, Morocco
| | - Mourad Barhoumi
- Molecular Epidemiology and Experimental Pathology (MEEP)/ LR16IPT04, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, B.P. 74, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
| | - Idris Mhaidi
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
| | - Othmane Daoui
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
| | - Mouad Ait Kbaich
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
| | - Sofia El Kacem
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
| | - Imane El Idrissi Saik
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Research Team on Immunopathology of Infectious and Systemic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca 21100, Morocco
| | - Myriam Riyad
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Research Team on Immunopathology of Infectious and Systemic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca 21100, Morocco
| | - Khadija Bekhti
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fes 30000, Morocco
| | - Ikram Guizani
- Molecular Epidemiology and Experimental Pathology (MEEP)/ LR16IPT04, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, B.P. 74, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
| | - Meryem Lemrani
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
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Aguiar DCF, Nascimento DDNDS, Penner DF, de Castro BDSL, Virgolino RR, Neves AMP, Siqueira ADS, Gonçalves EC. First molecular detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in a domestic cat ( Felis catus) from an urban area in eastern Amazon. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20220048. [PMID: 37223440 PMCID: PMC10202461 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2022-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Domestic cats have been implicated as accidental hosts of Leishmania sp. However, in recent years, the recurrent description of new cases in endemic and nonendemic areas draw attention to the potential epidemiological role of cats as reservoir hosts. Although dogs are considered urban reservoirs, cats could act as a secondary natural reservoirs in these areas. Thus, feline leishmaniasis has become an emerging disease in several countries worldwide. Case presentation This study aimed to describe the first case of feline leishmaniasis in a stray animal that presented lesions compatible with the disease in Belém, Pará, Brazil, an important urban area in eastern Amazon. Serological tests for Leishmania infantum (ELISA and IFA) were nonreactive, whereas histopathological examination indicated infectious dermatitis caused by Leishmania spp. or Toxoplasma gondii. Cytopathological study of lesion aspirate confirmed the presence of Leishmania sp. amastigotes within macrophages. Finally, molecular analyses revealed that the feline infection was caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi. Conclusion To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study reports the first case of natural infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in a feline from eastern Amazon. These findings suggest domestic cats as potential secondary reservoir hosts of Leishmania spp. in Belém, which reinforces the importance of further epidemiological investigation of feline leishmaniasis, especially in urban areas with human cases.
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Al-Jawabreh A, Ereqat S, Al-Jawabreh H, Dumaidi K, Nasereddin A. Genetic diversity and haplotype analysis of Leishmania tropica identified in sand fly vectors of the genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia using next-generation sequencing technology. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1351-1360. [PMID: 37036520 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07835-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to investigate the genetic diversity of Leishmania tropica in the sand fly vector, targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the genus Leishmania. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted using Galaxy, MEGA version X, DnaSP ver. 6.12.03, and PopART 1.7 software for NGS analysis, phylogenetic tree, genetic diversity, and haplotype networking, respectively. A total of 307 engorged sand flies were trapped, with an overall Leishmania infection rate of 9.4 (29/307) and 6.8% by NGS and ITS1-PCR, respectively. Two Leishmania-infected sand fly genera were identified: Phlebotomus (10.2%, 26/254) and Sergentomyia (5.7% (3/53). The phylogenetic tree showed two clusters, cluster I included the four study sequences along with 25 GenBank-retrieved DNA sequences. Cluster II consisted of three sequences from Iran and Pakistan. The genetic diversity analysis for the 29 L. tropica sequences showed high haplotype (gene) diversity index (Hd) (0.62 ± 0.07) but low nucleotide diversity index (π) (0.04 ± 0.01). Tajima's D, a neutrality test, is more negative in cluster I (D = - 2.0) than in total population (D = - 1.83), but both are equally significant (P < 0.001), indicating that observed variation in cluster I and whole population is less frequent than expected. The median-joining haplotype network produced a total of 11 active haplotypes. In conclusion, L. tropica from sand flies in Palestine is monophyletic that assembled in one main phylogroup and one haplotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Al-Jawabreh
- Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
- Leishmaniases Research Unit-Jericho, Jericho, Palestine
| | - Suheir Ereqat
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine.
| | - Hanan Al-Jawabreh
- Leishmaniases Research Unit-Jericho, Jericho, Palestine
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Abedelmajeed Nasereddin
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine
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8
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Cabrera A, Pita S, González T, Viera A, Verger L, Piegas S, Willat G, Fresia P, Basmadjián Y. Genetic variability highlights the invasion route of the Lutzomyia longipalpis complex, the main vector of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Uruguay. Zoonoses Public Health 2023. [PMID: 36898974 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
In the Americas, the sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis is the main vector of the parasitic protozoa Leishmania infantum, the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The Lu. longipalpis species complex is currently discontinuously distributed across the Neotropical region, from Mexico to the north of Argentina and Uruguay. During its continental spreading, it must have adapted to several biomes and temperature amplitudes, when founder events should have contributed to the high genetic divergence and geographical structure currently observed, reinforcing the speciation process. The first report of Lu. longipalpis in Uruguay was in 2010, calling the attention of Public Health authorities. Five years later, the parasite Le. infantum was recorded and in 2015 the first case of VL in canids was reported. Hitherto seven human cases by VL have been reported in Uruguay. Here, we publish the first DNA sequences from the mitochondrial genes ND4 and CYTB of Lu. longipalpis collected in Uruguay, and we used these molecular markers to investigate their genetic variability and population structure. We described four new ND4 haplotypes in a total of 98 (4/98) and one CYTB in a total of 77 (1/77). As expected, we were able to establish that the Lu. longipalpis collected in two localities (i.e. Salto and Bella Unión) from the north of Uruguay are closely related to the populations from neighbouring countries. We also propose that the possible route for the vector arrival to the region may have been through vegetation and forest corridors of the Uruguay River system, as well as it may have benefited from landscape modifications generated by commercial forestation. The ecological-scale processes shaping Lu. longipalpis populations, the identification of genetically homogeneous groups and the gene flow among them must be carefully investigated by using highly sensible molecular markers (i.e. genome wide SNPs) since it will help to the understanding of VL transmission and contribute to the planification of public policies on its control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Cabrera
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero-Patógeno, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Unidad de Microbiología, Departamento de Patobiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sebastián Pita
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero-Patógeno, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Telma González
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana Viera
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lorenzo Verger
- Ministerio de Salud Pública, Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sofia Piegas
- Ministerio de Salud Pública, Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Pablo Fresia
- Unidad Mixta Pasteur+INIA (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Yester Basmadjián
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
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9
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Comparative Genomic Analyses of New and Old World Viscerotropic Leishmanine Parasites: Further Insights into the Origins of Visceral Leishmaniasis Agents. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010025. [PMID: 36677318 PMCID: PMC9865424 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is an anthropozoonotic disease affecting human populations on five continents. Aetiologic agents belong to the Leishmania (L.) donovani complex. Until the 1990s, three leishmanine parasites comprised this complex: L. (L.) donovani Laveran & Mesnil 1903, L. (L.) infantum Nicolle 1908, and L. (L.) chagasi Lainson & Shaw 1987 (=L. chagasi Cunha & Chagas 1937). The VL causal agent in the New World (NW) was previously identified as L. (L.) chagasi. After the development of molecular characterization, however, comparisons between L. (L.) chagasi and L. (L.) infantum showed high similarity, and L. (L.) chagasi was then regarded as synonymous with L. (L.) infantum. It was, therefore, suggested that L. (L.) chagasi was not native to the NW but had been introduced from the Old World by Iberian colonizers. However, in light of ecological evidence from the NW parasite’s enzootic cycle involving a wild phlebotomine vector (Lutzomyia longipalpis) and a wild mammal reservoir (the fox, Cerdocyon thous), we have recently analyzed by molecular clock comparisons of the DNA polymerase alpha subunit gene the whole-genome sequence of L. (L.) infantum chagasi of the most prevalent clinical form, atypical dermal leishmaniasis (ADL), from Honduras (Central America) with that of the same parasite from Brazil (South America), as well as those of L. (L.) donovani (India) and L. (L.) infantum (Europe), which revealed that the Honduran parasite is older ancestry (382,800 ya) than the parasite from Brazil (143,300 ya), L. (L.) donovani (33,776 ya), or L. (L.) infantum (13,000 ya). In the present work, we have now amplified the genomic comparisons among these leishmanine parasites, exploring mainly the variations in the genome for each chromosome, and the number of genomic SNPs for each chromosome. Although the results of this new analysis have confirmed a high genomic similarity (~99%) among these parasites [except L. (L.) donovani], the Honduran parasite revealed a single structural variation on chromosome 17, and the highest frequency of genomic SNPs (more than twice the number seen in the Brazilian one), which together to its extraordinary ancestry (382,800 ya) represent strong evidence that L. (L.) chagasi/L. (L.) infantum chagasi is, in fact, native to the NW, and therefore with valid taxonomic status. Furthermore, the Honduran parasite, the most ancestral viscerotropic leishmanine parasite, showed genomic and clinical taxonomic characteristics compatible with a new Leishmania species causing ADL in Central America.
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10
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Castillo-Castañeda AC, Patiño LH, Zuñiga MF, Cantillo-Barraza O, Ayala MS, Segura M, Bautista J, Urbano P, Jaimes-Dueñez J, Ramírez JD. An overview of the trypanosomatid (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) parasites infecting several mammal species in Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:471. [PMID: 36522757 PMCID: PMC9756507 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05595-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosomatids are among the most critical parasites for public health due to their impact on human, animal, and plant health. Diseases associated with these pathogens manifest mainly in poor and vulnerable populations, where social, environmental, and biological factors modulate the case incidence and geographical distribution. METHODS We used Sanger and amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) in samples from different mammals to identify trypanosomatid infections in several departments in Colombia. A total of 174 DNA samples (18 humans, 83 dogs, and 73 wild mammals) were analyzed by conventional PCR using a fragment of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene and Sanger sequenced the positive samples. Twenty-seven samples were sent for amplicon-based NGS using the same gene fragment. Data obtained were used to perform diversity analyses. RESULTS One hundred and thirteen samples were positive for PCR by Hsp70 fragment; these corresponded to 22.1% Leishmania spp., 18.6% L. amazonensis, 9.7% L. braziliensis, 14.2% L. infantum, 8% L. panamensis, and 27.4% Trypanosoma cruzi. Comparison of the identified species by the two sequencing technologies used resulted in 97% concordance. Alpha and beta diversity indices were significant, mainly for dogs; there was an interesting index of coinfection events in the analyzed samples: different Leishmania species and the simultaneous presence of T. cruzi and even T. rangeli in one of the samples analyzed. Moreover, a low presence of L. braziliensis was observed in samples from wild mammals. Interestingly, to our knowledge, this is the first report of Leishmania detection in Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris (capybara) in Colombia. CONCLUSIONS The Hsp70 fragment used in this study is an optimal molecular marker for trypanosomatid identification in many hosts and allows the identification of different species in the same sample when amplicon-based sequencing is used. However, the use of this fragment for molecular diagnosis through conventional PCR should be carefully interpreted because of this same capacity to identify several parasites. This point is of pivotal importance in highly endemic countries across South America because of the co-circulation of different genera from the Trypanosomatidae family. The findings show an interesting starting point for One Health approaches in which coevolution and vector-host interactions can be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana C. Castillo-Castañeda
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz H. Patiño
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Maria Fernanda Zuñiga
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia ,grid.412881.60000 0000 8882 5269Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas (BCEI), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Martha S. Ayala
- grid.419226.a0000 0004 0614 5067Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Maryi Segura
- grid.419226.a0000 0004 0614 5067Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jessica Bautista
- grid.419226.a0000 0004 0614 5067Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Plutarco Urbano
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biológicas de La Orinoquía, Universidad Internacional del Trópico Americano (Unitropico), Yopal, Colombia
| | - Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- grid.442158.e0000 0001 2300 1573Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
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11
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Llanes A, Cruz G, Morán M, Vega C, Pineda VJ, Ríos M, Penagos H, Suárez JA, Saldaña A, Lleonart R, Restrepo CM. Genomic diversity and genetic variation of Leishmania panamensis within its endemic range. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 103:105342. [PMID: 35878820 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105342] [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: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Species belonging to the Leishmania (Viannia) subgenus are important causative agents of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Central and South America. These parasites possess several distinctive biological features that are influenced by their genetics, population structure, and genome instability. To date, several studies have revealed varying degrees of genetic diversity within Leishmania species. Particularly, in species of the L. (Viannia) subgenus, a generalized high intraspecific genetic diversity has been reported, although, conflicting conclusions have been drawn using different molecular techniques. Despite being the most common Leishmania species circulating in Panama and Colombia, few studies have analyzed clinical samples of Leishmania panamensis using whole-genome sequencing, and their restricted number of samples has limited the information they can provide to understand the population structure of L. panamensis. Here, we used next generation sequencing (NGS) to explore the genetic diversity of L. panamensis within its endemic range, analyzing data from 43 isolates of Colombian and Panamanian origin. Our results show the occurrence of three well-defined geographically correlated groups, and suggests the possible occurrence of additional phylogeographic groups. Furthermore, these results support the existence of a mixed mode of reproduction in L. panamensis, with varying frequencies of events of genetic recombination occurring primarily within subpopulations of closely related strains. This study offers important insights into the population genetics and reproduction mode of L. panamensis, paving the way to better understand their population structure and the emergence and maintenance of key eco-epidemiological traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Llanes
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Génesis Cruz
- Escuela de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Mitchelle Morán
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Carlos Vega
- Escuela de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Vanessa J Pineda
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Margarita Ríos
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Homero Penagos
- Hospital Regional Dr. Rafael Hernández, Caja de Seguro Social, David, Chiriquí, Panama; Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNI-SENACYT), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - José A Suárez
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama City, Panama, Panama; Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNI-SENACYT), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Azael Saldaña
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama City, Panama, Panama; Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNI-SENACYT), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Ricardo Lleonart
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panama City, Panama, Panama; Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNI-SENACYT), Panama City, Panama, Panama.
| | - Carlos M Restrepo
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panama City, Panama, Panama; Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNI-SENACYT), Panama City, Panama, Panama.
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12
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Whole-Genome Sequencing of Leishmania infantum chagasi Isolates from Honduras and Brazil. Microbiol Resour Announc 2021; 10:e0047121. [PMID: 34854707 PMCID: PMC8638571 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00471-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This work reports on the whole-genome sequencing of Leishmania infantum chagasi from Honduras (Central America) and Brazil (South America).
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13
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Grace CA, Forrester S, Silva VC, Carvalho KSS, Kilford H, Chew YP, James S, Costa DL, Mottram JC, Costa CCHN, Jeffares DC. Candidates for Balancing Selection in Leishmania donovani Complex Parasites. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6448231. [PMID: 34865011 PMCID: PMC8717319 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Leishmania donovani species complex is the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, which cause 20–40,000 fatalities a year. Here, we conduct a screen for balancing selection in this species complex. We used 384 publicly available L. donovani and L. infantum genomes, and sequence 93 isolates of L. infantum from Brazil to describe the global diversity of this species complex. We identify five genetically distinct populations that are sufficiently represented by genomic data to search for signatures of selection. We find that signals of balancing selection are generally not shared between populations, consistent with transient adaptive events, rather than long-term balancing selection. We then apply multiple diversity metrics to identify candidate genes with robust signatures of balancing selection, identifying a curated set of 24 genes with robust signatures. These include zeta toxin, nodulin-like, and flagellum attachment proteins. This study highlights the extent of genetic divergence between L. donovani complex parasites and provides genes for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cooper Alastair Grace
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Forrester
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Vladimir Costa Silva
- Instituto de Doenças do Sertão, Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portella, Centro de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina-PI, Brazil
| | - Kátia Silene Sousa Carvalho
- Instituto de Doenças do Sertão, Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portella, Centro de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina-PI, Brazil
| | - Hannah Kilford
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Yen Peng Chew
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom.,Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sally James
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Dorcas L Costa
- Instituto de Doenças do Sertão, Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portella, Centro de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina-PI, Brazil
| | - Jeremy C Mottram
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos C H N Costa
- Instituto de Doenças do Sertão, Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portella, Centro de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina-PI, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Jeffares
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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14
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Leishmania and the Model of Predominant Clonal Evolution. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112409. [PMID: 34835534 PMCID: PMC8620605 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
As it is the case for other pathogenic microorganisms, the respective impact of clonality and genetic exchange on Leishmania natural populations has been the object of lively debates since the early 1980s. The predominant clonal evolution (PCE) model states that genetic exchange in these parasites’ natural populations may have a high relevance on an evolutionary scale, but is not sufficient to erase a persistent phylogenetic signal and the existence of bifurcating trees. Recent data based on high-resolution markers and genomic polymorphisms fully confirm the PCE model down to a microevolutionary level.
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15
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Control of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Success Case Based on Deltamethrin 4% Collars. EPIDEMIOLGIA (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 2:502-518. [PMID: 36417213 PMCID: PMC9620925 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia2040035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The effect of employing collars impregnated with deltamethrin 4% (DM4) to control canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) was evaluated. as were the individual factors associated with this infection. A cohort study that included household dogs was conducted between 2002 and 2006. The presence of pathognomonic signals, peridomiciliary sleep habits and breed were the main factors associated with the infection. The use of DM4 collars contributed to the reduction of CVL with an effectiveness of 66%, and the dogs' survival rate was greater than 90% at 50 months. In conclusion, the adoption of DM4 collars reduced the number of euthanized canines and in the incidence of CVL, and this reduction was sustained for one year after discontinuing the use of the collar.
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16
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Marzochi MCDA, Marzochi KBF, Fagundes A, Schubach ADO, Miranda LDFC, Pacheco RDS. Anthropogenic Dispersal of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in the Americas: A Plausible Hypothesis. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.723017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are several gaps in our knowledge on the origin and spread of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, an etiological agent of cutaneous and mucocutaneous or American tegumentary leishmaniasis, to different biomes, hosts, and vectors, with important epidemiological implications, including the possible existence of an anthroponotic component. Historical, biological, and epidemiological evidence suggests that Leishmania (V.) braziliensis and its variants were preexistent in Amazonia with great genetic variability, where they dispersed with less variability to other regions (clonal expansion). During pre-Columbian times the parasite may have been transported by migrating humans and probably also their dogs, from western Amazonia to the high inter-Andean valleys and from there to other regions of South America. The same thing could have happened later, in the same way, when it spread to non-Amazonian regions of Brazil and other countries of South and Central America, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the so-called Rubber Boom and construction of the Madeira-Mamoré Railway in the Brazilian Amazon, by migrant workers who later returned to their places of origin, transporting the agent. The parasite’s dispersal in genetic correlated clusters, involving unexpectedly distinct ecosystems in Brazil (Amazonian, Cerrado, Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes), has continued until the present through human displacement. The infection of certain species of domestic, synanthropic and even wild animals, could be secondary to anthropogenic introduction of L. (V.) braziliensis in new environments. We admit the same phenomena happening in the probable transference of Leishmania infantum (visceral leishmaniasis), and of Yersinia pestis (plague) from the Old world to the New world, generating domestic and wild enzotic cycles from these agents. These assumptions associated with human infections, chronicity and parasite persistence with possibility of recovery of Leishmania in peripheral blood, skin and scars of cured or asymptomatic patients, (that may provide an alternative blood meal), along with the sand flies’ adaptation to the peri-domicile and the high susceptibility of domestic dogs, horses, mules and cats to the parasite, can reinforce the evidence of anthropogenic spread of L. (V.) braziliensis.
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17
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Patino LH, Castillo-Castañeda A, Muñoz M, Muskus C, Rivero-Rodríguez M, Pérez-Doria A, Bejarano EE, Ramírez JD. Revisiting the heterogeneous global genomic population structure of Leishmania infantum. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 34491157 PMCID: PMC8715437 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is the main causative agent responsible for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a disease with global distribution. The genomic structure and genetic variation of this species have been widely studied in different parts of the world. However, in some countries, this information is still yet unknown, as is the genomic behaviour of the main antigens used in VL diagnosis (rK39 and rK28), which have demonstrated variable sensitivity and specificity in a manner dependent on the geographic region analysed. The objective of this study was to explore the genomic architecture and diversity of four Colombian L. infantum isolates obtained in this study and to compare these results with the genetic analysis of 183 L. infantum isolates from across the world (obtained from public databases), as well as to analyse the whole rK39 and rK28 antigen sequences in our dataset. The results showed that, at the global level, L. infantum has high genetic homogeneity and extensive aneuploidy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that there are distinct populations of L. infantum circulating in various countries throughout the globe and that populations of distant countries have close genomic relationships. Additionally, this study demonstrated the high genetic variability of the rK28 antigen worldwide. In conclusion, our study allowed us to (i) expand our knowledge of the genomic structure of global L. infantum; (ii) describe the intra-specific genomic variability of this species; and (iii) understand the genomic characteristics of the main antigens used in the diagnosis of VL. Additionally, this is the first study to report whole-genome sequences of Colombian L. infantum isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz H Patino
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Castillo-Castañeda
- 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
| | - Carlos Muskus
- Programa de Estudios y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Matilde Rivero-Rodríguez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia.,Candidata a doctor en Medicina Tropical, Universidad de Cartagena-SUE Caribe, Colombia
| | - Alveiro Pérez-Doria
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia
| | - Eduar E Bejarano
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Tirado TC, Bavia L, Ambrosio AR, Campos MP, de Almeida Santiago M, Messias-Reason IJ, Figueiredo FB. A comparative approach on the activation of the three complement system pathways in different hosts of Visceral Leishmaniasis after stimulation with Leishmania infantum. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 120:104061. [PMID: 33667529 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease that affects mainly humans and dogs, with the latter being important reservoirs of the parasite. Conversely, cats are naturally resistant. The immune system can offer important explanation to this problematic as there is no evidence on the role that the complement system plays in cats. In this context, effect of the complement system from human, dog and cat sera on Leishmania infantum was evaluated. Activation of the classical, alternative and lectin pathways was assessed through hemolytic and ELISA assays. Lytic activity of the complement on the parasite's viability was investigated by Transmission Electron Microscopy and Flow Cytometry. Complement proteins were more consumed in dog serum on the classical and alternative pathways, leading to less hemolytic activity, and only in cat serum they were consumed on the lectin pathway when incubated with L. infantum. Lytic activity on the parasite's surface was more accentuated in human serum, and varied throughout the parasite's developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Cristina Tirado
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCruz), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Lorena Bavia
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Molecular, Departamento de Patologia Médica, Universidade Federal Do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Altair Rogerio Ambrosio
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Molecular, Departamento de Patologia Médica, Universidade Federal Do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Monique Paiva Campos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCruz), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Iara Jose Messias-Reason
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Molecular, Departamento de Patologia Médica, Universidade Federal Do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Borges Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCruz), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Kuhls K, Moskalenko O, Sukiasyan A, Manukyan D, Melik-Andreasyan G, Atshemyan L, Apresyan H, Strelkova M, Jaeschke A, Wieland R, Frohme M, Cortes S, Keshishyan A. Microsatellite based molecular epidemiology of Leishmania infantum from re-emerging foci of visceral leishmaniasis in Armenia and pilot risk assessment by ecological niche modeling. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009288. [PMID: 33872307 PMCID: PMC8055006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is re-emerging in Armenia since 1999 with 167 cases recorded until 2019. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine for the first time the genetic diversity and population structure of the causative agent of VL in Armenia; (ii) to compare these genotypes with those from most endemic regions worldwide; (iii) to monitor the diversity of vectors in Armenia; (iv) to predict the distribution of the vectors and VL in time and space by ecological niche modeling. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Human samples from different parts of Armenia previously identified by ITS-1-RFLP as L. infantum were studied by Multilocus Microsatellite Typing (MLMT). These data were combined with previously typed L. infantum strains from the main global endemic regions for population structure analysis. Within the 23 Armenian L. infantum strains 22 different genotypes were identified. The combined analysis revealed that all strains belong to the worldwide predominating MON1-population, however most closely related to a subpopulation from Southeastern Europe, Maghreb, Middle East and Central Asia. The three observed Armenian clusters grouped within this subpopulation with strains from Greece/Turkey, and from Central Asia, respectively. Ecological niche modeling based on VL cases and collected proven vectors (P. balcanicus, P. kandelakii) identified Yerevan and districts Lori, Tavush, Syunik, Armavir, Ararat bordering Georgia, Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan as most suitable for the vectors and with the highest risk for VL transmission. Due to climate change the suitable habitat for VL transmission will expand in future all over Armenia. CONCLUSIONS Genetic diversity and population structure of the causative agent of VL in Armenia were addressed for the first time. Further genotyping studies should be performed with samples from infected humans, animals and sand flies from all active foci including the neighboring countries to understand transmission cycles, re-emergence, spread, and epidemiology of VL in Armenia and the entire Transcaucasus enabling epidemiological monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Kuhls
- Division of Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
- Research Platform Data Analysis & Simulation, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Olga Moskalenko
- Division of Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
| | - Anna Sukiasyan
- Division of Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
- Research Institute of Epidemiology, Virology and Medical Parasitology after A.B. Alexanyan, Ministry of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
- Eurasia International University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Dezdemonia Manukyan
- Research Institute of Epidemiology, Virology and Medical Parasitology after A.B. Alexanyan, Ministry of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Gayane Melik-Andreasyan
- Research Institute of Epidemiology, Virology and Medical Parasitology after A.B. Alexanyan, Ministry of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
- National Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health,Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Liana Atshemyan
- Research Institute of Epidemiology, Virology and Medical Parasitology after A.B. Alexanyan, Ministry of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Hripsime Apresyan
- Yerevan State Medical University after Mkitar Herats, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Margarita Strelkova
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-borne Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anja Jaeschke
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ralf Wieland
- Research Platform Data Analysis & Simulation, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Frohme
- Division of Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
| | - Sofia Cortes
- Division of Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
- Global Health & Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ara Keshishyan
- Research Institute of Epidemiology, Virology and Medical Parasitology after A.B. Alexanyan, Ministry of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
- National Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health,Yerevan, Armenia
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20
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Gin TE, Lashnits E, Wilson JM, Breitschwerdt EB, Qurollo B. Demographics and travel history of imported and autochthonous cases of leishmaniosis in dogs in the United States and Canada, 2006 to 2019. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:954-964. [PMID: 33635562 PMCID: PMC7995368 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania infantum infections are reported in foxhounds throughout the United States (US) and Canada, but only rarely in other dog breeds. A seroprevalence report from 2006 documented leishmaniosis in foxhounds (8.9%) tested in the US between 2000 and 2003. All other breeds were seronegative. OBJECTIVE To reexamine demographics and travel history of L. infantum-infected dogs in the US and Canada, we hypothesize detection of L. infantum in more foxhounds than nonfoxhounds and that infected nonfoxhounds will have traveled to endemic regions. ANIMALS A total of 125 dogs positive for L. infantum by immunofluorescent antibody, PCR, or both. METHODS Retrospective, descriptive study of L. infantum-infected dogs between 4 January 2006 and 22 May 2019. Travel history and known lineage to foxhounds was collected from questionnaires. RESULTS Leishmania infantum was detected in 125 (6.4%) of 1961 dogs tested between 4 January 2006 and 22 May 2019, of which 10 (8%) were foxhounds and 115 (92%) were nonfoxhound breeds. Travel history available for 69 (55%) dogs showed 60 (86.9%) dogs had traveled outside of the US or Canada. Nine (13%) dogs had not traveled outside of the US or Canada, 5 of which were nonfoxhounds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The majority of L. infantum cases were detected in nonfoxhounds, many of which had traveled to L. infantum-endemic countries, and several nonfoxhound breeds had no travel history. Leishmania surveillance should be considered for dogs that return from L. infantum-endemic regions to monitor emergence of this zoonotic disease in the US and Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Estes Gin
- Department of Clinical sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUnited States
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Clinical sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUnited States
| | - James M. Wilson
- Vector‐Borne Disease Diagnostic LabNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUnited States
| | | | - Barbara Qurollo
- Department of Clinical sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUnited States
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21
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Ben-Ahmed K. Childhood visceral leishmaniasis in Tunisia: A cross-sectional study in local spatial analysis. Acta Trop 2021; 214:105793. [PMID: 33310075 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes spatial distribution of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and determines its correlation with climatic factors in an endemic focus in northern and central Tunisia. Data on VL cases in children under five years of age were obtained by consulting medical reports from all Tunisian Pediatric Departments (TPD) during 2006-2016. Three key climatic factors, namely precipitation, continentality index and pluviometric coefficient of Emberger were used as predictor variables to model the VL geographical distribution. Data handling and statistical analysis were performed using R and Arcview GIS software systems. Bayesian local spatial model was employed to analyse the data. The results show a progressive increase in the VL incidence rates in regions with high levels of precipitation, but with low values of both continentality index and pluviometric coefficient of Emberger. A likely explanation of these findings arises from the opposite local effects of climatic factors which tend to cancel each other out in the calculation of the mean parameter estimate over the whole study area. We conclude that using non-local spatial analysis approach leads to misleading epidemiological interpretations, which in turn are of relevance for more efficient and cost-effective resource allocation for control and well manage the spread of VL in the study region and elsewhere in Tunisia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kais Ben-Ahmed
- Department of Finance, College of Business, University of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Higher Institute of Management, ISG, University of Sousse, Tunisia.
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22
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Schwabl P, Boité MC, Bussotti G, Jacobs A, Andersson B, Moreira O, Freitas-Mesquita AL, Meyer-Fernandes JR, Telleria EL, Traub-Csekö Y, Vaselek S, Leštinová T, Volf P, Morgado FN, Porrozzi R, Llewellyn M, Späth GF, Cupolillo E. Colonization and genetic diversification processes of Leishmania infantum in the Americas. Commun Biol 2021; 4:139. [PMID: 33514858 PMCID: PMC7846609 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum causes visceral leishmaniasis, a deadly vector-borne disease introduced to the Americas during the colonial era. This non-native trypanosomatid parasite has since established widespread transmission cycles using alternative vectors, and human infection has become a significant concern to public health, especially in Brazil. A multi-kilobase deletion was recently detected in Brazilian L. infantum genomes and is suggested to reduce susceptibility to the anti-leishmanial drug miltefosine. We show that deletion-carrying strains occur in at least 15 Brazilian states and describe diversity patterns suggesting that these derive from common ancestral mutants rather than from recurrent independent mutation events. We also show that the deleted locus and associated enzymatic activity is restored by hybridization with non-deletion type strains. Genetic exchange appears common in areas of secondary contact but also among closely related parasites. We examine demographic and ecological scenarios underlying this complex L. infantum population structure and discuss implications for disease control. Philipp Schwabl, Mariana Boité, and colleagues analyze 126 Leishmania infantum genomes to determine how demographic and selective consequences of the parasite’s invasive history have contributed to intricate population genetic heterogeneity across Brazil. Their data suggest a complex interplay of population expansion, secondary contact and genetic exchange events underlying diversity patterns at short and long-distance scales. These processes also appear pivotal to the proliferation of a drug resistance-associated multi-gene deletion on chromosome 31.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schwabl
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mariana C Boité
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Giovanni Bussotti
- Institut Pasteur-Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub-C3BI, USR 3756 IP CNRS, 75015, Paris, France.,Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitology moléculaire et Signalisation, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Arne Jacobs
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bjorn Andersson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum 9C, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Otacilio Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Anita L Freitas-Mesquita
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jose Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Erich L Telleria
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yara Traub-Csekö
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Slavica Vaselek
- Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Leštinová
- Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Volf
- Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fernanda N Morgado
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renato Porrozzi
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martin Llewellyn
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gerald F Späth
- Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitology moléculaire et Signalisation, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Elisa Cupolillo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Bussotti G, Benkahla A, Jeddi F, Souiaï O, Aoun K, Späth GF, Bouratbine A. Nuclear and mitochondrial genome sequencing of North-African Leishmania infantum isolates from cured and relapsed visceral leishmaniasis patients reveals variations correlating with geography and phenotype. Microb Genom 2020; 6:mgen000444. [PMID: 32975503 PMCID: PMC7660250 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although several studies have investigated genetic diversity of Leishmania infantum in North Africa, genome-wide analyses are lacking. Here, we conducted comparative analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of seven L. infantum isolates from Tunisia with the aim to gain insight into factors that drive genomic and phenotypic adaptation. Isolates were from cured (n=4) and recurrent (n=3) visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases, originating from northern (n=2) and central (n=5) Tunisia, where respectively stable and emerging VL foci are observed. All isolates from relapsed patients were from Kairouan governorate (Centre); one showing resistance to the anti-leishmanial drug Meglumine antimoniate. Nuclear genome diversity of the isolates was analysed by comparison to the L. infantum JPCM5 reference genome. Kinetoplast maxi and minicircle sequences (1 and 59, respectively) were extracted from unmapped reads and identified by blast analysis against public data sets. The genome variation analysis grouped together isolates from the same geographical origins. Strains from the North were very different from the reference showing more than 34 587 specific single nucleotide variants, with one isolate representing a full genetic hybrid as judged by variant frequency. Composition of minicircle classes within isolates corroborated this geographical population structure. Read depth analysis revealed several significant gene copy number variations correlating with either geographical origin (amastin and Hsp33 genes) or relapse (CLN3 gene). However, no specific gene copy number variation was found in the drug-resistant isolate. In contrast, resistance was associated with a specific minicircle pattern suggesting Leishmania mitochondrial DNA as a potential novel source for biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Bussotti
- Institut Pasteur, Hub Bioinformatique et biostatistique, 28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie moléculaire et Signalisation, Département des Parasites et Insectes vecteurs, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Alia Benkahla
- Laboratoire de recherche, LR 16IPT09, Bioinformatique, Biomathématiques et Biostatistiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, 13 Place Pasteur, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Fakhri Jeddi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Oussama Souiaï
- Laboratoire de recherche, LR 16IPT09, Bioinformatique, Biomathématiques et Biostatistiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, 13 Place Pasteur, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Karim Aoun
- Laboratoire de recherche, LR 16IPT06, Parasitoses médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, 13 Place Pasteur, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Gerald F. Späth
- Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie moléculaire et Signalisation, Département des Parasites et Insectes vecteurs, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aïda Bouratbine
- Laboratoire de recherche, LR 16IPT06, Parasitoses médicales, Biotechnologies et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El-Manar, 13 Place Pasteur, Tunis, Tunisie
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24
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Fernandez-Gallego A, Feo Bernabe L, Dalmau A, Esteban-Saltiveri D, Font A, Leiva M, Ortuñez-Navarro A, Peña MT, Tabar MD, Real-Sampietro L, Saló F, Lloret A, Bardagí M. Feline leishmaniosis: diagnosis, treatment and outcome in 16 cats. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:993-1007. [PMID: 32053024 PMCID: PMC10814407 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20902865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease and in European countries is caused by Leishmania infantum. Cats are considered secondary reservoirs of the infection in endemic areas. The objective of this retrospective study is to describe the clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of feline leishmaniosis (FeL) in 16 cats in Spain. METHODS Medical records of cats diagnosed with leishmaniosis were retrospectively reviewed for cases that met the following inclusion criteria: identification of Leishmania organisms and/or DNA on cytological and/or histological specimens and/or a high anti-Leishmania antibody titre, compatible clinical findings and pathological abnormalities. RESULTS Sixteen cats met the inclusion criteria, all of which were living in areas endemic for canine leishmaniosis. Systemic signs were present in 11 cases (68.8%). The most common clinical signs on presentation included cutaneous lesions in 12 cats (75%), ocular disease in six cats (37.5%) and anorexia in six cats (37.5%). A polyclonal gammopathy was noted in 12 cats (85.7%). Non-regenerative anaemia and renal abnormalities were present in six (37.5%) and five patients (31.3%), respectively. In nine cats (56.3%), immunosuppressive conditions/comorbidities were identified. The diagnosis was made in eight of the cats (50%) by cytology, but a combination of diagnostic tests was needed for definitive diagnosis in the remaining patients. Twelve cats (75%) were treated specifically for leishmaniosis. Five of the 12 cats (41.7%) did not improve with treatment. The median survival time in the group of patients treated specifically for leishmaniosis was 17 months. Median survival of patients treated with concomitant diseases was 13 months vs 41 months in those without, although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.557). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Presentation of FeL appears to be similar to canine leishmaniosis but with some specific features: ulcerative and nodular skin lesions are the predominant cutaneous signs; cats with immunosuppressive conditions or coexisting diseases were more commonly present than typically seen in dogs (mainly feline immunodeficiency virus). A combination of diagnostic tests may be needed for definitive diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Artur Font
- Hospital Ars Veterinaria, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Leiva
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animal, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Servei d’Oftalmologia de la Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Maria-Teresa Peña
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animal, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Servei d’Oftalmologia de la Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Ferran Saló
- Dispensari Veterinari del Vallès, Rubí, Spain
| | - Albert Lloret
- Servei de Medicina Interna de la Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Bardagí
- Hospital Ars Veterinaria, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animal, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Spada JCP, Silva DTD, Alves ML, Cárdenas NC, Inlamea OF, Faria GA, Ferreira AG, Silva HR, Oliveira TMFDS, Buzetti WAS. Risk factors associated with Leishmania exposure among dogs in a rural area of Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 53:e20200059. [PMID: 32935780 PMCID: PMC7491566 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0059-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine risk factors (RFs) associated with the presence of
antibodies against Leishmania in dogs from a rural area of
Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 250 dogs and tested using indirect
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence
antibody tests (IFATs). Data concerning dogs, their environment, and their
owners’ knowledge of leishmaniasis were collected using a questionnaire. To
determine RFs for contact with the parasite, univariate statistical analysis
based on chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests, followed by logistic
regression, was used. RESULTS: It was found that 79/250 (31.6%) of the dogs were positive by IFAT, and
72/250 (28.8%) by ELISA. A total of 82/250 dogs (32.8%) were positive in at
least one test. The RFs associated with occurrences of
Leishmania exposure were large body size (OR = 2.25;
95% CI = 1.26-4.04; p = 0.003), presence of chickens (OR = 1.94; 95% CI =
1.05-3.65; p = 0.023), and lack of knowledge about
Leishmania among dog owners (OR = 1.74; 95% CI =
0.96-3.21; p = 0.049). After multivariate analysis, the RFs for occurrence
of Leishmania exposure in dogs that remained significantly
associated were the dog’s size (large dogs) (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.06-1.35; p
= 0.003) and presence of chickens on the properties (small farms) (OR =
1.15; 95% CI = 1.02-1.30; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: These results may be useful for improving preventive practices to reduce the
incidence of Leishmania exposure among dogs in rural
areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Cesar Pereira Spada
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Diogo Tiago da Silva
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Luana Alves
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Nicolás Céspedes Cárdenas
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Osvaldo Frederico Inlamea
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Glaucia Amorim Faria
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Matemática, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
| | - Andrea Gonçalves Ferreira
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
| | - Helio Ricardo Silva
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
| | - Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Wilma Aparecida Starke Buzetti
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
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Fernández-Arévalo A, El Baidouri F, Ravel C, Ballart C, Abras A, Lachaud L, Tebar S, Lami P, Pratlong F, Gállego M, Muñoz C. The Leishmania donovani species complex: A new insight into taxonomy ☆. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:1079-1088. [PMID: 32889062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Among the 20 or so Leishmania spp. described as pathogenic for humans, those of the Leishmania donovani complex are the exclusive causative agents of systemic and fatal visceral leishmaniasis. Although well studied, the complex is taxonomically controversial, which hampers clinical and epidemiological research. In this work, we analysed 56 Leishmania strains previously identified as L. donovani, Leishmania archibaldi or Leishmania infantum, isolated from humans, dogs and sandfly vectors throughout their distribution area. The strains were submitted to biochemical and genetic analyses and the resulting data were compared for congruence. Our results show: i) a partial concordance between biochemical and genetic-based data, ii) very limited genetic variability within the L. donovani complex, iii) footprints of frequent genetic exchange along an east-west gradient, marked by a widespread diffusion of alleles across the geographical range, and iv) a large-scale geographical spreading of a few genotypes. From a taxonomic point of view, considering the absence of relevant terminology in existing classes, the L. donovani complex could be treated as a single entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fernández-Arévalo
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciènces de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Barcelona, Spain & Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Fouad El Baidouri
- Department of Botany, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Christophe Ravel
- National Reference Centre for Leishmaniasis, University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Cristina Ballart
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciènces de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Abras
- Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Laurence Lachaud
- National Reference Centre for Leishmaniasis, University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Silvia Tebar
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciènces de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrick Lami
- National Reference Centre for Leishmaniasis, University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francine Pratlong
- National Reference Centre for Leishmaniasis, University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Montserrat Gállego
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciènces de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carme Muñoz
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Barcelona, Spain & Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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27
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Machado CAL, Sevá ADP, Dantas-Torres F, Horta MC. Spatial analysis and epidemiological profile of visceral leishmaniasis, northeastern Brazil: A cross-sectional study. Acta Trop 2020; 208:105520. [PMID: 32413361 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Most visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases reported in Brazil are from the northeast region, where the disease is strongly linked to poverty. In spite of the still existing inequalities, many social improvements were achieved in the past decades in this region, but the possible impact of these improvements on VL remains poorly investigated. We conducted a cross-sectional study coupled with a spatial analysis of VL cases notified in northeastern Brazil from 2007 to 2017. In total, 21,703 cases were reported during this period, with an annual incidence of 3.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Children under 10 years old and males were more affected, and most cases were from urban areas. Living in municipalities situated in the Cerrado, Amazon or, to a lesser extent, in the Caatinga biomes was a risk factor for VL. This study indicates that the epidemiological profile of VL patients remained unchanged in northeastern Brazil, suggesting that social improvements achieved in this region were not enough to mitigate the risk of this disease among the most affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anaiá da Paixão Sevá
- Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazaré de Andrade, Rod. Jorge Amado, Km 16 - Salobrinho, Ilhéus, Bahia, 45662-900 Brazil
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Campus da UFPE - Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, 50740-465 Brazil
| | - Maurício Claudio Horta
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n - Dois Irmãos, Recife Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Rodovia BR-407, KM 12 Lote 543 S/n Projeto de Irrigação Nilo Coelho, Petrolina, Pernambuco, 56300-000, Brazil.
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28
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Cupolillo E, Cavalcanti AS, Ferreira GEM, Boité MC, Morgado FN, Porrozzi R. Occurrence of multiple genotype infection caused by Leishmania infantum in naturally infected dogs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007986. [PMID: 32716941 PMCID: PMC7410330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms in natural Leishmania populations have been reported in endemic areas. Microsatellite typing is a useful tool to elucidate the genetic variability of parasite strains, due to its capability for high-resolution mapping of genomic targets. The present study employed multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) to explore the genotypic composition of Leishmania infantum in naturally infected dogs by genotyping parasites infecting different tissues with or without in vitro expansion. Eighty-six samples were collected from 46 animals in an endemic region of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). MLMT was performed for 38 spleen samples and 48 L. infantum cultures isolated from different tissues. Of the 86 samples, 23 were effectively genotyped by MLMT, identifying nine multilocus genotypes (MLG; referred to as MLG A–I). MLGs A, B and C were detected in more than one type of tissue and in more than one sample. Conversely, MLG D-I were uniquely detected in one sample each. The results showed that multiple genotype infections occur within a single host and tissue. Paired sample analysis revealed the presence of different MLMT alleles in 14 dogs, while the same MLG allele was present in 15 animals. STRUCTURE analysis demonstrated the presence of two populations; 13 samples displayed a similar admixture of both ancestral populations, and these were not assigned to any population. Only samples for which Q ≥ 0.70 after CLUMPP alignment were considered to be part of Population 1 (POP1) or Population 2 (POP2). POP2 comprised the majority of samples (n = 54) compared to POP1 (n = 19). This study presents evidence of multiple genotype infections (caused by L. infantum) in dogs in an area with high VL transmission. Further investigations must be undertaken to determine the effects of multiple infection on the host immune response and disease dynamics and treatment. American visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum. This parasite can infect humans and animals and is transmitted by sand flies. Domestic dogs are considered an important host, and like humans, they can manifest the disease or present asymptomatic infections. Studies have identified genetic variations among L. infantum parasites from different endemic regions in the American continent. For other parasitic diseases (e.g., malaria), studies have suggested that multigenetic infection predicts the development of symptoms and can lead to a high level of transmission. However, the effects of the genetic composition of Leishmania parasites on VL need to be ascertained. This study used highly variable microsatellite markers to investigate multigenotype L. infantum populations among naturally infected dogs living in an area in which VL is highly prevalent. Samples obtained from different tissues were examined to identify the occurrence of multiple genotypes in the same animal and even within the same tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cupolillo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- * E-mail:
| | - Amanda S. Cavalcanti
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Mariana Côrtes Boité
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Nazaré Morgado
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Renato Porrozzi
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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29
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Sosa-Ochoa W, Zúniga C, Chaves LF, Araujo Flores GV, Sandoval Pacheco CM, Ribeiro da Matta VL, Pereira Corbett CE, Tobias Silveira F, Dalastra Laurenti M. Clinical and Immunological Features of Human Leishmania (L.) infantum-Infection, Novel Insights Honduras, Central America. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070554. [PMID: 32664223 PMCID: PMC7399949 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is the etiological agent of both American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) and non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL) in Honduras. Although AVL is the most severe clinical form of infection, recent studies have shown that human immune response to parasite infection can result in a clinical-immunological spectrum. The overall prevalence rate of infection and clinical-immunological profiles of the L. (L.) infantum infection in Amapala municipality, South Honduras was determined. We examined 576 individuals with diagnosis based on combined ELISA (IgG/IgM) and DTH assays. We also used genus-specific kDNA PCR and Hsp70 PCR-RFLP for NUCL cases. Clinical evaluation found 82% asymptomatic and 18% symptomatic individuals. All symptomatic cases (n = 104) showing NUCL were positive for parasites. We identified L. (L.) infantum species in 100% of the skin lesion scrapings and in 90% of the blood samples from NUCL cases studied. A total of 320 asymptomatic individuals were exposed (ELISA+ and/or DTH+), providing an overall L. (L.) infantum prevalence of 73.6%. Clinical, parasitological, and immunological evaluations suggest seven infection profiles, three asymptomatic and four symptomatic. This represents the first report on clinical and immunological features of human L. (L.) infantum-infection in Amapala municipality, Honduras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfredo Sosa-Ochoa
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil; (W.S.-O.); (G.V.A.F.); (C.M.S.P.); (V.L.R.d.M.); (C.E.P.C.)
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras
| | - Concepción Zúniga
- Department of Health Surveillance, University School Hospital, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras;
| | - Luis Fernando Chaves
- Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud (INCIENSA), Tres Ríos 4-2250, Cartago, Costa Rica;
| | - Gabriela Venicia Araujo Flores
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil; (W.S.-O.); (G.V.A.F.); (C.M.S.P.); (V.L.R.d.M.); (C.E.P.C.)
| | - Carmen Maria Sandoval Pacheco
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil; (W.S.-O.); (G.V.A.F.); (C.M.S.P.); (V.L.R.d.M.); (C.E.P.C.)
| | - Vania Lúcia Ribeiro da Matta
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil; (W.S.-O.); (G.V.A.F.); (C.M.S.P.); (V.L.R.d.M.); (C.E.P.C.)
| | - Carlos Eduardo Pereira Corbett
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil; (W.S.-O.); (G.V.A.F.); (C.M.S.P.); (V.L.R.d.M.); (C.E.P.C.)
| | - Fernando Tobias Silveira
- Parasitology Department, Evandro Chagas Institute (Surveillance Secretary of Health, Ministry of Health), Belém 66090-000, PA, Brazil;
- Tropical Medicine Institute, Pará Federal University, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Marcia Dalastra Laurenti
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil; (W.S.-O.); (G.V.A.F.); (C.M.S.P.); (V.L.R.d.M.); (C.E.P.C.)
- Correspondence:
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30
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Marcili A, Silva RED, Costa VPD, Nieri-Bastos FA, Azevedo RCDFE, Moraes Filho J, Tonhosolo R. Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in São Paulo, Brazil, the Most Populous City of South America: Isolation, Molecular Diagnosis, and Phylogenetic Inferences. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:768-772. [PMID: 32522138 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Canine visceral leishmaniasis affects dogs, the main urban reservoirs, which favor the transmission and expansion of this zoonotic disease in areas with high anthropization process and human density. We investigated the occurence of Leishmania infatum based in molecular diagnosis, and phylogenetic analysis of isolates obtained from dogs in metropolitan region of São Paulo. Methods: A total of 201 dogs were tested by parasitological and molecular diagnosis. Phylogenetic analysis based sequences from SSUrDNA and gGAPDH genes were performed. Results: The parasitological diagnosis revealed 5% (10/201) of positivity, and the sequences obtained from seven isolates were clustered with L. infantum in phylogentic analysis based on SSUrDNA and gGAPDH genes. A total of 24.9% (50/201) of dogs were positive in molecular diagnosis based on cathepsin L-like marker. Interpretation and Conclusion: According to this study, it is necessary to implement a surveillance policy of visceral leishmaniasis, intensifying the actions of diagnosis, prevention, and control of this zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlei Marcili
- Department of Medicine and Animal Welfare, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ryan Emiliano da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda A Nieri-Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jonas Moraes Filho
- Department of Medicine and Animal Welfare, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, Brazil
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Bernardino MDGDS, Angelo DFDS, Silva RBS, Silva EGD, Silva LFFE, Vaz AFDM, Melo MAD, Santos CDSAB, Alves CJ, Azevedo SSD. High seroprevalence and associated factors for visceral leishmaniasis in dogs in a transmission area of Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e016919. [PMID: 32428183 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dogs have been implicated as main reservoirs for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in urban areas. Therefore, studies on this species provide important data for public health. Thus, the objective of the present study was to ascertain the seroprevalence of canine VL (CVL) and the associated factors in the Brejo Paraibano microregion, northeastern Brazil. A total of 409 dogs were sampled from the eight municipalities of the microregion: Alagoa Grande, Alagoa Nova, Areia, Bananeiras, Borborema, Matinhas, Pilões and Serraria. The diagnosis of CVL was made using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA S7®), through which the prevalence observed was 29.3%. By robust Poisson regression analysis two factors were associated with seroprevalence: illiterate/incomplete elementary owner's education level (prevalence ratio = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.05-2.34; p-value = 0.027) and tick infestation (prevalence ratio = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.27-2.61; p-value = 0.001). It is concluded that the seroprevalence of CVL in the Brejo Paraibano microregion is high. The factors associated with seroprevalence indicated the importance to develop socioeducational actions on the population, and the finding that tick infestation was associated with seroprevalence shows that there is a need for investigation regarding the role of ticks in the epidemiology of CVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria das Graças da Silva Bernardino
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | | | - Raizza Barros Sousa Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Edijanio Galdino da Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Laysa Freire Franco E Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Antônio Fernando de Melo Vaz
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Marcia Almeida de Melo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, 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, 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, Patos, PB, Brasil
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32
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Moura CRLDP, Costa CHN, Moura RDD, Braga ARF, Silva VC, Costa DL. Cutaneous parasitism in patients with American visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 53:e20190446. [PMID: 32130324 PMCID: PMC7094057 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0446-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) represents a public health concern in several
areas of the world. In the American continent, VL transmission is typically
zoonotic, but humans with active VL caused by Leishmania
infantum are able to infect sandflies. Thus, individuals with
cutaneous parasitic infections may act as reservoirs and allow interhuman
transmission. Additionally, the skin may be responsible for reactivation of
the disease after therapy. This study’s objective was to evaluate cutaneous
parasitism in humans with VL in an American endemic area. METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in northeast Brazil
from October 2016 to April 2017. Biopsies of healthy skin for histopathology
and immunohistochemistry were performed prior to treatment in all study
patients. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients between the ages of five months to 78 years were
included in the study. Seven patients (31.8%) tested positive for HIV. Only
one patient had cutaneous parasitism, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry
prior to treatment. Parasitism was not detected after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous parasitism in the healthy skin of humans with visceral
leishmaniasis, although unusual, may be a source of infection for
phlebotomine sandflies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rafael de Deus Moura
- Universidade Federal do Piauí, Departamento de Medicina Especializada, Teresina, PI, Brasil.,Universidade Federal do Piauí, Hospital Universitário, Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica, Teresina, PI, Brasil
| | - Aline Reis Ferro Braga
- Universidade Federal do Piauí, Hospital Universitário, Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica, Teresina, PI, Brasil
| | | | - Dorcas Lamounier Costa
- Universidade Federal do Piauí, Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Nathan Portella, Teresina, PI, Brasil
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Diotallevi A, Buffi G, Ceccarelli M, Neitzke-Abreu HC, Gnutzmann LV, da Costa Lima MS, Di Domenico A, De Santi M, Magnani M, Galluzzi L. Real-time PCR to differentiate among Leishmania (Viannia) subgenus, Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis: Application on Brazilian clinical samples. Acta Trop 2020; 201:105178. [PMID: 31606374 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a complex disease caused by Leishmania species belonging to subgenera Leishmania and Viannia. In South America, L. (L.) infantum is considered the most important causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, while L. (L.) amazonensis and Viannia subgenus species are responsible for the different cutaneous or mucocutaneous forms. In our previous work, we developed a diagnostic approach for Leishmania species discrimination based on two qPCRs (qPCR-ML and qPCR-ama) targeting the minicircle kDNA followed by melting analysis. This approach allowed to (i) differentiate the subgenera Leishmania and Viannia, and (ii) distinguish between L. (L.) infantum and L. (L.) amazonensis. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the applicability of the approach previously described, using human and canine clinical samples and strains from a Brazilian region, where L. (L.) infantum, L. (L.) amazonensis and Viannia subgenus species coexist. After validation on New World strains, the diagnostic approach was applied blindly to 36 canine clinical samples (peripheral blood and bone marrow) and 11 human clinical samples (peripheral blood and bone marrow). The sensitivity was 95.6% (95% confidence interval 77.3-100%) and 100% (95% confidence interval 76.9-100%) in the canine bone marrow samples and human (peripheral blood and bone marrow) samples, respectively, compared to conventional PCR assays. Concerning the Leishmania species identification, the conventional and qPCR-based methods showed kappa value of 0.876 (95% confidence interval 0.638-1.000), indicating good agreement. Therefore, this approach proved to be useful in both veterinary and human clinical context in regions co-endemic for L. (L.) infantum, L. (L.) amazonensis, and Viannia subgenus, helping to provide rapid diagnosis and to allow studies of species distribution.
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Boité MC, Späth GF, Bussotti G, Porrozzi R, Morgado FN, Llewellyn M, Schwabl P, Cupolillo E. Trans-Atlantic Spill Over: Deconstructing the Ecological Adaptation of Leishmania infantum in the Americas. Genes (Basel) 2019; 11:E4. [PMID: 31861501 PMCID: PMC7017240 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogen fitness landscapes change when transmission cycles establish in non-native environments or spill over into new vectors and hosts. The introduction of Leishmania infantum in the Americas into the Neotropics during European colonization represents a unique case study to investigate the mechanisms of ecological adaptation of this important parasite. Defining the evolutionary trajectories that drive L. infantum fitness in this new environment are of great public health importance as they will allow unique insight into pathways of host/pathogen co-evolution and their consequences for region-specific changes in disease manifestation. This review summarizes current knowledge on L. infantum genetic and phenotypic diversity in the Americas and its possible role in the unique epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the New World. We highlight the importance of appreciating adaptive molecular mechanisms in L. infantum to understand the parasites' successful establishment on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C. Boité
- Laboratory of Research on Leishmaniasis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (R.P.); (F.N.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Gerald F. Späth
- Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology and Signaling, Institut Pasteur, INSERN U1201, 75015 Paris, France; (G.F.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Giovanni Bussotti
- Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology and Signaling, Institut Pasteur, INSERN U1201, 75015 Paris, France; (G.F.S.); (G.B.)
- Institut Pasteur-Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub-C3BI, USR 3756 IP CNRS, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Renato Porrozzi
- Laboratory of Research on Leishmaniasis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (R.P.); (F.N.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Fernanda N. Morgado
- Laboratory of Research on Leishmaniasis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (R.P.); (F.N.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Martin Llewellyn
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G128QQ Glasgow, UK; (M.L.); (P.S.)
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G128QQ Glasgow, UK; (M.L.); (P.S.)
| | - Elisa Cupolillo
- Laboratory of Research on Leishmaniasis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (R.P.); (F.N.M.); (E.C.)
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A new multi-epitope peptide vaccine induces immune responses and protection against Leishmania infantum in BALB/c mice. Med Microbiol Immunol 2019; 209:69-79. [PMID: 31696313 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-019-00640-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a tropical and subtropical disease which is endemic in more than eighty countries around the world. Leishmania infantum is one of the main causative agents of VL disease. Currently, there is no approved-to-market vaccine for VL therapy. In this study, we evaluated cellular and humoral immune responses induced by our newly designed multi-epitope vaccine in BALB/c mice. Four antigenic proteins, including histone H1, sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (SMT), Leishmania-specific hypothetical protein (LiHy), and Leishmania-specific antigenic protein (LSAP) were chosen for the prediction of potential immunodominant epitopes. Moreover, to enhance vaccine immunogenicity, two toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) agonists, resuscitation-promoting factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RpfE and RpfB), were employed as the built-in adjuvants. Immunization with the designed multi-epitope vaccine elicited a robust Th1-type immune response, compared to other groups, as shown by increased levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IgG2a. Furthermore, a significant decrease was observed in Th-2-type-related cytokines such as IL-4 in immunized mice. The designed construct also induced a significant reduction in parasite load (p < 0.0001), conferring protection against L. infantum challenge. This study could be promising in gaining insight towards the potential of peptide epitope-based vaccines as effective protective approaches against Leishmania species.
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Ortuño M, Latrofa MS, Iborra MA, Pérez-Cutillas P, Bernal LJ, Risueño J, Muñoz C, Bernal A, Sánchez-Lopez PF, Segovia M, Annoscia G, Maia C, Cortes S, Campino L, Otranto D, Berriatua E. Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships between Leishmania infantum from dogs, humans and wildlife in south-east Spain. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 66:961-973. [PMID: 31512370 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum causes human and canine leishmaniosis. The parasite, transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, infects species other than dogs and people, including wildlife, although their role as reservoirs of infection remains unknown for most species. Molecular typing of parasites to investigate genetic variability and evolutionary proximity can help understand transmission cycles and designing control strategies. We investigated Leishmania DNA variability in kinetoplast (kDNA) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences in asymptomatically infected wildlife (n = 58) and symptomatically and asymptomatically infected humans (n = 38) and dogs (n = 15) from south-east Spain, using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and in silico restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. All ITS2 sequences (n = 76) displayed a 99%-100% nucleotide identity with a L. infantum reference sequence, except one with a 98% identity to a reference Leishmania panamensis sequence, from an Ecuadorian patient. No heterogeneity was recorded in the 73 L. infantum ITS2 sequences except for one SNP in a human parasite sequence. In contrast, kDNA analysis of 44 L. infantum sequences revealed 11 SNP genotypes (nucleotide variability up to 4.3%) and four RFLP genotypes including B, F and newly described S and T genotypes. Genotype frequency was significantly greater in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic individuals. Both methods similarly grouped parasites as predominantly or exclusively found in humans, in dogs, in wildlife or in all three of them. Accordingly, the phylogenetic analysis of kDNA sequences revealed three main clusters, two as a paraphyletic human parasites clade and a third including dogs, people and wildlife parasites. Results suggest that Leishmania infantum genetics is complex even in small geographical areas and that, probably, several independent transmission cycles take place simultaneously including some connecting animals and humans. Investigating these transmission networks may be useful in understanding the transmission dynamics, infection risk and therefore in planning L. infantum control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria S Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - María A Iborra
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario 'Virgen de la Arrixaca', Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Luis J Bernal
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Risueño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Clara Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana Bernal
- Centro de Zoonosis del Ayuntamiento de Murcia, Carril Torre Molina, La Albatalia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro F Sánchez-Lopez
- Servicio de Sanidad Ambiental, Dirección General de Salud Pública y Adicciones, Consejería de Salud de la Región de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Segovia
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario 'Virgen de la Arrixaca', Murcia, Spain
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia Cortes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lenea Campino
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Silveira FT. What makes mucosal and anergic diffuse cutaneous leishmaniases so clinically and immunopathogically different? A review in Brazil. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2019; 113:505-516. [PMID: 31140559 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a parasitic protozoan disease caused by different Leishmania species widely distributed throughout Latin America. Fifteen Leishmania species belonging to the subgenera Viannia, Leishmania and Mundinia are known to cause ACL. Seven of these species are found in Brazil, of which Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis have the highest potential to cause mucosal (ML) and anergic diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL), respectively, the most severe forms of ACL. The clinical and immunopathological differences between these two clinical forms are reviewed here, taking into account their different physiopathogenic mechanisms of dissemination from cutaneous lesions to mucosal tissues in the case of ML and to almost all body surfaces in the case of anergic DCL. We also discuss some immunopathogenic mechanisms of species-specific Leishmania antigens (from the subgenera Viannia and Leishmania) that are most likely associated with the clinical and immunopathological differences between ML and anergic DCL. Those discussions emphasize the pivotal importance of some surface antigens of L. (V.) braziliensis and L. (L.) amazonensis, such as lipophosphoglycan, phosphatidylserine and CD200 (an immunoregulatory molecule that inhibits macrophage activation), that have been shown to exert strong influences on the clinical and immunopathological differences between ML and anergic DCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando T Silveira
- Leishmaniasis Laboratory Prof. Dr. Ralph Lainson, Parasitology Department, Evandro Chagas Institute, Rod. BR 316-KM 07, Levilândia, Ananindeua, Pará State, Brazil
- Nucleus of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará State, Brazil
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Dispersion of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in central-southern Brazil: Evidence from an integrative approach. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007639. [PMID: 31465422 PMCID: PMC6715157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is the zoonotic agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a disease with a global distribution. The transmission scenario of VL has been undergoing changes worldwide, with the biologic cycle invading urbanized areas and dispersing the parasites into other previously free areas. The epidemiological cycle in Brazil has dispersed from the Northeast to other regions of the country. In this study, an integrative approach, including genotyping Brazilian strains of L. (L.) infantum for 14 microsatellite markers and reviewing historical records of the disease, was used to assess dispersion routes throughout central-southern Brazil. Our results support three L. (L.) infantum dispersion routes: A) dispersion from Bolivia to the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo via the Bolivia-Brazil gas pipeline from 1998 to 2005; B) VL dispersion from Paraguay to the Brazilian side of the triple border (Foz do Iguaçu and Santa Terezinha de Itaipu) during after 2012; and C) emergence of a new L. (L.) infantum cluster in western Santa Catarina State and its dispersion to southern Paraná State (municipality of Pato Branco), after 2013. Hypotheses regarding possible entries of Leishmania (L.) infantum into the area of the triple border are presented and discussed. Understanding how VL has dispersed is vital to the development of control measures for this disease and to avoid future dispersion events. The dispersion of visceral leishmaniasis is an enigma. The State of Paraná, in southern Brazil, borders the states of São Paulo and Mato Grosso, which have experienced LV epidemics over the past 20 years. Therefore, we expected that the disease would enter this state through the contiguity of epidemics from other regions following by "ghost shadows". However, in 2012, the vectors of the parasite were reported in the western region (Foz do Iguaçu) of Paraná state, far from the epidemic regions. In the cross-sectional study, 23.8% of the dogs were infected, which is more than the eyes can see, showing an unexpected scenario where the disease was already widespread in the city. Now the question was: where does the life cycle element came from? In this study, we used genetic markers to understand the dispersion of Leishmania infantum throughout central-southern Brazil. Our results showed two possible agent inputs in the Paraná state, one coming from Paraguay and, another from Santa Catarina state. When we verify our results we perceived the monitoring importance of the distribution of these agents by diverse hypotheses, not only those that the scientific literature presents. Another relevant factor is always to be attentive to the environmental and socioeconomic events that can provide this dispersion.
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Silva DTD, Alves ML, Spada JCP, Silveira RDCVD, Oliveira TMFDS, Starke-Buzetti WA. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells in the intestinal wall of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 27:430-438. [PMID: 30517421 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease caused by the protozoa Leishmania infantum and can cause an inflammatory reaction in the gastrointestinal tract, however the role of granulocytic cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells) in the intestine of dogs infected is not fully understood. We performed a quantitative analysis these cells in the intestinal wall of dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Twenty dogs were assigned to one of three groups: group 1 (G1, n=8), dogs with CVL and L. infantum amastigotes in the intestine; group 2 (G2, n=9), dogs with CVL but without intestinal amastigotes; and group 3 (G3, n=3), uninfected dogs (control group). Granulocytic cells were counted in the crypt-villus unit (mucosa), submucosa, and muscle layer of the intestinal mucosa. Cell counts were higher in the intestinal wall of dogs from G2 followed by G1 and G3 (p≤0.05). In G1, there was a low inverse correlation between parasite burden of the small intestine and granulocyte counts (r= -0.1, p≤0.01). However, in G2 dogs, mast cell and eosinophil numbers showed positive correlation (r=0.85, p≤0.01). The granulocytic cell hyperplasia observed in the intestine of L. infantum-infected dogs suggests that these cells may be involved in the cell-mediated immune response for parasite elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Tiago da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia e Ciência Animal, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira - FEIS, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil.,Programa de Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Luana Alves
- Departamento de Biologia e Ciência Animal, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira - FEIS, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil.,Programa de Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Júlio Cesar Pereira Spada
- Departamento de Biologia e Ciência Animal, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira - FEIS, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil.,Programa de Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira
- Programa de Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Departmento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos e Ciência Animal - FZEA, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Wilma Aparecida Starke-Buzetti
- Departamento de Biologia e Ciência Animal, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira - FEIS, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
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Murillo J, Montoya A, Carrillo-Bonilla L, Rodriguez B, Vélez ID, Robledo SM. Verification and monitoring of visceral leishmaniasis in hamsters caused by Leishmania infantum, using non-invasive approaches involving ultrasound imaging and blood gases. Exp Parasitol 2019; 201:78-89. [PMID: 31047987 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Hamsters are a suitable experimental model for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) because they mimic the features of the human disease. However, the infection after inoculation can only be verified after sacrifice of the animal or several months following infection, when obvious signs of the disease appear, compromising animal welfare in both cases. Unlike other studies, the present work used an inoculum of 5 × 108 promastigotes to induce Leishmania infantum infection, which are easier to produce than amastigotes, in in vitro culture. The infection in hamsters was detected using non-invasive methods such as ultrasound imaging (USG) and blood gases, in addition to alterations in hematological parameters and weight loss. USG imaging identified changes in the size and echogenicity of the spleen, liver, and kidney as early as week 9 (W9) after experimental inoculation. However, blood gases, specially lactate, was increased in response to the infection, with statistically significant differences between W9 and W0 (before infection) (p < 0.0001). The conventional hematological parameters showed progressive pancytopenia and weight loss of 15% and 10% in infected males and females respectively, at W9 versus W0 (p < 0.0001). Histological changes in the liver, kidney, and spleen correlated with changes detected by USG imaging and the number of parasites increased proportionately to the progression of infection, being higher at W24. In conclusion, USG imaging, lactate levels, hematocrit and hemoglobin parameters, along with weight loss allowed early detection of infection, which was then confirmed by the identification and quantification of parasites in the blood, liver, and spleen by qRT-PCR. In contrast, blood chemistry was not a useful tool in the early detection of VL infection because it did not correlate with alterations evident in other techniques. The use of non-invasive tools eliminates the need for animal sacrifice to confirm infection, thus reducing the number of animals required for a given study and eliminating the need to wait until the appearance of severe signs of infection, which affect animal welfare. These tools are therefore advantageous for use in preclinical studies, for studying pathogenesis as also for vaccine and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Murillo
- PECET-School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia-Udea, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Andrés Montoya
- PECET-School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia-Udea, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lina Carrillo-Bonilla
- PECET-School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia-Udea, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia; Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia-Udea, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Berardo Rodriguez
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia-Udea, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Iván D Vélez
- PECET-School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia-Udea, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Sara M Robledo
- PECET-School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia-Udea, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
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Ceccarelli M, Diotallevi A, Andreoni F, Vitale F, Galluzzi L, Magnani M. Exploiting genetic polymorphisms in metabolic enzymes for rapid screening of Leishmania infantum genotypes. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:572. [PMID: 30382928 PMCID: PMC6211443 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania infantum is the aetiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Numerous strains and/or zymodemes have been identified and characterized by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE). MLEE is considered the reference method for L. infantum parasite typing and it is based upon enzyme electrophoretic mobility analysis from promastigote cultures. However, the MLEE technique is cumbersome, time-consuming and does not detect silent genetic mutations or nucleotide changes that give rise to amino acid changes that do not alter electrophoretic mobility. As a result of these difficulties, many DNA-based typing methods have been developed over the past few years. However, relative to the enzymes utilized in MLEE analysis, we observed a shortage of DNA sequences available in the GenBank database or an absolute lack of sequences belonging to specific zymodemes. The aims of the present study were to (i) implement the number of sequences coding for metabolic enzymes used in MLEE; (ii) identify polymorphisms that characterize L. infantum zymodemes most prevalent in the Mediterranean basin; and (iii) exploit these polymorphisms to develop a rapid screening test that would give results comparable with existing MLEE typing. Results Partial sequences of seven metabolic enzyme genes (malic enzyme, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucomutase and mannose phosphate isomerase) were obtained from 11 L. infantum strains. The comparison of these sequences with those obtained from GenBank allowed for the identification of a few polymorphisms that could distinguish several zymodemes. In particular, the polymorphism 390T>G in the malic enzyme gene has been exploited to develop a high-resolution melt (HRM)-based assay to rapidly differentiate the genotype 390T, associated with zymodemes MON-1, MON-72 and MON-201, evidencing a partial agreement between genotyping results and MLEE. The assay has been successfully applied to L. infantum clinical isolates and clinical samples. Conclusions A HRM-based assay for rapid identification of genotypes associated with the most common L. infantum zymodemes in the Mediterranean basin has been developed and its potential application in epidemiological research for L. infantum population screening, without parasite isolation and culturing, has been demonstrated. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3143-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Ceccarelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Aurora Diotallevi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Francesca Andreoni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Sicily "A Mirri", Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, PU, Italy
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Campos MP, Figueiredo FB, Morgado FN, Renzetti ARDS, de Souza SMM, Pereira SA, Rodrigues-Da-Silva RN, Lima-Junior JDC, De Luca PM. Leishmania infantum Virulence Factor A2 Protein: Linear B-Cell Epitope Mapping and Identification of Three Main Linear B-Cell Epitopes in Vaccinated and Naturally Infected Dogs. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1690. [PMID: 30090101 PMCID: PMC6068230 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is caused by Leishmania infantum, presenting a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Dogs are the main parasite reservoir in urban areas and canine cases precede human infection. Currently, A2 protein based Leish-Tec® vaccine is the only vaccine commercially available against CVL in Brazil. Considering that the main screening and confirmatory tests of canine infection are serological, it is possible that the antibody response elicited after vaccination interfere with diagnosis, leading to the inability to distinguish between vaccinated and infected animals. In order to identify the specific B-cell response induced after vaccination, A2 protein sequence was screened for main linear B-cell epitopes using in silico prediction (Bepipred) and immunological confirmation by ELISA. Three amino acid sequences were described as potential B-cell epitopes (SV11-SAEPHKAAVDV, PP16-PQSVGPLSVGPQSVGP, and VQ34-VGPLSVGPQSVGPLSVGPLSVGPQAVGPLSVGPQ). Specific IgG ELISAs were performed in sera of 12 immunized dogs living in non-endemic areas, followed for up to 1 year after immunization. The results were compared with those obtained in a group of 10 symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic CVL dogs. All predicted epitopes were confirmed as linear B-cell epitopes broadly recognized by sera from studied dogs. Total IgG ELISAs demonstrated distinct patterns of response between peptides in the immunized and CVL groups. VQ34 peptide was recognized by the majority of sera from vaccinated and symptomatic dogs, and increases after vaccination. PP16 induced low levels of specific IgG that increased 1 year after immunization. Interestingly, a low frequency of reactivity was found against SV11 in naturally infected dogs (symptomatic and asymptomatic), while 83.3% of vaccinated dogs presented positive responses 1 year after immunization. The two animals in the vaccinated group that did not respond to SV11 1 year after immunization presented positive serology both 30 days and 6 months after immunization. In summary, we identified three main linear B-cell epitopes in A2 based vaccine. Moreover, the humoral response against SV11 presented marked differences between infected and Leish-Tec vaccinated dogs, and should be further investigated, in large trials, to confirm its potential as a serological marker able to distinguish between infected and vaccinated dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Paiva Campos
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Nazaré Morgado
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alinne Rangel Dos Santos Renzetti
- National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sara Maria Marques de Souza
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandro Antônio Pereira
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Josué Da Costa Lima-Junior
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula Mello De Luca
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Santos RCD, Pinho FAD, Passos GP, Larangeira DF, Barrouin-Melo SM. Isolation of naturally infecting Leishmania infantum from canine samples in Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle medium prepared with defibrinated blood from different animal species. Vet Parasitol 2018; 257:10-14. [PMID: 29907186 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The most commonly used culture medium for the in vitro isolation of Leishmania spp. from canine biological samples is biphasic Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle (NNN) medium, whose solid phase is prepared using rabbit blood. Leishmania infantum parasites from natural infections are highly sensitive and demanding for growth in axenic conditions when firstly obtained from the dog's body. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether NNN medium (NNN-test) prepared with chicken blood (NNN-C), ox blood (NNN-O), horse blood (NNN-H) or sheep blood (NNN-S) was viable for the isolation of parasites from naturally infected dogs, in an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. infantum. Spleen aspirates from six dogs previously diagnosed as infected by parasitological methods were simultaneously inoculated in each NNN-test medium, including the conventional medium prepared with rabbit blood (NNN-R), and the cultures were examined for three weeks under optic microscopy. Spleen samples were also analyzed for parasite loads by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Cultures from three of the six dogs (50%) were positive in at least one of the NNN-test media: one sample presented the highest spleen parasite load by qPCR (1.19 × 104 parasites/mL) and was positive in all test media; the second sample presented parasitic isolation in the first week of culture in all inoculated media, of which the NNN-C medium had the highest mean parasite count (NNN-C = 23.5 × 104/mL vs. NNN-R = 3.25 × 104/mL); the third sample was positive only in the NNN-S medium besides the conventional control NNN-R. Cultures from the three remaining dogs were negative in all NNN media, including the control and test media; of those three dogs, two presented the lowest spleen parasitic loads according to qPCR. Blood from chicken, ox, horse and sheep shown to be viable for the preparation of NNN culture medium for the primary isolation of L. infantum from samples of naturally infected dogs and can be considered as an alternative to rabbit blood when necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseclea Chagas Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Av. Adhemar de Barros 500, Salvador, BA, CEP: 40170-110, Brazil
| | - Flaviane Alves de Pinho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Av. Adhemar de Barros 500, Salvador, BA, CEP: 40170-110, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, UFBA, Salvador, BA, CEP: 40170-110, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Porfírio Passos
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Av. Adhemar de Barros 500, Salvador, BA, CEP: 40170-110, Brazil
| | - Daniela Farias Larangeira
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Av. Adhemar de Barros 500, Salvador, BA, CEP: 40170-110, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, UFBA, Salvador, BA, CEP: 40170-110, Brazil
| | - Stella Maria Barrouin-Melo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Av. Adhemar de Barros 500, Salvador, BA, CEP: 40170-110, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, UFBA, Salvador, BA, CEP: 40170-110, Brazil.
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Galluzzi L, Ceccarelli M, Diotallevi A, Menotta M, Magnani M. Real-time PCR applications for diagnosis of leishmaniasis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:273. [PMID: 29716641 PMCID: PMC5930967 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2859-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by many Leishmania species, which can infect both humans and other mammals. Leishmaniasis is a complex disease, with heterogeneous clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic infections to lesions at cutaneous sites (cutaneous leishmaniasis), mucosal sites (mucocutaneous leishmaniasis) or in visceral organs (visceral leishmaniasis), depending on the species and host characteristics. Often, symptoms are inconclusive and leishmaniasis can be confused with other co-endemic diseases. Moreover, co-infections (mainly with HIV in humans) can produce atypical clinical presentations. A correct diagnosis is crucial to apply the appropriate treatment and the use of molecular techniques in diagnosis of leishmaniasis has become increasingly relevant due to their remarkable sensitivity, specificity and possible application to a variety of clinical samples. Among them, real-time PCR (qPCR)-based approaches have become increasingly popular in the last years not only for detection and quantification of Leishmania species but also for species identification. However, despite qPCR-based methods having proven to be very effective in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, a standardized method does not exist. This review summarizes the qPCR-based methods in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis focusing on the recent developments and applications in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU Italy
| | - Marcello Ceccarelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU Italy
| | - Aurora Diotallevi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU Italy
| | - Michele Menotta
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU Italy
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Validation of rK39 immunochromatographic test and direct agglutination test for the diagnosis of Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis in Spain. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006277. [PMID: 29494596 PMCID: PMC5849364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the most severe form of leishmaniasis, is endemic in Europe with Mediterranean countries reporting endemic status alongside a worrying northward spread. Serological diagnosis, including immunochromatographic test based on the recombinant antigen rK39 (rK39-ICT) and a direct agglutination test (DAT) based on the whole parasite antigen, have been validated in regions with high VL burden, such as eastern Africa and the Indian subcontinent. To date, no studies using a large set of patients have performed an assessment of both methods within Europe. Methodology/Principal findings We selected a range of clinical serum samples from patients with confirmed VL (including HIV co-infection), Chagas disease, malaria, other parasitic infections and negative samples (n = 743; years 2009–2015) to test the performance of rK39-ICT rapid test (Kalazar Detect Rapid Test; InBios International, Inc., USA) and DAT (ITM-DAT/VLG; Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Belgium). An in-house immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), was included for comparison. Estimated sensitivities for rK39-ICT and DAT in HIV-negative VL patients were 83.1% [75.1–91.2] and 84.2% [76.3–92.1], respectively. Sensitivity was reduced to 67.3% [52.7–82.0] for rK39 and increased to 91.3% [82.1–100.0] for DAT in HIV/VL co-infected patients. The in-house IFAT was more sensitive in HIV-negative VL patients, 84.2% [76.3–92.1] than in HIV/VL patients, 79.4% [73.3–96.2]. DAT gave 32 false positives in sera from HIV-negative VL suspects, compared to 0 and 2 for rK39 and IFAT, respectively, but correctly detected more HIV/VL patients (42/46) than rK39 (31/46) and IFAT (39/46). Conclusions/Significance Though rK39-ICT and DAT exhibited acceptable sensitivity and specificity a combination with other tests is required for highly sensitive diagnosis of VL cases in Spain. Important variation in the performance of the tests were seen in patients co-infected with HIV or with other parasitic infections. This study can help inform the choice of serological test to be used when screening or diagnosing VL in a European Mediterranean setting. Visceral leishmaniasis is the most severe form of leishmaniasis, a disease transmitted through the bite of an infected sandfly. Although the biggest burden of leishmaniasis is in eastern Africa and the Indian subcontinent, the disease is also endemic in parts of Europe. Previous studies have looked at performance of diagnostic methods, but not in great detail on samples derived from a European setting. Using a large set of samples from a national reference laboratory in Madrid, Spain, we assessed a leishmaniasis rapid test and a direct agglutination test for serological diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in Europe. Both tests were effective at diagnosing VL, but important differences were seen when testing patients co-infected with HIV or with other parasitic infections. This study can help inform which diagnostic tests are suitable for use in a European Mediterranean setting.
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Kariyawasam UL, Selvapandiyan A, Rai K, Wani TH, Ahuja K, Beg MA, Premathilake HU, Bhattarai NR, Siriwardena YD, Zhong D, Zhou G, Rijal S, Nakhasi H, Karunaweera ND. Genetic diversity of Leishmania donovani that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka: a cross sectional study with regional comparisons. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:791. [PMID: 29273010 PMCID: PMC5741890 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2883-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania donovani is the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Indian subcontinent. However, it is also known to cause cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan L. donovani differs from other L. donovani strains, both at the molecular and biochemical level. To investigate the different species or strain-specific differences of L. donovani in Sri Lanka we evaluated sequence variation of the kinetoplastid DNA (kDNA). METHODS Parasites isolated from skin lesions of 34 CL patients and bone marrow aspirates from 4 VL patients were genotyped using the kDNA minicircle PCR analysis. A total of 301 minicircle sequences that included sequences from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and six reference species of Leishmania were analyzed. RESULTS Haplotype diversity of Sri Lankan isolates were high (H d = 0.757) with strong inter-geographical genetic differentiation (F ST > 0.25). In this study, L. donovani isolates clustered according to their geographic origin, while Sri Lankan isolates formed a separate cluster and were clearly distinct from other Leishmania species. Within the Sri Lankan group, there were three distinct sub-clusters formed, from CL patients who responded to standard antimony therapy, CL patients who responded poorly to antimony therapy and from VL patients. There was no specific clustering of sequences based on geographical origin within Sri Lanka. CONCLUSION This study reveals high levels of haplotype diversity of L. donovani in Sri Lanka with a distinct genetic association with clinically relevant phenotypic characteristics. The use of genetic tools to identify clinically relevant features of Leishmania parasites has important therapeutic implications for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udeshika Lakmini Kariyawasam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No. 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 8 Sri Lanka
| | | | - Keshav Rai
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | | | - Kavita Ahuja
- JH-Institute of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Mizra Adil Beg
- JH-Institute of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Narayan Raj Bhattarai
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Yamuna Deepani Siriwardena
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No. 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 8 Sri Lanka
| | - Daibin Zhong
- University of California Irvine, College of Health Sciences, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Guofa Zhou
- University of California Irvine, College of Health Sciences, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Suman Rijal
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Hira Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, USA
| | - Nadira D. Karunaweera
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No. 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 8 Sri Lanka
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Bilbao-Ramos P, Dea-Ayuela MA, Cardenas-Alegría O, Salamanca E, Santalla-Vargas JA, Benito C, Flores N, Bolás-Fernández F. Leishmaniasis in the major endemic region of Plurinational State of Bolivia: Species identification, phylogeography and drug susceptibility implications. Acta Trop 2017; 176:150-161. [PMID: 28751163 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The Plurinational State of Bolivia is one of the Latin American countries with the highest prevalence of leishmaniasis, highlighting the lowlands of the Department of La Paz where about 50% of the total cases were reported. The control of the disease can be seriously compromised by the intrinsic variability of the circulating species that may limit the efficacy of treatment while favoring the emergence of resistance. Fifty-five isolates of Leishmania from cutaneous and mucocutaneous lesions from patients living in different provinces of the Department of La Paz were tested. Molecular characterization of isolates was carried out by 3 classical markers: the rRNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1), the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt-b). These markers were amplified by PCR and their products digested by the restriction endonuclease enzymes AseI and HaeIII followed by subsequent sequencing of Cyt-b gene and ITS-1 region for subsequent phylogenetic analysis. The combined use of these 3 markers allowed us to assign 36 isolates (65.5%) to the complex Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, 4 isolates (7, 27%) to L. (Viannia) lainsoni. and the remaining 15 isolates (23.7%) to a local variant of L. (Leishmania) mexicana. Concerning in vitro drug susceptibility the amastigotes from all isolates where highly sensitive to Fungizone® (mean IC50 between 0.23 and 0.5μg/mL) whereas against Glucantime® the sensitivity was moderate (mean IC50 ranging from 50.84μg/mL for L. (V.) braziliensis to 18.23μg/mL for L. (L.) mexicana. L. (V.) lainsoni was not sensitive to Glucantime®. The susceptibility to miltefosine was highly variable among species isolates, being L. (L.) mexicana the most sensitive, followed by L. (V.) braziliensis and L. (V.) lainsoni (mean IC50 of 8.24μg/mL, 17.85μg/mL and 23.28μg/mL, respectively).
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Campos M, Madeira M, Silva D, Solcà M, Espíndola O, Mendes Júnior A, Figueiredo F. Accuracy of quantitative polymerase chain reaction in samples of frozen and paraffin-embedded healthy skin for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the accuracy of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) performed on samples of fresh frozen tissue (FT) and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) healthy skin. This is a validation study conducted with samples from 46 dogs from an endemic area in Brazil. After sample collection, DNA extractions were conducted using commercial kits and qPCR was oriented to kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) targets of the Leishmania infantum species. The results obtained for the FFPE samples showed 63.6% sensitivity and 77.1% specificity, whereas those obtained for the FT samples showed 100% and 48.6%, respectively. Poor agreement was observed for the results of the qPCR technique with FT and FFPE samples. Our results suggest freezing as the most suitable conservation method for the formation of sample databases considering DNA recovery
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Khan NH, Llewellyn MS, Schönian G, Sutherland CJ. Variability of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesions Is Not Associated with Genetic Diversity of Leishmania tropica in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1489-1497. [PMID: 29016290 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania tropica is the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Pakistan. Here, intraspecific diversity of L. tropica from northern Pakistan was investigated using multilocus microsatellite typing. Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were typed in 34 recently collected L. tropica isolates from Pakistan along with 158 archival strains of diverse Afro-Eurasian origins. Previously published profiles for 145 strains of L. tropica originating from different regions of Africa, Central Asia, Iran, and Middle East were included for comparison. Six consistently well-supported genetic groups were resolved: 1) Asia, 2) Morroco A, 3) Namibia and Kenya A, 4) Kenya B/Tunisia and Galilee, 5) Morocco B, and 6) Middle East. Strains from northern Pakistan were assigned to Asian cluster except for three that were placed in a geographically distant genetic group; Morocco A. Lesion variability among these Pakistani strains was not associated with specific L. tropica genetic profile. Pakistani strains showed little genetic differentiation from strains of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria (FST = 0.00-0.06); displayed evidence of modest genetic flow with India (FST = 0.14). Furthermore, genetic structuring within these isolates was not geographically defined. Pak-Afghan cluster was in significant linkage disequilibrium (IA = 1.43), had low genetic diversity, and displayed comparatively higher heterozygosity (FIS = -0.62). Patterns of genetic diversity observed suggest dominance of a minimally diverse clonal lineage within northern Pakistan. This is surprising as a wide clinical spectrum was observed in patients, suggesting the importance of host and other factors. Further genotyping studies of L. tropica isolates displaying different clinical phenotypes are required to validate this potentially important observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazma Habib Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.,Department of Immunology & Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin S Llewellyn
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Schönian
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Chariteì-University Medicine Berlin, Hindenburgdamm, Berlin, Germany
| | - Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Immunology & Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Grimaldi G, Teva A, dos-Santos CB, Santos FN, Pinto IDS, Fux B, Leite GR, Falqueto A. Field trial of efficacy of the Leish-tec® vaccine against canine leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in an endemic area with high transmission rates. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185438. [PMID: 28953944 PMCID: PMC5617193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because domestic dogs are reservoir hosts for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil, one of the approaches used to reduce human disease incidence is to cull infected dogs. However, the results of controlled intervention trials based on serological screening of dogs and killing of seropositive animals are equivocal. A prophylactic vaccine to protect dogs from being infectious to the sand fly vector could be an effective strategy to provide sustained control. Here, we investigated whether a currently licensed commercial subunit rA2 protein-saponin vaccine (Leish-tec®) had an additional effect to dog culling on reducing the canine infectious populations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This prospective study was conducted in an L. infantum highly endemic area of southeast Brazil. At the onset of the intervention, all of the eligible dogs received through subcutaneous route a three-dose vaccine course at 21-day intervals and a booster on month 12. For the purpose of comparison, newly recruited healthy dogs were included as the exposed control group. To ascertain vaccine-induced protection, dogs were screened on clinical and serological criteria every 6 months for a 2-year follow-up period. Antibody-based tests and histopathological examination of post-mortem tissue specimens from euthanized animals were used as a marker of infection. The standardized vaccine regime, apart from being safe, was immunogenic as immunized animals responded with a pronounced production of anti-A2-specific IgG antibodies. It should be noted the mean seroconversion time for infection obtained among immunized exposed dogs (~ 18 months), which was twice as high as that for unvaccinated ones (~ 9 months). After two transmission cycles completed, the cumulative incidence of infection did differ significantly (P = 0.016) between the vaccinated (27%) and unvaccinated (42%) dogs. However, the expected efficacy for the vaccine in inducing clinical protection was not evident since 43% of vaccine recipients developed disease over time. Our estimates also indicated that immunoprophylaxis by Leish-tec® vaccine in addition to dog culling might not have an impact on bringing down the incidence of canine infection with L. infantum in areas of high transmission rates. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Leish-tec® as a prophylactic vaccine showed promise but needs to be further optimized to be effective in dogs under field conditions, and thereby positively impacts human incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Teva
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudiney B. dos-Santos
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santos, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | | | - Israel de-Souza Pinto
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santos, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Blima Fux
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santos, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Rocha Leite
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santos, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Aloísio Falqueto
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santos, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
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