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Wudu H, Alemu C. Survival analysis of adult visceral leishmaniasis patients admitted to Metema Hospital, Metema, Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024:trae034. [PMID: 38842679 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease that mostly affects the working class and impoverished segments of society, having a significant negative effect on the economic development of the affected nation. While anti-leishmanial medications lower mortality among VL patients, patients may still die or require more time to recover while receiving treatment. In this regard, there are limited studies in Ethiopia. This study aims to determine the time to recovery and its associated predictors among adult VL patients at Metema Hospital, Metema, Ethiopia. METHODS A hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed and the data were collected from patient's charts from September 2017 to September 2021. Data were entered and analysed using EpiData version 3.1, Stata version 14.2 and R version 3.4.0 statistical software. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and logrank tests were used to compare the survival time. The Cox proportional hazards model assumption and model fitness were checked and used to identify statistical association predictors in VL patients. RESULTS The Cox proportional hazards model was fitted. The overall medium recovery time was 7 d (minimum 4, maximum 14). The variables of nasal bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.44 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.19 to 0.89]), no comorbidity (aHR 2.29 [95% CI 1.27 to 4.11]), relapse of VL (aHR 0.33 [95% CI 0.15 to 0.75]), low parasite load (aHR 2.58 [95% CI 1.48 to 4.51]) and ambulatory (aHR 3.26 [95% CI 2.45 to 6.53]) were significantly associated with time to recovery in VL patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with comorbidities, nasal bleeding, relapse of VL, bedridden and high parasite load should be treated and monitored carefully to recover quickly from their illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habitamu Wudu
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Gambella University, Gambella, Ethiopia
| | - Chekol Alemu
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Gambella University, Gambella, Ethiopia
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Takele Y, Mulaw T, Adem E, Womersley R, Kaforou M, Franssen SU, Levin M, Taylor GP, Müller I, Cotton JA, Kropf P. Recurrent visceral leishmaniasis relapses in HIV co-infected patients are characterized by less efficient immune responses and higher parasite load. iScience 2023; 26:105867. [PMID: 36685039 PMCID: PMC9845767 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and HIV co-infection (VL/HIV) has emerged as a significant public health problem in Ethiopia, with up to 30% of patients with VL co-infected with HIV. These patients suffer from recurrent VL relapses and increased mortality. Those with a previous history of VL relapses (recurrent VL/HIV) experience increased VL relapses as compared to patients with HIV presenting with their first episode of VL (primary VL/HIV). Our aim was to identify drivers that account for the higher rate of VL relapses in patients with recurrent VL/HIV (n = 28) as compared to primary VL/HIV (n = 21). Our results show that the relapse-free survival in patients with recurrent VL/HIV was shorter, that they had higher parasite load, lower weight gain, and lower recovery of all blood cell lineages. Their poorer prognosis was characterized by lower production of IFN-gamma, lower CD4+ T cell counts, and higher expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) on T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yegnasew Takele
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadele Mulaw
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Emebet Adem
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Rebecca Womersley
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Myrsini Kaforou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Michael Levin
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ingrid Müller
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Pascale Kropf
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Ademe M, Osorio Y, Howe R, Atnafu S, Mulaw T, Fikre H, Travi BL, Hailu A, Melby PC, Abebe T. Hematological and Clinical Features Associated with Initial Poor Treatment Outcomes in Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients with and without HIV Coinfection in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:36. [PMID: 36668943 PMCID: PMC9867226 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethiopia is among the countries with a high leishmaniasis burden. In this retrospective review, we aimed to determine hematological and clinical features associated with initial poor treatment outcomes of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients. The majority of VL cases in this study had leucopenia (94.3%), thrombocytopenia (87.1%), and anemia (85.9%). HIV coinfection was present in 7.0% (n = 23) of VL cases. At the center, VL patients without HIV coinfection were treated with sodium stibogluconate and paromomycin combination, whereas HIV coinfected cases were treated with AmBisome and miltefosine combination therapy. End-of-treatment cure rates among HIV-positive and HIV-negative visceral leishmaniasis cases, respectively, were 52.2% and 96.9%. Case fatality rates were 34.8% and 2.7% in HIV-positive and HIV-negative cases, respectively. Overall, non-survivors in this study were more likely to have HIV (55.0% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.001), sepsis (15.0% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.019), and dyspnea (40.0% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001) at admission. In this regard, particular attention to the management of superimposed disease conditions at admission, including sepsis, HIV, and dyspnea, is needed to improve VL patients’ treatment outcomes. The inadequacy of the current treatments, i.e., AmBisome and miltefosine combination therapy, for HIV coinfected visceral leishmaniasis patients requires further attention as it calls for new treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muluneh Ademe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia
| | - Yaneth Osorio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Route 0435, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rawliegh Howe
- Aramuer Hanson Research Institute (AHRI), Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1005, Ethiopia
| | - Saba Atnafu
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Tadele Mulaw
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Helina Fikre
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Bruno L. Travi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Route 0435, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia
| | - Peter C. Melby
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Route 0435, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Tamrat Abebe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia
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Saini I, Joshi J, Kaur S. Unwelcome prevalence of leishmaniasis with several other infectious diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109059. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Takele Y, Adem E, Mulaw T, Müller I, Cotton JA, Kropf P. Following successful anti-leishmanial treatment, neutrophil counts, CD10 expression and phagocytic capacity remain reduced in visceral leishmaniasis patients co-infected with HIV. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010681. [PMID: 35969625 PMCID: PMC9410551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients co-infected with HIV (VL/HIV patients) experience frequent treatment failures, VL relapses, opportunistic infections, and higher mortality. Their immune system remains profoundly suppressed after clinical cure and they maintain higher parasite load. This is in contrast with patients with VL alone (VL patients). Since neutrophils play a critical role in the control of Leishmania replication and the regulation of immune responses, we tested the hypothesis that neutrophil activation status and effector functions are fully restored in VL, but not in VL/HIV patients. Our results show the neutrophil counts and all activation markers and effector functions tested in our study were reduced at the time of diagnosis in VL and VL/HIV patients as compared to controls. CD62L, CD63, arginase 1 expression levels and reactive oxygen species production were restored at the end of treatment in both groups. However, neutrophil counts, CD10 expression and phagocytosis remained significantly lower throughout follow-up in VL/HIV patients; suggesting that dysregulated neutrophils contribute to the impaired host defence against pathogens in VL/HIV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yegnasew Takele
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Emebet Adem
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadele Mulaw
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ingrid Müller
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Pascale Kropf
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Wijnant GJ, Dumetz F, Dirkx L, Bulté D, Cuypers B, Van Bocxlaer K, Hendrickx S. Tackling Drug Resistance and Other Causes of Treatment Failure in Leishmaniasis. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.837460] [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
Leishmaniasis is a tropical infectious disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania parasite. The disease is transmitted by female sand flies and, depending on the infecting parasite species, causes either cutaneous (stigmatizing skin lesions), mucocutaneous (destruction of mucous membranes of nose, mouth and throat) or visceral disease (a potentially fatal infection of liver, spleen and bone marrow). Although more than 1 million new cases occur annually, chemotherapeutic options are limited and their efficacy is jeopardized by increasing treatment failure rates and growing drug resistance. To delay the emergence of resistance to existing and new drugs, elucidating the currently unknown causes of variable drug efficacy (related to parasite susceptibility, host immunity and drug pharmacokinetics) and improved use of genotypic and phenotypic tools to define, measure and monitor resistance in the field are critical. This review highlights recent progress in our understanding of drug action and resistance in Leishmania, ongoing challenges (including setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic) and provides an overview of possible strategies to tackle this public health challenge.
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Takele Y, Mulaw T, Adem E, Shaw CJ, Franssen SU, Womersley R, Kaforou M, Taylor GP, Levin M, Müller I, Cotton JA, Kropf P. Immunological factors, but not clinical features, predict visceral leishmaniasis relapse in patients co-infected with HIV. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100487. [PMID: 35106507 PMCID: PMC8784791 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has emerged as a clinically important opportunistic infection in HIV patients, as VL/HIV co-infected patients suffer from frequent VL relapse. Here, we follow cohorts of VL patients with or without HIV in Ethiopia. By the end of the study, 78.1% of VL/HIV-but none of the VL patients-experience VL relapse. Despite a clinically defined cure, VL/HIV patients maintain higher parasite loads, lower BMI, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. We identify three immunological markers associated with VL relapse in VL/HIV patients: (1) failure to restore antigen-specific production of IFN-γ, (2) persistently lower CD4+ T cell counts, and (3) higher expression of PD1 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We show that these three markers, which can be measured in primary hospital settings in Ethiopia, combine well in predicting VL relapse. The use of our prediction model has the potential to improve disease management and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yegnasew Takele
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, PO Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadele Mulaw
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, PO Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Emebet Adem
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, PO Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Caroline Jayne Shaw
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | - Rebecca Womersley
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Myrsini Kaforou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - Michael Levin
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Ingrid Müller
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - Pascale Kropf
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
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Rashno Z, Sharifi I, Oliaee RT, Tajbakhsh S, Sharififar F, Sharifi F, Hatami A, Faridi A, Babaei Z. Anti-leishmanial activity of Avicennia marina (Avicenniaceae family) leaves hydroalcoholic extract and its possible cellular mechanisms. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2022; 17:e00239. [PMID: 35146140 PMCID: PMC8801380 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products are the main source of potent antioxidants and anti-leishmanial agents. This study was aimed to evaluate Avicennia marina (Avicenniaceae family) extract inhibitory effect against Leishmania tropica by accessing apoptotic markers and arginase activity. The A. marina were extracted and phytochemical analysis conducted. The inhibitory effect of A. marina was evaluated on L. tropica promastigote and amastigote forms, compared to meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime, MA) as standard drug. The level of apoptosis, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and arginase activity was assessed in A. marina-treated cells compared to control group. Phytochemical screening of A. marina extract showed strong presence of tannins and saponins. We demonstrated the inhibitory effect of A. marina on promastigote stages in a dose dependent manner. Also, lower 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of amastigotes was indicated in A. marina group compared with the standard group of Glucantime (60.57 ± 1.46 vs. 73.19 ± 10.12 μg/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). Besides, A. marina represented no cytotoxicity as the selectivity index (SI) was 10.7. Also, it showed the potential to induce early apoptosis of 46.5% in promastigotes at 125 μg/mL concentration. Significant reduction of arginase level was observed in both A. marina-treated cells and promastigotes. The promising results indicated higher effectiveness of A. marina in decreasing parasite growth, inducing apoptosis in promastigotes, increasing ROS production and decreasing arginase level. So, A. marina can be a native plant candidate for anti-leishmanial drug in tropical regions with cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. tropica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rashno
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed Tajbakhsh
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fariba Sharififar
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Department of Pharmacognosy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abbas Hatami
- Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ashkan Faridi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Corresponding author at: Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Tamiru A, Mohammed R, Atnafu S, Medhin G, Hailu A. Efficacy and safety of a combined treatment of sodium stibogluconate at 20mg/kg/day with upper maximum daily dose limit of 850mg and Paromomycin 15mg/kg/day in HIV negative visceral leishmaniasis patients. A retrospective study, northwest Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009713. [PMID: 34464401 PMCID: PMC8437273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most neglected tropical infectious diseases. It is fatal if left untreated. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of 17-day injections of combined regimen of sodium stibogluconate and paromomycin (SSG/PM) in HIV-negative VL patients. METHODS A retrospective analysis of medical records of VL patients treated in the University of Gondar Hospital during period 2012-2019 was carried out. RESULTS A total of 2836 patients were treated for VL from 2012 to 2019. Of these 1233 were treated with SSG-PM, and 1000 of them were included in the study. Initial cure was achieved in 922 (92.2%) patients. The frequency of treatment failure, treatment interruptions, default and deaths respectively were 30 (3%), 20 (2%), 13 (1.3%) and 15 (1.5%). Among 280 patients who completed 6-month follow up, the final cure was 93.9% (263/280), 4 (1.4%) relapsed and 13 (4.6%) developed post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). The most common adverse events (AEs) were raised liver transaminases (35.1%; 351 patients), injection site pain (29.1%, 291 patients) and raised serum alpha-amylase (29.1%, 291 patients). Factors associated with poor treatment outcomes were sepsis, pneumonia, and adverse events. CONCLUSION A combination of SSG at 20mg/kg with upper daily maximum dose of 850mg and PM was effective for achieving initial cure at end of treatment and safe for treatment of HIV negative VL patients in northwestern Ethiopia. Our data are consistent with previous reports and confirms effectiveness of SSG/PM treatment regimen in the Eastern African countries. Efficacy at 6-months (93.9%) was estimated on data derived from patients who completed follow up and needs to be interrogated by future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aschalew Tamiru
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Rezika Mohammed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Saba Atnafu
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Girmay Medhin
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Inequalities of visceral leishmaniasis case-fatality in Brazil: A multilevel modeling considering space, time, individual and contextual factors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009567. [PMID: 34197454 PMCID: PMC8279375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Brazil, case-fatality from visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is high and characterized by wide differences between the various political-economic units, the federated units (FUs). This study was designed to investigate the association between factors at the both FU and individual levels with the risk of dying from VL, after analysing the temporal trend and the spatial dependency for VL case-fatality. Methodology The analysis was based on individual and aggregated data of the Reportable Disease Information System-SINAN (Brazilian Ministry of Health). The temporal and spatial distributions of the VL case-fatality between 2007 and 2017 (27 FUs as unit of analysis) were considered together with the individual characteristics and many other variables at the FU level (socioeconomic, demographic, access to health and epidemiological indicators) in a mixed effects models or multilevel modeling, assuming a binomial outcome distribution (death from VL). Findings A linear increasing temporal tendency (4%/year) for VL case-fatality was observed between 2007 and 2017. There was no similarity between the case-fatality rates of neighboring FUs (non-significant spatial term), although these rates were heterogeneous in this spatial scale of analysis. In addition to the known individual risk factors age, female gender, disease’s severity, bacterial co-infection and disease duration, low level schooling and unavailability of emergency beds and health professionals (the last two only in univariate analysis) were identified as possibly related to VL death risk. Lower VL incidence was also associated to VL case-fatality, suggesting that unfamiliarity with the disease may delay appropriate medical management: VL patients with fatal outcome were notified and had VL treatment started 6 and 3 days later, respectively, in relation to VL cured patients. Access to garbage collection, marker of social and economic development, seems to be protective against the risk of dying from VL. Part of the observed VL case-fatality variability in Brazil could not be explained by the studied variables, suggesting that factors linked to the intra FU environment may be involved. Conclusions This study aimed to identify epidemiological conditions and others related to access to the health system possibly linked to VL case-fatality, pointing out new prognostic determinants subject to intervention. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a potentially fatal disease if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The VL case-fatality in Brazil is the highest rate in the world, reaching an average of 7% and in some regions, more than 15%. In the last years, some improvements in the VL approach have been reached in Brazil, such as the widespread use of rapid diagnostic tests and liposomal amphotericin B for treatment of selected high risk of death cases. Despite these interventions, increase in case-fatality rates were observed. In this study we explored the factors related to the case-fatality from VL using a mixed modeling that encompasses different intervening factors such as time/spatial trends and factors linked to the individual and socio-economic indicators. For the first time, factors unrelated to the patients’ clinical condition emerge as possibly related to VL case-fatality, such as low educational level, unavailability of emergency beds and health professionals, suggesting the harmful influence of conditions of limited access to health services. In addition to these significant effects observed in the spatial scale of analysis, this study points to the influence of contextual factors linked to each geopolitical unit. The determinants of death among VL cases may differ according to the region, which requires specific actions planned locally, including increased access to health system qualified to recognize and properly treat VL.
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Franssen SU, Takele Y, Adem E, Sanders MJ, Müller I, Kropf P, Cotton JA. Diversity and Within-Host Evolution of Leishmania donovani from Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients with and without HIV Coinfection in Northern Ethiopia. mBio 2021; 12:e0097121. [PMID: 34182785 PMCID: PMC8262925 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00971-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal disease and a growing public health problem in East Africa, where Ethiopia has one of the highest VL burdens. The largest focus of VL in Ethiopia is driven by high prevalence in migrant agricultural workers and associated with a high rate of coinfection with HIV. This coinfection makes VL more difficult to treat successfully and is associated with a high rate of relapse, with VL/HIV patients frequently experiencing many relapses of VL before succumbing to this infection. We present genome-wide data on Leishmania donovani isolates from a longitudinal study of cohorts of VL and VL/HIV patients reporting to a single clinic in Ethiopia. Extensive clinical data allow us to investigate the influence of coinfection and relapse on the populations of parasites infecting these patients. We find that the same parasite population is responsible for both VL and VL/HIV infections and that, in most cases, disease relapse is caused by recrudescence of the population of parasites that caused primary VL. Complex, multiclonal infections are present in both primary and relapse cases, but the infrapopulation of parasites within a patient loses genetic diversity between primary disease presentation and subsequent relapses, presumably due to a population bottleneck induced by treatment. These data suggest that VL/HIV relapses are not caused by genetically distinct parasite infections or by reinfection. Treatment of VL does not lead to sterile cure, and in VL/HIV, the infecting parasites are able to reestablish after clinically successful treatment, leading to repeated relapse of VL. IMPORTANCE Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the second largest cause of deaths due to parasite infections and a growing problem in East Africa. In Ethiopia, it is particularly associated with migrant workers moving from regions of nonendemicity for seasonal agricultural work and is frequently found as a coinfection with HIV, which leads to frequent VL relapse following treatment. Insight into the process of relapse in these patients is thus key to controlling the VL epidemic in Ethiopia. We show that there is little genetic differentiation between the parasites infecting HIV-positive and HIV-negative VL patients. Moreover, we provide evidence that relapses are caused by the initially infecting parasite population and that treatment induces a loss of genetic diversity in this population. We propose that restoring functioning immunity and improving antiparasitic treatment may be key in breaking the cycle of relapsing VL in VL/HIV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yegnasew Takele
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emebet Adem
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Ingrid Müller
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale Kropf
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Mohammed R, Fikre H, Mekonnen T, Abebe B, Yeshanew A, Diro E, van Griensven J. Case Report: Atypical Presentation of Visceral Leishmaniasis: Two Cases from Northwest Ethiopia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:2082-2084. [PMID: 33844644 PMCID: PMC8176479 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0666] [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: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening disease caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the Leishmania donovani complex. Atypical cases of leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection have been documented in case reports, mostly associated with gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and skin involvement. We report two VL cases with atypical localizations not reported from east Africa before, both diagnosed and treated at the Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, Gondar, Ethiopia. The first case was an HIV-infected patient with scrotal and penile involvement. Leishmania parasites were detected in the spleen and the scrotum. The second case was an immunocompetent individual with esophageal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal involvement and facial lesions. Leishmania parasites were detected in the spleen, skin, and esophageal biopsies. Current evidence suggests atypical presentation can occur in patients irrespective of their HIV status. Therefore; we suggest a high index of suspicion for VL among clinicians working in endemic areas of Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rezika Mohammed
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,2Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Helina Fikre
- 2Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tigist Mekonnen
- 2Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bewketu Abebe
- 3Department of Pathology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Arega Yeshanew
- 2Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ermias Diro
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,2Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Johan van Griensven
- 4Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Serious adverse events following treatment of visceral leishmaniasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009302. [PMID: 33780461 PMCID: PMC8031744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite a historical association with poor tolerability, a comprehensive review on safety of antileishmanial chemotherapies is lacking. We carried out an update of a previous systematic review of all published clinical trials in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) from 1980 to 2019 to document any reported serious adverse events (SAEs). Methods For this updated systematic review, we searched the following databases from 1st Jan 2016 through 2nd of May 2019: PUBMED, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, clinicaltrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, and the Global Index Medicus. We included randomised and non-randomised interventional studies aimed at assessing therapeutic efficacy and extracted the number of SAEs reported within the first 30 days of treatment initiation. The incidence rate of death (IRD) from individual treatment arms were combined in a meta-analysis using random effects Poisson regression. Results We identified 157 published studies enrolling 35,376 patients in 347 treatment arms. Pentavalent antimony was administered in 74 (21.3%), multiple-dose liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) in 52 (15.0%), amphotericin b deoxycholate in 51 (14.7%), miltefosine in 33 (9.5%), amphotericin b fat/lipid/colloid/cholesterol in 31 (8.9%), and single-dose L-AmB in 17 (4.9%) arms. There was a total of 804 SAEs reported of which 793 (including 428 deaths) were extracted at study arm level (11 SAEs were reported at study level only). During the first 30 days, there were 285 (66.6%) deaths with the overall IRD estimated at 0.068 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.041–0.114; I2 = 81.4%; 95% prediction interval (PI): 0.001–2.779] per 1,000 person-days at risk; the rate was 0.628 [95% CI: 0.368–1.021; I2 = 82.5%] in Eastern Africa, and 0.041 [95% CI: 0.021–0.081; I2 = 68.1%] in the Indian Subcontinent. In 21 study arms which clearly indicated allowing the inclusion of patients with HIV co-infections the IRD was 0.575 [95% CI: 0.244–1.355; I2 = 91.9%] compared to 0.043 [95% CI: 0.020–0.090; I2 = 62.5%] in 160 arms which excluded HIV co-infections. Conclusion Mortality within the first 30 days of VL treatment initiation was a rarely reported event in clinical trials with an overall estimated rate of 0.068 deaths per 1,000 person-days at risk, though it varied across regions and patient populations. These estimates may serve as a benchmark for future trials against which mortality data from prospective and pharmacovigilance studies can be compared. The methodological limitations exposed by our review support the need to assemble individual patient data (IPD) to conduct robust IPD meta-analyses and generate stronger evidence from existing trials to support treatment guidelines and guide future research. Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as Kala-Azar, is a neglected infectious disease of poverty affecting countries in the Indian Subcontinent and Eastern Africa. Existing treatments have concerning safety profiles and are far from ideal, with documented reports of serious adverse events (SAEs) following therapy. We did a systematic review of all published clinical trials in VL (1980–2019) to document SAEs following treatment administration reported in clinical literature and carried out a meta-analysis to quantify the incidence rate of mortality within 30 days of treatment initiation. We found that safety outcomes are poorly reported in published literature with substantial missing information regarding timing and frequency of the events. We also observed that mortality following treatment with antileishmanial drugs, as reported in the literature, is a rare event. There was substantial variability in mortality rates across geographical regions and patient sub-groups. Results from this review can provide benchmark estimates for comparing data from prospective trials and pharmacovigilance studies and support the need to assemble individual patient data (IPD) to conduct a robust IPD meta-analyses to overcome some of the underlying limitations.
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Datta A, Podder I, Das A, Sil A, Das NK. Therapeutic Modalities in Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis: A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness and Safety of the Treatment Options. Indian J Dermatol 2021; 66:34-43. [PMID: 33911291 PMCID: PMC8061474 DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_264_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-kala-azar dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is one of the important neglected tropical diseases, which has a tremendous epidemiological significance, being the reservoir of kala-azar. Relapse and resistance to treatment along with the lack of a drug of choice and consensus treatment guideline pose a significant problem in the management of PKDL. The aim of this article was to review the available therapeutic options for PKDL, with special emphasis on their pharmaco-dynamics, pharmaco-kinetics, effectiveness, safety, tolerability, and cost factor. A comprehensive English language literature search was done for therapeutic options in PKDL across multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane) for keywords (alone and in combination). MeSH as well as non-MeSH terms such as “Kala-azar,” “Leishmaniasis” AND “Treatment,” “Management,” “Antimony Sodium Gluconate,” “Meglumine Antimoniate,” “Amphotericin B,” “Paromomycin,” “Miltefosine” were taken into consideration. Among 576 relevant articles, 15 were deemed relevant to this review. These articles were evaluated using “Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM)” AND “strength of recommendation taxonomy” (SORT) with respect to the level of evidence and grade of recommendation. The review includes 15 studies. The use of sodium stibogluconate is being discouraged because of multiple documented reports of treatment failure. Liposomal amphotericin B is emerging as a favorable option, owing to its superiority in terms of effectiveness and safety profile. Miltesfosine is the drug of choice in India because of the ease of oral administration and minimal risk of toxicity. Isolated Paromomycin alone is not effective in PKDL; however, combination therapy with sodium stibogluconate is found to be safe and effective. Combination of amphotericin B and miltefosine is one of the excellent options. Immunotherapy with combination of alum-precipitated autoclaved Leishmania major (Alum/ALM) vaccine + Bacille Calmette-Gu´erin (BCG) has shown promising results. Kala-azar continues to haunt the tropical countries and PKDL being its reservoir is threatening its elimination. With the availability of drugs such as liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine, apart from the advent of immunotherapy, the future of treatment of this condition looks promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrija Datta
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kamarhati, West Bengal, India
| | - Indrashis Podder
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kamarhati, West Bengal, India
| | - Anupam Das
- Department of Dermatology, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Jadavpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Amrita Sil
- Department of Pharmacology, Rampurhat Government Medical College, Rampurhat, West Bengal, India
| | - Nilay Kanti Das
- Department of Dermatology, Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Bankura, West Bengal, India
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Abstract
Human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) cases are important public health problems due to their zoonotic aspect, with high rates of morbidity and mortality in Brazil. The aim of this this study was to identify spatial patterns in both rates of HVL cases in Brazilian states during the period from 2006 to 2015. This is an ecological study, using geoprocessing tools to create choropleth maps, based on secondary data from open access platforms, to identify priority areas for control actions of the disease. Data were collected in 2017 and analysed according to the global and local Moran's I, using TerraView 4.2.2 software. Similar clusters were observed in neighbouring municipalities in thematic maps of HVL, suggesting spatial similarity in the distribution of the disease in humans mainly in the North and Northeast Regions, which concentrate the states with the highest rates of HVL. Heterogeneous spatial patterns were observed in the distribution of HVL, which show municipalities that need higher priority in the intensification of disease surveillance and control strategies.
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Van Bockstal L, Hendrickx S, Maes L, Caljon G. Sand Fly Studies Predict Transmission Potential of Drug-resistant Leishmania. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:785-795. [PMID: 32713762 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania parasites have the capacity to rapidly adapt to changing environments in their digenetic life cycle which alternates between a vertebrate and an invertebrate host. Emergence of resistance following drug exposure can evoke phenotypic alterations that affect several aspects of parasite fitness in both hosts. Current studies of the impact of resistance are mostly limited to interactions with the mammalian host and characterization of in vitro parasite growth and differentiation. Development in the vector and transmission capacity have been largely ignored. This review reflects on the impact of drug resistance on its spreading potential with specific focus on the use of the sand fly infection model to evaluate parasite development in the vector and the ensuing transmission potential of drug-resistant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Abongomera C, van Henten S, Vogt F, Buyze J, Verdonck K, van Griensven J. Prognostic factors for mortality among patients with visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008319. [PMID: 32413028 PMCID: PMC7255612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne disease that is deadly if left untreated. Understanding which factors have prognostic value may help to focus clinical management and reduce case fatality. However, information about prognostic factors is scattered and conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify prognostic factors for mortality among VL patients in East Africa. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016043112). We included studies published in English after 1970 describing VL patients treated in East African health facilities. To be included, studies had to report on associations between clinical or laboratory factors and mortality during admission or during VL treatment, with a minimal study size of ten patients. Conference abstracts and evaluations of genetic or immunological prognostic factors were excluded. We searched for studies in MEDLINE and four other databases in December 2018. To assess the risk of bias in observational studies and clinical trials, we used the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool. We included 48 studies in the systematic review, describing 150,072 VL patients of whom 7,847 (5.2%) died. Twelve prognostic factors were evaluated in five or more studies and these results were submitted to meta-analysis producing one pooled crude odds ratio (OR) per prognostic factor. The following factors were strongly (OR>3) and significantly (P-value<0.05) associated with mortality: jaundice (OR = 8.27), HIV (OR = 4.60), tuberculosis (OR = 4.06), age >45 years (OR = 3.69), oedema (OR = 3.52), bleeding (OR = 3.37), and haemoglobin ≤6.5 g/dl (OR = 3.26). Factors significantly and moderately (OR between one and three) associated with death were severe malnutrition, long duration of illness, young age (<5 years), and large spleen size. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These prognostic factors can be identified by health professionals in resource-constrained settings. They should be considered as "core" prognostic factors in future studies that aim at improving the prognosis of VL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Abongomera
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Abdurafi, Ethiopia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Saskia van Henten
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Florian Vogt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jozefien Buyze
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kristien Verdonck
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan van Griensven
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Mohammed R, Fikre H, Schuster A, Mekonnen T, van Griensven J, Diro E. Multiple Relapses of Visceral Leishmaniasis in HIV Co-Infected Patients: A Case Series from Ethiopia. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2020; 92:100583. [PMID: 32382359 PMCID: PMC7198908 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2020.100583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a high rate of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) relapse/recurrence among patients with concomitant HIV co-infection. Fever, the most common symptom of VL is less frequent with relapse of VL. In contrast, there is high tissue parasite load. Most of these patients need longer duration of treatment and combination regimens to achieve cure. There is an urgent need to look for alternative better treatment options.
Background Human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening protozoan disease caused by parasites belonging to the Leishmania donovani complex. Ethiopia has the highest VL-HIV co-infection rate in the world, with several of these patients presenting with repeated episodes of VL disease (ie, relapse). However, we lack data on how HIV patients with multiple VL relapse present clinically, and whether they continue to respond to currently available medicines. Methods The medical records of VL-HIV co-infected patients with multiple VL relapses at the Leishmaniasis Treatment and Research Center in Gondar, Ethiopia, between June 2012 and June 2016 were retrieved. Variables on their clinical and laboratory profiles were collected. Descriptive analysis was done to show the characteristics of the VL episodes. Result A total of 48 VL episodes in 12 patients were identified, the median number of episodes per patient was 5 (interquartile range, 4–8 episodes). The median time to relapse was 5 months (interquartile range, 3–5.5 months). Splenomegaly was present in 47 of the episodes (98%), fever or other accompanying symptoms were present in only 66% (32 out of 48). The median tissue parasite grade at VL diagnosis was 6+ (interquartile range, 5+– 6+). All patients were on antiretroviral therapy. The median duration of treatment per episode was 2 months (interquartile range, 2–2 months). All patients achieved parasitological cure at discharge at each episode. Conclusions Multiple recurrences of VL diseases were observed in HIV co-infected patients. With recurrent episodes, splenomegaly was found to be the main manifestation, whereas fever was less common. These patients came with recurrence of diseases in <6 months and required prolonged treatment to achieve cure. Further research on prediction, prevention, and better management options for recurrent VL is needed. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1410-0454. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX–XXX)
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Affiliation(s)
- Rezika Mohammed
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Helina Fikre
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Angela Schuster
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tigist Mekonnen
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Johan van Griensven
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ermias Diro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Yeshaw Y, Tsegaye AT, Nigatu SG. Incidence of Mortality and Its Predictors Among Adult Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients at the University of Gondar Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:881-891. [PMID: 32273732 PMCID: PMC7102893 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s245991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease, affecting the poor and productive age group of a country, resulting in a huge impact on its economic development. Even though anti-leishmanial drugs reduce the incidence of mortality among VL patients, there is still death of these patients while on treatment. In this aspect, there are limited studies in Ethiopia; therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence of mortality and its predictors among adult VL patients at the University of Gondar Hospital. Methods Institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 586 adult visceral leishmaniasis patients who were admitted to the University of Gondar Hospital from 2013 to 2018. Data were collected from the patients’ charts and registration books, and analyzed using Stata 14 software. Kaplan–Meier failure curve and Log rank test was used to compare the survival probability of patients with independent variables. A multivariable stratified Cox regression model was used to identify predictors of mortality among VL patients. P≤ 0.05 was employed to declare statistically significant factors. Adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated for potential risk factors included in the multivariable model. Results A total of 586 VL patients were included in the study. The age of patients ranged from 18 to 55 years with a median age of 27 years. The incidence of mortality was 6.6 (95% CI: 5.2–8.4) per 1000 person-days of observation. Independent predictors of mortality were presence of comorbidity (AHR=2.29 (95% CI: 1.27–4.11)), relapse VL (AHR=3.03 (95% CI: 1.25–7.35)), treatment toxicity (AHR=5.87 (95% CI: 3.30–10.44)), nasal bleeding (AHR=2.58 (95% CI: 1.48–4.51)), jaundice (AHR=2.84 (95% CI: 1.57–5.16)) and being bedridden at admission (AHR=3.26 (95% CI: 1.86–5.73)). Conclusion The incidence of mortality among VL patients was high. Mortality was higher among VL patients with concomitant disease, relapse VL, treatment toxicity, nasal bleeding, jaundice, and those who were bedridden at admission, which implies that great care should be taken for these risky groups through strict follow-up and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yigizie Yeshaw
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Adino Tesfahun Tsegaye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Gedlu Nigatu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Thacker SG, McWilliams IL, Bonnet B, Halie L, Beaucage S, Rachuri S, Dey R, Duncan R, Modabber F, Robinson S, Bilbe G, Arana B, Verthelyi D. CpG ODN D35 improves the response to abbreviated low-dose pentavalent antimonial treatment in non-human primate model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008050. [PMID: 32109251 PMCID: PMC7075640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) affects the lives of 0.7–1 million people every year causing lesions that take months to heal. These lesions can result in disfiguring scars with psychological, social and economic consequences. Antimonials are the first line of therapy for CL, however the treatment is lengthy and linked to significant toxicities; further, its efficacy is variable and resistant parasites are emerging. Shorter or lower dose antimonial treatment regimens, which would decrease the risk of adverse events and improve patient compliance, have shown reduced efficacy and further increase the risk emergence of antimonial-resistant strains. The progression of lesions in CL is partly determined by the immune response it elicits, and previous studies showed that administration of immunomodulatory type D CpG ODNs, magnifies the immune response to Leishmania and reduces lesion severity in nonhuman primates (NHP) challenged with Leishmania major or Leishmania amazonensis. Here we explored whether the addition of a single dose of immunomodulating CpG ODN D35 augments the efficacy of a short-course, low-dose pentavalent antimonial treatment regimen. Results show that macaques treated with D35 plus 5mg/kg sodium stibogluconate (SbV) for 10 days had smaller lesions and reduced time to re-epithelization after infection with Leishmania major. No toxicities were evident during the studies, even at doses of D35 10 times higher than those used in treatment. Critically, pentavalent antimonial treatment did not modify the ability of D35 to induce type I IFNs. The findings support the efficacy of D35 as adjuvant therapy for shorter, low dose pentavalent antimonial treatment. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a devastating disease that affects close to a million people every year. Its clinical presentation ranges from small uncomplicated lesions that heal over a few months to debilitating large chronic or recurring lesions that result in disfigurement, stigma, and economic loss. Antimonials are the first line treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis in most countries, but the lengthy treatment schedules, significant associated toxicities, and the emergence of resistant strains, require the development of alternative strategies. As the immune response is a key determinant of disease course, immunomodulatory therapies could be harnessed to act in concert with antimonials to improve the safety and efficacy of CL treatment. Synthetic oligonucleotide D35 selectively activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells and was previously shown to reduce the severity of L. major and L. amazonensis lesions in rhesus macaques, but its activity in combination with antimonials was unknown. Our studies show that a single subcutaneous dose of innate immune modulator D35 improved the response to a low-dose abbreviated antimonial course, reducing the severity of the lesions and accelerating healing in primates. No toxicities were evident with D35 at doses ten-fold higher than the effective dose. The studies suggest that the combined therapy strategy shows clinical promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth G Thacker
- Laboratory of Immunology, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ian L. McWilliams
- Laboratory of Immunology, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Beatrice Bonnet
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lydia Halie
- Laboratory of Immunology, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Serge Beaucage
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry; Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Swaksha Rachuri
- Laboratory of Immunology, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ranadhir Dey
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Robert Duncan
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Farrokh Modabber
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Robinson
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Graeme Bilbe
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Byron Arana
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (BA); (DV)
| | - Daniela Verthelyi
- Laboratory of Immunology, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (BA); (DV)
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Abass E. Leishmania donovani infection in Eastern Sudan: Comparing direct agglutination and rK39 rapid test for diagnosis-a retrospective study. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/1995-7645.285831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Jones CM, Welburn SC, Jones JD. Treatment failure of pentavalent antimonial therapy for human visceral leishmaniasis: a meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.29392/joghr.3.e2019048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Jones CM, Welburn SC, Jones JD. Treatment failure of pentavalent antimonial therapy for human visceral leishmaniasis: a meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.29392/joghr.3.e201948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Visceral leishmaniasis in Northeast Brazil: What is the impact of HIV on this protozoan infection? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225875. [PMID: 31805100 PMCID: PMC6894860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to compare cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) with and without HIV in a state in northeastern Brazil. Methodology We performed a comparative study in the state’s referral hospital for infectious/parasitic diseases located in Northeast Brazil between January 2007 and July 2017. The data obtained using this protocol were analyzed with SPSS. Principal findings In total, 252 patients were evaluated, including 126 with coincident VL/HIV and 126 with VL alone. Both groups primarily consisted of male patients. The most commonly affected ages were 30–39 years in the coinfected group and 19–29 years in the VL group (p < 0.001). Fever and anorexia (p = 0.001), which were more common in those with VL alone, were frequently observed, while diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding and dyspnea were more common in patients with VL/HIV coinfection (p<0.005). According to the hemogram results, leukocyte levels were lower in the VL group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels differed between the groups, with higher levels in patients with VL (p < 0.001). On average, HIV was diagnosed 2.6 years before VL (p < 0.001), and VL relapse was observed only in the coinfection group (36.5% of cases). Fever (β = +0.17; p = 0.032) in the first VL/HIV episode was identified as a risk factor for relapse (R2 = 0.18). More deaths occurred in the VL/HIV group (11.1%) than in the VL group (2.4%). Conclusion/Significance VL/HIV was found to be prevalent among young adults, although the median patient age was higher in the VL/HIV group. The classic symptomatology of VL was more common in patients not coinfected with HIV; therefore, attention is needed in patients with HIV who present with any symptoms that suggest the presence of VL, especially in endemic areas. No cases of VL relapse occurred in patients without HIV, and death was more common in the VL/HIV co-infected group.
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Vogt F, Mengesha B, Asmamaw H, Mekonnen T, Fikre H, Takele Y, Adem E, Mohammed R, Ritmeijer K, Adriaensen W, Melsew Y, van Griensven J, Diro E. Antigen Detection in Urine for Noninvasive Diagnosis and Treatment Monitoring of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfected Patients: An Exploratory Analysis from Ethiopia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 99:957-966. [PMID: 30084342 PMCID: PMC6159592 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and assessment of treatment response in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–coinfected patients still relies on invasive tissue aspiration. This hampers scale-up and decentralization of care in resource-limited settings. Noninvasive diagnostics are urgently needed. KATEX is a frequently used latex agglutination test for Leishmania antigen in urine that has never been evaluated in HIV-coinfected individuals from Leishmania donovani–endemic areas. This was an exploratory sub-study embedded within the screening phase of a trial in highly endemic northwestern Ethiopia. All patients were HIV-positive and aspirate-confirmed VL cases. We assessed diagnostic accuracy of KATEX for VL diagnosis and as test of cure at end of treatment, using tissue aspirate parasite load as reference methods. We also described the evolution of weekly antigen levels during treatment. Most of the 87 included patients were male (84, 97%), young (median age 31 years), and had poor immune status (median cluster of differentiation type 4 count 56 cells/μL). KATEX had moderate sensitivity (84%) for VL diagnosis. KATEX had moderate sensitivity (82%) and a moderate negative predictive value (87%) but only low specificity (49%) and a low positive predictive value (40%) for the assessment of treatment outcomes. Weekly antigen levels showed characteristic patterns during treatment of patients with different initial parasite loads and treatment outcomes. Antigen detection in urine using KATEX can contribute to improved VL diagnosis in HIV-coinfected patients but has limited use for monitoring of treatment response. Better noninvasive diagnostics are needed to reduce reliance on invasive methods and thus to expand and improve clinical care for VL in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Vogt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bewketu Mengesha
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Helen Asmamaw
- Gondar University Hospital, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tigist Mekonnen
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Helina Fikre
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yegnasew Takele
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Emebet Adem
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Rezika Mohammed
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Koert Ritmeijer
- Public Health Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Adriaensen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yayehirad Melsew
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Johan van Griensven
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ermias Diro
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Visceral Leishmaniasis Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors in Northern Ethiopia. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3513957. [PMID: 31531350 PMCID: PMC6719273 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3513957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), one of the most neglected tropical diseases, is placing a huge burden on Ethiopia. Despite the introduction of antileishmanial drugs, treatment outcomes across regions are variable due to drug resistance and other factors. Thus, understanding of VL treatment outcomes and its contributing factors helps decisions on treatment. However, the magnitude and the risk factors of poor treatment outcome are not well studied in our setting. Therefore, our study was designed to assess treatment outcomes and associated factors in patients with VL. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in VL patients admitted between June 2016 and April 2018 to Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Data was collected through chart review of patient records. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor treatment outcome. Results A total of 148 VL patients were included in the study. The mean age (SD) of the patients was 32.86 (11.9) years; most of them (94.6%) were male patients. The proportion of poor treatment outcome was 12.1%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that long duration of illness (> four weeks) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.1 [95% confidence interval (CI); 1.3-28.6], p=0.02) and concomitant tuberculosis (TB) infection (AOR 4.6 [95% CI; 1.1-19.1], p=0.04) were the independent predictors of poor treatment outcome. Conclusions Poor treatment outcome was observed in a considerable proportion of VL patients. Long duration of illness and coinfection with TB were associated with poor VL treatment outcome. Hence, early diagnosis and effective prompt treatment are important to improve treatment outcomes among VL patients. Special attention should also be given in the treatment of VL/TB coinfected patients in our setting.
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Identifying miltefosine-resistant key genes in protein-protein interactions network and experimental verification in Iranian Leishmania major. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:5371-5388. [PMID: 31385238 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04992-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is a complex phenomenon during leishmaniasis chemotherapy. In this study, the genes and pathways involved in miltefosine (MIL)-resistant Leishmania were identified using microarray data and in silico approaches. GSE30685 and GSE45496 were obtained from GEO database and analyzed with GEO2R tool to identify genes involved in MIL-resistant Leishmania. 177 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected from these GSEs, which about half of them were uncharacterized/hypothetical proteins. The interactions between DEGs were investigated using STRING database and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Five hub nodes were found in the PPI network. The gene ontology (GO) analysis of the resulting network revealed that DNA replication (GO:0006260) and ATP hydrolysis coupled proton transport (GO:0015991) were the most enriched GO term. Iranian MIL-resistant Leishmania major (L. major) parasites were generated by exposure of wild-type isolates to the increasing concentrations of MIL over a period of 5 months. Proof of mRNA expression levels of the obtained hub genes was assessed in Iranian wild-type and acquired resistant L. major parasites by real-time PCR. A significant higher expression level of LDBPK_150170 (encoding protein phosphatase 2C, PP2C), was only observed in Iranian L. major parasites resistance to MIL. Moreover, the RT-PCR results showed that the expression of metacyclic marker (small hydrophilic endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein, SHERP) and MIL-resistant marker (Leishmania MIL-transporter, LMT) was significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in Iranian MIL-resistant L. major parasites. Taken together, these data suggested that PP2C as well as SHERP and LMT genes may be prospective targets for the treatment of MIL-resistant Leishmania.
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Chakravarty J, Sundar S. Current and emerging medications for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:1251-1265. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1609940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Chakravarty
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Diro E, Edwards T, Ritmeijer K, Fikre H, Abongomera C, Kibret A, Bardonneau C, Soipei P, Mutinda B, Omollo R, van Griensven J, Zijlstra EE, Wasunna M, Alves F, Alvar J, Hailu A, Alexander N, Blesson S. Long term outcomes and prognostics of visceral leishmaniasis in HIV infected patients with use of pentamidine as secondary prophylaxis based on CD4 level: a prospective cohort study in Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007132. [PMID: 30789910 PMCID: PMC6400407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The long-term treatment outcome of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients with HIV co-infection is complicated by a high rate of relapse, especially when the CD4 count is low. Although use of secondary prophylaxis is recommended, it is not routinely practiced and data on its effectiveness and safety are limited. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in Northwest Ethiopia from August 2014 to August 2017 (NCT02011958). HIV-VL patients were followed for up to 12 months. Patients with CD4 cell counts below 200/μL at the end of VL treatment received pentamidine prophylaxis starting one month after parasitological cure, while those with CD4 count ≥200 cells/μL were followed without secondary prophylaxis. Compliance, safety and relapse-free survival, using Kaplan-Meier analysis methods to account for variable time at risk, were summarised. Risk factors for relapse or death were analysed. Results Fifty-four HIV patients were followed. The probability of relapse-free survival at one year was 50% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35–63%): 53% (30–71%) in 22 patients with CD4 ≥200 cells/μL without pentamidine prophylaxis and 46% (26–63%) in 29 with CD4 <200 cells/μL who started pentamidine. Three patients with CD4 <200 cells/μL did not start pentamidine. Amongst those with CD4 ≥200 cells/μL, VL relapse was an independent risk factor for subsequent relapse or death (adjusted rate ratio: 5.42, 95% CI: 1.1–25.8). Except for one case of renal failure which was considered possibly related to pentamidine, there were no drug-related safety concerns. Conclusion The relapse-free survival rate for VL patients with HIV was low. Relapse-free survival of patients with CD4 count <200cells/μL given pentamidine secondary prophylaxis appeared to be comparable to patients with a CD4 count ≥200 cells/μL not given prophylaxis. Patients with relapsed VL are at higher risk for subsequent relapse and should be considered a priority for secondary prophylaxis, irrespective of their CD4 count. Achieving parasitological cure at the end of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) treatment in HIV co-infected patients does not assure definitive cure, as the disease will recur within a year in many patients. In this cohort study, the probability of relapse-free survival at one-year was 50% in all patients. The use of monthly pentamidine infusion for those with lower CD4 counts (<200 cells/μL) at the time of VL cure appeared to result in a comparable relapse-free survival rate to those patients with higher CD4 count (≥200 cells/μL) who did not receive secondary prophylaxis. On the other hand, patients with a history of previous VL treatment (VL relapse) remained at high risk of relapse despite achieving CD4 count ≥200 cells/μL at the end of the VL treatment. While all VL patients with HIV co-infection may benefit from secondary prophylaxis, those with CD4 <200 cells/μL and previous history of treatment should be prioritized for secondary prophylaxis. New modalities for prevention of VL relapse in HIV patients should also be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermias Diro
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Tansy Edwards
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Helina Fikre
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Clélia Bardonneau
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Brian Mutinda
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Eduard E. Zijlstra
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Fabiana Alves
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jorge Alvar
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Neal Alexander
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Séverine Blesson
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
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Diro E, Blesson S, Edwards T, Ritmeijer K, Fikre H, Admassu H, Kibret A, Ellis SJ, Bardonneau C, Zijlstra EE, Soipei P, Mutinda B, Omollo R, Kimutai R, Omwalo G, Wasunna M, Tadesse F, Alves F, Strub-Wourgaft N, Hailu A, Alexander N, Alvar J. A randomized trial of AmBisome monotherapy and AmBisome and miltefosine combination to treat visceral leishmaniasis in HIV co-infected patients in Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0006988. [PMID: 30653490 PMCID: PMC6336227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infected patients requires special case management. AmBisome monotherapy at 40 mg/kg is recommended by the World Health Organization. The objective of the study was to assess if a combination of a lower dose of AmBisome with miltefosine would show acceptable efficacy at the end of treatment. Methodology/Principal findings An open-label, non-comparative randomized trial of AmBisome (30 mg/kg) with miltefosine (100 mg/day for 28 days), and AmBisome monotherapy (40 mg/kg) was conducted in Ethiopian VL patients co-infected with HIV (NCT02011958). A sequential design was used with a triangular continuation region. The primary outcome was parasite clearance at day 29, after the first round of treatment. Patients with clinical improvement but without parasite clearance at day 29 received a second round of the allocated treatment. Efficacy was evaluated again at day 58, after completion of treatment. Recruitment was stopped after inclusion of 19 and 39 patients in monotherapy and combination arms respectively, as per pre-specified stopping rules. At D29, intention-to-treat efficacy in the AmBisome arm was 70% (95% CI 45–87%) in the unadjusted analysis, and 50% (95% CI 27–73%) in the adjusted analysis, while in the combination arm, it was 81% (95% CI 67–90%) and 67% (95% CI 48–82%) respectively. At D58, the adjusted efficacy was 55% (95% CI 32–78%) in the monotherapy arm, and 88% (95% CI 79–98%) in the combination arm. No major safety concerns related to the study medication were identified. Ten SAEs were observed within the treatment period, and 4 deaths unrelated to the study medication. Conclusions/Significance The extended treatment strategy with the combination regimen showed the highest documented efficacy in HIV-VL patients; these results support a recommendation of this regimen as first-line treatment strategy for HIV-VL patients in eastern Africa. Trial registration number www.clinicaltrials.govNCT02011958. Visceral Leishmaniasis is a complex parasitological disease and is particularly challenging to treat in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Antimonial drugs used in first-line treatments for immunocompetent patients in eastern Africa are more toxic in immunocompromised patients. In 2010, a WHO expert committee recommended a lipid formulation of amphotericin B as first line treatment for HIV/VL co-infected patients, based on a single clinical trial conducted in Spain and empirical information obtained from scattered case reports using AmBisome (liposomal amphotericin B). In addition, Médecins Sans Frontières began a compassionate use regimen combining AmBisome and miltefosine a in a treatment centre in Northwest Ethiopia with encouraging results. Here, we report the results of a trial to assess the efficacy and safety of both the currently internationally recommended treatment of AmBisome monotherapy and the new AmBisome-miltefosine combination regimen, in Ethiopian patients. The results of this trial show that one course of treatment with either regimen could be insufficient to clear parasites in a high proportion of patients and that an extended treatment strategy, of administrating a second course of treatment, could lead to a high parasite clearance rate in patients treated with the combination regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermias Diro
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Severine Blesson
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Tansy Edwards
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Helina Fikre
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Henok Admassu
- Abdurafi Health Centre, Médecins sans Frontières, Abdurafi, Ethiopia
| | - Aderajew Kibret
- Abdurafi Health Centre, Médecins sans Frontières, Abdurafi, Ethiopia
| | - Sally J. Ellis
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Clelia Bardonneau
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eduard E. Zijlstra
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Brian Mutinda
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Fentahun Tadesse
- Neglected Tropical Diseases, Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fabiana Alves
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Strub-Wourgaft
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Neal Alexander
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Alvar
- Research & Development Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
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Sundar S, Chakravarty J, Meena LP. Leishmaniasis: treatment, drug resistance and emerging therapies. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2019.1552853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Jaya Chakravarty
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Lalit P Meena
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Gebreyohannes EA, Bhagvathula AS, Abegaz TM, Seid MA. Treatment outcomes of visceral leishmaniasis in Ethiopia from 2001 to 2017: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:108. [PMID: 30340519 PMCID: PMC6194743 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0491-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ethiopia has the highest number of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases after Sudan in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there was lack of comprehensive data on VL treatment outcome despite the huge burden of the diseases in the country. Hence, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic to obtain stronger evidence on treatment outcomes of VL from the existing literature in Ethiopia. Methods The Cochrane guidelines to conduct meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis statement was used to conduct a computerized systematic search of the PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases. Random effects model was used to combine studies showing heterogeneity of Cochrane Q P < 0.10 and I2 > 50. Treatment outcomes were assessed at end of treatment and at 6 months follow-up. Subgroup analyses were performed on treatment outcomes based on the different antileishmanial treatment options and patients’ HIV status. Results Fifteen studies were included in the final analyses. At end of treatment, an overall treatment success rate of 82.6% was noticed. At 6 months follow-up, the overall treatment success rate was 72.2%. For patients treated with sodium stibogluconate (SSG), the treatment success rates at the end of treatment and at six-month follow-up were 81.5% and 80.7%, respectively. Multiple doses of liposomal-amphotericin B (L-AMB) had treatment success rates of 96.7 and 71–100% at the end of treatment and at 6 months follow-up, respectively. The combination of SSG with paromomycin (PM) gave treatment success rates of up to 90.1% at the end of treatment. HIV-infected individuals were found to have a higher mortality (odds ratio = 4.77, 95% CI: 1.30–17.43, P = 0.009) rate at 6 months follow-up. Conclusions SSG alone has shown lower treatment efficacy in the management of VL when compared to combination of SSG with PM and multiple doses of L-AMB. The combination of SSG with PM gave good treatment success rates with shorter duration of treatment. Hence, the combination of SSG with PM should be used preferentially over SSG monotherapy. Multiple doses of L-AMB showed great efficacy especially among patients with complications, severe disease, HIV co-infection, and intolerance to the adverse effects of antimonials. HIV-infected individuals had a worse prognosis than their HIV-negative counterparts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0491-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyob Alemayehu Gebreyohannes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Akshaya Srikanth Bhagvathula
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Melaku Abegaz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Assen Seid
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Lindoso JAL, Moreira CHV, Cunha MA, Queiroz IT. Visceral leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection: current perspectives. HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2018; 10:193-201. [PMID: 30410407 PMCID: PMC6197215 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s143929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum. The burden of VL is concentrated in tropical and subtropical areas; however, HIV infection has spread VL over a hyperendemic area. Several outcomes are observed as a result of VL–HIV coinfection. Impacts are observed in immunopathogenesis, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and therapeutic response. Concerning clinical manifestation, typical and unusual manifestation has been observed during active VL in HIV-infected patient, as well as alteration in immunoresponse, inducing greater immunosuppression by low CD4 T-lymphocyte count or even by induction of immunoactivation, with cell senescence. Serological diagnosis of VL in the HIV-infected is poor, due to low humoral response, characterized by antibody production, so parasitological methods are more recommended. Another important and even more challenging point is the definition of the best therapeutic regimen for VL in HIV-coinfected patients, because in this population there is greater failure and consequently higher mortality. The challenge of better understanding immunopathogenesis in order to obtain more effective therapies is one of the crucial points to be developed. The combination of drugs and the use of secondary prophylaxis associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy may be the best tool for treatment of HIV coinfection. Some derivatives from natural sources have action against Leishmania; however, studies have been limited to in vitro evaluation, without clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Angelo Lauletta Lindoso
- Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas, São Paulo, Brazil, .,Nucleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil, .,Laboratorio de Soroepidemiologia, Institutode Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,
| | - Carlos Henrique Valente Moreira
- Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas, São Paulo, Brazil, .,Laboratorio de Parasitologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirella Alves Cunha
- Departamento de Infectologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Igor Thiago Queiroz
- Universidade Potiguar (UnP), Laureate International Universities, Natal, Brazil.,Hospital Giselda Trigueiro (SESAP/RN), Natal, Brazil
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Abongomera C, Diro E, Vogt F, Tsoumanis A, Mekonnen Z, Admassu H, Colebunders R, Mohammed R, Ritmeijer K, van Griensven J. The Risk and Predictors of Visceral Leishmaniasis Relapse in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Coinfected Patients in Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 65:1703-1710. [PMID: 29020196 PMCID: PMC5848226 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background East Africa, where Leishmania donovani is prevalent, faces the highest burden world-wide of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. However, data on the risk and predictors of VL relapse are scarce. Such information is vital to target medical follow-up and interventions to those at highest risk. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a Médecins Sans Frontières−supported health center in northwest Ethiopia. We included adult VL-HIV coinfected patients treated for VL and discharged cured between February 2008 and February 2013. The risk of relapse was calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods, and predictors were determined using Cox regression models. Results Of the 146 patients included, 140 (96%) were male and the median age was 31 years. At the index VL diagnosis, 110 (75%) had primary VL, 57 (40%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the median CD4 count was 149 cells/µL. The median follow-up time after cure was 11 months, during which 44 (30%) patients relapsed. The risk of relapse was 15% at 6 months, 26% at 12 months, and 35% at 24 months. Predictors of relapse were: not being on ART at VL diagnosis, ART not initiated during VL treatment, and high tissue parasite load (parasite grade 6+) at VL diagnosis. Conclusions The risk of VL relapse in coinfected patients was high, particularly in those not on ART or presenting with a high tissue parasite load. These patients should be preferentially targeted for secondary prophylaxis and/or regular medical follow-up. Timely ART initiation in all coinfected patients is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Abongomera
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Abdurafi, Ethiopia.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ermias Diro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Florian Vogt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Achilleas Tsoumanis
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Rezika Mohammed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Koert Ritmeijer
- Public Health Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan van Griensven
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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35
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Aderie EM, Diro E, Zachariah R, da Fonseca MS, Abongomera C, Dolamo BL, Ritmeijer K. Does timing of antiretroviral treatment influence treatment outcomes of visceral leishmaniasis in Northwest Ethiopia? Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2018. [PMID: 28633331 PMCID: PMC5914408 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trx023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients with HIV co-infection should receive antiretroviral treatment (ART). However, the best timing for initiation of ART is not known. Among such individuals, we assessed the influence of ART timing on VL outcomes. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Northwest Ethiopia among VL patients starting ART between 2008 and 2015. VL outcomes were assessed by the twelfth month of starting ART, within 4 weeks of VL diagnosis or thereafter. Results Of 213 VL-HIV co-infected patients with ART initiation, 96 (45.1%) had moderate to severe malnutrition, 53 (24.9%) had active TB and 128 (60.1%) had hemoglobin levels under 9 g/dL. Eighty-nine (41.8%) were already on ART before VL diagnosis, 46 (21.6%) started ART within 4 weeks, and 78 (36.6%) thereafter. Definitive cure in those starting ART within 4 weeks 59% (95% CI 43–75%) and those starting thereafter 56% (95% CI 44–68%) was not significantly different. Those starting ART before primary VL had higher 12-months mortality compared to those starting later (RR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4–0.9; p=0.012). Conclusions VL-HIV patients are severely ill and with serious additional comorbidities. Outcomes of HIV-VL management are unsatisfactory and early ART initiation was associated with higher mortality. Further research on the optimal timing of ART initiation, and ensuring earlier diagnosis of VL patients, with improved management of comorbidities are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rony Zachariah
- Médecins sans Frontières, Operational Center Brussels (LuxOR), Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | | | - Charles Abongomera
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Koert Ritmeijer
- Médecins sans Frontières, Operational Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection: a systematic review. Parasitology 2018; 145:1801-1818. [PMID: 29806575 DOI: 10.1017/s003118201800080x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Coinfection with human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become an emerging public health problem in several parts of the world, with high morbidity and mortality rates. A systematic review was carried out in the literature available in PubMed, Scielo and Lilacs related to HVL associated with HIV coinfection, seeking to analyze epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects. Of the 265 articles found, 15 articles were included in the qualitative analysis, which referred to the results of HVL treatment in patients coinfected with HIV. In the published articles between 2007 and 2015, 1171 cases of HVL/HIV coinfection were identified, 86% males, average age 34 years, liposomal amphotericin B was the most commonly used drug, cure rates 68 and 20% relapses and 19% deaths, five different countries, bone marrow was used in 10/15 manuscripts. HVL/HIV coinfection is a major challenge for public health, mainly due to the difficulty in establishing an accurate diagnosis, low response to treatment with high relapse rates and evolution to death. In addition, these two pathogens act concomitantly for the depletion of the immune system, contributing to worsening the clinical picture of these diseases, which requires effective surveillance and epidemiological control measures.
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Abongomera C, Diro E, de Lima Pereira A, Buyze J, Stille K, Ahmed F, van Griensven J, Ritmeijer K. The initial effectiveness of liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) and miltefosine combination for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in HIV co-infected patients in Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006527. [PMID: 29799869 PMCID: PMC5991765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND North-west Ethiopia faces the highest burden world-wide of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and HIV co-infection. VL-HIV co-infected patients have higher (initial) parasitological failure and relapse rates than HIV-negative VL patients. Whereas secondary prophylaxis reduces the relapse rate, parasitological failure rates remain high with the available antileishmanial drugs, especially when administered as monotherapy. We aimed to determine the initial effectiveness (parasitologically-confirmed cure) of a combination of liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) and miltefosine for treatment of VL in HIV co-infected patients. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a Médecins Sans Frontières-supported health center in north-west Ethiopia. We included VL-HIV co-infected adults, treated for VL between January 2011 and August 2014, with AmBisome infusion (30 mg/kg total dose) and miltefosine orally for 28 days (100 mg/day). Proportions of initial treatment outcome categories were calculated. Predictors of initial parasitological failure and of death were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Of the 173 patients included, 170 (98.3%) were male and the median age was 32 years. The proportion of patients with primary VL (48.0%) and relapse VL (52.0%) were similar. The majority had advanced HIV disease (n = 111; 73.5%) and were on antiretroviral therapy prior to VL diagnosis (n = 106; 64.2%). Initial cure rate was 83.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 77.6-88.6); death rate 12.7% (95% CI, 8.5-18.5) and parasitological failure rate 3.5% (95% CI, 1.6-7.4). Tuberculosis co-infection at VL diagnosis was predictive of parasitological failure (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 8.14; p = 0.02). Predictors of death were age >40 years (aOR, 5.10; p = 0.009), hemoglobin ≤6.5 g/dL (aOR, 5.20; p = 0.002) and primary VL (aOR, 8.33; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Initial parasitological failure rates were very low with AmBisome and miltefosine combination therapy. This regimen seems a suitable treatment option. Knowledge of predictors of poor outcome may facilitate better management. These findings remain to be confirmed in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Abongomera
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Abdurafi, Ethiopia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Ermias Diro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Jozefien Buyze
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Johan van Griensven
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Koert Ritmeijer
- Public Health Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Akuffo H, Costa C, van Griensven J, Burza S, Moreno J, Herrero M. New insights into leishmaniasis in the immunosuppressed. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006375. [PMID: 29746470 PMCID: PMC5944929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression contributes significantly to the caseload of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). HIV coinfection, solid organ transplantation, malnutrition, and helminth infections are the most important immunosuppression-related factors. This review briefly describes the challenges of these associations. East Africa and the Indian subcontinent are the places where HIV imposes the highest burden in VL. In the highlands of Northern Ethiopia, migrant rural workers are at a greater risk of coinfection and malnutrition, while in India, HIV reduces the sustainability of a successful elimination programme. As shown from a longitudinal cohort in Madrid, VL is an additional threat to solid organ transplantation. The association with malnutrition is more complex since it can be both a cause and a consequence of VL. Different regimes for therapy and secondary prevention are discussed as well as the role of nutrients on the prophylaxis of VL in poverty-stricken endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Akuffo
- Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), and Microbiology, Tumor and Cell biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Carlos Costa
- Federal University of Piauí, Teresina-PI, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Johan van Griensven
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Javier Moreno
- World Health Centre (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercè Herrero
- Leishmaniasis, IDM Unit, Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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39
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Abongomera C, Ritmeijer K, Vogt F, Buyze J, Mekonnen Z, Admassu H, Colebunders R, Mohammed R, Lynen L, Diro E, van Griensven J. Development and external validation of a clinical prognostic score for death in visceral leishmaniasis patients in a high HIV co-infection burden area in Ethiopia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178996. [PMID: 28582440 PMCID: PMC5459471 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ethiopia, case fatality rates among subgroups of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients are high. A clinical prognostic score for death in VL patients could contribute to optimal management and reduction of these case fatality rates. We aimed to identify predictors of death from VL, and to develop and externally validate a clinical prognostic score for death in VL patients, in a high HIV co-infection burden area in Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We conducted a retrospective cohort study in north west Ethiopia. Predictors with an adjusted likelihood ratio ≥1.5 or ≤0.67 were retained to calculate the predictor score. The derivation cohort consisted of 1686 VL patients treated at an upgraded health center and the external validation cohort consisted of 404 VL patients treated in hospital. There were 99 deaths in the derivation cohort and 53 deaths in the external validation cohort. The predictors of death were: age >40 years (score +1); HIV seropositive (score +1); HIV seronegative (score -1); hemoglobin ≤6.5 g/dl (score +1); bleeding (score +1); jaundice (score +1); edema (score +1); ascites (score +2) and tuberculosis (score +1). The total predictor score per patient ranged from -1 to +5. A score of -1, indicated a low risk of death (1.0%), a score of 0 an intermediate risk of death (3.8%) and a score of +1 to +5, a high risk of death (10.4-85.7%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.79-0.87) in derivation, and 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.72-0.83) in external validation. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The overall performance of the score was good. The score can enable the early detection of VL cases at high risk of death, which can inform operational, clinical management guidelines, and VL program management. Implementation of focused strategies could contribute to optimal management and reduction of the case fatality rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Abongomera
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Abdurafi, Ethiopia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Koert Ritmeijer
- Public Health Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Florian Vogt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jozefien Buyze
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Robert Colebunders
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rezika Mohammed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ermias Diro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Johan van Griensven
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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40
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Kimutai R, Musa AM, Njoroge S, Omollo R, Alves F, Hailu A, Khalil EAG, Diro E, Soipei P, Musa B, Salman K, Ritmeijer K, Chappuis F, Rashid J, Mohammed R, Jameneh A, Makonnen E, Olobo J, Okello L, Sagaki P, Strub N, Ellis S, Alvar J, Balasegaram M, Alirol E, Wasunna M. Safety and Effectiveness of Sodium Stibogluconate and Paromomycin Combination for the Treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Eastern Africa: Results from a Pharmacovigilance Programme. Clin Drug Investig 2017; 37:259-272. [PMID: 28066878 PMCID: PMC5315726 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-016-0481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2010, WHO recommended a new first-line treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Eastern Africa. The new treatment, a combination of intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) sodium stibogluconate (SSG) and IM paromomycin (PM) was an improvement over SSG monotherapy, the previous first-line VL treatment in the region. To monitor the new treatment's safety and effectiveness in routine clinical practice a pharmacovigilance (PV) programme was developed. METHODS A prospective PV cohort was developed. Regulatory approval was obtained in Sudan, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. Twelve sentinel sites sponsored by the Ministries of Health, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) participated. VL patients treated using the new treatment were consented and included in a common registry that collected demographics, baseline clinical characteristics, adverse events, serious adverse events and treatment outcomes. Six-monthly periodic safety update reports (PSUR) were prepared and reviewed by a PV steering committee. RESULTS Overall 3126 patients were enrolled: 1962 (62.7%) from Sudan, 652 (20.9%) from Kenya, 322 (10.3%) from Ethiopia and 190 (6.1%) from Uganda. Patients were mostly male children (68.1%, median age 11 years) with primary VL (97.8%). SSG-PM initial cure rate was 95.1%; no geographical differences were noted. HIV/VL co-infected patients and patients older than 50 years had initial cure rates of 56 and 81.4%, respectively, while 1063 (34%) patients had at least one adverse event (AE) during treatment and 1.92% (n = 60) had a serious adverse event (SAE) with a mortality of 1.0% (n = 32). There were no serious unexpected adverse drug reactions. CONCLUSIONS This first regional PV programme in VL supports SSG-PM combination as first-line treatment for primary VL in Eastern Africa. SSG-PM was effective and safe except in HIV/VL co-infected or older patients. Active PV surveillance of targeted safety, effectiveness and key VL outcomes such us VL relapse, PKDL and HIV/VL co-infection should continue and PV data integrated to national and WHO PV databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kimutai
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 20778-00202, Off Mbagathi Rd, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Ahmed M Musa
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Simon Njoroge
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 20778-00202, Off Mbagathi Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Raymond Omollo
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fabiana Alves
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Asrat Hailu
- School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Peninah Soipei
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brima Musa
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Khalid Salman
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Francois Chappuis
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Juma Rashid
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 20778-00202, Off Mbagathi Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Asfaw Jameneh
- Arba Minch Hospital, Regional Health Bureau of SNNPR State, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Nathalie Strub
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sally Ellis
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jorge Alvar
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Emilie Alirol
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Monique Wasunna
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 20778-00202, Off Mbagathi Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Nairobi, Kenya
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Deribew A, Kebede B, Tessema GA, Adama YA, Misganaw A, Gebre T, Hailu A, Biadgilign S, Amberbir A, Desalegn B, Abajobir AA, Shafi O, Abera SF, Negussu N, Mengistu B, Amare AT, Mulugeta A, Kebede Z, Mengistu B, Tadesse Z, Sileshi M, Tamiru M, Chromwel EA, Glenn SD, Stanaway JD, Deribe K. Mortality and Disability-Adjusted Life-Years (Dalys) for Common Neglected Tropical Diseases in Ethiopia, 1990-2015: Evidence from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. ETHIOPIAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2017; 55:3-14. [PMID: 28878427 PMCID: PMC5582634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are important public health problems in Ethiopia. In 2013, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) has launched a national NTD master plan to eliminate major NTDs of public health importance by 2020. Benchmarking the current status of NTDs in the country is important to monitor and evaluate the progress in the implementation of interventions and their impacts. Therefore, this study aims to assess the trends of mortality and Disability-adjusted Life-Years (DALY) for the priority NTDs over the last 25 years. METHODS We used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2015 estimates for this study. The GBD 2015 data source for cause of death and DALY estimation included verbal autopsy (VA), Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), and other disease specific surveys, Ministry of Health reports submitted to United Nations (UN) agencies and published scientific articles. Cause of Death Ensemble modeling (CODEm) and/or natural history models were used to estimate NTDs mortality rates. DALY were estimated as the sum of Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to premature mortality and Years Lived with Disability (YLD). RESULTS All NTDs caused an estimated of 6,293 deaths (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 3699-10,080) in 1990 and 3,593 deaths (95% UI: 2051 - 6178) in 2015, a 43% reduction over the 25 years. Age-standardized mortality rates due to schistosomiasis, STH and leshmaniasis have declined by 91.3%, 73.5% and 21.6% respectively between 1990 to 2015. The number of DALYs due to all NTDs has declined from 814.4 thousand (95% UI: 548 thousand-1.2million) in 1990 to 579.5 thousand (95%UI: 309.4 thousand-1.3 million) in 2015. Age-standardized DALY rates due to all NTDs declined by 30.7%, from 17.6 per 1000(95%UI: 12.5-26.5) in 1990 to 12.2 per 1000(95%UI: 6.5 - 27.4) in 2015. Age-standardized DALY rate for trachoma declined from 92.7 per 100,000(95% UI: 63.2 - 128.4) in 1990 to 41.2 per 100,000(95%UI: 27.4-59.2) in 2015, a 55.6% reduction between 1990 and 2015. Age-standardized DALY rates for onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and lymphiaticfilariasis decreased by 66.2%, 29.4% and 12.5% respectively between 1990 and 2015. DALY rate for ascariasis fell by 56.8% over the past 25 years. CONCLUSIONS Ethiopia has made a remarkable progress in reducing the DALY rates for most of the NTDs over the last 25 years. The rapid scale of interventions and broader system strengthening may have a lasting impact on achieving the 2020 goal of elimination of most of NTDs. Ethiopia should strengthen the coverage of integrated interventions of NTD through proper coordination with other health programs and sectors and community participation to eliminate NTDs by 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Deribew
- St. Paul Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
- Micronutrient Initiative, Ethiopia
| | - B Kebede
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - GA Tessema
- Department Reproductive Health, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - YA Adama
- School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide South Australia
- School of Public Health, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - A Misganaw
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington
| | - T Gebre
- International Trachoma Initiative, the Task Force for Global Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - A Hailu
- School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - B Desalegn
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - AA Abajobir
- School of Public Health, the University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
- Debremarkos University, Debremarkos, Ethiopia
| | - O Shafi
- Rollind schools of public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - SF Abera
- School of Public Health, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and Nutrition, Hohenheim University, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - N Negussu
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - B Mengistu
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - AT Amare
- School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide South Australia
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - A Mulugeta
- World Health Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Z Kebede
- World Health Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - B Mengistu
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Z Tadesse
- The Carter Centre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - M Sileshi
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - M Tamiru
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - EA Chromwel
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington
| | - SD Glenn
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington
| | - JD Stanaway
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington
| | - K Deribe
- Wellcome Trust Brighton & Sussex Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, UK
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
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Welay GM, Alene KA, Dachew BA. Visceral leishmaniasis treatment outcome and its determinants in northwest Ethiopia. Epidemiol Health 2016; 39:e2017001. [PMID: 28092934 PMCID: PMC5343104 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2017001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Poor treatment outcomes of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are responsible for the high mortality rate of this condition in resource-limited settings such as Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the proportion of poor VL treatment outcomes in northwest Ethiopia and to evaluate the determinants associated with poor outcomes. METHODS A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted among 595 VL patients who were admitted to Kahsay Abera Hospital in northwest Ethiopia from October 2010 to April 2013. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7.0 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify the determinants of VL treatment outcomes. Adjusted odds ratio (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used, and p-values <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS The proportion of poor treatment outcomes was 23.7%. Late diagnosis (≥29 days) (aOR, 4.34; 95% CI, 2.22 to 8.46), severe illness at admission (inability to walk) (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.40) and coinfection with VL and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (aOR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.40 to 5.20) were found to be determinants of poor VL treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Poor treatment outcomes, such as death, treatment failure, and non-adherence, were found to be common. Special attention must be paid to severely ill and VL/HIV-coinfected patients. To improve VL treatment outcomes, the early diagnosis and treatment of VL patients is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kefyalew Addis Alene
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Berihun Assefa Dachew
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Herston Qld 4006, Australia
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43
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Yizengaw E, Getahun M, Tajebe F, Cruz Cervera E, Adem E, Mesfin G, Hailu A, Van der Auwera G, Yardley V, Lemma M, Skhedy Z, Diro E, Yeshanew A, Melkamu R, Mengesha B, Modolell M, Munder M, Müller I, Takele Y, Kropf P. Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients Display Altered Composition and Maturity of Neutrophils as well as Impaired Neutrophil Effector Functions. Front Immunol 2016; 7:517. [PMID: 27965662 PMCID: PMC5126105 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunologically, active visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is characterized by profound immunosuppression, severe systemic inflammatory responses, and an impaired capacity to control parasite replication. Neutrophils are highly versatile cells, which play a crucial role in the induction as well as the resolution of inflammation, the control of pathogen replication, and the regulation of immune responses. Neutrophil functions have been investigated in human cutaneous leishmaniasis; however, their role in human VL is poorly understood. In the present study we evaluated the activation status and effector functions of neutrophils in patients with active VL and after successful anti-leishmanial treatment. Our results show that neutrophils are highly activated and have degranulated; high levels of arginase, myeloperoxidase, and elastase, all contained in neutrophils' granules, were found in the plasma of VL patients. In addition, we show that a large proportion of these cells are immature. We also analyzed effector functions of neutrophils that are essential for pathogen clearance and show that neutrophils have an impaired capacity to release neutrophil extracellular traps, produce reactive oxygen species, and phagocytose bacterial particles, but not Leishmania parasites. Our results suggest that impaired effector functions, increased activation, and immaturity of neutrophils play a key role in the pathogenesis of VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endalew Yizengaw
- Department of Immunology, University of Gondar , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | - Mulusew Getahun
- Department of Immunology, University of Gondar , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Emebet Adem
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, Gondar University , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Mesfin
- Department of Immunology, University of Gondar , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Addis Ababa University , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
| | - Gert Van der Auwera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - Vanessa Yardley
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Mulualem Lemma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | - Ziv Skhedy
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Hasselt , Hasselt , Belgium
| | - Ermias Diro
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, Gondar University , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | - Arega Yeshanew
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, Gondar University , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | - Roma Melkamu
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, Gondar University , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | - Bewketu Mengesha
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, Gondar University , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | - Manuel Modolell
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Max-Planck-Institute for Immunobiology and Epigenetics , Freiburg , Germany
| | - Markus Munder
- Third Department of Medicine (Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology), University Medical Center Mainz , Mainz , Germany
| | - Ingrid Müller
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - Yegnasew Takele
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK; Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, Gondar University, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Pascale Kropf
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London , London , UK
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44
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Aronson N, Herwaldt BL, Libman M, Pearson R, Lopez-Velez R, Weina P, Carvalho EM, Ephros M, Jeronimo S, Magill A. Diagnosis and Treatment of Leishmaniasis: Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH). Clin Infect Dis 2016; 63:e202-e264. [PMID: 27941151 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to realize that leishmaniasis guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients. They are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. The IDSA and ASTMH consider adherence to these guidelines to be voluntary, with the ultimate determinations regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient's individual circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Aronson
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Michael Libman
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Peter Weina
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | - Selma Jeronimo
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Alan Magill
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington
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45
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Diro E, Yansouni CP, Takele Y, Mengesha B, Lynen L, Hailu A, van Griensven J, Boelaert M, Büscher P. Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis Using Peripheral Blood Microscopy in Ethiopia: A Prospective Phase-III Study of the Diagnostic Performance of Different Concentration Techniques Compared to Tissue Aspiration. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 96:190-196. [PMID: 27799651 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal parasitic disease. Unfortunately, diagnosis of VL in east Africa currently relies on aspiration of tissue from the spleen or bone marrow, which is painful and potentially dangerous. We sought to determine whether peripheral blood could be used instead of invasive tissue aspirates to diagnose VL, using three parasite concentration techniques. Three hundred and one consecutive people suspected of having VL were recruited. Compared with microscopy of tissue aspirates, the diagnostic accuracy of peripheral blood microscopy was as follows: whole blood thin smear sensitivity 1.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0-8.3) and specificity 100% (95% CI 76.8-100); buffy-coat smear sensitivity 19.5% (95% CI 14.3-25.6) and specificity 98.9% (95% CI 94.1-100); peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) smear sensitivity 33.7% (95% CI 27.3-40.5) and specificity 95.7% (95% CI 89.6-98.6). Sensitivity of PBMC smears was significantly higher in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-coinfected patients (N = 48/301); two-sample test of proportions, P = 0.0097; sensitivity 55.9% (95% CI 37.9-72.8) and specificity 92.9% (95% CI 66.1-99.8), and correlated with the degree of parasite load in the tissue. Combining the results from smears of both PBMC and buffy coat yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 67.6% (95% CI 49.1-82.6) and 92.9% (95% CI 66.1-99.8), respectively, in HIV-coinfected patients. In this setting, VL could be ruled-in with peripheral blood microscopy in a substantial number of VL suspects and may reduce the number of tissue aspirations performed, particularly in HIV-coinfected patients. More sensitive and logistically feasible methods than light microscopy are needed to detect Leishmania donovani parasites present in blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermias Diro
- University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Cedric P Yansouni
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | | | | | | | - Asrat Hailu
- School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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46
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Lindoso JAL, Cunha MA, Queiroz IT, Moreira CHV. Leishmaniasis-HIV coinfection: current challenges. HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2016; 8:147-156. [PMID: 27785103 PMCID: PMC5063600 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s93789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis – human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection can manifest itself as tegumentary or visceral leishmaniasis. Almost 35 countries have reported autochthonous coinfections. Visceral leishmaniasis is more frequently described. However, usual and unusual manifestations of tegumentary leishmaniasis have been reported mainly in the Americas, but the real prevalence of Leishmania infection in HIV-infected patients is not clear. Regarding the clinical manifestations, there are some reports showing unusual manifestations in visceral leishmaniasis and tegumentary leishmaniasis in HIV-infected patients; yet, the usual manifestations are more frequent. Leishmaniasis diagnosis relies on clinical methods, but serological tests are used to diagnose visceral leishmaniasis despite them having a low sensitivity to tegumentary leishmaniasis. The search for the parasite is used to diagnose both visceral leishmaniasis and tegumentary leishmaniasis. Nevertheless, in HIV-infected patients, the sensitivity of serology is very low. Drugs available to treat leishmaniasis are more restricted and cause severe side effects. Furthermore, in HIV-infected patients, these side effects are more prominent and relapses and lethality are more recurrent. In this article, we discuss the current challenges of tegumentary leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis–HIV infection, focusing mainly on the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Angelo Lauletta Lindoso
- Laboratory of Soroepidemiology (LIM HC-FMUSP), São Paulo University, São Paulo; Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas-SES, São Paulo
| | - Mirella Alves Cunha
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo University, São Paulo
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47
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Sundar S, Singh A. Recent developments and future prospects in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2016; 3:98-109. [PMID: 27536354 DOI: 10.1177/2049936116646063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited therapeutic options in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) make the treatment of this neglected disease very challenging. In addition to this, long treatment duration and toxic adverse effects make it even more difficult. With no effective vaccine available to date, treatment of VL is based only on chemotherapy. In the Indian subcontinent, a single dose of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) and multidrug therapy (L-AmB + miltefosine, L-AmB + paromomycin [PM], or miltefosine + PM) are the treatments of choice for VL. In East Africa, however, combination therapy of pentavalent antimonials (Sb(v)) and PM remains the treatment of choice, and in the Mediterranean region and South America, L-AmB is the recommended drug. Fexinidazole and PA-824 are new promising drugs which have shown encouraging results in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005 India
| | - Anup Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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48
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Freitas EO, Nico D, Alves-Silva MV, Morrot A, Clinch K, Evans GB, Tyler PC, Schramm VL, Palatnik-de-Sousa CB. Immucillins ImmA and ImmH Are Effective and Non-toxic in the Treatment of Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004297. [PMID: 26701750 PMCID: PMC4689457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immucillins ImmA (IA), ImmH (IH) and SerMe-ImmH (SMIH) are synthetic deazapurine nucleoside analogues that inhibit Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi and Leishmania (L.) amazonensis multiplication in vitro without macrophage toxicity. Immucillins are compared to the Glucantime standard drug in the chemotherapy of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi infection in mice and hamsters. These agents are tested for toxicity and immune system response. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS BALB/c mice were infected with 107 amastigotes, treated with IA, IH, SMIH or Glucantime (2.5mg/kg/day) and monitored for clinical variables, parasite load, antibody levels and splenocyte IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 expression. Cytokines and CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ lymphocyte frequencies were assessed in uninfected controls and in response to immucillins. Urea, creatinine, GOT and GPT levels were monitored in sera. Anti-Leishmania-specific IgG1 antibodies (anti-NH36) increased in untreated animals. IgG2a response, high levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and lower levels of IL-10 were detected in mice treated with the immucillins and Glucantime. Immucillins permitted normal weight gain, prevented hepato-splenomegaly and cleared the parasite infection (85-89%) without renal and hepatic toxicity. Immucillins promoted 35% lower secretion of IFN-γ in uninfected controls than in infected mice. IA and IH increased the CD4+ T and CD19+ B cell frequencies. SMIH increased only the proportion of CD-19 B cells. IA and IH also cured infected hamsters with lower toxicity than Glucantime. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Immucillins IA, IH and SMIH were effective in treating leishmaniasis in mice. In hamsters, IA and IH were also effective. The highest therapeutic efficacy was obtained with IA, possibly due to its induction of a TH1 immune response. Low immucillin doses were required and showed no toxicity. Our results disclose the potential use of IA and IH in the therapy of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisangela Oliveira Freitas
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Dirlei Nico
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinícius Alves-Silva
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Keith Clinch
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gary B. Evans
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Peter C. Tyler
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Vern L. Schramm
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Clarisa B. Palatnik-de-Sousa
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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49
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Oryan A. Plant-derived compounds in treatment of leishmaniasis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 2015; 16:1-19. [PMID: 27175144 PMCID: PMC4789233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected public health problem caused by the protozoan species belonging to the genus Leishmania affecting mostly the poor populations of developing countries. The causative organism is transmitted by female sandflies. Cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral clinical manifestations are the most frequent forms of leishmaniasis. Chemotherapy still relies on the use of pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, paromomycin, miltefosin and liposomal amphotericin B. However, the application of these drugs is limited due to low efficacy, life-threatening side effects, high toxicity, induction of parasite resistance, length of treatment and high cost. Given the fact that antileishmanial vaccines may not become available in the near future, the search for better drugs should be continued. Natural products may offer an unlimited source of chemical diversity to identify new drug modules. New medicines should be less toxic or non-toxic, safe, more efficient, less expensive and readily available antileishmanial agents, especially for low-income populations. In the present review, special focus is on medicinal plants used against leishmanaiasis. The bioactive phytocompounds present in the plant derivatives including the crude extracts, essential oils, and other useful compounds can be a good source for discovering and producing new antileishmanial medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Oryan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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50
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Fekadu A, Teferra S, Hailu A, Gebre-Mariam T, Addissie A, Deressa W, Yimer G, Reja A. International Clinical Trial Day and clinical trials in Ethiopia and Africa. Trials 2014; 15:493. [PMID: 25526797 PMCID: PMC4300613 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Low income countries like Ethiopia are underrepresented in clinical research. As a major public commitment to clinical research, Ethiopia celebrated the International Clinical Trial Day (ICTD) for the first time on 20 May 2014 under the auspices of Addis Ababa University. The motto for the day was 'Clinical Trials for Excellence in Patient Care'. The celebration offered an opportunity to inform academic staff, researchers, students and the leadership about clinical trials being conducted and to discuss the future of clinical trials in the country. Although clear challenges to the conduct of trials abound, clinical trials registered from Ethiopia in trial registration databases is increasing. Cross-country collaborations, international funding support, motivation of academic staff to conduct clinical trials and the commitment and engagement of the leadership in research are all improving. The overall impact of clinical trials is also encouraging. For example, some of the trials conducted in Ethiopia have informed treatment guidelines. However, administrative capacity, research infrastructure as well as financial support remain weak. There is a need for enhanced university-industry linkage and translation of research findings into locally relevant evidence. Ethiopia, as well as the whole of Africa, has an unparalleled opportunity to lead the way in clinical trials, given its prospect of development and the need to have locally relevant evidence for its growing population. In this commentary we reflect on the celebration of ICTD, the status and opportunities for conducting clinical trials and the way forward for facilitating clinical trials in Ethiopia and Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebaw Fekadu
- />Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Zambia Street, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- />Department of Psychological Medicine,, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, DeCrespigny Park, SE5 8AF London, UK
| | - Solomon Teferra
- />Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Zambia Street, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Hailu
- />Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Zambia Street, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tsige Gebre-Mariam
- />Regional Bioequivalence Center, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Zambia Street, PO Box 31708, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adamu Addissie
- />School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Zambia Street, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- />School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Zambia Street, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Yimer
- />Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Zambia Street, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmed Reja
- />College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Zambia Street, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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