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Araújo-Pereira T, Tavares-Dos-Reis R, Britto C, Brazil RP, d'Avila CM, Ennes-Vidal V. hsp70 PCR-RFLP as an alternative tool to identify Sauroleishmania species. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:260. [PMID: 38958778 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08283-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Sauroleishmania spp. comprises one of the four Leishmania subgenera, which has been historically considered a non-pathogenic protozoan of reptiles. However, some strains appear to be transiently infective to mammals, and recent findings have detected these parasites in dogs and humans in areas where leishmaniasis is endemic. Herein, the digestion pattern of PCR-RFLP of the 234 bp-hsp70 fragment was evaluated as a simpler and cheaper tool to distinguish the Sauroleishmania species from the other Leishmania subgenera. As a result, the digestion of the 234 bp-hsp70 fragments with HaeIII produced a banding pattern specific to the four Sauroleishmania strains assessed. This technique could contribute to the identification of Leishmania parasites isolated from sandflies, reptiles, or even mammals in fieldworks as an alternative to the use of laborious and expensive methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Araújo-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Tavares-Dos-Reis
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Constança Britto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo P Brazil
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia M d'Avila
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vítor Ennes-Vidal
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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2
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Xiao Y, He J, Guo X, Zheng X, Zhu Z, Zhou Q, Liao X, Chen D. Transcriptomic profiling revealed immune-related signaling pathways in response to experimental infection of Leishmania donovani in two desert lizards from Northwest China. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 156:105173. [PMID: 38548000 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about the immune response of lizards to Leishmania parasties. In this study, we conducted the first liver transcriptome analysis of two lizards (Phrynocephalus przewalskii and Eremias multiocellata) challenged with L. donovani, endemic to the steppe desert region of northwestern China. Our results revealed that multiple biological processes and immune-related signaling pathways are closely associated with the immune response to experimental L. donovani infection in the two lizards, and that both lizards show similar changes to mammals in terms of immunity to Leishmania. However, the interspecific divergence of the two lizards leads to different transcriptomic changes. In particular, in contrast to P. przewalskii, the challenged E. mutltiocellata was characterized by the induction of down-regulation of most DEGs. These findings will contribute to the scarce resources on lizard immunity and provide a reference for further research on immune mechanisms in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Xiao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinlei He
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xianguang Guo
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zheying Zhu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xuechun Liao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dali Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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3
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Latrofa MS, Cereda M, Louzada-Flores VN, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Q3 lab-on-chip real-time PCR for the diagnosis of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0010424. [PMID: 38661386 PMCID: PMC11237631 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00104-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by many Leishmania spp. which infect humans and other mammalian hosts. Leishmania infantum is the main agent of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) whose diagnosis is usually confirmed by serological and molecular tests. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and analytical sensitivities of a lab-on-chip (LOC) real-time PCR applied on the portable Q3-Plus V2 platform (Q3 qPCR) in the detection of L. infantum. The Q3 qPCR performance was assessed by comparing the quantification cycle (Cq) values with those obtained using the qPCR run on a CFX96 Real-Time System (CFX96 qPCR). A total of 173 DNA samples (extracted from bone marrow, lymph node, blood, buffy coat, conjunctival swab, and skin) as well as 93 non-extracted samples (NES) (bone marrow, lymph node, blood, and buffy coat) collected from dogs were tested with both systems. Serial dilutions of each representative DNA and NES sample were used to assess the analytical sensitivity of the Q3 qPCR system. Overlapping Cq values were obtained with the Q3 qPCR and CFX96 qPCR, both using DNA extracted from L. infantum promastigotes (limit of detection, <1 promastigote per milliliter) and from biological samples as well as with NES. However, the Q3 qPCR system showed a higher sensitivity in detecting L. infantum in NES as compared with the CFX96 qPCR. Our data indicate that the Q3 qPCR system could be a reliable tool for detecting L. infantum DNA in biological samples, bypassing the DNA extraction step, which represents an advance in the point-of-care diagnostic of CanL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Cereda
- STMicroelectronics Srl, Agrate Brianza (MB), Italy
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
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4
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Nascimento LFDJ, Amado-Gomes AC, Dantas-Torres F, Santos FLN, Neres WDS, Filho PEDS, Santos MT, Silva JRS, Resende CF, Dos Reis JKP, Jain S, Cunha JLR, Fujiwara RT, Dolabella SS. Feline leishmaniasis in an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil: Clinical aspects, coinfections, molecular detection, and serological study of a new recombinant protein. Res Vet Sci 2024; 172:105256. [PMID: 38613921 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Infection and clinical cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in cats have been increasingly reported in several countries, including Brazil. In this study, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunochromatographic test (ICT) based on a recombinant antigen (rKDDR-plus) to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies in cats from an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil. We compared the results with an ELISA using L. infantum crude antigen (ELISA-CA). We also investigated the presence of Leishmania DNA in blood or ocular conjunctival samples as well as the association between Leishmania PCR positivity and serological positivity to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Toxoplasma gondii. Concerning serological assays, a higher positivity was detected using the ICT-rKDDR-plus (7.5%; 7/93) as compared to ELISA-rKDDR-plus (5.4%; 5/93) and ELISA-CA (4.3%; 4/93). Upon PCR testing, 52.7% (49/93) of the ocular conjunctival swabs and 48.3% (44/91) of the blood samples were positive. Together, PCR and serological testing revealed overall positivities of 73.1% (68/93) and 12.9% (12/93), respectively. Among PCR-positive samples, 45.5% (31/68) showed co-infection with FIV, 17.6% (12/68) with FeLV, and 82.3% (56/68) with T. gondii. More than half of the PCR-positive cats showed at least one clinical sign suggestive of leishmaniasis (58.8%; 40/68) and dermatological signs were the most frequent ones (45.5%; 31/68). Both tests employing the recombinant antigen rKDDR-plus (i.e., ICT-rKDDR-plus and ELISA-rKDDR-plus) detected more positive cats than the ELISA-CA but presented low overall accuracy. PCR testing using either blood or ocular conjunctival samples detected much more positive cats than serological tests.
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MESH Headings
- Cats
- Animals
- Cat Diseases/diagnosis
- Cat Diseases/parasitology
- Cat Diseases/virology
- Cat Diseases/blood
- Cat Diseases/epidemiology
- Brazil/epidemiology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary
- Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline/isolation & purification
- Coinfection/veterinary
- Coinfection/parasitology
- Coinfection/epidemiology
- Coinfection/virology
- Leishmania infantum/isolation & purification
- Leukemia Virus, Feline/genetics
- Leukemia Virus, Feline/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins
- Male
- Female
- Toxoplasma
- Antibodies, Protozoan/blood
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/veterinary
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/diagnosis
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/epidemiology
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/blood
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/diagnosis
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/blood
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Integrated Translational Program in Chagas Disease from Fiocruz (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Wemerson de Santana Neres
- Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Tibúrcio Santos
- Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Cláudia Fideles Resende
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Sona Jain
- Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Graduate Program in Industrial Biotechnology, Tiradentes University, SE, Brazil
| | - João Luís Reis Cunha
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Cavalera MA, Gusatoaia O, Uva A, Gernone F, Tarallo VD, Donghia R, Silvestrino M, Zatelli A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in heartworm naturally infected dogs "with or without" Leishmania infantum seropositivity: an observational prospective study. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1371690. [PMID: 38560628 PMCID: PMC10978755 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1371690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine heartworm disease by Dirofilaria immitis and canine leishmaniosis by Leishmania infantum (CanL) are both vector-borne diseases with frequently overlapping endemicity and able to trigger the acute phase response, being characterized by variations in acute phase proteins (APP). Recently, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), an indicator of inflammation, has gained attention in veterinary medicine, proving useful in several conditions that include CanL active forms in dogs. This study aims to evaluate ESR in heartworm-infected dogs, compare levels with heartworm-infected and L. infantum seropositive dogs as well as clinically healthy dogs, and assess correlations with other laboratory parameters. From October 2022 to January 2023, a prospective observational study was conducted enrolling heartworm-infected (Dirofilaria group) and heartworm-infected L. infantum seropositive (Dirofilaria/Leishmania group) animals subgrouped according to the CanL clinical form (Dirofilaria/Leishmania active and non-active groups). A group of clinically healthy dogs (control group) was also included. For each dog enrolled physical examination and laboratory tests (complete blood count, biochemical panel including APP, serum protein electrophoresis) were performed. Dirofilaria and Dirofilaria/Leishmania groups presented a significantly higher ESR level compared to healthy dogs. Dirofilaria/Leishmania active group had the highest ESR level among the groups considered. Dirofilaria/Leishmania non-active group had an ESR similar to the Dirofilaria group, but significantly higher and lower compared to the control and the Dirofilaria/Leishmania active group, respectively. A significant positive correlation between ESR and C-Reactive Protein has been found in all groups except for the Dirofilaria/Leishmania non-active group. In Dirofilaria/Leishmania active group a strong positive correlation between ESR and gamma globulins percentage as well as a strong negative correlation between ESR and albumin, albumin/globulins ratio were found. Overall, the ESR was confirmed to be an inflammation marker as well as a helpful disease index, being notably increased in heartworm-infected dogs affected by an active form of CanL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oana Gusatoaia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria Uva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Floriana Gernone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Donghia
- National Institute of Gastroenterology - IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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6
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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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7
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Iatta R, Carbonara M, Morea A, Trerotoli P, Benelli G, Nachum-Biala Y, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Cavalera MA, Baneth G, Bandi C, Zatelli A, Otranto D. Assessment of the diagnostic performance of serological tests in areas where Leishmania infantum and Leishmania tarentolae occur in sympatry. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:352. [PMID: 37807047 PMCID: PMC10561492 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniosis caused by infection with the zoonotic protozoan Leishmania infantum is a life-threatening disease affecting dogs and humans. The sympatric occurrence of L. infantum and Leishmania tarentolae in an area of southern Italy endemic for canine leishmaniosis, where dogs are also exposed to the latter species, suggests the persistence of herpetophilic L. tarentolae in a non-permissive host, therefore raising questions about the performance of serological diagnostic tests routinely employed. METHODS The diagnostic performance of serological tests such as the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), two commercial immunoenzymatic assays (i.e. NovaTec VetLine Leishmania ELISA® and rK39 ICT®) and an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated in healthy dogs seropositive to L. infantum, whereas the only IFAT available was used to detect antibodies to L. tarentolae. RESULTS With the IFAT, out of a total of 104 dogs tested, 15 were seronegative for L. infantum of which three were L. tarentolae seropositive' and 89 were L. infantum seropositive. Of the latter 89 dogs, representing the highest proportion of seropositive animals (85.6%) detected by IFAT' 66 were also seropositive for L. tarentolae. Cohen's kappa (κ) agreement coefficient between the IFAT results and those of all the other tests was very low, and the IFAT results were significantly different from those of all the other serological tests as calculated by Cochran's Q-test. Analysis using the Bayesian latent class (Bayes-LCA) showed that the in-house ELISA and IFAT contributed the most towards identifying infected and non-infected dogs, respectively. The IFAT test showed low positive predictive value (59.5%), but high negative predictive value (100%). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that the IFAT for L. infantum, although highly sensitive, may not be considered a useful diagnostic test due to its low specificity. Therefore, an accurate serological tool with high specificity is mandatory for avoiding cross-reaction in epidemiological contexts where the two species of Leishmania occur in sympatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Mariaelisa Carbonara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Anna Morea
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Trerotoli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC "Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi"-University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Italy.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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8
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Casulli A, Antinori S, Bartoloni A, D'Amelio S, Gabrielli AF, Gazzoli G, Rinaldi L, Bruschi F. Neglected Tropical Diseases in Italy: introducing IN-NTD, the Italian network for NTDs. Parasitology 2023; 150:1082-1088. [PMID: 37264942 PMCID: PMC10801374 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as a diverse group of primarily infectious diseases, which disproportionately affect poor and marginalized populations worldwide. In this context, NTDs are responsible for important morbidity and mortality and justify a global response. Moreover, NTDs are relatively neglected by research and development as well as by funding, if compared with the magnitude of the public health problem they represent. This happens even though, unlike other infectious diseases, they can be prevented, controlled and eliminated by targeted public health interventions. NTDs are mainly prevalent in communities from low-income countries in tropical and sub-tropical areas but are also present in upper–middle-income countries, including several in Europe. Here, we provide an update on the most relevant parasitic endemic or imported NTDs in Italy and illustrate the rationale for the establishment of the Italian network on NTDs, an alliance of scientific societies, institutes, foundations, universities and non-profit organizations united to fight NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Casulli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites (EURLP), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Spinello Antinori
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
- Italian Society for Infectious and Tropical Diseases (SIMIT), Prato, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Amelio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Albis Francesco Gabrielli
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Gazzoli
- Italian Association Amici di Raoul Follereau (AIFO), Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bruschi
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Italian Society of Parasitology (SoIPa), c/o Department of Public Health, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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9
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Noll Louzada-Flores V, Lekouch N, Khouchfi I, Annoscia G, Zatelli A, Beugnet F, Walochnik J, Otranto D. Snakes and Souks: Zoonotic pathogens associated to reptiles in the Marrakech markets, Morocco. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011431. [PMID: 37467211 PMCID: PMC10355457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The world-famous markets of Marrakech, also known in Arabic as souks, harbor a vast diversity of reptiles that are sold for medicinal/magic/pet purposes or used for snake charming. This unique epidemiological context has never been studied considering the interactions of humans, reptiles, and zoonotic pathogens. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the parasites and pathogens present in blood and feces associated with handled reptiles in the markets of Marrakech to assess the risk of zoonotic transmission within the reptile-human interface. Privately owned reptiles (n = 118), coming from vendors or snake charmers, were examined and blood and feces sampled. DNA was extracted and molecular screening (cPCR, nPCR, qPCR, dqPCR) was performed aiming to identify potentially zoonotic pathogens (i.e., Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Babesia/Theileria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Leishmania spp., Cestoda). Overall, 28.9% (34/118) of reptiles were positive for at least one pathogen. In blood, Anaplasma spp. were detected in four snakes, with two Montpellier snakes positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, while Rickettsia spp. were detected in one Mediterranean chameleon and four puff adders. Leishmania tarentolae was molecularly detected in a Mediterranean chameleon and a Montpellier snake. In feces, the cox1 gene generated a myriad of sequences for nematodes, cestodes, fungi and bacteria. Importantly, Proteus vulgaris was identified from a Mediterranean chameleon. Cryptosporidium spp. nPCR yielded a positive sample (i.e., Cryptosporidium sp. apodemus genotype I) from a Moroccan worm lizard, as well as for bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an Egyptian cobra, and Morganella morganii from a puff adder. Results from this study demonstrated the risk of zoonotic transmission of microorganisms and parasites present in blood and feces from reptiles that are brought to the souks in Marrakech, Morocco, to be sold for medicinal purposes or used for snake charming, being in direct and straight contact with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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10
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Yang C, Li S, Lu D, He Z, Wang D, Qian D, Liu Y, Zhou R, Ji P, Chen JH, Zhang H. Reemergence of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Henan Province, China. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:318. [PMID: 37368736 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8060318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was widely prevalent in Henan Province in the 1950s. Through active efforts by the government, there were no local cases reported from 1984 to 2015. In 2016, local VL cases reoccurred, and there was an increasing trend of VL cases in Henan Province. To provide a scientific control of VL, an investigation was conducted in Henan Province from 2016 to 2021. The data from VL cases were obtained from the Disease Surveillance Reporting System of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The rK39 immunochromatographic test (ICT) and PCR assay were performed among high-risk residents and all dogs in the patients' village. ITS1 was amplified, sequenced, and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. A total of 47 VL cases were reported in Henan Province during 2016-2021. Of the cases, 35 were local, and they were distributed in Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and Anyang. The annual average incidence was 0.008/100,000, showing an upward trend year by year (χ2 = 3.987, p = 0.046). Their ages ranged from 7 months to 71 years, with 44.68% (21/47) in the age group of 0-3 years and 46.81% (22/47) in the age group ≥15 years. The cases occurred throughout the year. The high-risk populations were infants and young children (age ≤3), accounting for 51.06% (24/47), followed by farmers at 36.17% (17/47). The ratio of males to females was 2.13:1. The positive rates of rK39 ICT and PCR were 0.35% (4/1130) and 0.21% (1/468) in the residents. The positive rates of rK39 ICT and PCR were 18.79% (440/2342) and 14.92% (139/929) in the dogs. The ITS1 amplification products in the patients and positive dogs were sequenced. The homology between the target sequence and Leishmania infantum was more than 98%. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the patients and the positive dogs were infected by the same type of Leishmania, which was consistent with the strains in the hilly endemic areas in China. This paper showed that patients and domestic dogs were infected by the same type of L. infantum and that the positive rate in dogs was relatively high in Henan Province. Because the measures of patient treatment and culling of infected dogs were not effective in reducing VL incidence in Henan Province, it is urgent to develop new approaches for the control of VL, such as wearing insecticide-impregnated collars on dogs, treating the positive dogs, spraying insecticide for sandflies control, and improving residents' self-protection awareness to prevent the further spread of VL in Henan Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyun Yang
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Suhua Li
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Deling Lu
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Zhiquan He
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Dan Qian
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Ruimin Zhou
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Penghui Ji
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Jun-Hu Chen
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Parasite Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Parasitic Pathogen and Vector, No. 105 South Agricultural Road Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450016, China
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Mathison BA, Bradbury RS, Pritt BS. Medical Parasitology Taxonomy Update, June 2020-June 2022. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0028622. [PMID: 36809084 PMCID: PMC10204622 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00286-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The taxonomy of medically important parasites continues to evolve. This minireview provides an update of additions and updates in the field of human parasitology from June 2020 through June 2022. A list of previously reported nomenclatural changes that have not been broadly adapted by the medical community is also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine A. Mathison
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Bobbi S. Pritt
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Louzada-Flores VN, Latrofa MS, Lucente MS, Dambrós BP, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Varotto-Boccazzi I, Cattaneo GM, Späth GF, Buonavoglia A, Otranto D. Intracellular persistence of Leishmania tarentolae in primary canine macrophage cells. Acta Trop 2023; 243:106935. [PMID: 37127215 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania tarentolae is a non-pathogenic species first isolated from geckoes in the Mediterranean basin. The finding that dogs test positive against both Leishmania infantum and L. tarentolae raises questions regarding the ability of the latter species to persist and adapt to new hosts. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the capability of L. tarentolae to colonize, survive and persist in canine primary monocyte-derived mononuclear cells. Monocytes were isolated from dog whole blood samples and placed in 24-well plates for differentiation into macrophages and for incubation with L. tarentolae field-isolated strains (RI-325 and SF-178) and laboratory (LEM-124) strain; the parasite burden was assessed at different time points post-infection. The L. infantum laboratory strain (MON-1) was used as control. Infection parameters were evaluated by microscopy, counting the number of amastigotes/200 infected cells, and by duplex real-time PCR from supernatants and detached cells. Similar to L. infantum, L. tarentolae strains developed into round-shaped amastigote-like forms, with higher infection rates detected at 4 h followed by an overall decrease until 48 h. RI-325 presented also a higher infection rate at 72 h. Data showed that L. tarentolae strains infect and persist inside in vitro primary canine mononuclear cells, opening new perspectives for further laboratory studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gerald F Späth
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France
| | - Alessio Buonavoglia
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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13
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Morea A, Stufano A, Sgroi G, De Benedictis L, Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Veneziano V, Otranto D, Lovreglio P, Iatta R. Seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum in outdoor workers from southern Italian endemic regions. Zoonoses Public Health 2023. [PMID: 37060161 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania infantum. The infection often remains asymptomatic, though clinical forms may occur in immunosuppressed individuals. Although data on leishmaniasis in humans are available worldwide, the exposure to L. infantum of workers conducting outdoor activities has been scantly investigated, and it is limited to military personnel operating in endemic regions. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of L. infantum in different groups of outdoor workers and the occupational risk factors. The cross-sectional study was performed on 229 workers including forestry guards, farmers, veterinarians, geologists and agronomists from three regions of southern Italy (i.e., Apulia, Basilicata and Campania). All serum samples were screened for L. infantum-specific IgG/IgM by using automated indirect chemiluminescent immunoassays. Overall, 5.7% (13/229) of workers was positive to anti-L. infantum antibodies, with the highest seroprevalence in veterinarians (13.6%). An increased occupational health surveillance for L. infantum infection in outdoor workers is essential to better understand the risk of exposure in specific jobs. Furthermore, guidelines and education along with a One Health collaboration among veterinarians, physicians, parasitologists and occupational health care professionals are crucial for the prevention of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Morea
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Stufano
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio-Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Ticha L, Volfova V, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Bezerra-Santos MA, Maia C, Sadlova J, Otranto D, Volf P. Experimental feeding of Sergentomyia minuta on reptiles and mammals: comparison with Phlebotomus papatasi. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:126. [PMID: 37055860 PMCID: PMC10103492 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05758-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sergentomyia minuta (Diptera: Phlebotominae) is an abundant sand fly species in the Mediterranean basin and a proven vector of reptile parasite Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae. Although it feeds preferentially on reptiles, blood meal analyses and detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum DNA in wild-caught S. minuta suggest that occasional feeding may occur on mammals, including humans. Therefore, it is currently suspected as a potential vector of human pathogens. METHODS A recently established S. minuta colony was allowed to feed on three reptile species (i.e. lizard Podarcis siculus and geckos Tarentola mauritanica and Hemidactylus turcicus) and three mammal species (i.e. mouse, rabbit and human). Sand fly mortality and fecundity were studied in blood-fed females, and the results were compared with Phlebotomus papatasi, vector of Leishmania (L.) major. Blood meal volumes were measured by haemoglobinometry. RESULTS Sergentomyia minuta fed readily on three reptile species tested, neglected the mouse and the rabbit but took a blood meal on human. However, the percentage of females engorged on human volunteer was low in cage (3%) and feeding on human blood resulted in extended defecation times, higher post-feeding mortality and lower fecundity. The average volumes of blood ingested by females fed on human and gecko were 0.97 µl and 1.02 µl, respectively. Phlebotomus papatasi females readily fed on mouse, rabbit and human volunteer; a lower percentage of females (23%) took blood meal on the T. mauritanica gecko; reptilian blood increased mortality post-feeding but did not affect P. papatasi fecundity. CONCLUSIONS Anthropophilic behaviour of S. minuta was experimentally demonstrated; although sand fly females prefer reptiles as hosts, they were attracted to the human volunteer and took a relatively high volume of blood. Their feeding times were longer than in sand fly species regularly feeding on mammals and their physiological parameters suggest that S. minuta is not adapted well for digestion of mammalian blood. Nevertheless, the ability to bite humans highlights the necessity of further studies on S. minuta vector competence to elucidate its potential role in circulation of Leishmania and phleboviruses pathogenic to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Ticha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Vera Volfova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jovana Sadlova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Italy
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15
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Latrofa MS, Varotto-Boccazzi I, Louzada-Flores VN, Iatta R, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Roura X, Zatelli A, Epis S, Bandi C, Otranto D. Interaction between Wolbachia pipientis and Leishmania infantum in heartworm infected dogs. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:77. [PMID: 36850014 PMCID: PMC9972713 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05662-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wolbachia is a Gram-negative endosymbiont associated with several species of arthropods and filarioid nematodes, including Dirofilaria immitis. This endosymbiont may elicit a Th1 response, which is a component of the immunity against Leishmania infantum. METHODS To investigate the interactions between Wolbachia of D. immitis and L. infantum in naturally infected dogs and cytokine circulation, dogs without clinical signs (n = 187) were selected. Dogs were tested for microfilariae (mfs) by Knott, for female antigens of D. immitis by SNAP, and for anti-L. infantum antibodies by IFAT and assigned to four groups. Dogs of group 1 (G1) and 2 (G2) were positive for D. immitis and positive or negative to L. infantum, respectively. Dogs of group 3 (G3) and 4 (G4) were negative to D. immitis and positive or negative to L. infantum, respectively. Wolbachia and L. infantum DNA was quantified by real-time PCR (qPCR) in dog blood samples. A subset of dogs (n = 65) was examined to assess pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production using an ELISA test. RESULTS Of 93 dogs positive to D. immitis with circulating mfs, 85% were positive to Wolbachia, with the highest amount of DNA detected in G1 and the lowest in dogs with low mfs load in G1 and G2. Among dogs positive to L. infantum, 66% from G1 showed low antibody titer, while 48.9% from G3 had the highest antibody titer. Of 37 dogs positive to Wolbachia from G1, 26 (70.3%) had low antibody titers to L. infantum (1:160). Among cytokines, TNFα showed the highest mean concentration in G1 (246.5 pg/ml), IFNγ being the one most represented (64.3%). IL-10 (1809.5 pg/ml) and IL-6 (123.5 pg/ml) showed the highest mean concentration in dogs from G1. A lower percentage of dogs producing IL-4 was observed in all groups examined, with the highest mean concentration (2794 pg/ml) recorded in G2. CONCLUSION Results show the association of D. immitis and Wolbachia with the lower antibody titers of L. infantum in co-infected dogs, suggesting the hypothesis that the endosymbiont may affect the development of the patent leishmaniosis. However, due to the limitations associated with the heterogeneity of naturally infected dogs in field conditions, results should be validated by investigation on experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stefania Latrofa
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberta Iatta
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Xavier Roura
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Sara Epis
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Pediatric CRC ‘Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Pediatric CRC ‘Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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16
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Seroprevalence of canine leishmaniosis in asymptomatic dogs in Kosovo. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:607-614. [PMID: 36536229 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07762-7] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania spp. Leishmania infantum is the species responsible for the zoonotic form of the disease where dogs are reservoir hosts. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of CanL in asymptomatic dogs in Kosovo. Blood samples were collected from 285 dogs in all seven regions in Kosovo (35-50 samples per region) from summer 2021 to spring 2022. Sera were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the presence of anti-Leishmania IgG was confirmed by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The true overall seroprevalence of CanL of asymptomatic dogs in Kosovo with ELISA was 4.21% (95% CI: 2.42-7.21) while with IFAT was 3.51% (95% CI: 1.92-6.34). The highest rates were found in the Prishtina region to be 8.0% (4/50) by ELISA and 6.0% (3/50) by IFAT, and in the Mitrovica region, the prevalence was 0% (0/40). There were no significant differences among the different regions, gender, age, health status, and breed. These findings highlight the presence of CanL in most regions of Kosovo and underline the veterinary relevance of clinically asymptomatic dogs infected with Leishmania.
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Bandi C, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D, Alvaro A, Louzada-Flores VN, Pajoro M, Varotto-Boccazzi I, Brilli M, Manenti A, Montomoli E, Zuccotti G, Epis S. Leishmania tarentolae: a vaccine platform to target dendritic cells and a surrogate pathogen for next generation vaccine research in leishmaniases and viral infections. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:35. [PMID: 36703216 PMCID: PMC9879565 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasites of the genus Leishmania are unusual unicellular microorganisms in that they are characterized by the capability to subvert in their favor the immune response of mammalian phagocytes, including dendritic cells. Thus, in overt leishmaniasis, dendritic cells and macrophages are converted into a niche for Leishmania spp. in which the parasite, rather than being inactivated and disassembled, survives and replicates. In addition, Leishmania parasites hitchhike onto phagocytic cells, exploiting them as a mode of transport to lymphoid tissues where other phagocytic cells are potentially amenable to parasite colonization. This propensity of Leishmania spp. to target dendritic cells has led some researchers to consider the possibility that the non-pathogenic, reptile-associated Leishmania tarentolae could be exploited as a vaccine platform and vehicle for the production of antigens from different viruses and for the delivery of the antigens to dendritic cells and lymph nodes. In addition, as L. tarentolae can also be regarded as a surrogate of pathogenic Leishmania parasites, this parasite of reptiles could possibly be developed into a vaccine against human and canine leishmaniases, exploiting its immunological cross-reactivity with other Leishmania species, or, after its engineering, for the expression of antigens from pathogenic species. In this article we review published studies on the use of L. tarentolae as a vaccine platform and vehicle, mainly in the areas of leishmaniases and viral infections. In addition, a short summary of available knowledge on the biology of L. tarentolae is presented, together with information on the use of this microorganism as a micro-factory to produce antigens suitable for the serodiagnosis of viral and parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bandi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alvaro
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Pajoro
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Brilli
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Montomoli
- grid.511037.1VisMederi, Siena, Italy ,grid.9024.f0000 0004 1757 4641Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy ,Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini-Buzzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Epis
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Leishmaniasis. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1359-1375. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Hemogram Findings in Cats from an Area Endemic for Leishmania infantum and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infections. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9090508. [PMID: 36136724 PMCID: PMC9504703 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9090508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Some cats positive for Leishmania infantum (Li) show clinical signs and clinicopathological changes, including hemogram abnormalities. However, co-infections or co-morbidities are often detected in cats with leishmaniosis, and they can have a role in the clinical abnormalities observed. In feline Leishmania infantum infections and in clinical cases of feline leishmaniosis, a significant association with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has been detected, but the role of this co-infection is controversial. The aims of this study were to retrospectively evaluate hemogram changes in cats from areas endemic for Leishmania infantum and feline immunodeficiency virus infections (Sicily and Calabria regions, Southern Italy) and to analyze the role of both pathogens in the abnormalities detected. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 496 cats. Hematological changes in cats positive for Leishmania infantum were found, particularly abnormalities compatible with chronic inflammation including moderate anemia, monocytosis, and morphologically activated monocytes. Moreover, some abnormalities, such as thrombocytosis, seem to arise when cats are co-infected with FIV. Feline leishmaniosis should be considered when some hemogram abnormalities compatible with chronic inflammation are detected. Abstract In feline Leishmania infantum (Li) infection and in clinical cases of feline leishmaniosis, co-infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has been reported. However, the role of the retroviral co-infection in the impairment of feline clinical health is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate hemogram changes in cats from regions endemic for both Li and FIV infection. Four hundred and ninety-six cats tested for Li (EDTA blood polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence antibody test) and for FIV infection (enzyme-linked immune assay) were retrospectively evaluated. Hemogram results including blood smear morphological evaluation were statistically compared considering four infection patterns: Li+FIV+, Li+FIV−, Li−FIV+, and Li−FIV−. Significantly lower values of erythrocytes (Li+FIV−: p = 0.0248; Li−FIV+: p = 0.0392) and hemoglobin (Li+FIV: p = 0.0086; Li−FIV+: p = 0.0249) were found in both infections when compared to Li−FIV− cats, and severity of anemia was more frequently moderate in Li-positive cats (p = 0.0206) and severe in FIV infection (p = 0.024). Li infection was associated with monocytosis (p = 0.0013) and morphologically activated monocytes (p = 0.0209). Moreover, FIV infection was associated with the presence of inflammatory leukogram (p = 0.023), and an association between thrombocytosis and the co-infection was found (p = 0.0347). Li infection in cats induces hematological changes compatible with chronic inflammation, some of which are due to co-infection with FIV.
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Mendoza‐Roldan JA, Votýpka J, Bandi C, Epis S, Modrý D, Tichá L, Volf P, Otranto D. Leishmania tarentolae: A new frontier in the epidemiology and control of the leishmaniases. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1326-e1337. [PMID: 35839512 PMCID: PMC9804434 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis (or the leishmaniases), classified as a neglected tropical parasitic disease, is found in parts of the tropics, subtropics and southern Europe. Leishmania parasites are transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies and million cases of human infection occur annually. Leishmania tarentolae has been historically considered a non-pathogenic protozoan of reptiles, which has been studied mainly for its potential biotechnological applications. However, some strains of L. tarentolae appear to be transiently infective to mammals. In areas where leishmaniasis is endemic, recent molecular diagnostics and serological positivity to L. tarentolae in humans and dogs have spurred interest in the interactions between these mammalian hosts, reptiles and Leishmania infantum, the main aetiologic agent of human and canine leishmaniasis. In this review, we discuss the systematics and biology of L. tarentolae in the insect vectors and the vertebrate hosts and address questions about evolution of reptilian leishmaniae. Furthermore, we discuss the possible usefulness of L. tarentolae for new vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic,Biology Centre, Institute of ParasitologyCzech Academy of SciencesČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Sara Epis
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - David Modrý
- Biology Centre, Institute of ParasitologyCzech Academy of SciencesČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic,Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of ScienceMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural ResourcesCzech University of Life SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Lucie Tichá
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary ScienceBu‐Ali Sina UniversityHamedanIran
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Retrospective Analysis of Leishmaniasis in Sicily (Italy) from 2013 to 2021: One-Health Impact and Future Control Strategies. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091704. [PMID: 36144305 PMCID: PMC9504907 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091704] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an important vector-borne disease that represents a serious public health problem, including in Sicily (Italy), which is considered an endemic area. We collected canine, feline and human data from 2013 to 2021 in Sicily, while entomological surveys were conducted only in 2013 and 2021. Overall, 23,794/74,349 (34.4%) of dogs and 274/4774 (11.8%) of cats were positive in one or more diagnostic tests. A total of 467 cases of human Leishmaniasis were reported, with 71% showing cutaneous and 29% visceral involvement. The provinces with the largest number of patients were Agrigento (45.4%) and Palermo (37%). In 2013, Phlebotomus perfiliewi was the dominant sandfly species in Sicily (68.7%), followed by Phlebotomus perniciosus (17.2%) and Sergentomya minuta (14%). In 2021, Phlebotomusperfiliewi was confirmed as the most common species (61.6%), followed by Phlebotomusperniciosus (33.1%) and Sergentomyaminuta (4.7%). Of particular interest was the identification of Phlebotomus papatasi (0.41%) in Agrigento. Our retrospective study can inform health authorities for the development of appropriate screening, treatment and control strategies to reduce Leishmania incidence rate. This study examined the present state of Leishmaniasis control, surveillance, and prevention in Sicily, but also highlighted deficiencies that could be addressed through the application of One-Health principles.
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De Pascali AM, Todeschini R, Baiocchi S, Ortalli M, Attard L, Ibarra-Meneses AV, Carrillo E, Varani S. Test combination to detect latent Leishmania infection: A prevalence study in a newly endemic area for L. infantum, northeastern Italy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010676. [PMID: 35969605 PMCID: PMC9410555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most people infected with Leishmania remain asymptomatic, which is a common element that may promote the resurgence of clinically evident leishmaniasis in individuals with impaired cell-mediated immune responses. Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted assay to identify asymptomatic infection. This cross-sectional study focuses on the employment of three methods targeting different features of the parasitic infection to be used in combination for the screening of latent leishmaniasis in a newly endemic area of northeastern Italy. Methodology/principal findings The selected methods included highly sensitive Real-Time PCR for detection of parasitic kinetoplast (k)DNA in peripheral blood, Western Blot (WB) for detection of specific IgG, and Whole Blood stimulation Assay (WBA) to evaluate the anti-leishmanial T-cell response by quantifying the production of IL-2 after stimulation of patients’ blood with Leishmania specific antigens. Among 145 individuals living in a municipality of the Bologna province, northeastern Italy, recruited and screened for Leishmania infection, 23 subjects tested positive (15.9%) to one or more tests. Positive serology was the most common marker of latent leishmaniasis (15/145, 10%), followed by the detection of specific cell-mediated response (12/145, 8%), while only few individuals (6/145, 4%) harbored parasitic DNA in the blood. Conclusions/significance Combining different tests substantially increased the yield of positivity in detecting latent Leishmania infection. The test combination that we employed in this study appears to be effective to accurately identify latent leishmaniasis in an endemic area. After infection with Leishmania infantum cutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis can develop, but in most cases the host becomes an asymptomatic carrier of the parasite. This key population of individuals with latent leishmaniasis can undergo reactivation of the infection with severe outcome in case of immunosuppression and can contribute to disease transmission. The public health impact of leishmaniasis is currently underestimated in Europe, despite Leishmania infection is endemic in the Mediterranean countries and outbreaks of human leishmaniasis have been reported in the last decades, including northeastern Italy. One of the causes contributing to this neglect is that the available diagnostic tests exhibit scarce sensitivity in identification of latent leishmaniasis. In this study, we identified latent Leishmania infection in a newly endemic area of northeastern Italy by using three different diagnostic methods; serological, molecular and immunological tests. Sixteen percent of individuals residing in the selected area were shown to be positive to at least one of the three tests, which indicates a previous contact with the parasite. This study highlights the importance of test combination to enhance the ability to identify latent Leishmania infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mistral De Pascali
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Todeschini
- Unit of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Public Health, AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Baiocchi
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Margherita Ortalli
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luciano Attard
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ana Victoria Ibarra-Meneses
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda (Madrid), Spain, CIBERINFEC
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Eugenia Carrillo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda (Madrid), Spain, CIBERINFEC
- * E-mail: (EC); (SV)
| | - Stefania Varani
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail: (EC); (SV)
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Zatelli A, Latrofa MS, Iatta R, Bezerra-Santos MA, Annoscia G, Gernone F, Votýpka J, Modrý D, Tichá L, Volf P, Otranto D. Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae isolation and sympatric occurrence with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in geckoes, dogs and sand flies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010650. [PMID: 35943980 PMCID: PMC9362939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The trypanosomatid protist Leishmania tarentolae is a saurian-associated parasite vectored by the Sergentomyia minuta sand fly. This study aimed to confirm the circulation of L. infantum and L. tarentolae in sand flies, reptiles and dogs and to isolate new strains of these protists. Reptilian and sheltered dog blood samples were collected, and sand flies were captured. Samples were tested for Leishmania spp. using duplex real-time PCR (dqPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR); the origin of blood meal was identified in engorged sand flies by conventional PCR. The reptilian blood and intestinal content of sand fly females were cultured. Dog sera were tested by IFAT using both Leishmania species. Four Tarentola mauritanica geckoes were molecularly positive for L. infantum or L. tarentolae, with no co-infections; moreover, amastigote-like forms of L. infantum were observed in the bone marrow. 24/294 sand flies scored positive for Leishmania spp. by dqPCR, 21 S. minuta and two Phlebotomus perniciosus were positive for L. tarentolae, while only a single Ph. perniciosus was positive for L. infantum. Blood meal analysis confirmed reptile and dog in S. minuta, dog and human in Ph. perniciosus and dog in Phlebotomus neglectus. Two axenic strains of L. tarentolae were obtained. Twelve of 19 dogs scored positive for L. infantum and L. tarentolae by IFAT and three of them also for L. infantum by dqPCR, and six by qPCR. These data confirm the sympatric circulation of L. infantum and L. tarentolae in geckoes, sand flies, and dogs, and suggest that geckoes may be infected with L. infantum. Leishmania tarentolae is a saurian-associated parasite recently reported in geographical areas where Leishmania infantum is endemic. To confirm the circulation of both protists in sand flies, reptiles and dogs and to isolate new Leishmania spp. strains, reptilian and sheltered dog blood samples were collected and sand flies captured. Samples were molecularly tested for Leishmania spp. and sandflies for origin of blood meal. Dog sera were tested by IFAT for both Leishmania species and reptilian blood and intestine of sand flies were cultured. Four Tarentola mauritanica geckoes were positive for L. infantum or L. tarentolae; moreover, amastigote-like forms of L. infantum were observed in the bone marrow. 24/294 sand flies scored PCR positive for Leishmania spp. Reptile and dog blood were found in S. minuta, dog and human in Ph. perniciosus and dog in Phlebotomus neglectus. Two axenic strains of L. tarentolae were obtained. Twelve of 19 dogs scored positive for L. infantum and L. tarentolae by IFAT and three of them also for L. infantum by PCR, and six by qPCR. Data confirm the sympatric circulation of L. infantum and L. tarentolae in geckoes, sand flies, and dogs, and suggest that geckoes may be infected with L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Floriana Gernone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Tichá
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
- * E-mail:
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24
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Diversity of CRESS DNA Viruses in Squamates Recapitulates Hosts Dietary and Environmental Sources of Exposure. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0078022. [PMID: 35616383 PMCID: PMC9241739 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00780-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Replication-associated protein (Rep)-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses comprise viruses with covalently closed, circular, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genomes, and are considered the smallest known autonomously replicating, capsid-encoding animal pathogens. CRESS DNA viruses (phylum Cressdnaviricota) encompass several viral families including Circoviridae. Circoviruses are classified into two genera, Circovirus and Cyclovirus, and they are known to cause fatal diseases in birds and pigs. Circoviruses have also been identified in human stools, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as well as in various wild and domestic vertebrates, including reptiles. The synanthropic presence of Squamata reptiles has increased in the last century due to the anthropic pressure, which has shifted forested animal behavior to an urban and peri-urban adaptation. In this paper, we explored the diversity of CRESS DNA viruses in Squamata reptiles from different Italian areas representative of the Mediterranean basin. CRESS DNA viruses were detected in 31.7% (33/104) of sampled lizards and geckoes. Different CRESS DNA viruses likely reflected dietary composition or environmental contamination and included avian-like (n = 3), dog (n = 4), bat-like (n = 1), goat-like (n = 1), rodent-like (n = 4), and insect-like (n = 2) viruses. Rep sequences of at least two types of human-associated cycloviruses (CyV) were identified consistently, regardless of geographic location, namely, TN9-like (n = 11) and TN12-like (n = 6). A third human-associated CyV, TN25-like, was detected in a single sample. The complete genome of human-like CyVs, of a rodent-like, insect-like, and of a bat-like virus were generated. Collectively, the results recapitulate hosts dietary and environmental sources of exposure and may suggest unexpected ecological niches for some CRESS DNA viruses. IMPORTANCE CRESS DNA viruses are significant pathogens of birds and pigs and have been detected repeatedly in human samples (stools, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid), both from healthy individuals and from patients with neurological disease, eliciting in 2013 a risk assessment by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Sequences of CRESS DNA viruses previously reported in humans (TN9, TN12, and TN25), and detected in different animal species (e.g., birds, dogs, and bats) were herein detected in fecal samples of synanthropic squamates (geckos and lizards). The complete genome sequence of six viruses was generated. This study extends the information on the genetic diversity and ecology of CRESS DNA viruses. Because geckos and lizards are synanthropic animals, a role in sustaining CRESS DNA virus circulation and increasing viral pressure in the environment is postulated.
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Baneth G, Nachum-Biala Y, Adamsky O, Gunther I. Leishmania tropica and Leishmania infantum infection in dogs and cats in central Israel. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:147. [PMID: 35534906 PMCID: PMC9087926 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05272-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Three species of Leishmania cause disease in humans in Israel and are endemic in the Middle East: Leishmania infantum, Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major. These species infect dogs and cats, but little is known about their prevalence in pet populations and their clinical manifestations. A study on dog and cat Leishmania infection was conducted in a focus of human L. tropica infection in central Israel with the aim of getting insight on leishmaniosis in pets in an area where human infection is highly prevalent. Methods Blood, demographic and clinical data were collected from dogs and cats brought for veterinary care in a focus of human L. tropica infection during 2018–2020. kDNA PCR and internal transcribed spacer1 high-resolution melt analysis PCR (ITS1 HRM PCR) with DNA sequencing were performed for the detection of Leishmania and species determination. Results Forty-three of 189 dogs (22.8%) and 44 of 152 cats (28.9%) were positive for Leishmania spp. infection by kDNA PCR. The ITS1 HRM PCR detected six dogs (3.3%) infected with L. infantum and one (0.5%) with L. tropica, whereas six cats (3.9%) were found infected by L. infantum and five (3.3%) by L. tropica. Four of the five L. tropica-positive cats suffered from weight loss, four had azotemia, two with mild and two with severe azotemia and progressive renal disease. Three cats had gingivostomatitis; three had skin lesions with abscess and ulcers in two and scales and hair loss in another cat, which was also FIV +. This is the first report of feline L. tropica infection in Israel. Clinical information on cats with this infection from previous studies elsewhere is scarce. Conclusions A high rate of Leishmania spp. infection, mostly estimated as sub-clinical, was found in dogs and cats admitted for veterinary care in an L. tropica focus. Among the animals in which infection could be characterized to the species level, more dogs were infected with L. infantum than with L. tropica while 5 of 11 cats were infected with L. tropica and had signs of systemic and skin disease not described before in feline L. tropica infection. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05272-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gad Baneth
- The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P. O. Box 12, 761001, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P. O. Box 12, 761001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Offir Adamsky
- The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P. O. Box 12, 761001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Idit Gunther
- The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P. O. Box 12, 761001, Rehovot, Israel
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Priolo V, Masucci M, Donato G, Solano-Gallego L, Martínez-Orellana P, Persichetti MF, Raya-Bermúdez A, Vitale F, Pennisi MG. Association between feline immunodeficiency virus and Leishmania infantum infections in cats: a retrospective matched case-control study. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:107. [PMID: 35534884 PMCID: PMC9084934 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05230-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is often associated with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection; however, the role and clinical significance of this coinfection remain unknown. This study aimed to assess whether FIV is associated with L. infantum infection in cats from canine leishmaniosis endemic areas and to report the clinical signs and hematological alterations associated with coinfection. METHODS A retrospective matched case-control study (ratio 1:2) was conducted. Data of clinical examination and complete blood count (CBC) were selected from a cohort of 705 cats examined for epidemiological studies on feline leishmaniosis conducted between 2012 and 2019. Ninety-one FIV seropositive cases and 182 FIV seronegative control cats were selected. Matching was done according to age, sex, lifestyle and geographic provenience of case cats. Rapid ELISA devices were mainly used to detect anti-FIV antibodies. Anti-Leishmania IgG antibodies were detected by indirect-immunofluorescence test (IFAT). Leishmania DNA was searched in blood, oral and conjunctival swabs by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS Feline immunodeficiency virus seropositive cats had no hematological abnormalities suggestive of an advanced stage of FIV infection and were statistically more frequently IFAT positive, and their risk of being L. infantum antibody positive was 2.8 greater than in the FIV seronegatives. The association of FIV seropositivity with L. infantum antibody positivity was confirmed in the univariable model of logistic regression. A multivariate model found FIV infection and L. infantum PCR positivity as predictors of a positive L. infantum IFAT result. Male outdoor cats from rural or suburban areas were at risk for FIV and L. infantum antibody positivity. Clinical signs more frequently associated with the coinfection were oral lesions, pale mucous membranes and low body condition score (BCS). CONCLUSIONS This study documents that FIV seropositive cats with no hematological abnormalities suggestive of an advanced stage of FIV infection are more prone to be L. infantum seroreactive by IFAT in endemic areas. Therefore, FIV seropositive cats should be tested for L. infantum antibodies and treated for preventing sand fly bites. Pale mucous membranes, low BCS and oral lesions but no CBC abnormalities were significantly associated with the coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Priolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marisa Masucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Donato
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pamela Martínez-Orellana
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ana Raya-Bermúdez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Leishmaniosi (CReNaL), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Latrofa MS, Tarallo VD, Manoj RR, Bezerra-Santos MA, Annoscia G, Iatta R, Otranto D. Leishmania spp. in Squamata reptiles from the Mediterranean basin. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2856-2866. [PMID: 34951929 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania tarentolae is a non-pathogenic trypanosomatid species isolated from geckoes in the Mediterranean basin. In Italy, L. tarentolae and Leishmania infantum occur in sympatry in areas where canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is endemic. Here, we investigated the prevalence and distribution of L. tarentolae in reptilian hosts, and the presence of L. infantum in these hosts in southern Italy. From April 2020 to April 2021, lizards and snakes were captured in urban, peri-urban sites, natural parks and dog shelters. Blood was individually sampled and assessed for the presence of Leishmania spp. by cytology and/or molecular biology. Captured lizards were euthanized and their tissues/organs were tested by duplex real-time-PCR for the detection of L. infantum and L. tarentolae and the positive ones were amplified by conventional PCR to confirm the species identification by sequencing. Samples were also screened by real-time-PCR for L. infantum kDNA minicircle. Of the 259 collected Squamata reptiles, 34 (13.1%) specimens scored positive for Leishmania spp., with a prevalence of 10% for L. tarentolae (n = 26) and of 3.1% for L. infantum (n = 8). Positive lizards were mostly Podarcis siculus (n = 26) from dog shelters, with six specimens positive for L. infantum. In addition, L. tarentolae was detected in one Podarcis filfolensis lizard, and in five T. mauritanica geckos (with one gecko and P. filfolensis lizard showing amastigote-like forms in thrombocytes), whereas L. infantum was detected in one T. mauritanica, and one Hemidactylus turcicus. Saurian reptiles living in CanL endemic areas of the Mediterranean basin may be exposed to both L. tarentolae and L. infantum indicating a sympatric circulation of these species in different vertebrate hosts. Moreover, this study represents the first molecular evidence of L. infantum infection in European reptiles. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
| | | | - Ranju Rs Manoj
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
| | | | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimenti Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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