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Hoxha I, Trájer AJ, Dvorak V, Halada P, Šupić J, Obwaller AG, Poeppl W, Walochnik J, Alić A, Kniha E. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Bosnia and Herzegovina: distribution, ecology and environmental preferences. Acta Trop 2024; 260:107393. [PMID: 39278523 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107393] [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: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are the principal vectors for the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp. and for phleboviruses. The sand fly fauna on the Balkan Peninsula, including Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH), is diverse and the circulation of Leishmania infantum as well as phleboviruses has been proven. However, recent data on the sand fly fauna in BIH are scarce. In this study, we surveyed understudied regions in central and northeastern BIH to update the sand fly distribution and gain insights into the ecological and environmental factors shaping their appearance. CDC light trapping was conducted in 2022 and 2023 and a combination of morphological and molecular methods (cytochrome oxidase I barcoding) was performed for species identifications. We mapped the currently known distribution, modelled climatic suitability patterns and performed environmental analyses by applying machine learning methods. In addition, we analyzed blood meals by host gene sequencing and MALDI-TOF peptide mass mapping and screened for Leishmania spp. DNA and Phlebovirus RNA. Altogether, 591 sand flies of four species were trapped, predominantly Phlebotomus neglectus (97 %), but also Ph. balcanicus, Ph. mascittii, and Ph. papatasi. Records of seven sand fly species known to be endemic were plotted onto distribution maps based on 101 datapoints, identifying Ph. neglectus as the overall predominant species. The environmental analyses of sand fly species indicated variation in altitudinal, thermal, and precipitation conditions across the sand fly-positive sites. Phlebotomus simici, Phlebotomus tobbi, and Sergentomyia minuta are typically found exclusively in Mediterranean and subtropical climate zones, whereas other species typically inhabit continental regions. The Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation of sand fly species numbers and Shannon entropy values suggested the southeastern coastal region of BIH as a primary focus for sand fly occurrence. This finding was corroborated by modeled average climatic suitability patterns for sand flies, depicting four distinct meso-regions for sand fly occurrence. The results of the ensemble method highlight the importance of annual precipitation to distinguish between positive and negative sand fly trapping sites in BIH. In total, 55 blood meals of two sand fly species, Ph. neglectus and Ph. balcanicus, were analyzed and five host species identified. Our comprehensive assessment of ecological and environmental preferences of sand flies in BIH may support further entomological surveys and help to better understand and evaluate potential hot spots of disease transmission in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Hoxha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Attila J Trájer
- University of Pannonia, Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Vít Dvorak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Halada
- BioCeV, Institute of Microbiology of The Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jovana Šupić
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Poeppl
- Department of Dermatology and Tropical Medicine, Military Medical Cluster East, Austrian Armed Forces, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amer Alić
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Edwin Kniha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Xhekaj B, Hoxha I, Platzgummer K, Stefanovska J, Dvořák V, Milchram M, Obwaller AG, Poeppl W, Muja-Bajraktari N, Walochnik J, Trájer AJ, Sherifi K, Cvetkovikj A, Kniha E. A cross-sectional study on phlebotomine sand flies in relation to disease transmission in the Republic of Kosovo. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39258880 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) are blood-feeding insects that transmit the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp. and various arboviruses. The Balkan region, including the Republic of Kosovo, harbours a diverse sand fly fauna. Vector species of Leishmania infantum as well as phleboviruses are endemic; however, recent data are scarce. We performed a cross-sectional study to update the current sand fly distribution in Kosovo and assess biological as well as environmental factors associated with sand fly presence. CDC light trapping was conducted at 46 locations in 2022 and 2023, specifically targeting understudied regions in Kosovo. Individual morphological species identification was supported by molecular barcoding. The occurrence data of sand flies was used to create distribution maps and perform environmental analyses, taking elevation, wind speed and climate-related factors into account. In addition, PCR-based blood meal analysis and pathogen screening were conducted. Overall, 303 specimens of six sand fly species were trapped, predominated by Phlebotomus neglectus (97%). Barcodes from eight of nine known endemic sand fly species were obtained. Combining our data with previous surveys, we mapped the currently known sand fly distribution based on more than 4000 specimens at 177 data points, identifying Ph. neglectus and Ph. perfiliewi as the predominant species. Environmental analyses depicted two geographical groups of sand flies in Kosovo, with notable differences between the species. In total, 223 blood meals of five sand fly species were analysed. Of seven identified host species, the predominant blood meal source was observed to be cattle, but the DNA of dogs and humans, among others, was also detected. This study assessed biological as well as ecological factors of sand fly occurrence, which should help better understand and evaluate potential hot spots of disease transmission in Kosovo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betim Xhekaj
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Ina Hoxha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Platzgummer
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jovana Stefanovska
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Vít Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markus Milchram
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Poeppl
- Department of Dermatology and Tropical Medicine, Military Medical Cluster East, Austrian Armed Forces, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nesade Muja-Bajraktari
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Attila J Trájer
- University of Pannonia, Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Kurtesh Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Edwin Kniha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Trájer AJ, Hoxha I, Xhekaj B, Platzgummer K, Dvořák V, Obwaller AG, Stefanovska J, Cvetkovikj A, Walochnik J, Sherifi K, Kniha E. Ecological setting of phlebotomine sand flies in the Republic of Kosovo. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33029. [PMID: 39021964 PMCID: PMC11253276 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniasis, as well as phleboviruses. In the Balkans, the endemicity and spreading of sand fly-borne diseases are evident, particularly in the Republic of Kosovo, a country with a predominantly humid continental climate. To date, understanding the drivers behind the spatial structure and diversity patterns of sand fly communities in humid continental regions remains limited. Therefore, elucidating the geographical and ecological factors contributing to the presence of potential vector species in the country is crucial. We aimed to enhance our understanding of factors influencing sand fly occurrence in cool and wet wintering humid continental areas, which could serve as a model for other countries with similar climatic conditions. Therefore, we assessed the currently known sand fly fauna through detailed environmental analyses, including Voronoi tessellation patterns, entropy calculations, Principal Coordinate and Component Analyses, Hierarchical Clustering, Random Trees, and climatic suitability patterns. Notable differences in the ecological tolerance of the species were detected, and the most important climatic features limiting sand fly presence were wind speed and temperature seasonality. Sand flies were observed to prefer topographical environments with little roughness, and the modelled climatic suitability values indicated that, dominantly, the western plain regions of Kosovo harbour the most diverse sand fly fauna; and are the most threatened by sand fly-borne diseases. Phlebotomus neglectus and P. perfiliewi, both confirmed vectors for L. infantum and phleboviruses, were identified as two main species with vast distribution in Kosovo. Contrary to this, most other present species are relatively sparse and restricted to temperate rather than humid continental regions. Our findings reveal a diverse potential sand fly fauna in Kosovo, indicating the need for tailored strategies to address varying risks across the country's western and eastern regions in relation to leishmaniasis control amidst changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila J. Trájer
- University of Pannonia, Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Egyetem u. 10. H-8200, Hungary
| | - Ina Hoxha
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Betim Xhekaj
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina ‘Hasan Prishtina’, Bulevardi ‘Bill Clinton’, P.N. 10000 Prishtinë, Kosovo
| | - Katharina Platzgummer
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vit Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adelheid G. Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Roßauer Lände 1, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jovana Stefanovska
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5–7, 1000, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5–7, 1000, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kurtesh Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina ‘Hasan Prishtina’, Bulevardi ‘Bill Clinton’, P.N. 10000 Prishtinë, Kosovo
| | - Edwin Kniha
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Vilas-Boas DF, Nakasone EKN, Gonçalves AAM, Lair DF, de Oliveira DS, Pereira DFS, Silva GG, Conrado IDSS, Resende LA, Zaldívar MF, Mariano RMDS, Dutra WO, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Galdino AS, Silveira-Lemos D, Giunchetti RC. Global Distribution of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis and the Role of the Dog in the Epidemiology of the Disease. Pathogens 2024; 13:455. [PMID: 38921753 PMCID: PMC11206782 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the species Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (syn = Leishmania chagasi) and Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani, which are transmitted by hematophagous insects of the genera Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is considered the main urban reservoir of the parasite due to the high parasite load on its skin, serving as a source of infection for sandfly vectors and, consequently, perpetuating the disease in the urban environment. Some factors are considered important in the perpetuation and spread of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in urban areas, such as stray dogs, with their errant behavior, and houses that have backyards with trees, shade, and organic materials, creating an attractive environment for sandfly vectors. CVL is found in approximately 50 countries, with the number of infected dogs reaching millions. However, due to the difficulty of controlling and diagnosing the disease, the number of infected animals could be even greater. In the four continents endemic for CVL, there are reports of disease expansion in endemic countries such as Brazil, Italy, Morocco, and Tunisia, as well as in areas where CVL is not endemic, for example, Uruguay. Socio-environmental factors, such as migration, drought, deforestation, and global warming, have been pointed out as reasons for the expansion into areas where it had been absent. Thus, the objective of this review is to address (i) the distribution of CVL in endemic areas, (ii) the role of the dog in the visceral leishmaniasis epidemiology and the factors that influence dog infection and the spread of the disease, and (iii) the challenges faced in the control of CVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernandes Vilas-Boas
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Eiji Kevin Nakasone Nakasone
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Ana Alice Maia Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Daniel Ferreira Lair
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Diana Souza de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Diogo Fonseca Soares Pereira
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Geralda Gabriele Silva
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Ingrid dos Santos Soares Conrado
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Lucilene Aparecida Resende
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Maykelin Fuentes Zaldívar
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Reysla Maria da Silveira Mariano
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Walderez Ornelas Dutra
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru;
| | - Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, Federal University of São João Del-Rei (UFSJ), Midwest Campus, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil;
| | - Denise Silveira-Lemos
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (D.F.V.-B.); (E.K.N.N.); (A.A.M.G.); (D.F.L.); (D.S.d.O.); (D.F.S.P.); (G.G.S.); (I.d.S.S.C.); (L.A.R.); (M.F.Z.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (W.O.D.); (D.S.-L.)
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Rassi Y, Parkhideh SZ, Rafizadeh S, Jalil-Navaz MR. A Comprehensive Review of the Situation of Visceral Leishmaniasis Vectors in Iran. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2024; 18:1-11. [PMID: 39005542 PMCID: PMC11239368 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v18i1.15667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study's major aim is to investigate the situation of visceral leishmaniasis vectors, with a focus on their distribution and relationships to the disease in Iran and some other old-world nations. Methods The terms Iran and the Old World, along with the keywords sand flies, vectors, visceral leishmaniasis, distribution, and Phlebotomus, were searched in electronic databases from 1930 to 2018, including Pub-Med, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE. Results According to the findings, Phlebotomus tobbi was a mountain species, but it was also found in the plains, rodent nests, and rock crevices. This species was considered to be one of the vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in Iran. Phlebotomus kandelakii has been caught in Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon, Turkey and Georgia. In Iran, the first infection of Phlebotomus kandelakii and Ph. perfiliewi transcaucasicus with Leishmania infantum were reported in northwest of Iran. Phlebotomus major was one of the complex sand flies, and its members include Ph. major (India, Nepal, and Pakistan), Ph. neglectus (Southern Europe, Crimea and Iran), Ph. syriacus (Southwest Asia, Caucasus), Ph. notus (Afghanistan and Iran), Ph. wenyoni (Iran and Iraq), and Ph. wui (China). The first natural infection of Ph. alexandri with Leishmania infantum was reported in 2006 in endemic foci of visceral leishmaniasis in Fars Province, southern Iran. Conclusion The findings of this project suggest that sand fly species of the subgenus Larrousisus play a key role in the transmission of all types of visceral leishmaniasis in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yavar Rassi
- Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Zahra Parkhideh
- Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Xhekaj B, Hoxha I, Platzgummer K, Kniha E, Walochnik J, Sherifi K, Rexhepi A, Behluli B, Dvořák V, Fuehrer HP, Obwaller AG, Poeppl W, Stefanovska J, Cvetkovikj A. First Detection and Molecular Analysis of Leishmania infantum DNA in Sand Flies of Kosovo. Pathogens 2023; 12:1190. [PMID: 37887706 PMCID: PMC10610191 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101190] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are the principal vectors of phleboviruses and Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniases. The Mediterranean sand fly fauna is diverse, and leishmaniasis, mainly caused by Leishmania infantum, is endemic in the Balkan countries. Despite recent entomological surveys, only some districts of Kosovo have been sampled for sand flies, with no proof/confirmation of L. infantum. This study aimed to gain further insights into the species composition of natural sand fly populations in previously unsampled districts and areas in Kosovo without reports of leishmaniasis and to detect Leishmania DNA in sand flies. A sand fly survey was conducted in 2022 in all seven districts of Kosovo. Collected females were screened for Leishmania DNA by PCR. Positive samples were sequenced and subjected to maximum likelihood analysis with reference sequences for further molecular characterization. The trapping activities at 114 different localities resulted in 3272 caught specimens, comprising seven sand fly species of two genera, namely Phlebotomus neglectus, Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. tobbi, Ph. papatasi, Ph. simici, Ph. balcanicus and Sergentomyia minuta. Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in three individual sand flies of Ph. neglectus and Ph. perfiliewi. This study provides the most extensive sand fly survey in Kosovo and reports the first record of L. infantum DNA in sand flies, indicating autochthonous circulation of L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betim Xhekaj
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Ina Hoxha
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Katharina Platzgummer
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Edwin Kniha
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Kurtesh Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
| | - Agim Rexhepi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
| | - Behlul Behluli
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
| | - Vit Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Adelheid G. Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Roßauer Lände 1, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Wolfgang Poeppl
- Department of Dermatology and Tropical Medicine, Military Medical Cluster East, Austrian Armed Forces, Brünner Straße 238, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Jovana Stefanovska
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
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Maia C, Conceição C, Pereira A, Rocha R, Ortuño M, Muñoz C, Jumakanova Z, Pérez-Cutillas P, Özbel Y, Töz S, Baneth G, Monge-Maillo B, Gasimov E, Van der Stede Y, Torres G, Gossner CM, Berriatua E. The estimated distribution of autochthonous leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum in Europe in 2005-2020. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011497. [PMID: 37467280 PMCID: PMC10389729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study describes the spatial and temporal distribution between 2005 and 2020 of human and animal leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum in European countries reporting autochthonous cases, and highlights potential activities to improve disease control. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS It was based on a review of the scientific literature and data reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Ministries of Health, including hospital discharges in some countries. Autochthonous infections were reported in the scientific literature from 22 countries, including 13 and 21 countries reporting human and animal infections, respectively. In contrast, only 17 countries reported autochthonous human leishmaniasis cases to the WHO and 8 countries animal infections to the WOAH. The number of WOAH reported cases were 4,203, comprising 4,183 canine cases and 20 cases in wildlife. Of 8,367 WHO reported human cases, 69% were visceral leishmaniasis cases-of which 94% were autochthonous-and 31% cutaneous leishmaniasis cases-of which 53% were imported and mostly in France. The resulting cumulative incidence per 100,000 population of visceral leishmaniasis between 2005-2020, was highest in Albania (2.15 cases), followed by Montenegro, Malta, Greece, Spain and North Macedonia (0.53-0.42), Italy (0.16), Portugal (0.09) and lower in other endemic countries (0.07-0.002). However, according to hospital discharges, the estimated human leishmaniasis incidence was 0.70 in Italy and visceral leishmaniasis incidences were 0.67 in Spain and 0.41 in Portugal. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Overall, there was no evidence of widespread increased incidence of autochthonous human leishmaniasis by L. infantum in European countries. Visceral leishmaniasis incidence followed a decreasing trend in Albania, Italy and Portugal, and peaked in Greece in 2013, 2014 and 2017, and in Spain in 2006-2007 and 2011-2013. Animal and human cutaneous leishmaniasis remain highly underreported. In humans, hospital discharge databases provide the most accurate information on visceral leishmaniasis and may be a valuable indirect source of information to identify hotspots of animal leishmaniasis. Integrated leishmaniasis surveillance and reporting following the One Health approach, needs to be enhanced in order to improve disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Conceição
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rafael Rocha
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Clara Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- SaBio, Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Zarima Jumakanova
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Yusuf Özbel
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Seray Töz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Begoña Monge-Maillo
- Unidad de Referencia Nacional para Enfermedades Tropicales, Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elkhan Gasimov
- Division of Country Health Programmes, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yves Van der Stede
- Biological Hazards, Animal Health and Welfare (BIOHAW) Unit, European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy
| | - Gregorio Torres
- Science Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Paris, France
| | - Céline M. Gossner
- Disease Programme Unit, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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8
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Differential expression of Phlebotomus tobbi Adler, Theodor & Lourie, 1930 (Diptera: Psychodidae) genes under different environmental conditions. Acta Trop 2023; 239:106808. [PMID: 36577475 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106808] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Phlebotomus tobbi is a widely distributed sand fly species in Turkey and is the proven vector of Leishmania infantum and several Phleboviruses. Information regarding the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity is crucial for managing vector-borne diseases, as the changing environmental conditions have consequences for the survival of arthropods and the disease agents they transmit. However, limited data is available on the impacts of environmental conditions on the traits associated with sand fly survival, reproduction, and vectorial competence. The present study aimed to reveal the changes in the expression levels of three selected P. tobbi genes using laboratory-reared and wild-caught populations. A nervous system protein, Cacophony (PtCac), related to the life history traits of sand flies, and two sand fly salivary protein genes, PtSP32 and PtSP38, influence the infection of the vertebrate hosts, were assessed. Sand flies were maintained at 23 °C and 27 °C in the laboratory to evaluate the relationship between temperature and the expressed phenotypes. Field collections were carried out in three climatically distinct regions of Turkey to establish the regional differences in the gene expression levels of natural P. tobbi populations. In the laboratory, PtCac expression increased with the temperature. However, PtCac expression was negatively correlated with local temperature and humidity conditions. No differences were detected in the PtSP32 gene expression levels of both laboratory-reared and wild-caught females, but a negative correlation was observed with relative humidity in natural populations. Although the expression levels of PtSP38 did not differ among the females collected from distinct regions, a positive correlation was detected in the laboratory-reared colony. The findings indicated that changes in environmental conditions could drive the expression levels of P. tobbi genes, which influence population dynamics and the transmission risk of the disease.
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9
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Galán-Puchades MT, Solano J, González G, Osuna A, Pascual J, Bueno-Marí R, Franco S, Peracho V, Montalvo T, Fuentes MV. Molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in rats and sand flies in the urban sewers of Barcelona, Spain. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:211. [PMID: 35710435 PMCID: PMC9201797 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Classically, dogs have been considered to be the only reservoir of leishmaniasis in urban areas. However, in a previous study, we found a 33.3% prevalence of Leishmania infantum in the spleens of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) sampled in the underground sewer system of the city of Barcelona (Spain). The aim of the present study was to verify, using molecular methods, the potential reservoir role of these rats in the same sewer system. Methods A sensitive real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were carried out to identify and quantify the presence of L. infantum DNA in sand fly individuals captured in the same underground sewer system of Barcelona as in our previous study and in the spleens and ears of rats captured in the same sewer system. Results Leishmania infantum DNA was found in 14 of the 27 (51.9%) sand flies identified as Phlebotomus perniciosus, and 10 of the 24 (41.7%) rats studied were infected. Leishmania infantum was found in the spleens (70%) and in the ears (40%) of the infected rats. Quantitative results revealed the presence of high loads of L. infantum in the rats studied (> 3 × 106 parasites/g ear tissue) and among the sand flies (> 34 × 106 parasites in 1 individual). Conclusions The molecular methods used in this study demonstrated a high prevalence of L. infantum in the underground
sewer populations of both R. norvegicus and P. perniciosus. These results suggest that sewer rats, in addition to dogs, are likely to act as reservoirs of leishmaniasis in cities, where sewer systems seem to offer the ideal scenario for the transmission of leishmaniasis. Therefore, to achieve the WHO 2030 target on the elimination of leishmaniasis as a public health problem successfully, an efficient control strategy against leishmaniasis in rats and sand flies should be implemented, particularly in the sewer systems of urban areas of endemic countries. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05309-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Jennifer Solano
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Gloria González
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Jordi Pascual
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Franco
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Peracho
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health CIBERESP Epidemiology and Public Health, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Màrius V Fuentes
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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10
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Vaselek S. Canine leishmaniasis in Balkan - A review of occurrence and epidemiology. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106110. [PMID: 34450057 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Canine leishmaniasis is a parasitic zoonotic infection of dogs caused by the Leishmania spp. parasites. In Europe, canine leishmaniasis is among the most important vector-borne parasitic diseases of dogs, with majority of data originating from countries of southwestern Europe. With its scarce and outdated records, the Balkan region presents the "blank space" in the European map of canine leishmaniasis knowledge. Numerous records obtained during the past decade and a half indicate the emergence of autochthonous canine leishmaniasis in new settings all across Balkan, a significant increase in the numbers of infected dogs in previously endemic areas, and northward spread of the disease. As the majority of canine leishmaniasis data from Balkan countries are several decades old and generally written in native Balkan languages, hence not available to the broader area of scientists, comprehensive search of scientific literature published from 1934 to January 2021 was conducted in order to provide a better perspective to the past and current canine leishmaniasis situation in Balkan. This review provides exhaustive information on all leishmaniasis records in dogs, wild animals and cats, available from 10 countries of the Balkan region. It identifies dogs as the main disease reservoirs and highlights the importance of wild animals, and potentially cats, as disease reservoirs, which is of great public and veterinary health concern. Additionally, certain shortcomings in canine leishmaniasis research, management, surveillance and control were identified.
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11
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Vaselek S. Systematic Review: Re-emergence of human leishmaniasis in the Balkans. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:1189-1199. [PMID: 34265146 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide an updated overview of the leishmaniasis epidemiology in the Balkans, as this region presents "blank space" on the map of leishmaniasis knowledge in Europe. METHODS Following the PRISMA guideline, literature on the presence and circulation of human leishmaniasis in Balkan countries was screened in PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Matica Srpska Library and the National Library of Serbia. RESULTS Sixty nine publications from 1919 until September 2020 were reviewed. Historical records indicate that leishmaniasis was previously present mainly in the southern parts of the Balkans, while newer data demonstrate its northward spread. CONCLUSIONS Human leishmaniasis is re-emerging in the Balkans and in some areas is already widespread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavica Vaselek
- Department of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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12
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Vaselek S, Oguz G, Ayhan N, Ozbel Y, Kadriaj P, Ćupina AI, Velo E, Muja N, Baymak D, Alishani M, Toz S, Nalcaci M, Sherifi K, Charrel R, Alten B, Petrić D. Sandfly surveillance and investigation of Leishmania spp. DNA in sandflies in Kosovo. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 34:394-401. [PMID: 32438501 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, leishmaniasis seems to be re-emerging in Balkan countries. There are serious implications that Kosovo is a visceral leishmaniasis endemic region with autochthonous transmission; nevertheless, surveillance of vectors, reservoirs or the disease is not yet established. Gaining knowledge about sandfly vector species is a prerequisite for the development of a monitoring and control plan in the future. After a long gap in research of over 70 years, sandfly studies in Kosovo were resumed in 2014. During this presence/absence study, nine sandfly species were detected: Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, Ph. simici, Ph. balcanicus, Ph. alexandri, Ph. mascittii and Sergentomyia minuta. Three species are new with regard to the fauna of Kosovo - Ph. alexandri, Ph. balcanicus and Ph. mascittii. Besides increased diversity, changes in the number of collected specimens and distribution range of species were recorded, with Ph. neglectus being the most dominant species with the widest distribution. Testing of randomly chosen females for Leishmania spp. DNA resulted the in detection of L. tropica in a specimen of Ph. neglectus. The presence of numerous vector species in the sandfly fauna of Kosovo pose a threat for the re-emergence of vector-borne diseases. Therefore, continuous surveillance is recommended with regular updates on vector distribution and abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vaselek
- Laboratory for Medical Entomology, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - G Oguz
- VERG Laboratory, Ecology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey
| | - N Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Y Ozbel
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - P Kadriaj
- Control of Infectious Diseases Department, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - A I Ćupina
- Laboratory for Medical Entomology, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - E Velo
- Control of Infectious Diseases Department, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - N Muja
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Department of Biology, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - D Baymak
- Kosovo National Institute of Public Health, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - M Alishani
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - S Toz
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - M Nalcaci
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - K Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - R Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - B Alten
- VERG Laboratory, Ecology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey
| | - D Petrić
- Laboratory for Medical Entomology, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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De Massis F, Ippoliti C, Iannetti S, Tittarelli M, Pelini S, Giansante D, Ciarrocchi A. Canine Leishmaniasis: Serological Results in Private and Kennel Dogs Tested over a Six-Year Period (2009-2014) in Abruzzo and Molise Regions, Italy. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121915. [PMID: 33271977 PMCID: PMC7760458 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reports the results of serological tests for the detection of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in Abruzzo and Molise regions from 2009 to 2014, with the aim of evaluating the presence and distribution of canine leishmaniasis. Data were extracted from the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Abruzzo and Molise, and then the dog identification numbers were matched with those stored in the Canine Registries of the two regions to get information about the age of dogs at time of testing. Dogs were considered positive when having an IFAT (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test) titer ≥1:80. In total, 41,631 dogs were tested, 85.3% from Abruzzo and 14.7% from Molise. At the provincial level, the percentage of positive dogs ranged from 5.2% (L’Aquila, Abruzzo region) to 21.8% (Campobasso, Molise region). Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that in the coastal areas, the relationships between the host, the vector, and the agent are more favorable for the spreading of CanL, and it seems that densely populated urban internal areas have less favorable conditions. Being a dog hosted in a kennel seems not to be a factor increasing the probability that dogs show positivity, even in long-term sheltering conditions.
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14
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Jaiteh MB, İnkaya AÇ, Üner A, Elçin G, Ergüven S, Kurtulan O, Harxhi A, Akova M. Persistent dermal lesions in a patient with previous history of visceral leishmaniasis. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102197. [PMID: 32920054 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102197] [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: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a complication of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) that most frequently occurs after an episode of VL caused by Leishmania donovani. In this case report, we present a 21-year-old male patient with persistent skin lesions and recurrent visceral leishmaniasis (VL) due to Leishmania infantum. The patient did not respond to multiple lines of anti-leishmanial treatment (including Liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine) and later died from cerebral lesions presumed to be secondary to persistent VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed B Jaiteh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Çağkan İnkaya
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Üner
- Department of Medical Pathology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gonca Elçin
- Department of Dermatology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sibel Ergüven
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Olcay Kurtulan
- Department of Medical Pathology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arjan Harxhi
- Department of Infectious Disease and Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Center "Mother Teresa", Tirana, Albania
| | - Murat Akova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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15
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Host Species Determines the Composition of the Prokaryotic Microbiota in Phlebotomus Sandflies. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060428. [PMID: 32485988 PMCID: PMC7350354 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sandflies are vectors of the humans' and mammals' parasite Leishmania spp. Although the role of gut microbiome in the biological cycle of insects is acknowledged, we still know little about the factors modulating the composition of the gut microbiota of sandflies. We tested whether host species impose a strong structural effect on the gut microbiota of Phlebotomus spp. Sandflies were collected from the island of Leros, Greece, and classified to P. papatasi, P. neglectus, P. tobbi, and P. similis, all being negative to Leishmania spp. The prokaryotic gut microbiota was determined via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Phlebotomus species supported distinct microbial communities (p < 0.001). P. papatasi microbiota was the most distinct over-dominated by three Spiroplasma, Wolbachia and Paenibacillus operational taxonomic units (OTUs), while another Wolbachia OTU prevailed in P. neglectus. Conversely, the microbiota of P. tobbi and P. similis was composed of several less dominant OTUs. Archaea showed low presence with the dominant OTUs belonging to methanogenic Euryarcheota, ammonia-oxidizing Thaumarcheota, and Nanoarchaeota. We provide first insights into the composition of the bacterial and archaeal community of Phlebotomus sandflies and showed that, in the absence of Leishmania, host genotype is the major modulator of Phlebotomus sandfly gut microbiota.
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16
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Fares W, Dachraoui K, Barhoumi W, Cherni S, Chelbi I, Zhioua E. Co-circulation of Toscana virus and Leishmania infantum in a focus of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis from Central Tunisia. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105342. [PMID: 31954137 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105342] [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: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the Mediterranean basin, sand flies are vectors of Leishmania parasites and phleboviruses affecting humans and animals. In this study, we aimed to investigate phlebovirus and Leishmania parasites circulating in a focus of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) located in a highly irrigated area within the arid Central Tunisia, known mainly to be endemic for zoonotic cutaenous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused Leishmania major and transmitted by Phlebotomus papatasi. Sand flies were collected using CDC light traps in the village of Saddaguia, an emergent focus of ZVL located in Central Tunisia during September-October 2014, 2015, and 2016. Pools of live female sand flies were screened for phleboviruses and Leishmania by nested PCR in the polymerase gene and kinetoplast minicircle DNA, respectively. Dead sand flies were identified morphologically to species level. Sand flies of the subgenus Larroussius mainly Phlebotomus perfiliewi, Phlebotomus perniciosus, and Phlebotomus longicuspis were predominant in this ZVL focus compared to P. papatasi. A total of 1932, 1740, and 444 sand flies were tested in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Pathogen screening performed on 4116 sand flies distributed in 148 pools revealed the presence of Leishmania infantum and Toscana virus. The minimum infection rates of sand flies with TOSV in 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 0.05%, 011%, and 0.22%, respectively. The minimum infection rates of sand flies with L. infantum in 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 0.25%, 012%, and 0.79%, respectively. No L. major was detected during the 3-years investigation in this ZVL focus. Our results showed clearly the endemic co-circulation of TOSV and L. infantum in this emergent ZVL focus. However, no co-infection of TOSV and L. infantum was detected in any of the sand fly pools investigated during the three years period. TOSV was isolated from positive pools in 2015. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Tunisian strains of TOSV belonged to the sublineage A. Based on the present findings, our results provided strong evidence that TOSV and L. infantum are transmitted by the same predominant sand fly species of the subgenus Larroussius, and subsequently, humans and dogs could be co-infected through co-infected or successive infected bites. Our results showed clearly that the development of irrigation in arid areas contributed significantly to the establishment of stable transmission cycles of L. infantum and TOSV and subsequently to the emergence of a ZVL focus within this arid bio-geographical area characterized by the presence of multiple foci of ZCL located outside the study site. Thus, more studies are needed to better understand the impact of RNA viruses shared by vectors and reservoir hosts of L. infantum on the development of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis.
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Vaselek S, Dvorak V, Hlavackova K, Ayhan N, Halada P, Oguz G, Ivović V, Ozbel Y, Charrel RN, Alten B, Petrić D. A survey of sand flies (Diptera, Phlebotominae) along recurrent transit routes in Serbia. Acta Trop 2019; 197:105063. [PMID: 31207207 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Serbia was a country endemic for leishmaniasis with rich and abundant sand fly fauna during the middle of the 20th century. After 1968, the disease was considered as eradicated, and as a consequence, all research on vectors and pathogens was neglected. The recent detection of Leishmania infantum in sand flies and confirmed cases of leishmaniasis in humans and dogs indicated the risk of re-emergence in Serbia. Also, for millions of refugees/immigrants, Serbia is a transit route between East-Mediterranean and Middle-East countries, and Central/North Europe, and it is under constant risk of vector and disease introduction. Primary objectives of this research were to determine which sand fly species are present around transit routes, whether they include vectors of the Leishmania spp. moreover, is/are Leishmania spp. present in the vectors. Surveys were conducted at 55 locations, organised in four clusters, which covered main immigrant routes and shelters/camps as well as tourist/trade transit routes. In total, 367 sand fly specimens were collected. Nine species were identified: Phlebotomus papatasi, P. perfiliewi, P. tobbi, P. neglectus, P. sergenti, P. alexandri, P. simici, P. balcanicus and P. mascittii. Detection of P. alexandri represents the first record in Serbia. The diversity of sand fly species increased while the number of collected specimens per night decreased during the period of research neglection. Phlebotomus neglectus, a proven vector of L. infantum, was a predominant species in all surveyed clusters, and in 56,52% of locations, it was the only species present. Although all detected species are regarded either as proven or suspected vectors of Leishmania spp., screening of females for Leishmania presence resulted negative. Our study provides insight into the significant changes of sand fly fauna in Serbia during the end of XX and beginning of XXI century. Diverse sand fly fauna in Serbia suggests that the establishment of new leishmaniasis foci is possible.
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Detection of a Novel Phlebovirus (Drin Virus) from Sand Flies in Albania. Viruses 2019; 11:v11050469. [PMID: 31126034 PMCID: PMC6563191 DOI: 10.3390/v11050469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are generalist vectors with significant implications for public health. They are able to transmit phleboviruses that cause sand fly fever, headaches, or meningitis in humans. Albania is a country in Southeast Europe with a typical Mediterranean climate which provides convenient conditions for the presence of sand flies. Hence, the circulation of phleboviruses, such as the Toscana and Balkan viruses, has been recently described in the country. We followed a virus discovery approach on sand fly samples collected in 2015 and 2016 in seven regions of Albania, with the aim to investigate and characterize potentially circulating phleboviruses in phlebotomine sand flies. A presumed novel phlebovirus was detected in a pool consisting of 24 Phlebotomus neglectus males. The virus was provisionally named the Drin virus after a river near the locality of Kukës, where the infected sand flies were trapped. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Drin virus is closely related to the Corfou (CFUV) virus, isolated in the 1980s from Phlebotomus major sand flies on the eponymous island of Greece, and may also be involved in human infections because of its similarity to the sand fly fever Sicilian virus. The latter justifies further studies to specifically address this concern. Together with recent findings, this study confirms that Albania and the Balkan peninsula are hot spots for phleboviruses.
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Cazan CD, Păstrav IR, Ionică AM, Oguz G, Erisoz Kasap O, Dvorak V, Halada P, Dumitrache MO, Volf P, Alten B, Mihalca AD. Updates on the distribution and diversity of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Romania. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:247. [PMID: 31109351 PMCID: PMC6528238 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3507-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are haematophagous insects that transmit the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), the main causative agent of both zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in the Mediterranean basin. Eight species of sand flies have been previously recorded in Romania: Phlebotomus papatasi, Phlebotomus alexandri, Phlebotomus sergenti, Phlebotomus perfiliewi, Phlebotomus neglectus, Phlebotomus longiductus, Phlebotomus balcanicus and Sergentomyia minuta. Three of them (P. perfiliewi, P. neglectus and P. balcanicus) were incriminated as vectors of L. infantum. Recent reports of autochthonous CanL in Romania require updates on sand fly distribution and diversity in this country. METHODS Between 2013-2014 and 2016-2018, CDC light traps and mouth aspirators were used to collect sand flies in 132 locations from Romania, indoors and around various animal species shelters. Species identification of collected specimens was done using morphological keys, genetic tools and MALDI-TOF protein profiling. RESULTS Sand flies were present in seven localities (5.3%): Eibenthal, Baia Nouă, Gura Văii (south-western Romania, Mehedinţi County); Fundătura, Pâhneşti, Epureni (eastern Romania, Vaslui County); and Schitu (southern Romania, Giurgiu County). Of the total number of collected sand flies (n = 251), 209 (83.27%) were Phlebotomus neglectus, 39 (15.53%) P. perfiliewi, 1 (0.40%) P. papatasi, 1 (0.40%) P. balcanicus and 1 (0.40%) P. sergenti (sensu lato). CONCLUSIONS We confirmed the presence of five sand fly species previously recorded in Romania. However, their updated distribution differs from historical data. The diversity of sand fly species in Romania and their presence in areas with Mediterranean climatic influences constitutes a threat for the reemergence of vector-borne diseases. In the context of CanL and VL reemergence in Romania, but also due to imported cases of the diseases in both humans and dogs, updates on vector distribution are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Raluca Păstrav
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gizem Oguz
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozge Erisoz Kasap
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vit Dvorak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Halada
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bulent Alten
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Latrofa MS, Iatta R, Dantas-Torres F, Annoscia G, Gabrielli S, Pombi M, Gradoni L, Otranto D. Detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in phlebotomine sand flies from an area where canine leishmaniosis is endemic in southern Italy. Vet Parasitol 2018; 253:39-42. [PMID: 29605001 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) are vectors of Leishmania spp., among which Leishmania infantum is recognized as the main agent of human and canine leishmaniosis (CanL) in the Mediterranean area. In this study, females of Phlebotomus spp. (P. perniciosus, P. neglectus and P. papatasi) and Sergentomyia minuta were collected in a dog shelter of southern Italy, where CanL is endemic, and examined for Leishmania DNA. In total, 32 out of 56 of Phlebotomus spp. insects (57.1%) were found positive for L. infantum DNA by quantitative PCR (qPCR), with a mean parasite load of 1.9 × 103 promastigotes/ml among 23 positive P. perniciosus and 2.1 × 103 promastigotes/ml among five positive P. neglectus. Four P. papatasi, a species known to be refractory to L. infantum development, were also found positive. Among 216 S. minuta specimens examined, 25 (11.6%) scored positive for Leishmania tarentolae by conventional nested PCR; two (16.7%) of them were also positive for lizard blood, which is in agreement with the feeding preference of this phlebotomine species. Nine S. minuta (4.2%) were positive for L. infantum by qPCR, with a mean parasite load of 1.62 × 102 promastigotes/ml. The detection of L. infantum DNA in S. minuta may suggest that this species could acquire the protozoan, occasionally feeding on infected dogs. Further investigations need to clarify the potential role that S. minuta may have in the transmission of L. infantum to receptive mammal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pombi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Gradoni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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