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Rocha R, Conceição C, Gonçalves L, Carvalho AC, Maia A, Martins A, Carujo A, Maio A, Forra C, Melita C, Couto D, Fernandes D, Pereira D, Leal E, Sarmento H, Sousa I, Gonçalves JP, Marinho J, Vasconcelos J, Cunha J, Rodrigues J, Silva JM, Caley L, Malheiro L, Santos L, Garcia M, Cunha M, Lima M, Andrade MM, Marques M, Alpalhão M, Silva M, Ferraz R, Soares R, Fernandes S, Llobet S, Cruz S, Guimarães T, Branco T, Robalo-Nunes T, Almeida V, Maia C. Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Cutaneous and Mucosal Leishmaniases in Portugal: Retrospective Analysis of Cases Diagnosed in Public Hospitals and Reported in the Literature between 2010 and 2020. Microorganisms 2024; 12:819. [PMID: 38674763 PMCID: PMC11052487 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040819] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum, a zoonotic vector-born parasite, is endemic in the Mediterranean region, presenting mostly as visceral (VL), but also as cutaneous (CL) and mucosal leishmaniasis (ML). This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the CL and ML cases diagnosed in mainland Portugal between 2010 and 2020. Collaboration was requested from every hospital of the Portuguese National Health System. Cases were screened through a search of diagnostic discharge codes or positive laboratory results for Leishmania infection. Simultaneously, a comprehensive literature search was performed. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing were performed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics. A total of 43 CL and 7 ML cases were identified, with a predominance of autochthonous cases (86%). In CL, immunosuppressed individuals constituted a significant proportion of patients (48%), and in this group, disseminated CL (22%) and simultaneous VL (54%) were common. In autochthonous cases, lesions, mostly papules/nodules (62%), were frequently observed on the head (48%). The approach to treatment was very heterogeneous. ML cases were all autochthonous, were diagnosed primarily in older immunosuppressed individuals, and were generally treated with liposomal amphotericin B. The findings suggest a need for enhanced surveillance and reporting, clinical awareness, and diagnostic capacity of these forms of leishmaniasis to mitigate underdiagnosis and improve patient outcomes. A holistic One Health approach is advocated to address the multifaceted challenges posed by leishmaniases in Portugal and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rocha
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.); (C.C.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Conceição
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.); (C.C.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luzia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.); (C.C.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Z-Stat4life, Espaço Cowork Baldaya, Palácio Baldaya, Estrada de Benfica N° 701ª, 1549-011 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - André Maia
- Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Avenida da Noruega, 5000-508 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - André Martins
- Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira Guimarães, Rua dos Cutileiros, Creixomil, 4835-044 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António Carujo
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Rua Prof. Vicente José de Carvalho N° 37, 4050-366 Porto, Portugal
| | - António Maio
- Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga, Av. Artur Ravara, 3810-501 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catarina Forra
- Unidade Local de Saúde de Castelo Branco, Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral, 6000-085 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Catarina Melita
- Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, IC 19, 2720-276 Amadora, Portugal
| | - Daniela Couto
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Alameda Pêro da Covilhã, 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Diana Fernandes
- Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Rua das Olhalvas, 2410-197 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Dulce Pereira
- Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Avenida Rei D. Duarte, 3504-509 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Ema Leal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Rua José António Serrano, 1150-199 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Sarmento
- Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira Guimarães, Rua dos Cutileiros, Creixomil, 4835-044 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Inês Sousa
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jean-Pierre Gonçalves
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Marinho
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Praceta Professor Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Vasconcelos
- Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Rua da Junqueira N° 126, 1349-019 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - João Cunha
- Hospital Distrital de Santarém, Avenida Bernardo Santareno, 2005-177 Santarém, Portugal
| | - João Rodrigues
- Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda, Avenida Rainha Dona Amélia, 6300-858 Guarda, Portugal
| | - José Miguel Silva
- Unidade Local de Saúde do Norte Alentejano, Avenida de Santo António, Apartado 234, 7301-853 Portalegre, Portugal
| | - Lídia Caley
- Centro Hospitalar do Médio Tejo, Avenida Maria de Lourdes de Mello Castro, Ap. 118, 2304-909 Tomar, Portugal
| | - Luís Malheiro
- Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Rua Conceição Fernandes, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Luís Santos
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Rua José António Serrano, 1150-199 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida Garcia
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Rua José António Serrano, 1150-199 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Cunha
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Lima
- Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal, Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Apartado 140, 2910-446 Setúbal, Portugal
| | - Maria Margarida Andrade
- Hospital de Cascais Dr. José de Almeida, Avenida Brigadeiro Victor Novais Gonçalves, 2755-009 Alcabideche, Portugal
| | - Marta Marques
- Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Avenida Rei D. Duarte, 3504-509 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Miguel Alpalhão
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica Silva
- Centro Hospitalar Barreiro Montijo, Avenida Movimento das Forças Armadas, 2834-003 Barreiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferraz
- Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa, Avenida do Hospital Padre Américo, N° 210, Guilhufe, 4560-136 Penafiel, Portugal;
| | - Rui Soares
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra Francisco Gentil, Avenida Bissaya Barreto N° 98, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Salomão Fernandes
- Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Avenida Carlos Teixeira, N° 3, 2674-514 Loures, Portugal
| | - Samuel Llobet
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia Cruz
- Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira, Estrada Carlos Lima Costa N°2, 2600-009 Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal
| | - Teresa Guimarães
- Unidade Local de Saúde do Nordeste, Avenida Abade de Baçal, 5301-852 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Tiago Branco
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, Rua Leão Penedo, 8000-386 Faro, Portugal
| | - Tomás Robalo-Nunes
- Hospital Garcia de Orta, Avenida Torrado da Silva, 2805-267 Almada, Portugal
| | - Vasco Almeida
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Rua José António Serrano, 1150-199 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.); (C.C.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
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Fernández-Arévalo A, González E, Ballart C, Martín-Martín I, Tebar S, Muñoz C, Jiménez M, Molina R, Gállego M. Typing of Leishmania isolates from vectors and leporids of the Madrid (Spain) outbreak. Parasitology 2024; 151:213-219. [PMID: 38105582 PMCID: PMC10941034 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001336] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
In 2009, a large outbreak of leishmaniasis, associated with environmental changes, was declared near Madrid (Spain), in which Phlebotomus perniciosus was the vector, whereas the main reservoirs were hares and rabbits. Analysis of isolates from humans, vectors and leporids from the focus identified the Leishmania infantum ITS-Lombardi genotype. However, multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE), the reference technique for Leishmania typing, and sequencing of the hsp70 gene, a commonly used marker, were not performed. In the present study, 19 isolates from P. perniciosus (n = 11), hares (n = 5) and rabbits (n = 3) from the outbreak area, all characterized as ITS-Lombardi in previous studies, were analysed by MLEE and hsp70 sequencing. The hsp70 results confirmed that all the analysed strains are L. infantum. However, by MLEE, 4 different zymodemes of L. infantum were identified based on variable mobilities of the NP1 enzyme: MON-34 (NP1100, n = 11), MON-80 (NP1130, n = 6), MON-24 (NP1140, n = 1) and MON-331 (NP1150, n = 1). The relative frequency of these zymodemes does not correspond to their usual occurrence in Spain. Moreover, MON-34 and MON-80 were found in P. perniciosus, hares and rabbits for the first time. These findings continue to provide insights into the outbreak and call for further studies with a higher number of strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fernández-Arévalo
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estela González
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Cristina Ballart
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Martín-Martín
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Silvia Tebar
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Muñoz
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gállego
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
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Martínez-Sáez L, Dulac Q, Montaner-Angoiti E, Marín-García PJ, Llobat L. Prevalence and Factors Related to Leishmania infantum Infection in Healthy Horses ( Equus caballus) from Eastern Spain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2889. [PMID: 37760289 PMCID: PMC10525090 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182889] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is a zoonosis caused by Leishmania spp., an intracellular protozoan parasite. This parasite is transmitted by sandflies, and the disease is endemic in the Mediterranean basin. In recent years, the number of species which could be a reservoir of the parasite is increased. One of the most relevant species is the horse, due to their contact with humans and ability to control the disease, thus being a possible silent reservoir. In this study, we have analyzed the prevalence and factors related to L. infantum infection in healthy horses in the Mediterranean region. Epidemiological data and serum samples were obtained from 167 apparently healthy horses, and the presence of L. infantum was evaluated via the ELISA method and real-time PCR. The results show 27.5% of prevalence and that the main factors related to infection are equine breed, morphotype, outdoor living, use, and season. In conclusion, the prevalence of L. infantum infection in apparently healthy horses from eastern Spain (Mediterranean basin) is elevated. To control this zoonosis, it would be advisable to carry out more studies on this and other species that could be silent reservoirs of the parasite, as well as carry out measures such as the use of repellents on a regular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Martínez-Sáez
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
| | - Quentin Dulac
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
| | - Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
| | - Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASASPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
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Hammarström H, Moreno J, Dotevall L, Calander AM. Leishmania infantum infection after visiting southern Spain in patients on biological treatment; an observational, longitudinal, cohort study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 53:102570. [PMID: 37001789 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports of leishmaniasis in immunosuppressed patients after visiting the Mediterranean Basin are becoming increasingly common. Still, awareness of the risk of infection and its clinical manifestations may be insufficient among healthcare professionals in the travellers' home countries. METHODS This observational, longitudinal study included 47 patients from Sweden with rheumatic disease and ongoing immunomodulatory treatment, who visited a rehabilitation centre in southern Spain where leishmaniasis is endemic. Patients were evaluated for clinical signs of leishmaniasis at baseline and after three years. Patients with leishmaniasis were followed for 4-5 years. The treatment outcome was assessed by clinical evaluation and determination of the cell-mediated immunological response to Leishmania by a whole blood cytokine release assay. RESULTS Seven patients (15%) were diagnosed with leishmaniasis. The median time from exposure to the onset of symptoms was 3 [1-17] months. The median delay between the onset of symptoms and treatment start was 9 [1-12] months. All patients with leishmaniasis responded well to treatment. Only one patient had a relapse, which occurred within the first year. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the increased risk of leishmaniasis for travellers who are immunosuppressed. Knowledge of the symptoms is crucial for a timely diagnosis and early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Hammarström
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Javier Moreno
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERINFEC, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leif Dotevall
- Department of Communicable Disease Control, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Marie Calander
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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