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Tsakmakidis I, Lefkaditis M, Zaralis K, Arsenos G. Alternative hosts of Leishmania infantum: a neglected parasite in Europe. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:128. [PMID: 38630347 PMCID: PMC11189345 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Multi-host pathogens that infect various animal species and humans are considered of great importance for public and animal health. Leishmania spp. parasites are a characteristic example of such pathogens. Although leishmaniosis in humans is endemic for about 100 countries around the world it is classified as a neglected tropical disease. There are three main forms of leishmaniosis in humans: cutaneous (CL), visceral (VL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniosis (MCL). Each year, about 30,000 new cases of VL and more than 1 million new cases of CL are recorded. In Europe L. infantum is the dominant species with dogs being reservoir hosts. Apart from dogs, infection has been recorded in various animals, which suggests that other species could play a role in the maintenance of the parasite in nature. Herein we provide an in-depth review of the literature with respect to studies that deal with Leishmania infantum infections in domestic and wild animal species in Europe. Given the fact that domesticated and wild animals could contribute to the incidences of leishmaniosis in humans, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review which could potentially be used for the development of measures when it comes to the control of the Leishmania infantum parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsakmakidis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Zaralis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece.
| | - Georgios Arsenos
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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2
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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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3
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Pereira NCL, Michalsky ÉM, Alonso C, Pinheiro LC, Lara-Silva FO, Lima NA, Nobi RCA, de Mello HES, Fortes-Dias CL, Dias ES. Survey of phlebotomine sand fly fauna in a public Zoo in Brazil: Species diversity, seasonality, and host variety. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 44:100917. [PMID: 37652636 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100917] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a dynamic disease in which transmission conditions change due to environmental and human behavioral factors. Epidemiological analyses have shown modifications in the spread profile and growing urbanization of the disease, justifying the expansion of endemic areas and increasing number of cases in dogs and humans. In the city of Belo Horizonte, located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais (Brazil), visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic, with a typical urban transmission pattern, but with different regional prevalence. This study was conducted at the Zoo of the Foundation of Municipal Parks and Zoobotany of Belo Horizonte (FPMZB-BH), located in the Pampulha region, which is among the areas most severely affected by VL. This study aimed to determine the taxonomic diversity of native phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae), identify climatic variables that potentially affect the phenology of these insects, and determine the blood meal sources for female phlebotomine sand flies. To achieve this, 10 mammal enclosures in the zoo were selected using the presence of possible leishmaniasis reservoirs as a selection criterion, and sampled using light traps between August 2019 and August 2021. A total of 6034 phlebotomine sand flies were collected, indicating nine species, with Lutzomyia longipalpis being the very abundant species (65.35% of the total). Of the 108 engorged phlebotomine collected females, seven samples (6.5%) were positive for blood meals from humans, marsupials, canids, and birds. Relative humidity and rainfall increased the phenology of phlebotomine sand flies, with population increases in the hottest and wettest months. The data obtained will provide guidelines for competent health agencies to implement vector control measures to reduce the risk of leishmaniasis transmission in the FPMZB-BH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathália Cristina Lima Pereira
- René Rachou Institute (IRR), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, CEP 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Érika Monteiro Michalsky
- René Rachou Institute (IRR), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, CEP 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Caroline Alonso
- René Rachou Institute (IRR), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, CEP 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Letícia Cavalari Pinheiro
- René Rachou Institute (IRR), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, CEP 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Oliveira Lara-Silva
- René Rachou Institute (IRR), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, CEP 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nathália Albergaria Lima
- René Rachou Institute (IRR), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, CEP 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Regina Celi Antunes Nobi
- Foundation of Municipal Parks and Zoobotany of Belo Horizonte, Av. Otacílio Negrão de Lima, 8000, CEP 31365-450 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Humberto Espírito Santo de Mello
- Foundation of Municipal Parks and Zoobotany of Belo Horizonte, Av. Otacílio Negrão de Lima, 8000, CEP 31365-450 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Consuelo Latorre Fortes-Dias
- Ezequiel Dias Foundation (FUNED), Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, CEP 30550-010 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Edelberto Santos Dias
- René Rachou Institute (IRR), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, CEP 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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4
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Iatta R, Zatelli A, Laricchiuta P, Legrottaglie M, Modry D, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Leishmania infantum in Tigers and Sand Flies from a Leishmaniasis-Endemic Area, Southern Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:1311-1314. [PMID: 32441622 PMCID: PMC7258470 DOI: 10.3201/eid2606.191668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We detected Leishmania infantum infection in 45% of tigers and 5.3% of sand flies tested at a zoo in southern Italy in 2019. These infections in tigers and the abundance of Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies represent a potential risk to other animals and humans living in or visiting the zoo.
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Cardoso L, Schallig H, Persichetti MF, Pennisi MG. New Epidemiological Aspects of Animal Leishmaniosis in Europe: The Role of Vertebrate Hosts Other Than Dogs. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030307. [PMID: 33800782 PMCID: PMC8000700 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Leishmania parasites can lead to severe disease in humans and dogs, which act as a reservoir in zoonotic transmission. An increasing number of reports suggest that leishmaniosis is not restricted to dogs, but also affects many other mammalian and avian species. Consequently, this expands the potential reservoir and is of great public and veterinary health concern. The present study reviews, based on a comprehensive search of scientific literature published from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2020, the currently available information on animal leishmaniosis in vertebrates in Europe, other than dogs and humans. This review provides an exhaustive list of mammals and birds in which infections with or exposure to Leishmania parasites have been detected in European countries. Most cases are reported from the Mediterranean region. Domestic animals, in particular cats, pose a concern because of close contact with humans. The wildlife reservoir is less likely to contribute to zoonotic transmission, with the exception of hares. This potentially large reservoir needs to be taken into account when developing control measures for zoonotic leishmaniosis. From a veterinary point of view, it is important that veterinarians are better aware of leishmaniosis and trained in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Henk Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Experimental Parasitology Section, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria Flaminia Persichetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
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Muñoz C, Martínez-de la Puente J, Figuerola J, Pérez-Cutillas P, Navarro R, Ortuño M, Bernal LJ, Ortiz J, Soriguer R, Berriatua E. Molecular xenomonitoring and host identification of Leishmania sand fly vectors in a Mediterranean periurban wildlife park. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:2546-2561. [PMID: 31376338 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiological cycle of zoonotic phlebotomine-borne Leishmania infantum is a complex system in which domestic animals and wildlife interact and participate in its maintenance and transmission. In this study, we combined entomological surveillance, xenomonitoring of L. infantum and identification of host feeding sources of engorged females to investigate the potential contribution of a periurban wildlife park to leishmaniosis in neighbouring residential areas. Overall, 7,309 sand flies were collected in 111 trap-days during the summers of 2016-2018 in an endemic area in south-east Spain. Five different sand fly species were captured, with Phlebotomus perniciosus, the main L. infantum vector in this region, representing the most common species. Sand fly distribution was spatially heterogeneous in terms of species, sexes and female physiological stage (unfed, gravid and engorged females) and related to host distribution and management, and environmental features. None of the 602 sand flies analysed for L. infantum infection by kinetoplast real-time PCR were positive. We used molecular tools to identify the vertebrate hosts of sand flies and identified 17 host species, mainly mammals. Human DNA was not identified in engorged sand flies. This study provides evidence that wildlife parks in south-east Spain are ideal grounds for sand fly vectors but do not necessarily increase L. infantum infection risk to humans and dogs living in surrounding residential areas. This is probably because vectors feed mostly on non-L. infantum competent hosts and this should be investigated for a better understanding of the contribution of wildlife parks to the local epidemiology of L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Pedro Pérez-Cutillas
- Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain.,Departamento de Geografía, Facultad de Letras, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - María Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis J Bernal
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juana Ortiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Serological evidence of Leishmania infection by employing ELISA and rapid tests in captive felids and canids in Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 17:100308. [PMID: 31303228 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis and the dog is considered the most important urban reservoir. Cases in cats have been reported, but little is known about Leishmania infection and disease in wild felids and canids kept in captivity in endemic areas. Thus, the serological pattern of wild felids and canids kept in captivity at the Belo Horizonte Zoological Garden was investigated using two primary antigens for conventional ELISA: k39 and rKDDR, as well as three serological rapid kits: Dual Path Platform (DPP®) immunochromatographic test, rKDDR Immunochromatographic assay and ELISA SNAP Leishmania IDEXX®. A total of 21 serum samples, 13 of wild felids and 8 wild canids of varying age and sex were evaluated. The results obtained in the tests were analyzed by agreement using Kappa coefficient, and between ELISA antigens all the analysis performed had showed significant agreement among both of them, as well between the three immunochromatographic tests. The results demonstrated that there is serological evidence of wild animals seropositive for Leishmania antibodies at the Belo Horizonte Zoological Garden, and that all the antigens and rapid tests used can be employed in serological screening for VL in wild felids and canids.
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Mol JPS, Soave SA, Turchetti AP, Pinheiro GRG, Pessanha AT, Malta MCC, Tinoco HP, Figueiredo LA, Gontijo NF, Paixão TA, Fujiwara RT, Santos RL. Transmissibility of Leishmania infantum from maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) to Lutzomyia longipalpis. Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:86-91. [PMID: 26342623 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is the cause of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. The disease is transmitted mostly through the bite of the invertebrate vector, the phlebotomine Lutzomyia longipalpis in the New World. Although the domestic dog is considered the most important reservoir of the disease, other mammalian, including wildlife, are susceptible to infection. The goal of this study was to perform xenodiagnosis to evaluate the capacity of naturally infected maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) to transmit Leishmania infantum to female sand flies (L. longipalpis). Xenodiagnoses were performed in February and August, 2013, when 77.7% (three maned wolves and four bush dogs) or 100% of the animals were positive, respectively. However, parasite loads in the engorged sand flies was low (<200 promastigotes and <150.2 parasites/μg of DNA). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two species or the two time points (February and August). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that maned wolves (C. brachyurus) and bush dogs (S. venaticus) asymptomatically infected with L. infantum are capable of transmitting L. infantum to the invertebrate host L. longipalpis, although the parasite loads in engorged phlebotomines exposed to these animals were very low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana P S Mol
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Semíramis A Soave
- Departamento de Jardim Zoológico da Fundação Zoo-Botânica de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Andréia P Turchetti
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Guilherme R G Pinheiro
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Angela T Pessanha
- Departamento de Jardim Zoológico da Fundação Zoo-Botânica de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo C C Malta
- Departamento de Jardim Zoológico da Fundação Zoo-Botânica de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Herlandes P Tinoco
- Departamento de Jardim Zoológico da Fundação Zoo-Botânica de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiza A Figueiredo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Nelder F Gontijo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Tatiane A Paixão
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Renato L Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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10
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Lombardi MC, Turchetti AP, Tinoco HP, Pessanha AT, Soave SA, Malta MC, Paixão TA, Santos RL. Diagnosis of Leishmania infantum infection by Polymerase Chain Reaction in wild mammals. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2014001200017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Leishmania infantum (synonym: Leishmania chagasi) and transmitted by the sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis in Brazil. It is an endemic zoonosis in several regions of the country, including Belo Horizonte (State of Minas Gerais). In urban areas, the domestic dog is susceptible and considered the most important animal reservoir. However, L. infantum has been previously diagnosed in other species, including captive primates and canids. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of the agent DNA in captive animals as well as some free ranging animals from the Zoo-Botanical Foundation of Belo Horizonte by Polymerase Chain Reaction. Eighty one blood samples from primates, carnivores, ruminants, edentates, marsupial, and a monogastric herbivore were analyzed. Three primates Alouatta guariba (brown howler monkey), and two canids Speothos venaticus (bush dog) were positive, demonstrating the importance of leishmaniasis control in endemic areas for preservation of wildlife species in captivity.
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Díaz-Sáez V, Merino-Espinosa G, Morales-Yuste M, Corpas-López V, Pratlong F, Morillas-Márquez F, Martín-Sánchez J. High rates of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma nabiasi infection in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in sympatric and syntrophic conditions in an endemic canine leishmaniasis area: epidemiological consequences. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:119-27. [PMID: 24774436 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infection has been reported in various host species, both domestic and wild, in some cases with high prevalence rates. However, until the recent discovery of infected hares, no studies had provided clear evidence of any significant reservoir other than domestic dogs. Our focus was on another lagomorph, Oryctolagus cuniculus or wild rabbit. This species is native to the Iberian Peninsula and its presence and abundance gave rise to the name of Spain. In an endemic area for canine leishmaniasis in the southeast of Spain, 150 rabbits were captured over a period of three years. Samples of blood, bone marrow, liver, spleen, heart and skin were taken and analysed through parasitological, serological and molecular techniques in order to detect Leishmania and Trypanosoma. 20.7% of the rabbits were infected with L. infantum and 82.4% with Trypanosoma nabiasi, and 14.8% of mixed infections were detected. Both parasites were found in all the animal organs analysed, a factor which, along with the presence of serological cross-reactions, must be taken into account in epidemiological studies on leishmaniasis. O. cuniculus is an abundant and gregarious species, with a long enough average lifespan to ensure L. infantum transmission. The presence of the parasite in the skin and blood of these rabbits with no acute manifestation of disease ensures its contact with the vector, which finds in their warrens a suitable biotope to inhabit. The rabbit therefore seems to meet the most of conditions for being considered a reservoir host of L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Díaz-Sáez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain
| | - G Merino-Espinosa
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain
| | - M Morales-Yuste
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain
| | - V Corpas-López
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain
| | - F Pratlong
- Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie CHRU de Montpellier Centre National de Référence des Leishmanioses, Montpellier, France
| | - F Morillas-Márquez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain
| | - J Martín-Sánchez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071 Granada, Spain.
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Souza TD, Turchetti AP, Fujiwara RT, Paixão TA, Santos RL. Visceral leishmaniasis in zoo and wildlife. Vet Parasitol 2013; 200:233-41. [PMID: 24439771 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an emerging zoonosis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Although the domestic dog is the main vertebrate host, many zoo and wild mammal species have been diagnosed with L. infantum infection, especially in endemic areas. There are many available diagnostic approaches, including serological, parasitological and molecular tests. Among wild animals, carnivores and primates are more often clinically affected, with some species, such as the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) being especially susceptible to development of clinical signs. There are also reports and research articles of VL in felids, rodents, and marsupials. This work aims to review the occurrence of VL in zoo and wildlife and raise awareness of its importance in the field of conservational veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayse Domingues Souza
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andréia Pereira Turchetti
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Alves Paixão
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato Lima Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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