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de Souza VK, Schott D, Wagner PGC, Pavarini SP, Alievi MM, Valle SF, Soares JF. Emergence of Mansonella sp. in free-ranging primates in southern Brazil. Primates 2023; 64:153-159. [PMID: 36509890 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-022-01038-5] [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: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mansonellosis is a neglected and emerging tropical disease. Among all zoonotic filarial diseases, it is probably the most prevalent and least studied, with approximately 114 million people infected. The parasites of Mansonella spp. are among the most common blood parasitemias and are widely found in Africa and Latin America. Through molecular analysis of blood samples from free-ranging primates Sapajus nigritus (n 33) and Alouatta guariba clamitans (n 5) in the southern states of Brazil (Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul), we identified samples positive for Mansonella perstans in two specimens of A. guariba clamitans. A fragment of 578 bp from the ITS intergenic region (5.8S-ITS2-28S) was targeted for an initial PCR screening. Subsequently, positive samples were subjected to other PCR assays targeting a fragment of the 12S and the 18S genes. This is the first record of molecular detection of the agent in this host in the Pampa Biome. With a wide distribution across Brazil and Argentina, these primates may represent a potential wild reservoir for the zoonotic agent of mansonellosis. Entomological and transmission studies are essential to avoid the urbanization of mansonellosis and to understand the cycles of agents in different environmental scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Kelin de Souza
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (Protozoovet), Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Diogo Schott
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca (ENSP), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Saulo Petinatti Pavarini
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Meller Alievi
- Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias, Núcleo de Conservação e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres (Preservas), UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Stella Faria Valle
- Laboratório de Análises Clínicas Veterinárias (LACVET), Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - João Fábio Soares
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (Protozoovet), Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
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Pilotte N, Thomas T, Zulch MF, Sirois AR, Minetti C, Reimer LJ, Williams SA, Saunders LJ. Targeting a highly repetitive genomic sequence for sensitive and specific molecular detection of the filarial parasite Mansonella perstans from human blood and mosquitoes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010615. [PMID: 36580452 PMCID: PMC9833530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mansonella perstans is among the most neglected of the neglected tropical diseases and is believed to cause more human infections than any other filarial pathogen in Africa. Based largely upon assumptions of limited infection-associated morbidity, this pathogen remains understudied, and many basic questions pertaining to its pathogenicity, distribution, prevalence, and vector-host relationships remain unanswered. However, in recent years, mounting evidence of the potential for increased Mansonella infection-associated disease has sparked a renewal in research interest. This, in turn, has produced a need for improved diagnostics, capable of providing more accurate pictures of infection prevalence, pathogen distribution, and vector-host interactions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Utilizing a previously described pipeline for the discovery of optimal molecular diagnostic targets, we identified a repetitive DNA sequence, and developed a corresponding assay, which allows for the sensitive and species-specific identification of M. perstans in human blood samples. Testing also demonstrated the ability to utilize this assay for the detection of M. perstans in field-collected mosquito samples. When testing both sample types, our repeat-targeting index assay outperformed a ribosomal sequence-targeting reference assay, facilitating the identification of additional M. perstans-positive samples falsely characterized as "negative" using the less sensitive detection method. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Through the development of an assay based upon the systematic identification of an optimal DNA target sequence, our novel diagnostic assay will provide programmatic efforts with a sensitive and specific testing platform that is capable of accurately mapping M. perstans infection and determining prevalence. Furthermore, with the added ability to identify the presence of M. perstans in mosquito samples, this assay will help to define our knowledge of the relationships that exist between this pathogen and the various geographically relevant mosquito species, which have been surmised to represent potential secondary vectors under certain conditions. Detection of M. perstans in mosquitoes will also demonstrate proof-of-concept for the mosquito-based monitoring of filarial pathogens not vectored primarily by mosquitoes, an approach expanding opportunities for integrated surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Pilotte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Tamara Thomas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Zulch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Allison R. Sirois
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Corrado Minetti
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa J. Reimer
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Steven A. Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lori J. Saunders
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Yoboue CA, Hosch S, Donfack OT, Guirou EA, Nlavo BM, Ayekaba MO, Guerra C, Phiri WP, Garcia GA, Schindler T, Daubenberger CA. Characterising co-infections with Plasmodium spp., Mansonella perstans or Loa loa in asymptomatic children, adults and elderly people living on Bioko Island using nucleic acids extracted from malaria rapid diagnostic tests. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0009798. [PMID: 35100277 PMCID: PMC8830708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regular and comprehensive epidemiological surveys of the filarial nematodes Mansonella perstans and Loa loa in children, adolescents and adults living across Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea are lacking. We aimed to demonstrate that blood retained on malaria rapid diagnostic tests, commonly deployed for malaria surveys, could be used as a source of nucleic acids for molecular based detection of M. perstans and L. loa. We wanted to determine the positivity rate and distribution of filarial nematodes across different age groups and geographical areas as well as to understand level of co-infections with malaria in an asymptomatic population. Methodology M. perstans, L. loa and Plasmodium spp. parasites were monitored by qPCR in a cross-sectional study using DNA extracted from a subset malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) collected during the annual malaria indicator survey conducted on Bioko Island in 2018. Principal findings We identified DNA specific for the two filarial nematodes investigated among 8.2% (263) of the 3214 RDTs screened. Positivity rates of M. perstans and L. loa were 6.6% and 1.5%, respectively. M. perstans infection were more prominent in male (10.5%) compared to female (3.9%) survey participants. M. perstans parasite density and positivity rate was higher among older people and the population living in rural areas. The socio-economic status of participants strongly influenced the infection rate with people belonging to the lowest socio-economic quintile more than 3 and 5 times more likely to be L. loa and M. perstans infected, respectively. No increased risk of being co-infected with Plasmodium spp. parasites was observed among the different age groups. Conclusions/Significance We found otherwise asymptomatic individuals were infected with M. perstans and L. loa. Our study demonstrates that employing mRDTs probed with blood for malaria testing represents a promising, future tool to preserve and ship NAs at room temperature to laboratories for molecular, high-throughput diagnosis and genotyping of blood-dwelling nematode filarial infections. Using this approach, asymptomatic populations can be reached and surveyed for infectious diseases beyond malaria. Mansonella perstans and Loa loa are filarial nematodes that infect millions of people living in less developed areas, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. Both parasites are neglected among other filarial nematodes because both are regarded as causing mainly asymptomatic infections. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) deployed during malaria surveys as a convenient sampling strategy for molecular surveillance of blood-dwelling filarial nematode infections. Our findings demonstrate the potential of mRDTs as a source of parasite DNA beyond malaria, providing an opportunity to expand current knowledge on the distribution and populations mostly affected by M. perstans and L. loa infections to Equatorial Guinea, located in Central-West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Aya Yoboue
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Salome Hosch
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Etienne A. Guirou
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Carlos Guerra
- Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Wonder P. Phiri
- Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | | | - Tobias Schindler
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (TS); (CAD)
| | - Claudia A. Daubenberger
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (TS); (CAD)
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Sandri TL, Kreidenweiss A, Cavallo S, Weber D, Juhas S, Rodi M, Woldearegai TG, Gmeiner M, Veletzky L, Ramharter M, Tazemda-Kuitsouc GB, Matsiegui PB, Mordmüller B, Held J. Molecular Epidemiology of Mansonella Species in Gabon. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:287-296. [PMID: 33099649 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mansonella perstans, a filarial nematode, infects large populations in Africa and Latin America. Recently, a potential new species, Mansonella sp "DEUX," was reported. Carriage of endosymbiotic Wolbachia opens treatment options for Mansonella infections. Within a cross-sectional study, we assessed the prevalence of filarial infections in 834 Gabonese individuals and the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia. Almost half of the participants (400/834 [48%]) were infected with filarial nematodes, with Mansonella sp "DEUX" being the most frequent (295/400 [74%]), followed by Loa loa (273/400 [68%]) and Mansonella perstans (82/400 [21%]). Being adult/elderly, male, and living in rural areas was associated with a higher risk of infection. Wolbachia carriage was confirmed in M. perstans and Mansonella sp "DEUX." In silico analysis revealed that Mansonella sp "DEUX" is not detected with currently published M. perstans-specific assays. Mansonella infections are highly prevalent in Gabon and might have been underreported, likely also beyond Gabon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaisa Lucas Sandri
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Laboratory of Molecular Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Andrea Kreidenweiss
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon Cavallo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - David Weber
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sascha Juhas
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Miriam Rodi
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tamirat Gebru Woldearegai
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Gmeiner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luzia Veletzky
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jana Held
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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5
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Assessment of the burden of malaria and bacteraemia by retrospective molecular diagnosis in febrile illnesses and first-line anti-infectives in Côte d'Ivoire. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 43:102105. [PMID: 34146685 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aetiologies of fever are poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to assess the burden of malaria and bacteria in Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS Blood samples from 438 febrile and 346 afebrile people were screened using molecular tools. RESULTS Plasmodium falciparum was the most common microorganism associated with fever (46.8% in febrile, 23.4% in afebrile people; p < 0.001). Bacteraemia was detected in 21.7% of febrile people and 12.7% of afebrile people (p = 0.001). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the main cause of bacteraemia (7.1% of febrile and 0.6% of afebrile individuals; p < 0.001). Non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. was detected in 4.5% of febrile people and 1.2% of afebrile individuals (p < 0.001). Salmonella enterica Typhi and S. enterica Paratyphi were only detected in febrile subjects (1.4% and 2.1%), as well as Tropheryma whipplei (0.9%), Streptococcus pyogenes (0.7%), and Plasmodium ovale (4.6%). The prevalence in febrile and afebrile people was similar for Staphylococcus aureus (3.6-4.9%), Rickettsia felis (5.5-6.4%), Mansonella perstans (3.0-3.2%), and Plasmodium malariae (1.6-2.3%). Comorbidities were higher in febrile than in afebrile subjects (10.3% versus 5.5%; p = 0.01); 82% involving P. falciparum. All patients co-infected with P. falciparum and S. pneumoniae were febrile whereas 30% of those infected by P. falciparum alone were not (p = 0.02). Among febrile participants, 30.4% with malaria and 54.7% with bacteraemia had received neither antimalarial nor antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION Identification of etiologies of acute febrile diseases in sub-Saharan Africa proposes keys to successful treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Vaccination campaigns may decrease the morbidity of mono- and co-infections by preventable microorganisms.
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Doret MPM, Nana-Djeunga HC, Nzune-Toche N, Pion SDS, Chesnais CB, Boussinesq M, Kamgno J, Varlet-Marie E, Locatelli S. Limitations of PCR detection of filarial DNA in human stools from subjects non-infected with soil-transmitted helminths. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:47. [PMID: 34047694 PMCID: PMC8162058 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The standard techniques for diagnosis of human filariasis are the microscopic examination of blood smears or skin biopsies, which are relatively invasive and poorly sensitive at low levels of infection. Recently, filarial DNA has been detected in fecal samples from non-human primates in Central Africa. The aim of this study was to demonstrate proof-of-concept of a non-invasive molecular diagnosis technique for human filariasis by targeting fragments of 12S rDNA, Cox1, ITS1 and LL20-15kDa ladder antigen-gene by conventional PCR in DNA extracted from stool samples of 52 people infected with Mansonella perstans and/or Loa loa. Of these, 10 patients were infected with soil-transmitted helminths (Trichuris trichiura and/or Ascaris lumbricoides), and none were positive for Necator americanus. Interestingly, no filarial gene fragments were detected in the stools of any of the 52 patients. Future studies should evaluate whether a co-infection with soil-transmitted helminths causing gastrointestinal bleeding and likely allowing (micro)filaria exit into the digestive tract, may facilitate the molecular detection of filarial DNA fragments in stool samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime P M Doret
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-INSERM U1175-University of Montpellier, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Hugues C Nana-Djeunga
- Centre for Research on Filariasis and Other Tropical Diseases (CRFilMT), PO Box 5797 Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Narcisse Nzune-Toche
- Centre for Research on Filariasis and Other Tropical Diseases (CRFilMT), PO Box 5797 Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Sébastien D S Pion
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-INSERM U1175-University of Montpellier, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Cédric B Chesnais
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-INSERM U1175-University of Montpellier, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Michel Boussinesq
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-INSERM U1175-University of Montpellier, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Joseph Kamgno
- Centre for Research on Filariasis and Other Tropical Diseases (CRFilMT), PO Box 5797 Yaoundé, Cameroon - Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMBS), PO Box 1364 Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuelle Varlet-Marie
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Sabrina Locatelli
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-INSERM U1175-University of Montpellier, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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Drews SJ, Spencer BR, Wendel S, Bloch EM. Filariasis and transfusion-associated risk: a literature review. Vox Sang 2021; 116:741-754. [PMID: 33491765 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13073] [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: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Filariae are parasitic worms that include the pathogens Loa loa, Onchocerca volvulus, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia spp. and Mansonella spp. which are endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, Asia-Pacific, South and Central America. Filariae have a wide clinical spectrum spanning asymptomatic infection to chronic debilitating disease including blindness and lymphedema. Despite successful eradication programmes, filarial infections remain an important -albeit neglected - source of morbidity. We sought to characterize the risk of transfusion transmission of microfilaria with a view to guide mitigation practices in both endemic and non-endemic countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS A scoping review of scientific publications as well as grey literature was carried out by a group of domain experts in microbiology, transfusion medicine and infectious diseases, representing the parasite subgroup of the International Society of Blood Transfusion. RESULTS Cases of transfusion-transmitted filariasis are rare and confined to case reports of variable quality. Transfusion-associated adverse events related to microfilariae are confined to isolated reports of transfusion reactions. Serious outcomes have not been reported. No known strategies have been implemented, specifically, to mitigate transfusion-transmitted filariasis yet routine blood donor screening for other transfusion-transmissible infections (e.g. hepatitis B, malaria) may indirectly defer donors with microfilaremia in endemic areas. CONCLUSION Rare examples of transfusion-transmitted filariasis, without serious clinical effect, suggest that filariasis poses low transfusion risk. Dedicated mitigation strategies against filarial transfusion transmission are not recommended. Given endemicity in low-resource regions, priority should be on the control of filariasis with public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Drews
- Canadian Blood Services, Microbiology, Donor and Clinical Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Silvano Wendel
- Banco de Sangue Medical Director, Blood Bank, Hospital Sirio Libanês, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Evan M Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Transfusion Medicine Division, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Flaherty BR, Barratt J, Lane M, Talundzic E, Bradbury RS. Sensitive universal detection of blood parasites by selective pathogen-DNA enrichment and deep amplicon sequencing. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:1. [PMID: 33388088 PMCID: PMC7778815 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00939-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted amplicon deep sequencing (TADS) has enabled characterization of diverse bacterial communities, yet the application of TADS to communities of parasites has been relatively slow to advance. The greatest obstacle to this has been the genetic diversity of parasitic agents, which include helminths, protozoa, arthropods, and some acanthocephalans. Meanwhile, universal amplification of conserved loci from all parasites without amplifying host DNA has proven challenging. Pan-eukaryotic PCRs preferentially amplify the more abundant host DNA, obscuring parasite-derived reads following TADS. Flaherty et al. (2018) described a pan-parasitic TADS method involving amplification of eukaryotic 18S rDNA regions possessing restriction sites only in vertebrates. Using this method, host DNA in total DNA extracts could be selectively digested prior to PCR using restriction enzymes, thereby increasing the number of parasite-derived reads obtained following NGS. This approach showed promise though was only as sensitive as conventional PCR. RESULTS Here, we expand on this work by designing a second set of pan-eukaryotic primers flanking the priming sites already described, enabling nested PCR amplification of the established 18S rDNA target. This nested approach facilitated introduction of a second restriction digestion between the first and second PCR, reducing the proportional mass of amplifiable host-derived DNA while increasing the number of PCR amplification cycles. We applied this method to blood specimens containing Babesia, Plasmodium, various kinetoplastids, and filarial nematodes and confirmed its limit of detection (LOD) to be approximately 10-fold lower than previously described, falling within the range of most qPCR methods. CONCLUSIONS The assay detects and differentiates the major malaria parasites of humans, along with several other clinically important blood parasites. This represents an important step towards a TADS-based universal parasite diagnostic (UPDx) test with a sufficient LOD for routine applications. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana R Flaherty
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Joel Barratt
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA.
| | - Meredith Lane
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Synergy America Inc., Duluth, GA, USA
| | - Eldin Talundzic
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard S Bradbury
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, Ballarat, Australia.
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9
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Keita ML, Medkour H, Sambou M, Dahmana H, Mediannikov O. Tabanids as possible pathogen vectors in Senegal (West Africa). Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:500. [PMID: 33004069 PMCID: PMC7528383 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04375-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Species of the Tabanidae are potent vectors of human and animal diseases, but they have not been thoroughly investigated to date. In Senegal (West Africa), little information is available on these dipterans. Our objective in this study was to investigate Senegalese tabanids and their diversity by using molecular and proteomics approaches, as well as their associated pathogens. METHODS A total of 171 female tabanids were collected, including 143 from Casamance and 28 from Niokolo-Koba. The samples were identified morphologically by PCR sequencing and by MALDI-TOF MS, and PCR analysis was employed for pathogen detection and blood-meal characterization. RESULTS The morphological identification revealed four species concordantly with the molecular identification: Atylotus fuscipes (79.5%), Tabanus guineensis (16.4%), Chrysops distinctipennis (3.5%) and Tabanus taeniola (0.6%) (not identified by PCR). The molecular investigation of pathogens revealed the presence of Trypanosoma theileri (6.6%), Leishmania donovani (6.6%), Setaria digitata (1.5%), Rickettsia spp. (5.1%) and Anaplasmataceae bacteria (0.7%) in A. fuscipes. Tabanus guineensis was positive for L. donovani (35.7%), S. digitata (3.6%) and Anaplasmataceae (17.8%). Leishmania donovani has been detected in 50% of C. distinctipennis specimens and the only T. taeniola specimen. No Piroplasmida, Mansonella spp. or Coxeilla burnetii DNA was detected. In addition to humans (96.43%), Chlorocebus sabeus, a non-human primate, has been identified as a host of (3.57%) analysed tabanids. MALDI-TOF MS enabled us to correctly identify all tabanid species that had good quality spectra and to create a database for future identification. CONCLUSIONS Tabanids in Senegal could be vectors of several pathogens threatening animal and public health. To fully characterize these dipterans, it is therefore necessary that researchers in entomology and infectiology employ molecular characterization and mass spectrometric techniques such as MALDI-TOF MS to analyse these dipterans in Senegal and West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Lamine Keita
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), Marseille, France
- UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - Hacène Medkour
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), Marseille, France
- UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - Masse Sambou
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Vecteurs - Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France
- Vectors-Tropical and Mediterranean Infections (VITROME), Campus International, UCAD-IRD, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Handi Dahmana
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), Marseille, France
- UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), Marseille, France.
- UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France.
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Puente S, Lago M, Subirats M, Sanz-Esteban I, Arsuaga M, Vicente B, Alonso-Sardon M, Belhassen-Garcia M, Muro A. Imported Mansonella perstans infection in Spain. Infect Dis Poverty 2020; 9:105. [PMID: 32703283 PMCID: PMC7376953 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mansonella perstans infection can be considered one of the most neglected tropical infectious diseases. Very few studies have reported on the clinical picture caused by infection with this nematode. Therefore, our study was aimed to describe the clinical patterns and treatment of imported M. perstans infection by migrants from Africa. Methods The present study evaluated a large cohort of migrants who have been diagnosed, examined and treated for imported M. perstans infection at a Spanish reference center (Hospital Carlos III Tropical Medicine Unit, Madrid, Spain) over a 19-year period. Most patients voluntarily attend the emergency unit or are referred from primary care or general hospitals in Madrid. Chi-square test was used to compare the association between categorical variables. The continuous variables were compared by Student’s t-test or the Mann–Whitney test. The corresponding regression models were used for multivariate analysis. Results Five hundred three cases of migrants from tropical and subtropical areas with M. perstans infection were identified. Two hundred sixty-four patients were female (52.5%). The mean age (± SD) was 44.6 ± 18.2 years (range: 16–93 years). The mean time (± SD) between the arrival in Spain and the first consultation was 8.6 ± 18.0 months. The major origin of the patients was Equatorial Guinea (97.6%). Regarding the clinical picture, 257 patients were asymptomatic (54.7%) and 228 were symptomatic (45.3%); 190 patients had pruritus (37.8%), 50 (9.9%) had arthralgia, 18 patients had Calabar-like swelling (3.6%), and 15 (3%) had abdominal pain. Four hundred forty-two (87.9%) migrants had hyper-IgE, and 340 (67.6%) had eosinophilia. One hundred ninety-five patients had coinfections with other filarial nematodes (38.8%), and 308 migrants had only M. perstans infection (61.2%). Four hundred thirty-seven cases (86.9%) had been treated with anti-filarial drugs; 292 cases were treated with one anti-filarial drug, and 145 cases were treated with combined anti-filarial therapy. Additionally, 20 (4%) cases received steroids and 38 (7.6%) cases received antihistamines. Conclusions A long series of M. perstans infections is presented in sub-Saharan immigrants whose data indicate that it should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with pruritus or analytical alterations such as eosinophilia or hyper-IgE presentation, and they also have a high number of coinfections with other microorganisms whose treatment needs to be protocolized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabino Puente
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital La Paz-Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Lago
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital La Paz-Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Marta Arsuaga
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital La Paz-Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Vicente
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Parasitaria y Molecular, CIETUS, IBSAL, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Montserrat Alonso-Sardon
- Área de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, IBSAL, CIETUS, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Moncef Belhassen-Garcia
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Sección de Enfermedades Infecciosas, CAUSA, IBSAL, CIETUS, Universidad de Salamanca, Paseo San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Antonio Muro
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Parasitaria y Molecular, CIETUS, IBSAL, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
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Parasitic Infections in African Humans and Non-Human Primates. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070561. [PMID: 32664573 PMCID: PMC7400533 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Different protozoa and metazoa have been detected in great apes, monkeys and humans with possible interspecies exchanges. Some are either nonpathogenic or their detrimental effects on the host are not yet known. Others lead to serious diseases that can even be fatal. Their survey remains of great importance for public health and animal conservation. Fecal samples from gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) and humans living in same area in the Republic of Congo, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) from Senegal and one other from the Republic of Congo, Guinea baboons (Papio papio) from Senegal, hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) from Djibouti and Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) from Algeria, were collected. DNA was extracted and screened using specific qPCR assays for the presence of a large number of helminths and protozoa. Positive samples were then amplified in standard PCRs and sequenced when possible. Overall, infection rate was 36.5% in all non-human primates (NHPs) and 31.6% in humans. Great apes were more often infected (63.6%) than monkeys (7.3%). At least twelve parasite species, including ten nematodes and two protozoa were discovered in NHPs and five species, including four nematodes and a protozoan in humans. The prevalences of Giarida lamblia, Necator americanus, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis were similar between gorillas and human community co-habiting the same forest ecosystem in the Republic of Congo. In addition, human specific Mansonella perstans (5.1%) and other Mansonella spp. (5.1%) detected in these gorillas suggest a possible cross-species exchange. Low prevalence (2%) of Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis were observed in chimpanzees, as well as a high prevalence of Abbreviata caucasica (57.1%), which should be considered carefully as this parasite can affect other NHPs, animals and humans. The Barbary macaques were less infected (7.2%) and Oesophagostomum muntiacum was the main parasite detected (5.8%). Finally, we report the presence of Pelodera sp. and an environmental Nematoda DNAs in chimpanzee feces, Nematoda sp. and Bodo sp. in gorillas, as well as DNA of uncharacterized Nematoda in apes and humans, but with a relatively lower prevalence in humans. Prevalence of extraintestinal parasites remains underestimated since feces are not the suitable sampling methods. Using non-invasive sampling (feces) we provide important information on helminths and protozoa that can infect African NHPs and human communities living around them. Public health and animal conservation authorities need to be aware of these infections, as parasites detected in African NHPs could affect both human and other animals’ health.
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In Silico Identification of Novel Biomarkers and Development of New Rapid Diagnostic Tests for the Filarial Parasites Mansonella perstans and Mansonella ozzardi. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10275. [PMID: 31311985 PMCID: PMC6635353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46550-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mansonelliasis is a widespread yet neglected tropical infection of humans in Africa and South America caused by the filarial nematodes, Mansonella perstans, M. ozzardi, M. rodhaini and M. streptocerca. Clinical symptoms are non-distinct and diagnosis mainly relies on the detection of microfilariae in skin or blood. Species-specific DNA repeat sequences have been used as highly sensitive biomarkers for filarial nematodes. We have developed a bioinformatic pipeline to mine Illumina reads obtained from sequencing M. perstans and M. ozzardi genomic DNA for new repeat biomarker candidates which were used to develop loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) diagnostic tests. The M. perstans assay based on the Mp419 repeat has a limit of detection of 0.1 pg, equivalent of 1/1000th of a microfilaria, while the M. ozzardi assay based on the Mo2 repeat can detect as little as 0.01 pg. Both LAMP tests possess remarkable species-specificity as they did not amplify non-target DNAs from closely related filarial species, human or vectors. We show that both assays perform successfully on infected human samples. Additionally, we demonstrate the suitability of Mp419 to detect M. perstans infection in Culicoides midges. These new tools are field deployable and suitable for the surveillance of these understudied filarial infections.
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13
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Bakhoum MT, Sarr M, Fall AG, Huber K, Fall M, Sembène M, Seck MT, Labuschagne K, Gardès L, Ciss M, Gimonneau G, Bouyer J, Baldet T, Garros C. DNA barcoding and molecular identification of field-collected Culicoides larvae in the Niayes area of Senegal. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:615. [PMID: 30509304 PMCID: PMC6276223 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3176-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biting midge species of the genus Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) comprise more than 1300 species distributed worldwide. Several species of Culicoides are vectors of various viruses that can affect animals, like the African horse sickness virus (AHSV), known to be endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The ecological and veterinary interest of Culicoides emphasizes the need for rapid and reliable identification of vector species. However, morphology-based identification has limitations and warrants integration of molecular data. DNA barcoding based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) is used as a rapid and authentic tool for species identification in a wide variety of animal taxa across the globe. In this study, our objectives were as follows: (i) establish a reference DNA barcode for Afrotropical Culicoides species; (ii) assess the accuracy of cox1 in identifying Afrotropical Culicoides species; and (iii) test the applicability of DNA barcoding for species identification on a large number of samples of Culicoides larvae from the Niayes area of Senegal, West Africa. Results A database of 230 cox1 sequences belonging to 42 Afrotropical Culicoides species was found to be reliable for species-level assignments, which enabled us to identify cox1 sequences of Culicoides larvae from the Niayes area of Senegal. Of the 933 cox1 sequences of Culicoides larvae analyzed, 906 were correctly identified by their barcode sequences corresponding to eight species of Culicoides. A total of 1131 cox1 sequences of adult and larval Culicoides were analyzed, and a hierarchical increase in mean divergence was observed according to two taxonomic levels: within species (mean = 1.92%, SE = 0.00), and within genus (mean = 17.82%, SE = 0.00). Conclusions Our study proves the efficiency of DNA barcoding for studying Culicoides larval diversity in field samples. Such a diagnostic tool offers great opportunities for investigating Culicoides immature stages ecology and biology, a prerequisite for the implementation of eco-epidemiological studies to better control AHSV in the Niayes region of Senegal, and more generally in sub-Saharan Africa. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3176-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mame Thierno Bakhoum
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar, Sénégal. .,CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France. .,ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France.
| | - Mamadou Sarr
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Assane Gueye Fall
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Karine Huber
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France
| | - Moussa Fall
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Mbacké Sembène
- Département de Biologie Animale, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Momar Talla Seck
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Karien Labuschagne
- Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Onderstepoort, ZA-0110, South Africa.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, ZA-0002, South Africa
| | - Laetitia Gardès
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France.,ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France
| | - Mamadou Ciss
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Geoffrey Gimonneau
- CIRAD, UMR INTERTRYP, F-34398, Montpellier, France.,Centre International de Recherche - Développement sur l'Elevage en zone subhumide, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, BP 454, Burkina Faso
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France.,ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Baldet
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France.,ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Garros
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France.,CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Sainte Clotilde, F- 97491, Réunion, France
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Mediannikov O, Ranque S. Mansonellosis, the most neglected human filariasis. New Microbes New Infect 2018; 26:S19-S22. [PMID: 30402239 PMCID: PMC6205574 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mansonellosis is caused by M. perstans, M. ozzardi and M. streptocerca, the three main filarial species in the genus Mansonella. Despite accumulating evidence of a high prevalence in endemic areas, there is currently no filariasis control programme targeting mansonellosis. The health-related impact on people living with these filariae remains unknown, and evidences regarding treatment strategies are scarce. Like other neglected diseases, it mainly affects poor populations living in tropical and subtropical climates. Mansonellosis can be considered one of the most neglected tropical infectious diseases. The objective of this literature review was to draw attention to the gap of knowledge regarding Mansonella spp. taxonomy, the transmission of these arthropod-borne filariasis and the health outcomes of people living with mansonellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - S Ranque
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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15
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Gobbi F, Beltrame A, Buonfrate D, Staffolani S, Degani M, Gobbo M, Angheben A, Marocco S, Bisoffi Z. Imported Infections with Mansonella perstans Nematodes, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:1539-1542. [PMID: 28820369 PMCID: PMC5572860 DOI: 10.3201/eid2309.170263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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
These infections should be included in differential diagnoses for patients with eosinophilia from disease-endemic countries. We report 74 patients in Italy infected with Mansonella perstans nematodes, a poorly described filarial parasite. M. perstans nematodes should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with eosinophilia from disease-endemic countries. Serologic analysis is useful for screening, and testing for microfilaremia in peripheral blood should be performed for parasite-positive patients.
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Sokhna C, Gaye O, Doumbo O. Developing Research in Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Africa: The Paradigm of Senegal. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 65:S64-S69. [PMID: 28859342 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases represent one of the greatest potential barriers to achievement of the third Sustainable Development Goals in African countries and around the world because they continue to pose major public health challenges. The surveillance of infectious diseases has recently assumed greater importance in most African countries, both because of the emergence of infectious diseases and because strains of pathogens that cause tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, dysentery, and pneumonia have developed resistance to common and inexpensive antimicrobial drugs. However, data on the pathogen-specific causes of infectious diseases are limited. Developing research in infectious and tropical diseases in Africa is urgently needed to better describe the distribution of pathogen-borne diseases and to know which pathogens actually cause fever. This research is critical for guiding treatment and policies in Africa. More effective diagnostics are also needed for these diseases, which often are misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late. A comprehensive review of this type of research is presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheikh Sokhna
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Institut Hospitlao-Universitaire (IHU)Méditerranée-Infection
| | - Oumar Gaye
- Service Parasitologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ogobara Doumbo
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
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Mansonella perstans, Onchocerca volvulus and Strongyloides stercoralis infections in rural populations in central and southern Togo. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2018; 3:77-87. [PMID: 29774301 PMCID: PMC5952658 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mansonella perstans, Onchocerca volvulus and Strongyloides stercoralis are widespread helminth parasites in the tropics. Their distribution remains difficult to determine as it may change during national disease control programs and with regional mass drug administration (MDA). Epidemiological surveys are of importance to evaluate the geographical distribution of these helminth parasites and the diseases they may cause, however, up to date epidemiological evaluations on M. perstans and S. stercoralis in Togo are rare, and surveys on O. volvulus are important especially under the aspect of MDA of ivermectin which is performed since decades. Methods Dry blood samples (n = 924) were collected from rural populations in the Régions Central and Plateaux in Togo, and analyzed by parasite-specific real-time PCR and ELISA techniques. Results Dry blood samples from 733 persons where investigated by real-time PCR tested for DNA of blood-circulating M. perstans microfilaria, and a prevalence of 14.9% was detected. Distinct differences were observed between genders, positivity was higher in men increasing with age, and prevalence was highest in the Région Plateaux in Togo. IgG4 responses to O. volvulus antigen (OvAg) were studied in 924 persons and 59% were found positive. The distribution of parasite infestation between age and gender groups was higher in men increasing with age, and regional differences were detected being highest in the Région Plateaux. The diagnostic approach disclosed 64,5% positive IgG4 responses to S. stercoralis infective third-stage larvae-specific antigen (SsL3Ag) in the surveyed regions. Antigen cross reactivity of SsL3Ag with parasite co-infections may limit the calculated prevalence. Singly IgG4 positive for SsL3Ag were 13.9%, doubly positive for OvAg and SsL3Ag were 35.5% and triply positive for M. perstans, O. volvulus and S. stercoralis were 9.9%. Conclusions Mansonelliasis, onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis remain prevalent in the surveyed regions, yet with local differences. Our observations suggest that transmission of M. perstans, O. volvulus and S. stercoralis may be ongoing. The degree of positive test results in the examined rural communities advocate for the continuation of MDA with ivermectin and albendazole, and further investigations should address the intensity of transmission of these parasites.
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Abstract
Mansonellosis is a filarial disease caused by three species of filarial (nematode) parasites (Mansonella perstans, Mansonella streptocerca, and Mansonella ozzardi) that use humans as their main definitive hosts. These parasites are transmitted from person to person by bloodsucking females from two families of flies (Diptera). Biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) transmit all three species of Mansonella, but blackflies (Simuliidae) are also known to play a role in the transmission of M. ozzardi in parts of Latin America. M. perstans and M. streptocerca are endemic in western, eastern, and central Africa, and M. perstans is also present in the neotropical region from equatorial Brazil to the Caribbean coast. M. ozzardi has a patchy distribution in Latin America and the Caribbean. Mansonellosis infections are thought to have little pathogenicity and to be almost always asymptomatic, but occasionally causing itching, joint pains, enlarged lymph glands, and vague abdominal symptoms. In Brazil, M. ozzardi infections are also associated with corneal lesions. Diagnosis is usually performed by detecting microfilariae in peripheral blood or skin without any periodicity. There is no standard treatment at present for mansonellosis. The combination therapy of diethylcarbamazine plus mebendazole for M. perstans microfilaremia is presently one of the most widely used, but the use of ivermectin has also been proven to be very effective against microfilariae. Recently, doxycycline has shown excellent efficacy and safety when used as an antimicrobial against endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria harbored by some strains of M. perstans and M. ozzardi. Diethylcarbamazine and ivermectin have been used effectively to treat M. streptocerca infection. There are at present no estimates of the disease burden caused by mansonellosis, and thus its importance to many global health professionals and policy makers is presently limited to how it can interfere with diagnostic tools used in modern filarial disease control and elimination programs aimed at other species of filariae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Huong Ta-Tang
- Malaria and Emerging Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, National Microbiology Center, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain,
| | - James L Crainey
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Ecology in the Amazon, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Rory J Post
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, John Moores University, Liverpool
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sergio Lb Luz
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Ecology in the Amazon, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Manaus, Brazil
| | - José M Rubio
- Malaria and Emerging Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, National Microbiology Center, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain,
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Sangare MB, Coulibaly YI, Coulibaly SY, Coulibaly ME, Traore B, Dicko I, Sissoko IM, Samake S, Traore SF, Nutman TB, Valenzuela JG, Faye O, Kamhawi S, Oliveira F, Semnani RT, Doumbia S. A cross-sectional study of the filarial and Leishmania co-endemicity in two ecologically distinct settings in Mali. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:18. [PMID: 29310700 PMCID: PMC5759231 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2531-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Filariasis and leishmaniasis are two neglected tropical diseases in Mali. Due to distribution and associated clinical features, both diseases are of concern to public health. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of co-infection with filarial (Wuchereria bancrofti and Mansonella perstans) and Leishmania major parasites in two ecologically distinct areas of Mali, the Kolokani district (villages of Tieneguebougou and Bougoudiana) in North Sudan Savanna area, and the district of Kolondieba (village of Boundioba) in the South Sudan Savanna area. METHODS The prevalence of co-infection (filarial and Leishmania) was measured based on (i) Mansonella perstans microfilaremia count and/or filariasis immunochromatographic test (ICT) for Wuchereria bancrofti-specific circulating antigen, and (ii) the prevalence of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to Leishmania measured by leishmanin skin test (LST). RESULTS In this study, a total of 930 volunteers between the age of 18 and 65 were included from the two endemic areas of Kolokani and Kolondieba. In general, in both areas, filarial infection was more prevalent than Leishmania infection with an overall prevalence of 15.27% (142/930) including 8.7% (81/930) for Mansonella perstans and 8% (74/930) for Wuchereria bancrofti-specific circulating antigen. The prevalence of Leishmania major infection was 7.7% (72/930) and was significantly higher in Tieneguebougou and Bougoudiana (15.05%; 64/425) than in Boundioba (2.04%; 8/505) (χ2 = 58.66, P < 0.0001). Among the filarial infected population, nearly 10% (14/142) were also positive for Leishmania with an overall prevalence of co-infection of 1.50% (14/930) varying from 2.82% (12/425) in Tieneguebougou and Bougoudiana to 0.39% (2/505) in Boundioba (P = 0.0048). CONCLUSION This study established the existence of co-endemicity of filarial and Leishmania infections in specific regions of Mali. Since both filarial and Leishmania infections are vector-borne with mosquitoes and sand flies as respective vectors, an integrated vector control approach should be considered in co-endemic areas. The effect of potential interaction between filarial and Leishmania parasites on the disease outcomes may be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moussa Brema Sangare
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yaya Ibrahim Coulibaly
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Siaka Yamoussa Coulibaly
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Michel Emmanuel Coulibaly
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bourama Traore
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ilo Dicko
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ibrahim Moussa Sissoko
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sibiry Samake
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sekou Fantamady Traore
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | - Ousmane Faye
- Centre National d’Appui à la lutte contre la Maladie (CNAM), Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | | | - Seydou Doumbia
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
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Molecular survey of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens by new real-time TaqMan ® PCR assay in dogs and mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Corsica (France). Vet Parasitol 2017; 235:1-7. [PMID: 28215858 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are filarioid nematodes of animals and humans, transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Domestic and wild canids are a major natural host and reservoir for these parasites. In this study, we designed a duplex real-time PCR protocol targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, detecting both D. immitis and D. repens using two primer pairs and two Dirofilaria-specific hydrolysable probes. The sensitivity and specificity of the primers and probes were tested in both experimental and naturally infected samples. The detection limits of this assay were evaluated using plasmid DNA from D. immitis and D. repens. No cross-reaction was observed when testing this system against DNA from other filarial nematodes. The detection limit of the real-time PCR system was one copy per reaction mixture containing 5μl of template DNA. Field application of the new duplex real-time assay was conducted in Corsica. The prevalence rate of D. immitis was 21.3% (20/94) in dogs. In a locality where most dogs with Dirofilaria spp. infection were found, D. immitis and D. repens were detected in 5% (20/389) and 1.5% (6/389) of the Aedes albopictus population, respectively. These results suggest that this sensitive assay is a powerful tool for monitoring dirofilariosis in endemic or high risk areas.
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Debrah LB, Nausch N, Opoku VS, Owusu W, Mubarik Y, Berko DA, Wanji S, Layland LE, Hoerauf A, Jacobsen M, Debrah AY, Phillips RO. Epidemiology of Mansonella perstans in the middle belt of Ghana. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:15. [PMID: 28061905 PMCID: PMC5219801 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1960-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mansonellosis was first reported in Ghana by Awadzi in the 1990s. Co-infections of Mansonella perstans have also been reported in a small cohort of patients with Buruli ulcer and their contacts. However, no study has assessed the exact prevalence of the disease in a larger study population. This study therefore aimed to find out the prevalence of M. perstans infection in some districts in Ghana and to determine the diversity of Culicoides that could be potential vectors for transmission. METHODS From each participant screened in the Asante Akim North (Ashanti Region), Sene West and Atebubu Amantin (Brong Ahafo Region) districts, a total of 70 μl of finger prick blood was collected for assessment of M. perstans microfilariae. Centre for Disease Control (CDC) light traps as well as the Human Landing Catch (HLC) method were used to assess the species diversity of Culicoides present in the study communities. RESULTS From 2,247 participants, an overall prevalence of 32% was recorded although up to 75% prevalence was demonstrated in some of the communities. Culicoides inornatipennis was the only species of Culicoides caught with the HLC method. By contrast, C. imicola (47%), C. neavei (25%) and C. schultzei (15%) were caught by the CDC light trap method. A wide diversity of other Culicoides spp. was also identified but correlation was only found between the prevalence of C. inornatipennis and M. perstans during the dry season. CONCLUSIONS Here we demonstrate for the first time that M. perstans is highly prevalent in three districts in Ghana. We found a wide spectrum of Culicoides spp. Culicoides inornatipennis was the most anthropophilic and is therefore likely to be the species responsible for transmission of infection but formal proof has yet to be obtained. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02281643 . Registered October 26, 2014. 'Retrospectively registered'. TRIAL REGISTRY ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Batsa Debrah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana. .,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Norman Nausch
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Serwaa Opoku
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Wellington Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yusif Mubarik
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Daniel Antwi Berko
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Wanji
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Laura E Layland
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc Jacobsen
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Yaw Debrah
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard O Phillips
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Temmam S, Monteil-Bouchard S, Robert C, Baudoin JP, Sambou M, Aubadie-Ladrix M, Labas N, Raoult D, Mediannikov O, Desnues C. Characterization of Viral Communities of Biting Midges and Identification of Novel Thogotovirus Species and Rhabdovirus Genus. Viruses 2016; 8:77. [PMID: 26978389 PMCID: PMC4810267 DOI: 10.3390/v8030077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
More than two thirds of emerging viruses are of zoonotic origin, and among them RNA viruses represent the majority. Ceratopogonidae (genus Culicoides) are well-known vectors of several viruses responsible for epizooties (bluetongue, epizootic haemorrhagic disease, etc.). They are also vectors of the only known virus infecting humans: the Oropouche virus. Female midges usually feed on a variety of hosts, leading to possible transmission of emerging viruses from animals to humans. In this context, we report here the analysis of RNA viral communities of Senegalese biting midges using next-generation sequencing techniques as a preliminary step toward the identification of potential viral biohazards. Sequencing of the RNA virome of three pools of Culicoides revealed the presence of a significant diversity of viruses infecting plants, insects and mammals. Several novel viruses were detected, including a novel Thogotovirus species, related but genetically distant from previously described tick-borne thogotoviruses. Novel rhabdoviruses were also detected, possibly constituting a novel Rhabdoviridae genus, and putatively restricted to insects. Sequences related to the major viruses transmitted by Culicoides, i.e., African horse sickness, bluetongue and epizootic haemorrhagic disease viruses were also detected. This study highlights the interest in monitoring the emergence and circulation of zoonoses and epizooties using their arthropod vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Temmam
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13005, France.
| | - Sonia Monteil-Bouchard
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13005, France.
| | - Catherine Robert
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13005, France.
| | - Jean-Pierre Baudoin
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13005, France.
| | - Masse Sambou
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13005, France.
| | - Maxence Aubadie-Ladrix
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13005, France.
| | - Noémie Labas
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13005, France.
| | - Didier Raoult
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13005, France.
- Fondation IHU Méditerranée Infection, Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Fédération de Bactériologie-Hygiène-Virologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Timone, Méditerranée Infection, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille 13005, France.
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13005, France.
| | - Christelle Desnues
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13005, France.
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Mansonella, including a Potential New Species, as Common Parasites in Children in Gabon. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004155. [PMID: 26484866 PMCID: PMC4618925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Like other tropical African countries, Gabon is afflicted by many parasitic diseases, including filariases such as loiasis and mansonellosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of these two filarial diseases in febrile and afebrile children using quantitative real-time PCR and standard PCR assays coupled with sequencing. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS DNA from blood specimens of 1,418 Gabonese children (1,258 febrile and 160 afebrile) were analyzed. Overall, filarial DNA was detected in 95 (6.7%) children, including 67 positive for M. perstans (4.7%), which was the most common. M. perstans was detected in 61/1,258 febrile children (4.8%) and 6/160 afebrile children (3.8%, P = 0.6). Its prevalence increased statistically with age: 3.5%, 7.7% and 10.6% in children aged ≤ 5, 6-10 and 11-15 years, respectively. M. perstans prevalence was significantly higher in Koulamoutou and Lastourville (12% and 10.5%, respectively) than in Franceville and Fougamou (2.6% and 2.4%, respectively). Loa loa was detected in seven febrile children including one co-infection with M. perstans. Finally, 21 filarial DNA positive were negative for M. perstans and Loa loa, but ITS sequencing could be performed for 12 and allowed the identification of a potential new species of Mansonella provisionally called "DEUX". Mansonella sp. "DEUX" was detected only in febrile children. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Further study should be performed to characterize Mansonella sp. "DEUX" and evaluate the clinical significance of mansonellosis in humans.
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