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Sadeghi N, Mohebali M, Kakooei Z, Roustazadeh A, Mir H, Abdoli A, Solhjoo K, Shabani M, Shadmand E, Taghipour A. Seroprevalence of visceral leishmaniasis among pregnant women in Jahrom city in Fars province, southern Iran. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2024; 25:e00349. [PMID: 38645673 PMCID: PMC11031800 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health issue in endemic countries with poor sanitation facilities. In this study, the seroprevalence rate and associated risk factors of VL were investigated during September 2020 to February 2021 in pregnant women referred to Ostad Mottahari and Peymanieh hospitals in Jahrom county, Fars province, southern Iran. Material and methods A total of 220 serum samples of pregnant women were assessed for the presence of Anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies by direct agglutination antigen (DAT). The associated risk factors were obtained using questionnaires. Results The overall seroprevalence of VL in pregnant women was 12.72% (28/220). Considering the antibody titer, titer 1:1600 was detected in 23 samples, titer 1:3200 in 4 samples, and titer 1:6400 in one sample. All 5 women with titer >3200 had mild fever. As such, there was a statistically significant difference regarding the age (≥39 years old with p-value: 0.01). Conclusions We recommend an appropriate health education program for pregnant women and serological screening of VL before pregnancy in endemic cities. Moreover, we believed a need for more epidemiological studies for better understand the status of VL in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Sadeghi
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Kakooei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abazar Roustazadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Hamed Mir
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Kavous Solhjoo
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Manoochehr Shabani
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Enayatollah Shadmand
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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2
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Roberts T, Keddie SH, Rattanavong S, Gomez SR, Bradley J, Keogh RH, Bärenbold O, Falconer J, Mens PF, Hopkins H, Ashley EA. Accuracy of the direct agglutination test for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:782. [PMID: 37946107 PMCID: PMC10636880 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08772-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitological investigation of bone marrow, splenic or lymph node aspirations is the gold standard for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). However, this invasive test requires skilled clinical and laboratory staff and adequate facilities, and sensitivity varies depending on the tissue used. The direct agglutination test (DAT) is a serological test that does not need specialised staff, with just minimal training required. While previous meta-analysis has shown DAT to have high sensitivity and specificity when using parasitology as the reference test for diagnosis, meta-analysis of DAT compared to other diagnostic techniques, such as PCR and ELISA, that are increasingly used in clinical and research settings, has not been done. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to determine the diagnostic performance of DAT compared to all available tests for the laboratory diagnosis of human VL. We searched electronic databases including Medline, Embase, Global Health, Scopus, WoS Science Citation Index, Wiley Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Africa-Wide Information, LILACS and WHO Global Index. Three independent reviewers screened reports and extracted data from eligible studies. A meta-analysis estimated the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of DAT. RESULTS Of 987 titles screened, 358 were selected for full data extraction and 78 were included in the analysis, reporting on 32,822 participants from 19 countries. Studies included were conducted between 1987-2020. Meta-analysis of studies using serum and DAT compared to any other test showed pooled sensitivity of 95% (95%CrI 90-98%) and pooled specificity of 95% (95%CrI 88-98%). Results were similar for freeze-dried DAT and liquid DAT when analysed separately. Sensitivity was lower for HIV-positive patients (90%, CrI 59-98%) and specificity was lower for symptomatic patients (70%, CrI 43-89%). When comparing different geographical regions, the lowest median sensitivity (89%, CrI 67-97%) was in Western Asia (five studies). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates high estimated pooled sensitivity and specificity of DAT for diagnosis of VL, although sensitivity and specificity were lower for different patient groups and geographical locations. This review highlights the lack of standardisation of DAT methods and preparations, and the lack of data from some important geographical locations. Future well-reported studies could provide better evidence to inform test implementation for different patient populations and use cases. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42021240830.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamalee Roberts
- Lao- Oxford-Mahosot Hospital- Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Mahosot Hospital, Mahosot Road, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Sayaphet Rattanavong
- Lao- Oxford-Mahosot Hospital- Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Mahosot Hospital, Mahosot Road, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Santiago Rayment Gomez
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - John Bradley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ruth H Keogh
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Jane Falconer
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Petra F Mens
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Experimental Parasitology Unit, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi Hopkins
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Lao- Oxford-Mahosot Hospital- Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Mahosot Hospital, Mahosot Road, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Mohebali M, Edrissian G, Akhoundi B, Shirzadi M, Hassanpour G, Behkar A, Rassi Y, Hajjaran H, Keshavarz H, Gouya MM, Arshi S, Zeinali M, Zarei Z, Sharifi I, Kakooei Z. Visceral Leishmaniasis in Iran: An Update on Epidemiological Features from 2013 to 2022. Iran J Parasitol 2023; 18:279-293. [PMID: 37886254 PMCID: PMC10597876 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i3.13751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases. The zoonotic form of VL is endemic in some areas of Iran. We aimed to determine the status of VL identified in humans and canines in different parts of Iran from 2013 to 2022. Method A national representative cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 provinces of Iran, including the national leishmaniasis reference lab. We employed the direct agglutination test (DAT) as a reliable serological method to detect anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in humans and animal reservoir hosts. Additionally, a narrative literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies on VL seroprevalence in Iran from 2013 to 2023. Results The results of 21281 human and 5610 canine serum samples from 2013 to 2022 are reported. Altogether, 448 (2.1%, 95%CI: 2.0-2.3) human serum samples showed anti-L. infantum antibody levels of ≥1:3200. Of these samples, 13716 (64.5%) were collected actively, which showed a seroprevalence of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.5-0.8) and 7565 (35.5%) were collected passively, which showed a seroprevalence of 4.8% (95%CI: 4.3-5.3). Overall, 1035 (20.1%, 95%CI: 19.0-21.2) of 5160 domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) samples showed anti-L. infantum antibody levels of ≥1:320. Northwest (2.8%) and northeast (0.96%) regions had the highest human VL seroprevalence, while northwest (21.5%) and south (14.4%) regions had the highest canine VL seroprevalence. Conclusion Zoonotic VL, an endemic parasitic disease, is still present in several different distinct areas across Iran. While human VL cases have shown a declining trend over the last decade, the prevalence of canine VL remains significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Edrissian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammedreza Shirzadi
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Communicable Diseases Management, Ministry of Health Treatment and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hassanpour
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Behkar
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yavar Rassi
- Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Gouya
- Center for Communicable Diseases Management, Ministry of Health Treatment and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahnam Arshi
- Center for Communicable Diseases Management, Ministry of Health Treatment and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zeinali
- Center for Communicable Diseases Management, Ministry of Health Treatment and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zabihollah Zarei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Meshkin-Shahr Health Station from the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Ardebil, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Kakooei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Melkie I, Yimer M, Alemu G, Tegegne B. Asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infection and associated factors among blood donors attending at Metema district Blood Bank, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross- sectional study. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:62. [PMID: 37085820 PMCID: PMC10120276 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01082-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethiopia is one of the top 10 countries in the world where 90% visceral leishmaniasis cases are reported. Metema-Humera lowlands are the most important foci in Ethiopia. Blood transfusion in visceral leishmaniasis endemic foci in Ethiopia does not consider screening of visceral leishmaniasis during blood donation. The aim of this study is therefore, was to assess asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infection and associated factors among blood donors attending at Metema district Blood Bank, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A Health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted at Metema Blood Bank from February to March 2020. A total of 205 blood donors were eligible and participated in this study. Structured questionnaire were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and perceived risk factors associated with asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis among blood donors. Blood donors were screened using both rK39 and direct agglutination tests based on the manufactures' instructions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Chi-square test was used to assess associations of Leishmania donovani infection with predisposing factors. Associations were considered statstically significant on P-value < 0.05 at 95% confidence level. RESULTS Of the total 205 participants, 32(15.6%) were positive for asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infection at least by one of the diagnostic tests used. Eight (3.9%) and 30(14.6%) of the participants` were positive by the rK39 and direct agglutination tests, respectively. Six (2.9%) donors were tested positive by both diagnostic tests. Family history of visceral leishmaniasis (X²=11.334, P = 0.003) and having neighbors with history of visceral leishmaniasis (X²=5.923, P = 0.015) were significantly associated with asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infection among blood donors. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infection was 15.6%. Asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis was significantly associated with donors' family and neighbors' history of infection. Therefore, laboratory screening of blood donors for visceral leishmaniasis in endemic areas will be mandatory. Moreover, this study will give base line information for future study in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyasu Melkie
- Bahir Dar city administration Blood Bank, Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia
| | - Mulat Yimer
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia.
| | - Getaneh Alemu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia
| | - Banchamlak Tegegne
- Medical Parasitology Department, Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia
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5
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Lopes KF, Lanna T, Oliveira E. Characterization of agglutinating antibodies detected by the direct agglutination test for visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3025-3030. [PMID: 35972546 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07624-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize agglutinating antibodies detected by the direct agglutination test (DAT-LPC) for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The DAT-LPC antigen/antibodies complex was recovered, washed, and used as antigenic substrate in a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (modified ELISA), revealed with anti-human IgM, IgG, and IgG subtype conjugates, and in the immunofluorescent antibodies test (IFAT), revealed with anti-human IgG and IgG1 conjugates. IgM antibodies were detected in 50%, IgG and IgG1 in 100%, and IgG3 in 52.8% of the 36 samples from VL patients. IFAT showed that agglutinating IgG and IgG1 antibodies recognized more intensely antigens located in the membrane and kinetoplast of the parasite. No antibodies were detected in the 15 samples from healthy individuals. This study shows for the first time that the antibodies responsible for agglutination in DAT-LPC are mostly of the IgG1 subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Ferreira Lopes
- Instituto René Rachou, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IRR/FIOCRUZ), Clinical Research and Public Politics in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Av. Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, MG, 1715, 30190-001, Brazil.,Instituto René Rachou, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IRR/FIOCRUZ), Functional Genomic of Parasites, Av. Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, MG, 1715, 30190-001, Brazil
| | - Thana Lanna
- Instituto René Rachou, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IRR/FIOCRUZ), Clinical Research and Public Politics in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Av. Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, MG, 1715, 30190-001, Brazil.,Instituto René Rachou, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IRR/FIOCRUZ), Functional Genomic of Parasites, Av. Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, MG, 1715, 30190-001, Brazil
| | - Edward Oliveira
- Instituto René Rachou, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IRR/FIOCRUZ), Clinical Research and Public Politics in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Av. Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, MG, 1715, 30190-001, Brazil. .,Instituto René Rachou, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IRR/FIOCRUZ), Functional Genomic of Parasites, Av. Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, MG, 1715, 30190-001, Brazil.
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Amir Niaye Shad I, Mahmoudi MR, Mohebali M, Atrkar Roshan Z, Ashrafi K, Akhoundi B, Majidi Shad B. Seroepidemiological Study of Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar) in Children under 12 Years Old in North of Iran: An Observational Study in 2019-2020. Iran J Parasitol 2022; 17:317-324. [PMID: 36466030 PMCID: PMC9682385 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v17i3.10621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by the Leishmania donovani complex that is transmitted by the bites of female sandflies. Mediterranean type of VL caused by L. infantum. While, Roudbar County of Guilan Province has been introduced as a suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis focus; there are no published data on the seroprevalence of VL in Guilan Province. We aimed to investigate the sero-prevalence of this disease in Roudbar County. METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 2019-2020 among children less than 12 years of age to determine the seroprevalence of VL by direct agglutination test (DAT). Blood samples were randomly collected from 918 children under 12 years of age refers to the public health center in the clusters. RESULTS Out of 918 children, 14 (1.52%) showed anti-Leishmania antibodies, with 4 (0.43%), 2 (0.21%), 8 (0.87%) anti-L. infantum antibodies at titers 1:800, 1:1600 and ≥1: 3200 respectively. All children with anti-Leishmania antibody titers of ≥1:800 were evaluated by a physician. Clinical manifestation of VL including fever, anemia and hepatosplenomegaly observed in a 6-year-old boy from Defraz village with anti-Leishmania antibody of titers ≥102400.This patient was admitted to the pediatric hospital in Rasht, capital of Guilan province, Iran and was successfully treated. CONCLUSION VL is being circulated with low prevalence in children up to 12 years old in Roudbar, northern part of Iran. Accordingly, it is critical to improve the awareness of physicians and public health supervisors about the importance of this fatal disease in Guilan province and especially in Roudbar area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraj Amir Niaye Shad
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Atrkar Roshan
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Keyhan Ashrafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Behnaz Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bijan Majidi Shad
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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7
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Bejano S, Shumie G, Kumar A, Asemahagn E, Damte D, Woldie S, Mulugeta A, Manaye N, Genetu A, Gadisa E, Mamo G. Prevalence of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis in human and dog, Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Western Ethiopia. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:39. [PMID: 33430946 PMCID: PMC7798290 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04542-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Benishangul-Gumuz region is an important development corridor in Ethiopia. Large-scale projects such as the Great Renaissance Dam, mining and agriculture have entailed huge environmental modifications and settlement pattern changes. There is no detailed epidemiological information on visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the region. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the epidemiology and risk factors associated with Leishmania infection. A leishmanin skin test (LST) was done for 1342 participants, and for 253 of them rK39 and DAT were carried out. Thirty-six dogs owned by households with LST-positive member(s) were rK39 and DAT tested. A pretested questionnaire was used to capture individual and household characteristics. RESULTS Of the 89.2% (1197/1342) who availed themselves of the LST reading, 6.0% were positive. The rk39 and DAT positivity among the 253 tested were 3.2% and 5.9%, respectively. In dogs, positivity rates by rK39 and DAT were 13.9% and 5.6%, respectively. Of the household and individual risk factors, presence of a dog in the household (P = 0.005), male sex (0.003), residence woreda (0.000) and occupation (0.023) showed a strong positive association with LST positivity. Individuals who lived in households that had dogs were 2.6 times more likely to be LST positive (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.54, 4.40). Being female decreased the probability of being LST positive by 0.38 times (AOR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.20, 0.72). People living in Guba and Kurmuk had 4.7 (AOR = 4.74, 95% CI 1.83, 12.31) and 5.9 (AOR = 5.85, 95% CI 2.27, 15.09) times more risk of being infected. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the presence of active VL transmission in the areas. Thus, we underline the need to establish the responsible vector(s) and reservoir(s) for comprehensive early containment plans to prevent potentially harmful public health and economic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibabaw Bejano
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Department of Veterinary Science, Assosa University College of Agriculture and Natural Resource, Assosa, Ethiopia.,Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Immunology and Public Health, Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Debre-Zeyit, Ethiopia
| | - Girma Shumie
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Immunology and Public Health, Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Debre-Zeyit, Ethiopia
| | - Eyuel Asemahagn
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Demekech Damte
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sinkinesh Woldie
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abate Mulugeta
- World Health Organization-Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Nigus Manaye
- World Health Organization Ethiopia Country Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Genetu
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Endalamaw Gadisa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Neglected Tropical Disease and Malaria Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Gezahegn Mamo
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Immunology and Public Health, Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Debre-Zeyit, Ethiopia
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8
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Mohebali M, Keshavarz H, Shirmohammad S, Akhoundi B, Borjian A, Hassanpour G, Mamishi S, Mahmoudi S. The diagnostic accuracy of direct agglutination test for serodiagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis: a systematic review with meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:946. [PMID: 33308170 PMCID: PMC7729288 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05558-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct agglutination test (DAT) as a simple, accurate and reliable method, has been widely used for serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) during the last three decades. The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of DAT for serodiagnosis of human VL. METHODS Electronic databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS, Web of Science, SID and Mag Iran (two Persian scientific search engines) were searched from December 2004 to April 2019. We determined the pooled sensitivity and specificity rates of DAT for the diagnosis of human VL, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves parameters across the eligible studies. RESULTS Of the 2928 records identified in the mentioned electronic databases and after examining reference lists of articles, 24 articles met inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the systematic review and out of them 20 records qualified for meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity rates of DAT was 96% [95% CI, 92-98] and 95% [CI95% 86-99], respectively. The likelihood ratio of a positive test (LR+) was found to be 21 [CI95%, 6.6-66.5] and the likelihood ratio of a negative test (LR-) was found to be 0.04 [(CI95%, 0.02-0.08]. The combined estimate of the diagnostic odds ratio for DAT was high [467 (CI95%, 114-1912]). We found that the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) is positioned near the upper left corner of the curve and the area under curve (AUC) was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.97 to 0.99). CONCLUSION Referring to our analysis, we determined that DAT can be considered as a valuable tool for the serodiagnosis of human VL with high sensitivity and specificity. As DAT is a simple, accurate and efficient serological test, it can be recommended for serodiagnosis of human VL particularly in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Shirmohammad
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Borjian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hassanpour
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Mamishi
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 62, Dr. Gharib St., Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Mahmoudi
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 62, Dr. Gharib St., Tehran, Iran.
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9
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Heidari A, Mohebali M, Vahed M, Kabir K, Zarei Z, Akhoundi B, Elikaee S, Barati H, Sezavar M, Keshavarz H, Kakooei Z, Hajjaran H. Molecular and Seroepidemiological Survey of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Owned Dogs ( Canis familiaris) in New Foci of Rural Areas of Alborz Province, Central Part of Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study in 2017. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2020; 14:38-46. [PMID: 32766347 PMCID: PMC7382694 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v14i1.2702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mediterranean form of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic among some provinces of Iran. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in the owned dogs of the rural areas of Alborz Province near Tehran as the capital of Iran. Methods: This study conducted on 303 owned dogs that selected using a stratified random sampling method. The direct agglutination test (DAT) was used to determine the frequency of Vl. The spleen biopsy was taken from the serology-positive dogs for the confirmation of CVL in the suspected dogs. Nested PCR and sequencing methods were used to determine the type of Leishmania species in the dogs which were parasitological positive. Results: Overall, the DAT results of 9 dogs (2.97%, CI: 1.57–5.55) showed anti Leishmania antibodies at titers ≥ 1:320 indicating VL infection. One dog (0.33%, CI 95%: 0.06–1.85) showed clinical signs and symptoms of VL. There was a significant correlation between the positive cases of CVL and rural area (p< 0.001). The Leishmania was observed in the impression smears that were prepared from spleen biopsy of five the studied dogs. Leishmania infantum were confirmed in all them using nested–PCR assay. The sequence analysis of all five isolates was 95% similar to L. infantum. Conclusion: This study shows that domestic cycle of L. infantum has been established in rural areas of Alborz province where located near Tehran as capital city of Iran. It is necessary to increase the awareness and monitoring of the disease periodically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliehsan Heidari
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Vahed
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Kabir
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zabihollah Zarei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Elikaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojatallah Barati
- Center of Against Infectious Diseases, Health Depatment, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Monireh Sezavar
- Department of Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Allied medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Kakooei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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FARAHMAND M, NAHREVANIAN H, KHALAJ V, MOHEBALI M, BARATI M, NADERI S, ZAREI Z, KHALILI G. Assessment of Recombinant A2-Latex Agglutination Test (RA2-LAT) and RA2-ELISA for Detection of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Comparative Field Study with Direct Agglutination Test in Northwestern Iran. Iran J Parasitol 2018; 13:172-179. [PMID: 30069200 PMCID: PMC6068373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to set-up latex agglutination test (LAT) and ELISA based on recombinant A2 from Iranian strain of Leishmania (L.) infantum (rA2-Ag) and evaluated for detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in dogs compared to standard direct agglutination test (DAT). METHODS The rA2-Ag was synthesized under a part of the A2 gene sequences which contain immune dominant sequences and less number of repetitive sequences. Latex beads, 0.8 μm (Sigma, USA) were sensitized with rA2-Ag. The tests were carried out on sera collected from 350 ownership dogs including symptomatic (n=67), asymptomatic (n=230) canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), and (n=53) uninfected domestic dogs as control group. RESULTS Anti-leishmanial antibodies were detected in 97 (27.7%), 96 (27.4%) and 29 (%9) of the serum samples by using DAT, rA2-ELISA, and rA2-latex, respectively with ≥1:320 as a cut-off titer when DAT-confirmed cases were compared with the control groups. A combined sensitivity of 52% and specificity of 82.40% for rA2-ELISA and 23.8% and specificity 95.38%, respectively were found with ≥1:320 as a cut-off titer when DAT-confirmed cases were compared with the control groups. The concordance between rA2-ELISA and rA2 latex compared with DAT as a gold standard serological test for VL were found 73.7% and 77.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION A good degree of agreement was found between rA2-ELISA and DAT (73.7%). rA2-ELISA could detect more seropositive serum samples than rA2-LAT and it may be recommended as an alternative tool for the diagnosis of CVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin FARAHMAND
- Dept. of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein NAHREVANIAN
- Dept. of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Correspondence
| | - Vahid KHALAJ
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi MOHEBALI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad BARATI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Infectious Diseases Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz NADERI
- Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Zabih ZAREI
- Meshkin-Shahr Research Station, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Meshkin-Shahr, Iran
| | - Ghader KHALILI
- Dept. of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Abstract
In Estonia, northeastern Europe, Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in humans has not declined, in contrast to many other countries. The reasons for this are unknown. Domestic cats are important hosts in the epidemiology of the parasite, but information on local feline T. gondii infections has been lacking. An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and the risk factors associated with seropositivity in cats in Estonia. Surplus from blood samples that had been collected for unrelated diagnostic purposes from 306 pet cats and 184 shelter cats were analyzed for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies by using a direct agglutination test. Two questionnaires were designed to reveal relevant risk factors for seropositivity. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in Estonia was 60.8%. Older age, outdoor access, hunting, living outside the city in the countryside, and not being a purebred cat were among the risk factors associated with seropositivity. T. gondii is highly prevalent in domestic cats in Estonia. This suggests that the environment has been contaminated with T. gondii. Seropositivity indicates previous oocyst shedding, and most of the cats had outdoor access. The increase in T. gondii seroprevalence with age indicates acquired infections, and most of the risk factors were lifestyle-related. Cat owners could diminish the risk of T. gondii infection and also limit the spread of the parasite by not allowing their cats to roam free.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kärt Must
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences , Tartu, Estonia
| | - Brian Lassen
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences , Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences , Tartu, Estonia .,2 University of Helsinki , Helsinki, Finland
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12
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MOHEBALI M, AKHOUNDI B, KAKOOEI Z, ZAREI Z, CHAREHDAR S, MOLAEI S. Modification on Direct Agglutination Antigen Preparation for Simplified Sero-Diagnosis of Human and Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis. Iran J Parasitol 2015; 10:360-5. [PMID: 26622291 PMCID: PMC4662736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis is systematic serous parasitic disease with public health importance. Zoonotic form of visceral leishmaniasis is wide spread in Mediterranean basin and South America regions. Direct agglutination test (DAT) is an accurate, reliable and non-expensive serological test for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in human and canines but the antigen preparation involves some limitations. This study aimed to compare the conventional production of DAT antigen with our modified DAT antigen and then assessed on human and dog pooled sera. METHODS Conventional DAT antigen has been prepared at the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and some modifications were carried out on it, which named as modified DAT antigen. Three positive and one negative human and dog pooled serum were separately used for the comparison of modified DAT with conventional DAT antigen batches with one-month interval for a period of 9 months. RESULTS A good concordance was observed between modified DAT compared to conventional DAT antigens for the detection of visceral leishmaniasis on human (100%) and dog (94.4%) pooled sera, respectively. CONCLUSION Since the modified DAT antigen could be reduced the preparation time from 3 days to several hours and a good degree of agreement was found between modified DAT and convention DAT antigen batches, it can be used as a simple and easy tool for screening and serodiagnosis of human and canine L. infantum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi MOHEBALI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz AKHOUNDI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Zahra KAKOOEI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zabih ZAREI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Meshkin Shahr Research Station, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Meshkin Shahr, Iran
| | - Sorour CHAREHDAR
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila MOLAEI
- Meshkin Shahr Health Centre, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Meshkin Shahr, Iran
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13
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Rakhshanpour A, Mohebali M, Akhondi B, Rahimi MT, Rokni MB. Serological Survey and Associated Risk Factors of Visceral Leish-maniasis in Qom Province, Central Iran. Iran J Public Health 2014; 43:50-5. [PMID: 26060679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar is considered as a parasitic disease caused by the species of Leishmania donovani complex which is intracellular parasites. This systemic disease is endemic in some parts of provinc-es of Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of VL in Qom Province, central Iran using di-rect agglutination test (DAT). METHODS Overall, 1564 serum samples (800 males and 764 females) were collected from selected subjects by random-ized cluster sampling in 2011-2012. Sera were tested and analyzed by DAT. Before sampling; a questionnaire was filled out for each case. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression for risk factors analysis. RESULTS Of 1564 individuals, 53 cases (3.38%) showed Leishmania specific antibodies as follows: with 1:400 titer 16 cases (1.02%), with 1:800 titer 20 cases (1.27%), with 1:1600 titer 16 cases (1.02%) whereas only one subject (0.06%) showed titers of ≥ 1:3200. There was no significant association between VL seropositivity and gender, age group and occupation. Binary logistic regression showed that rural areas was 0.44 times at higher risk of infection than urban areas (OR= 0.44; %95 CI= 0.25- 0.78). CONCLUSION Although the seroprevalence of VL is relatively low in Qom Province, yet due to the importance of the disease, the surveillance system should be monitored by health authorities.
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14
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Barati M, Mohebali M, Alimohammadian MH, Khamesipour A, Akhoundi B, Zarei Z. Canine visceral leishmaniasis: seroprevalence survey of asymptomatic dogs in an endemic area of northwestern Iran. J Parasit Dis 2015; 39:221-4. [PMID: 26064004 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-013-0325-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a major public health problem that is endemic in tropical and sub tropical countries and is fatal in humans and dogs. In addition to symptomatic dogs, asymptomatic ones seem as source of Leishmania infantum infection. Thus surveillance and control programs of reservoir hosts are essential. This study aimed to evaluate the sero-prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in asymptomatic domestic dogs from in an endemic area of north west, Iran. A cross sectional study was carried out in Meshkin-Shahr district during 2011-2012. Blood samples collected from 508 asymptomatic domestic dogs were tested by direct agglutination test. In this study 508 dogs (397 males and 111 females, mean age, 3.24 years) from western and eastern parts of the Meshkin-Shahr were examined. A total of 508 dogs examined 119 dogs (23.4 %) had antibodies (titers of ≥1:320) against L. infantum. Statistically significance was occurred between male (25.4 %) and female (16.2) sero-prevalence (P = 0.042). No statistically significance was observed between age groups (P = 0.22). Compared with previous studies it seems to increase sero-prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs in the studied areas caused by ecological changes. High proportion of asymptomatic but seropositive dogs emphasizes the importance of dogs without clinical signs in the epidemiology of zoonotic leishmaniasis. Thus, the necessity of using serological tests in asymptomatic dogs is recommended for disease control strategy.
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15
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Moshfe A, Mohebali M, Afshoun E, Mousavizadeh A, Zarei Z, Abidi H, Akhoundi B, Barati V, Joukar S. Canine visceral leishmaniasis in boyer ahmad district, kohgiluyeh & boyer ahmad province, southwest of iran. Iran J Parasitol 2012; 7:75-81. [PMID: 23323094 PMCID: PMC3537473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mediterranean type of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is present in different parts of Iran. Several studies have identified dogs as the main reservoirs of the VL caused by Leishmania infantum in Iran and other Mediterranean regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis as animal reservoir host for human visceral leishmaniasis in Boyer Ahmad district in southwest of Iran. METHODS A seroepidemiological study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) among ownership dogs by using direct agglutination test (DAT) in 23 of 182 villages of Boyer Ahmad district, during August 2009 to August 2010. One hundred and seventy serum samples from ownership dogs were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling in villages of Boyer Ahmad district. All samples were tested by DAT and anti-Leishmania antibodies titers at ≥ 1:320 was considered as positive. RESULTS Of the 170 serum samples, 10% were positive by DAT at titers of 1:320 and higher. No statistical significant difference was found between male (10.7%) and female (8.3%) seroprevalence. The highest seroprevalence rate (15.1%) was observed among the ownership dogs of four to seven years age. Altogether, seventeen (25.4%) of the seropositive dogs had clinical signs and symptoms. CONCLUSION It seems that Boyer Ahmad district is an endemic area for canine visceral leishmaniasis in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Moshfe
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran,Corresponding author:
| | - M Mohebali
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites in Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Afshoun
- Research Management, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - A Mousavizadeh
- Research Management, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Z Zarei
- Meshkin-Shahr research station, National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Abidi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - B Akhoundi
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - V Barati
- School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - S Joukar
- School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
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16
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Fakhar M, Rahmati B, Gohardehi S, Mohebali M, Akhoundi B, Sharif M, Ali Mahdavi S. Molecular and Seroepidemiological Survey of Visceral Leishmaniasis among Humans and Domestic Dogs in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran. Iran J Parasitol 2011; 6:51-9. [PMID: 22347314 PMCID: PMC3279905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have been reported recently in some parts of Mazandaran Province, north of Iran where the first human case of VL was reported in 1949. This study aimed to determine the present status of Leishmaniainfantum infection among humans and domestic dogs using serological and molecular methods in central parts of Mazandaran Province. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, blood samples were randomly collected from 402 humans and forty-nine domestic dogs throughout 2009 and 2010 in the central part of Mazandaran Province including Semeskadeh and Kiakola districts where recent cases of human visceral leishmaniasis had been reported there. All the collected samples were tested by direct agglutination test (DAT) for the detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies as well as convenience PCR assay on whole blood samples for detection of leishmanial infection and identification of Leishmania species. RESULTS None of 402 collected human (402) and dog (49) blood samples showed anti Leishmaniainfantum antibodies at titers 1:3200 and 1:320 as cut-off values of DAT, respectively but only 2 of domestic dogs (4.1%) were found PCR-positive corresponding to L.infantum. CONCLUSION This study confirms the circulation of L. infantum at least among domestic dogs and highlights the sporadic pattern of VL in the studied areas. Further investigations regarding to sand flies fauna and wild canines as reservoir hosts of the disease, are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fakhar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - B Rahmati
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - S Gohardehi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - M Mohebali
- Department of Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - B Akhoundi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Sharif
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - S Ali Mahdavi
- Provincial Communicable Diseases Unit, Mazandaran Health Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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17
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Mahmoudvand H, Mohebali M, Sharifi I, Keshavarz H, Hajjaran H, Akhoundi B, Jahanbakhsh S, Zarean M, Javadi A. Epidemiological aspects of visceral leishmaniasis in baft district, kerman province, southeast of iran. Iran J Parasitol 2011; 6:1-11. [PMID: 22347268 PMCID: PMC3279867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) is an endemic disease in some areas of Iran. A cross- sectional study was conducted for sero-epidemiological survey of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Baft district from Kerman Province, southeast of Iran. METHODS Blood samples were collected from children up to 12 years old and 10% of adult population from Baft villages with a multi-stage randomized cluster sampling. In addition, blood samples were collected from 30 domestic dogs from the same areas. All the collected blood samples were tested by direct agglutination test (DAT) for the detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in both human and dog using the cut-off value of ≥1:3200 and ≥1:320, respectively. Parasitological, molecular, and pathological were performed on infected dogs. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare sero-prevalence values. RESULTS From 1476 collected human serum samples, 23 (1.55%) showed anti-Leishmania antibodies at titers of 1:800 and 1:1600 whereas 14 (0.95%) showed anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies at titers of ≥1:3200. No statistically significant difference was found between male (1.18%) and female (0.69%) sero-prevalence (P=0.330). Children of 5-8 years showed the highest sero-prevalence rate (3.22%). Seven out of 30 domestic dogs (23%) showed anti-Leishmania antibodies at titers ≥1:320. Leishmania infantum was identified in five infected dogs by nested - PCR assay. CONCLUSION It seems that visceral leishmaniasis is being endemic in southern villages of Baft district, southeast of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Mahmoudvand
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author:Tel: +98-21-88951400, E-mail:
| | - I Sharifi
- Dermatology and Leishmaniasis Research Centre, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - H Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - B Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Jahanbakhsh
- Dermatology and Leishmaniasis Research Centre, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - M Zarean
- Dermatology and Leishmaniasis Research Centre, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - A Javadi
- Department of Pathology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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