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Hoxha I, Trájer AJ, Dvorak V, Halada P, Šupić J, Obwaller AG, Poeppl W, Walochnik J, Alić A, Kniha E. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Bosnia and Herzegovina: distribution, ecology and environmental preferences. Acta Trop 2024:107393. [PMID: 39278523 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are the principal vectors for the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp. and for phleboviruses. The sand fly fauna on the Balkan Peninsula, including Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH), is diverse and the circulation of Leishmania infantum as well as phleboviruses has been proven. However, recent data on the sand fly fauna in BIH are scarce. In this study, we surveyed understudied regions in central and northeastern BIH to update the sand fly distribution and gain insights into the ecological and environmental factors shaping their appearance. CDC light trapping was conducted in 2022 and 2023 and a combination of morphological and molecular methods (cytochrome oxidase I barcoding) was performed for species identifications. We mapped the currently known distribution, modelled climatic suitability patterns and performed environmental analyses by applying machine learning methods. In addition, we analyzed blood meals by host gene sequencing and MALDI-TOF peptide mass mapping and screened for Leishmania spp. DNA and Phlebovirus RNA. Altogether, 591 sand flies of four species were trapped, predominantly Phlebotomus neglectus (97%), but also Ph. balcanicus, Ph. mascittii, and Ph. papatasi. Records of seven sand fly species known to be endemic were plotted onto distribution maps based on 101 datapoints, identifying Ph. neglectus as the overall predominant species. The environmental analyses of sand fly species indicated variation in altitudinal, thermal, and precipitation conditions across the sand fly-positive sites. Phlebotomus simici, Phlebotomus tobbi, and Sergentomyia minuta are typically found exclusively in Mediterranean and subtropical climate zones, whereas other species typically inhabit continental regions. The Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation of sand fly species numbers and Shannon entropy values suggest the southeastern coastal region of BIH as a primary focus for sand fly occurrence. This finding was corroborated by modeled average climatic suitability patterns for sand flies, depicting four distinct meso-regions for sand fly occurrence. The results of the ensemble method highlight the importance of annual precipitation to distinguish between positive and negative sand fly trapping sites in BIH. In total, 55 blood meals of two sand fly species, Ph. neglectus and Ph. balcanicus, were analyzed and five host species identified. Our comprehensive assessment of ecological and environmental preferences of sand flies in BIH may support further entomological surveys and help to better understand and evaluate potential hot spots of disease transmission in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Hoxha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Attila J Trájer
- University of Pannonia, Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Vít Dvorak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Halada
- BioCeV, Institute of Microbiology of The Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jovana Šupić
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Poeppl
- Department of Dermatology and Tropical Medicine, Military Medical Cluster East, Austrian Armed Forces, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amer Alić
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Edwin Kniha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Xhekaj B, Hoxha I, Platzgummer K, Stefanovska J, Dvořák V, Milchram M, Obwaller AG, Poeppl W, Muja-Bajraktari N, Walochnik J, Trájer AJ, Sherifi K, Cvetkovikj A, Kniha E. A cross-sectional study on phlebotomine sand flies in relation to disease transmission in the Republic of Kosovo. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39258880 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) are blood-feeding insects that transmit the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp. and various arboviruses. The Balkan region, including the Republic of Kosovo, harbours a diverse sand fly fauna. Vector species of Leishmania infantum as well as phleboviruses are endemic; however, recent data are scarce. We performed a cross-sectional study to update the current sand fly distribution in Kosovo and assess biological as well as environmental factors associated with sand fly presence. CDC light trapping was conducted at 46 locations in 2022 and 2023, specifically targeting understudied regions in Kosovo. Individual morphological species identification was supported by molecular barcoding. The occurrence data of sand flies was used to create distribution maps and perform environmental analyses, taking elevation, wind speed and climate-related factors into account. In addition, PCR-based blood meal analysis and pathogen screening were conducted. Overall, 303 specimens of six sand fly species were trapped, predominated by Phlebotomus neglectus (97%). Barcodes from eight of nine known endemic sand fly species were obtained. Combining our data with previous surveys, we mapped the currently known sand fly distribution based on more than 4000 specimens at 177 data points, identifying Ph. neglectus and Ph. perfiliewi as the predominant species. Environmental analyses depicted two geographical groups of sand flies in Kosovo, with notable differences between the species. In total, 223 blood meals of five sand fly species were analysed. Of seven identified host species, the predominant blood meal source was observed to be cattle, but the DNA of dogs and humans, among others, was also detected. This study assessed biological as well as ecological factors of sand fly occurrence, which should help better understand and evaluate potential hot spots of disease transmission in Kosovo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betim Xhekaj
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Ina Hoxha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Platzgummer
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jovana Stefanovska
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Vít Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markus Milchram
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Poeppl
- Department of Dermatology and Tropical Medicine, Military Medical Cluster East, Austrian Armed Forces, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nesade Muja-Bajraktari
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Attila J Trájer
- University of Pannonia, Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Kurtesh Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Edwin Kniha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Montes de Oca-Aguilar AC, Fernández-Figueroa EA, López-Ávila KB, Pavón-Méndez MI, Sosa-Bibiano EI, Rebollar-Téllez EA, Palacio-Vargas JA, García-López B, Rangel-Escareño C, Loría-Cervera EN. Abundance and Leishmania infection patterns of the sand fly Psathyromyia cratifer in Southern Mexico. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012426. [PMID: 39255321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) is a serious public health problem in Southern Mexico. Six species of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) have been found to be infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana, the causative agent of LCL in the region. However, little is known about the biology and potential participation of Psathyromyia cratifer in the Leishmania transmission cycle in Mexico, and the Americas. The present study provides evidence of temporal infection caused by Leishmania in Psathyromyia cratifer as well as data on its population dynamics in a LCL endemic area during the well-known transmission cycle of Leishmania in Southern Mexico. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Individual specimens of Psathyromyia cratifer were collected in four sites over the course of five months (from November 2020 through March 2021) using animal-baited, human-baited, and light traps. The temporal activity pattern (month + hour) of Psathyromyia cratifer was assessed along with its relationship with environmental variables. Moreover, Leishmania DNA and blood meals were analyzed and detected in female sand flies. This evidenced an infection rate ranging from 8% to 83%, and the record of Homo sapiens and Ototylomys phyllotis as blood hosts of this sand fly species. High abundances of these sand flies in human-baited traps were recorded which revealed the marked anthropophilic behavior of Psathyromyia cratifer. As regards the transmission dynamics of the parasite within the region, it was observed that the potential highest epidemiological risk for Leishmania transmission by Psathyromyia cratifer occurred during the months of January and March. CONCLUSION This is the first contribution ever made to both the population dynamic and the temporal Leishmania prevalence patterns in Psathyromyia cratifer. The resulting findings suggest that this sand fly specimen is the sixth potential vector of L. (L.) mexicana in Southern Mexico. Nonetheless, various biology, behavior, and ecology strands are yet to be addressed. The latter, to determine the role it plays in the transmission dynamics of the parasite within the region, and other areas of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Celia Montes de Oca-Aguilar
- Immunology Laboratory, Regional Research Center "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Edith A Fernández-Figueroa
- Nucleus B for Innovation in Precision Medicine, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karina B López-Ávila
- Immunology Laboratory, Regional Research Center "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Mariela Isabel Pavón-Méndez
- Immunology Laboratory, Regional Research Center "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Erika I Sosa-Bibiano
- Immunology Laboratory, Regional Research Center "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Eduardo A Rebollar-Téllez
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, Invertebrate Zoology Department; Faculty of Biological Sciences, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Jorge A Palacio-Vargas
- Directorate of Prevention and Health Protection of Health Services of the State of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Brenda García-López
- Nucleus B for Innovation in Precision Medicine, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Elsy Nalleli Loría-Cervera
- Immunology Laboratory, Regional Research Center "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
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Herrera L, Benavides-Céspedes I, Linero JD, Posada-Echeverría D, Mendoza JA, Pérez-Doria A, Ardila MM. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae): Diversity of potential Leishmania vectors in northern Colombia. Acta Trop 2024; 257:107273. [PMID: 38834157 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are critical vectors of Leishmania parasites, impacting public health significantly. This study focused on assessing the diversity of sand flies in a rural area of El Carmen de Bolívar Municipality, northern Colombia, employing rarefaction curves and Hill numbers to understand potential vector communities and inform environmental management. From January 2018 to April 2019 (five samplings), sand flies were collected using CDC light traps with blue LED in domestic/peridomestic/sylvatic ecotopes, identifying species per Young and Duncan (1994) and Galati (2003). Hill numbers provided diversity estimates across samples, while Principal Component Analysis correlated with environmental factors with phlebotomine species presence and abundance. 8,784 phlebotomine individuals were collected; 56.4 % females and 43.6% males (ratio 3:2). These individuals belonged to eight species: Pintomyia evansi, Psychodopygus panamensis, Lutzomyia gomezi, Micropygomyia cayennensis, Evandromyia dubitans, Psathyromyia aclydifera, Pintomyia serrana, and Pintomyia rangeliana; with Pi. evansi being the most abundant species (74.39 %; 6,530 exemplars). The ANOVA showed no significant differences between phlebotomine sand flies abundances across ecotopes (p = 0.018). Species of epidemiological relevance as Pi. evansi and Lu. gomezi not show a positive correlation with environmental variables evaluated, only Ps. panamensis was positively correlated with precipitation. However, the study emphasizes the need for a continuous sand fly monitoring and research to enhance leishmaniasis control strategies, highlighting the necessity to expand knowledge on phlebotomine diversity and environmental interactions to understand vector ecology and disease dynamics better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leidi Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias, Centro de Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical (IZET), Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), Caracas, Venezuela; Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Iván Benavides-Céspedes
- Grupo Interdisciplinario en Ciencias Marinas y Ambientales (GICMARA), Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Colombia
| | - Juan David Linero
- Grupo de Investigación Básica y Clínica en Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Fundación Universitaria San Martín, Puerto Colombia, Colombia
| | - Daniel Posada-Echeverría
- Grupo de Investigación en Genómica y Biodiversidad del Caribe, Departamento de Biología y Química, Universidad del Norte, Puerto Colombia, Colombia
| | - Jairo Alfonso Mendoza
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università Degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alveiro Pérez-Doria
- Grupo Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Educación y Ciencias, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia; Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Departamento de Ciencias Pecuarias, Programa de Doctorado en Microbiología y Salud Tropical, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia; División de Investigación, Innovación y desarrollo, Pyrogen S.A.S, Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia
| | - Marlon Mauricio Ardila
- Grupo Interdisciplinario en Ciencias Marinas y Ambientales (GICMARA), Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Colombia; Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile.
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de Freitas Milagres T, López-de-Felipe M, Santos da Silva O, Gálvez R. Are phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) really attracted to UV-light sources? Acta Trop 2024; 257:107287. [PMID: 38901523 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are the sole confirmed vector of leishmaniosis, a group of endemic and re-emerging diseases in southern European countries such as Spain. Light traps are the major surveillance method currently being employed. Nevertheless, color light attraction by sand flies remains mostly unknown. Following prior research, the effect of UV-LED light sources, and its synergic effect with different color lights has been evaluated employing a modified Flebocollect (FC) light trap model. Results suggest that female Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies are more attracted to a FC trap lured with the combination of blue and UV LED light sources than commercial CDC (Center for Disease Control and prevention) traps (Bonferroni post-hoc test; p < 0.08; blue/UV mean = 0.50; CDC mean = 0.13), while the combination of red and UV modified-traps excel in capturing Sergentomyia minuta sand flies (Bonferroni post-hoc test; p < 0.04; blue/UV mean = 1.19; CDC mean = 0.66). However, based on our prior studies, incorporating UV light sources into sand fly traps does not seem to enhance their attractiveness, as it has not resulted in higher capture rates. These findings contribute to understanding how sand flies' vision and light color detection is. Further research is recommended to standardize trap construction procedures and explore variations in different endemic regions according to different sand fly species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarcísio de Freitas Milagres
- FleboCollect Medical Entomology Citizen Science Group, Madrid, Spain; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marcos López-de-Felipe
- FleboCollect Medical Entomology Citizen Science Group, Madrid, Spain; Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Onilda Santos da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rosa Gálvez
- FleboCollect Medical Entomology Citizen Science Group, Madrid, Spain; Department of Specific Didactics, School of Education and Teacher Training, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Bursali F, Touray M. The complexities of blood-feeding patterns in mosquitoes and sandflies and the burden of disease: A minireview. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1580. [PMID: 39171609 PMCID: PMC11339650 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes and sandflies exhibit a wide range of blood feeding patterns, targeting a wide range of vertebrate species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, for proteins vital for egg development. This broad host range increases the opportunity for them to acquire pathogens of numerous debilitating-and-fatal diseases from various animal reservoirs, playing a significant role in disease crossover between animals and humans, also known as zoonotic transmission. This review focuses on the intricate blood-feeding habits of these dipteran vectors, their sensory systems and the complex dance between host and pathogen during disease transmission. We delve into the influence of blood sources on pathogen spread by examining the insect immune response and its intricate interplay with pathogens. The remarkable sense of smell guiding them towards food sources and hosts is explored, highlighting the interplay of multiple sensory cues in their navigation. Finally, we examine the challenges in mosquito control strategies and explore innovations in this field, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to combat this global health threat. By understanding the biology and behaviour of these insects, we can develop more effective strategies to protect ourselves and mitigate the burden of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Bursali
- Biology Department, Faculty of ScienceAydin Adnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
| | - Mustapha Touray
- Biology Department, Faculty of ScienceAydin Adnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
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Huang M, Kingan S, Shoue D, Nguyen O, Froenicke L, Galvin B, Lambert C, Khan R, Maheshwari C, Weisz D, Maslen G, Davison H, Aiden EL, Korlach J, Dudchenko O, McDowell MA, Richards S. Improved high quality sand fly assemblies enabled by ultra low input long read sequencing. Sci Data 2024; 11:918. [PMID: 39181902 PMCID: PMC11344823 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03628-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are the vectors of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease. High-quality reference genomes are an important tool for understanding the biology and eco-evolutionary dynamics underpinning disease epidemiology. Previous leishmaniasis vector reference sequences were limited by sequencing technologies available at the time and inadequate for high-resolution genomic inquiry. Here, we present updated reference assemblies of two sand flies, Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis. These chromosome-level assemblies were generated using an ultra-low input library protocol, PacBio HiFi long reads, and Hi-C technology. The new P. papatasi reference has a final assembly span of 351.6 Mb and contig and scaffold N50s of 926 kb and 111.8 Mb, respectively. The new Lu. longipalpis reference has a final assembly span of 147.8 Mb and contig and scaffold N50s of 1.09 Mb and 40.6 Mb, respectively. Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologue (BUSCO) assessments indicated 94.5% and 95.6% complete single copy insecta orthologs for P. papatasi and Lu. longipalpis. These improved assemblies will serve as an invaluable resource for future genomic work on phlebotomine sandflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | | | - Douglas Shoue
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Oanh Nguyen
- DNA Technologies and Expression Analysis Cores, UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lutz Froenicke
- DNA Technologies and Expression Analysis Cores, UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ruqayya Khan
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chirag Maheshwari
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David Weisz
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gareth Maslen
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Helen Davison
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Erez Lieberman Aiden
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Theoretical and Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Olga Dudchenko
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Theoretical and Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Stephen Richards
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Volfová V, Jančářová M, Volf P. Sand fly blood meal volumes and their relation to female body weight under experimental conditions. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:360. [PMID: 39180125 PMCID: PMC11342606 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06418-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sand fly females require a blood meal to develop eggs. The size of the blood meal is crucial for fecundity and affects the dose of pathogens acquired by females when feeding on infected hosts or during experimental membrane-feeding. METHODS Under standard laboratory conditions, we compared blood meal volumes taken by females of ten sand fly species from four genera: Phlebotomus, Lutzomyia, Migonomyia, and Sergentomyia. The amount of ingested blood was determined using a haemoglobin assay. Additionally, we weighed unfed sand flies to calculate the ratio between body weight and blood meal weight. RESULTS The mean blood meal volume ingested by sand fly females ranged from 0.47 to 1.01 µl. Five species, Phlebotomus papatasi, P. duboscqi, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Sergentomyia minuta, and S. schwetzi, consumed about double the blood meal size compared to Migonomyia migonei. The mean body weight of females ranged from 0.183 mg in S. minuta to 0.369 mg in P. duboscqi. In males, the mean body weight ranged from 0.106 mg in M. migonei to 0.242 mg in P. duboscqi. Males were always lighter than females, with the male-to-female weight ratio ranging from 75% (in Phlebotomus argentipes) to 52% (in Phlebotomus tobbi). CONCLUSIONS Females of most species took a blood meal 2.25-3.05 times their body weight. Notably, the relatively tiny females of P. argentipes consumed blood meals 3.34 times their body weight. The highest (Mbl/Mf) ratios were found in both Sergentomyia species studied; females of S. minuta and S. schwetzi took blood meals 4.5-5 times their body weight. This parameter is substantially higher than that reported for mosquitoes and biting midges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Věra Volfová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, CZ 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Jančářová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, CZ 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, CZ 128 43, Czech Republic.
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Thiiru JW, Langat S, Mulwa F, Cinkovich S, Koka H, Yalwala S, Khamadi S, Onguso J, Odemba N, Ngere F, Johnson J, Egbo T, Garges E, Ojwang E, Eyase F. Characterization of West Nile virus Koutango lineage from phlebotomine sandflies in Kenya. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301956. [PMID: 39173002 PMCID: PMC11341046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The West Nile virus (WNV), primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, is one of the most widespread flaviviruses globally, with past outbreaks occurring in the USA and Europe. Recent studies in parts of Africa, including Kenya, have identified the West Nile virus Koutango lineage (WN-KOUTV) among phlebotomine sandfly populations, however, our understanding of this virus remains limited. This study aimed to characterize WN-KOUTV from phlebotomine sandflies. Sandflies were sampled between 12th -16th March 2021 and 16th -20th March 2023 from six villages each in Baringo and Isiolo Counties, using CDC light traps. Female sandflies were taxonomically identified and pooled based on genus and site of collection. Virus isolation was performed in Vero cells. Viral genomes were determined using next-generation sequencing. Phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses were done to decipher the virus's evolutionary relationships. Comparative analyses of amino acid sequences were performed to determine variations. Protein modeling in Pymol was conducted to elucidate variations in key protein regions. Evolutionary pressure analysis investigated the selection pressures on the virus. In vitro experiments were done to investigate the virus growth kinetics in mammalian Vero E6 and mosquito C6/36 cells. We report the isolation of WN-KOUTV from Salabani in Baringo and Aremet in Isiolo, Kenya. The isolated WN-KOUTVs clustered with previously identified WN-KOUTV strains. Comparative analysis revealed a unique amino acid at NS5 653. The WN-KOUTV lineage as a whole is under purifying selective pressure, with diversifying pressure acting at site NS3 267. The current WN-KOUTV replicated in Vero E6 and C6/36 cells comparable to West Nile virus Lineage 1a, isolated from mosquitoes. Subsequent isolations of WN-KOUTV in phlebotomine sandflies suggest potential vectors, however, vector competence studies would confirm this. Replication in mammalian and insect cell lines suggests there may exist a vector/host relationship. We speculate the close genetic relationship of WN-KOUTV strains from East and West Africa may potentially be enabled by bird migratory routes between the two regions. If proven, this could point to a potential future pandemic pathway for this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Wambui Thiiru
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute for Biotechnology Research, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Solomon Langat
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francis Mulwa
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephanie Cinkovich
- Global Emerging Infections Surveillance Branch, United States Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hellen Koka
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Santos Yalwala
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samoel Khamadi
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Justus Onguso
- Institute for Biotechnology Research, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nicholas Odemba
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francis Ngere
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jaree Johnson
- United States Armed Forces Pest Management Board, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Timothy Egbo
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eric Garges
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elly Ojwang
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Eyase
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Cavalcante KS, Rodrigues BL, Posada-López L, Peniche T, Saraiva JF, Galardo AKR, Galati EAB. Description of Trichophoromyia jariensis, a new species of phlebotomine sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) from the eastern Amazon. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024:tjae095. [PMID: 39159937 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
A new sand fly species, Trichophoromyia jariensis n. sp. Cavalcante, Rodrigues, & Galati, from the state of Amapá, Brazil, is described based on both male and female morphology and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I DNA barcodes. The DNA barcoding analysis clearly associated males and females of this new species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keison S Cavalcante
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica (LABENMED), Instituto de Pesquisas Científicas e Tecnológicas do Amapá (IEPA), Macapá, Brazil
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno L Rodrigues
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laura Posada-López
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- PECET (Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Taires Peniche
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica (LABENMED), Instituto de Pesquisas Científicas e Tecnológicas do Amapá (IEPA), Macapá, Brazil
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José F Saraiva
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica (LABENMED), Instituto de Pesquisas Científicas e Tecnológicas do Amapá (IEPA), Macapá, Brazil
| | - Allan Kardec R Galardo
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica (LABENMED), Instituto de Pesquisas Científicas e Tecnológicas do Amapá (IEPA), Macapá, Brazil
| | - Eunice A B Galati
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Rosa ACG, de Senna AM, Santos FP, Soares AB, de Araújo VC. Oral Leishmaniasis in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Patients: A Comparative Analysis with Two New Case Reports. Head Neck Pathol 2024; 18:69. [PMID: 39101990 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-024-01674-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This case report examines the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis with primary oral involvement in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients diagnosed in Brazil. METHODS We discuss the clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic strategies, highlighting the clinical and histopathologic diagnostic features and distinct progression patterns based on HIV status. Our findings are compared with patterns observed in other countries, emphasizing the differences between the Americas and Europe, Asia, and Africa. RESULTS In the Americas, particularly in Brazil, mucocutaneous leishmaniasis often presents with localized oral lesions, even in the presence of systemic immunosuppression, whereas in the Europe, Asia, and Africa, oral involvement is typically associated with visceral leishmaniasis in immunocompromised patients. These differences were due to variations in the parasite species involved. CONCLUSION This comparison underscores the importance of regional and immunological factors in diagnosing and managing this neglected infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabrício Passador Santos
- Department of Oral Pathology, São Leopoldo Mandic School of Dentistry, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andresa Borges Soares
- Department of Oral Pathology, São Leopoldo Mandic School of Dentistry, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Oaikhena EE, Yahaya UA, Abdulsalami SM, Egbe NL, Adeyemi MM, Ungogo MA, Ebiloma GU, Zoiku FK, Fordjour PA, Elati HAA, Quashie NB, Igoli JO, Gray AI, Lawson C, Ferro VA, de Koning HP. The activities of suaveolol and other compounds from Hyptis suaveolens and Momordica charantia against the aetiological agents of African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis and malaria. Exp Parasitol 2024; 263-264:108807. [PMID: 39043327 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis and malaria are among the most severe health challenges to humans and livestock in Africa and new drugs are needed. Leaves of Hyptis suaveolens Kuntze (Lamiaceae) and Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) were extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and then methanol, and subjected to silica gel column chromatography. Structures of six isolated compounds were elucidated through NMR and HR-EIMS spectrometry. Callistrisic acid, dehydroabietinol, suaveolic acid, suaveolol, and a mixture of suaveolol and suaveolic acid (SSA) were obtained from H. suaveolens, while karavilagenin D and momordicin I acetate were obtained from M. charantia. The isolated biomolecules were tested against trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma brucei brucei and T. congolense, and against Plasmodium falciparum. The most promising EC50 values were obtained for the purified suaveolol fraction, at 2.71 ± 0.36 μg/mL, and SSA, exhibiting an EC50 of 1.56 ± 0.17 μg/mL against T. b. brucei trypomastigotes. Suaveolic acid had low activity against T. b. brucei but displayed moderate activity against T. congolense trypomastigotes at 11.1 ± 0.5 μg/mL. Suaveolol and SSA were also tested against T. evansi, T. equiperdum, Leishmania major and L. mexicana but the antileishmanial activity was low. Neither of the active compounds, nor the mixture of the two, displayed any cytotoxic effect on human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells at even the highest concentration tested, being 200 μg/mL. We conclude that suaveolol and its mixture possessed significant and selective trypanocidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enimie E Oaikhena
- Department of Biotechnology, Nigerian Defence Academy, PMB 2109, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Umar A Yahaya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, PMB 2109, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Sani M Abdulsalami
- Department of Biotechnology, Nigerian Defence Academy, PMB 2109, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Nkechi L Egbe
- Department of Biotechnology, Nigerian Defence Academy, PMB 2109, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Modupe M Adeyemi
- Department of Chemistry, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Marzuq A Ungogo
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, EH8 PYL, UK
| | - Godwin U Ebiloma
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, M5 4NT, Manchester, UK
| | - Felix K Zoiku
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Prince A Fordjour
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Hamza A A Elati
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, University of Elmergib, Al Khums, Libya
| | - Neils B Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Ghana; Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Ghana
| | - John O Igoli
- Department of Chemistry, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, PMB 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Alexander I Gray
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Christopher Lawson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Valerie A Ferro
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Harry P de Koning
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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13
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Chagas ÉCDS, Ferreira FADS, Mwangi VI, Terrazas WCM, Becker JN, Simões RDC, Pacífico EMSS, Silva ASD, Marques CDS, Chagas ECDS, Machado MB, Figueira EAG, Castro DBD, Ramos TCA, Oliveira JHD. Spatio-temporal analysis of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis incidences in the Brazilian state of Amazonas: 2011 to 2022. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107266. [PMID: 38772433 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to conduct a spatio-temporal analysis of tegumentary leishmaniasis occurrences in the Amazonas state, Brazil. An ecological study encompassing time series and spatial analysis was performed, exploring the geographic distribution and temporal trends of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) in Amazonas between 2011 and 2022. Secondary data extracted from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) were utilized for this analysis. The study evaluated the relationship between disease cases and environmental/climatic variables (deforestation, temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity). Over the study period, 19,730 cases of tegumentary leishmaniasis were recorded, averaging an incidence of 41.4/100,000 inhabitants across the 62 municipalities of Amazonas state. Disease intensity varied with seasons. Generally, Amazonas state displayed a declining trend in ATL cases. However, certain municipalities, notably Rio Preto da Eva and Presidente Figueiredo, exhibited high incidence rates, while Canutama, Envira, Eirunepé, and Pauini municipalities demand closer attention due to their demonstrated increasing temporal trend of ATL cases. The analysis indicated a correlation between the number of ATL cases reported and relative humidity as well as precipitation. These findings underscore the significance of tegumentary leishmaniasis as a public health issue in the region and emphasize the necessity for public initiatives aimed at preventing this endemic illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victor Irungu Mwangi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/ Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | - Jaidson Nandi Becker
- Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde do Amazonas Dra, Rosemary Costa Pinto, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Rejane de Castro Simões
- Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde do Amazonas Dra, Rosemary Costa Pinto, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | - Arineia Soares da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/ Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Cintia da Silva Marques
- Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde do Amazonas Dra, Rosemary Costa Pinto, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | - Myrna Barata Machado
- Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde do Amazonas Dra, Rosemary Costa Pinto, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Barros de Castro
- Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde do Amazonas Dra, Rosemary Costa Pinto, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
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Piyasiri SB, Senanayake S, Samaranayake N, Doh S, Iniguez E, Kamhawi S, Karunaweera ND. rPagSP02+rPagSP06 recombinant salivary antigen is a reliable biomarker for evaluating exposure to Phlebotomus argentipes in Sri Lanka. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4633976. [PMID: 39070615 PMCID: PMC11276025 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4633976/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Phlebotomus argentipes is the established vector of leishmaniasis in the Indian sub-continent. Antibodies to sand fly salivary antigens are biomarkers for vector-host exposure in leishmaniasis-endemic regions. Ph. argentipes transmits Leishmania donovani in Sri Lanka, primarily causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Our study compared the performance of salivary gland homogenate (SGH) from a lab-reared local strain of Ph. argentipes females to a composite recombinant salivary biomarker (rPagSP02 + rPagSP06) in a CL-endemic population. Sera from 546 healthy individuals, 30 CL patients, and 15 non-endemic individuals were collected. Western blot analysis of Ph. argentipes SGH identified immunogenic bands between 15 kDa and 67 kDa, with bands of predicted molecular weight õf 15 kDa (SP02) and ~28-30 kDa (SP06) as the major antibody targets. Indirect ELISAs using SGH or rPagSP02 + rPagSP06 antigens showed high sensitivity (96.7%) and specificity (100%), detecting comparable seropositivity in endemic populations. rPagSP02 + rPagSP06 exhibited enhanced discriminatory ability, supported by a strong positive correlation (r = 0.869) with SGH. Our findings indicate that the composite rPagSP02 + rPagSP06 salivary biomarker effectively identifies Ph. argentipes exposure in individuals living in Sri Lanka, showing promising potential for use in surveillance. These findings should be further validated to confirm the epidemiological applications in leishmaniasis-endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachee Bhanu Piyasiri
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, 0800, Sri Lanka
| | - Sanath Senanayake
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, 0800, Sri Lanka
| | - Nilakshi Samaranayake
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, 0800, Sri Lanka
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15
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Piyasiri SB, Fathima P, Shah HK, Senanyake S, Samaranayake N, Karunaweera ND, Rahi M, Saini P. Comparative Analysis of Phlebotomus argentipes Vector of Leishmaniasis in India and Sri Lanka. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1459. [PMID: 39065228 PMCID: PMC11278908 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomus argentipes is the predominant sandfly vector of leishmaniasis in the Indian subcontinent. India and Sri Lanka primarily report visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani. We compared Ph. argentipes from two locations, focusing on its morphological, molecular, and salivary protein characteristics. Sandflies were captured using CDC light traps and cattle-baited net traps. Species identification and morphological comparisons were carried out using standard taxonomic keys. DNA extracted from 12 Sri Lankan sandfly samples was PCR-amplified and sequenced for the variable region of Cytochrome oxidase subunit I. Existing DNA sequences of India from GenBank were utilized for a phylogenetic analysis between Sri Lanka and India. Salivary protein profiles were studied using SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and electrospray ionization/LC/MS/MS. The morphological similarities observed between female Ph. argentipes from India and Sri Lanka suggest the presence of Ph. argentipes var. glaucus. A phylogenetic analysis showed genetic divergence between Ph. argentipes populations, but both shared a similar salivary protein profile. A common, strong 30 kDa immunogenic band comprised PagSP05, PagSP06, and PagSP17 proteins of Ph. argentipes. The similarity between the immunogenic salivary proteins suggests their potential use as common markers for vector exposure or immune response stimulants across regions. The use of multiple samples for each category of serum would improve the comprehensiveness of the immunogenic profiles obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachee Bhanu Piyasiri
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 0800, Sri Lanka; (S.B.P.); (S.S.); (N.S.); (N.D.K.)
| | - P.A. Fathima
- Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam 686003, Kerala, India (H.K.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Harish Kumar Shah
- Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam 686003, Kerala, India (H.K.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Sanath Senanyake
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 0800, Sri Lanka; (S.B.P.); (S.S.); (N.S.); (N.D.K.)
| | - Nilakshi Samaranayake
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 0800, Sri Lanka; (S.B.P.); (S.S.); (N.S.); (N.D.K.)
| | - Nadira Darshani Karunaweera
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 0800, Sri Lanka; (S.B.P.); (S.S.); (N.S.); (N.D.K.)
| | - Manju Rahi
- Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam 686003, Kerala, India (H.K.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Prasanta Saini
- Vector Control Research Centre, Field Station, Kottayam 686003, Kerala, India (H.K.S.); (M.R.)
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DeWinter S, Shahin K, Fernandez-Prada C, Greer AL, Weese JS, Clow KM. Ecological determinants of leishmaniasis vector, Lutzomyia spp.: A scoping review. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39011830 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Leishmania spp. are zoonotic parasites transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, including those of the Lutzomyia genus, which can cause leishmaniases in both humans and dogs. Lutzomyia spp. are established in many countries in South and Central America and some areas of the southern United States, with suspected potential of these vectors to undergo further range expansion due to climate change. A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extensions for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to describe the current state of knowledge on the key ecological factors associated with Lutzomyia spp. survival, reproduction and establishment. The following electronic databases were searched for eligible studies published from 1 January 1990, to the date of search, 26 April 2023: CAB Direct (CABI), MEDLINE (via Ovid), Biological Sciences Database and Environmental Sciences Database. Primary research articles that were available in English and focused on ecological factors associated with Lutzomyia spp., such as climatic and habitat factors, geographic range, seasonality and temporality, and host abundance, were eligible for inclusion in the study. Following de-duplication, a total of 167 studies were included in Level 1 screening, 64 studies were included in Level 2 screening and 31 studies met the criteria for data extraction. Study locations included Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, the United States, Mexico and Canada, with some studies including multiple regions. A total of 31 different Lutzomyia spp. were assessed across these studies, with most (51.6%) of the studies focused on Lutzomyia longipalpis. Eligible studies investigated factors such as seasonality (n = 5), temperature (n = 19), precipitation (n = 13), humidity (n = 2), vegetation presence or requirements (n = 13), ecotypes (n = 7), and/or community type (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) (n = 5). Lutzomyia spp. activity was found to be higher during the rainy season, and peak when temperatures were between 20 and 25°C. Lutzomyia spp. were also found to preferentially reside in tropical or subtropical forests, which are characterised by their lack of a distinct dry season and high precipitation. This scoping review summarised the current state of the literature on the ecological factors associated with the survival, activity and reproduction of Lutzomyia spp. While there appears to be some consensus in the literature regarding some ecological requirements (such as seasonality, temperature and habitat features), overall, there is a lack of published research in this topic. This poses a significant challenge for future studies, which aim to predict the future distribution of Lutzomyia spp. in the context of climate and land use changes. Additional ecological research is urgently needed on Lutzomyia spp. given their relevance to both human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney DeWinter
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keana Shahin
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amy L Greer
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katie M Clow
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Rebêlo JMM, Bandeira MDCA, Moraes JLP, Boas IV, Fonteles RS, Dominici Cruz L, Rodrigues BL. Seasonal dynamics of sand flies in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: a tourist destination and endemic area for leishmaniasis. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 61:900-910. [PMID: 38808616 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Numerous sand fly species have been reported in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP) in Northeast Brazil, including important Leishmania vectors, making the park an endemic area for tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. We evaluated sand fly abundance monthly over 7 years, correlating it with environmental variables and monthly tourist numbers in LMNP. Sand fly species were observed throughout the year, with Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva and Nyssomyia whitmani Antunes and Coutinho (Diptera: Psychodidae) being the most abundant species, especially from April to June. In addition to seasonal abundance patterns, Lu. longipalpis showed increasing abundance throughout 2013 until April 2014, whereas Ny. whitmani exhibited a consistent increase throughout the study period. Redundancy analysis indicated that monthly sand fly abundances increased with humidity but decreased with mean temperature and wind speed. Ecotourists mainly visit the park from May to September when interdune lagoons are full, coinciding with high-frequency vector activity during the rainy months (May-June). Tourists also visit in January and February during school holidays, when the rains begin and sand fly abundance increases, and in July, when sand fly abundance decreases. To date, no instances of infected tourists have been recorded, likely because visits to LMNP occur during the day when sand flies are inactive. However, there is a potential risk of vector exposure if tourists engage in nighttime cultural visits to villages around the park, where leishmaniasis cases occur annually.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Macário Rebêlo
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Vetores, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação da Rede de Biodiversidade de Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Maria da Conceição Abreu Bandeira
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Vetores, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Jorge Luiz Pinto Moraes
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Vetores, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação da Rede de Biodiversidade de Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Itapotiara Vilas Boas
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Vetores, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Raquel Silva Fonteles
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação da Rede de Biodiversidade de Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Leite Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Carbonara M, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Bezerra-Santos MA, de Abreu Teles PP, Lia RP, Locantore F, Iatta R, Volf P, Otranto D. Leishmania spp. in equids and their potential vectors in endemic areas of canine leishmaniasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012290. [PMID: 39024365 PMCID: PMC11257397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Equids may be infected by zoonotic Leishmania spp., including Leishmania infantum, in regions where canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is endemic, and Leishmania martiniquensis, which has been reported in horses from Central Europe. This study was designed to evaluate the occurrence of both Leishmania spp. among equids living in CanL endemic areas of Italy, as well as to identify dipteran vectors from the same habitats. From March to October 2023, blood, serum and tissue samples from skin lesions were collected from equids (n = 98; n = 56 donkeys and n = 42 horses) living in Italy, as well as sand flies and biting midges. Blood samples (n = 98) and skin lesions (n = 56) were tested for Leishmania spp. by conventional and real time PCRs and sera were tested by immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT) for both L. infantum and L. martiniquensis. Insects were morphologically identified, and female specimens (n = 268 sand flies, n = 7 biting midges) analyzed for Leishmania DNA, as well as engorged sand flies (n = 16) for blood-meal detection. Two animals with skin lesions (i.e., one donkey and one horse) scored positive for Leishmania spp. DNA, and 19 animals (i.e., 19.4%; n = 13 donkeys and n = 6 horses) were seropositive for L. infantum, with five of them also for L. martiniquensis. Most seropositive animals had no dermatological lesions (i.e., 68.4%) while both animals molecularly positive for Leishmania spp. scored seronegative. Of the 356 sand flies collected, 12 females (i.e., n = 8 Sergentomyia minuta; n = 3 Phlebotomus perniciosus, n = 1 Phlebotomus perfiliewi) were positive for Leishmania spp. DNA, and one out of seven biting midges collected was DNA-positive for L. infantum. Moreover, engorged sand flies scored positive for human and equine DNA. Data suggest that equids living in CanL endemic areas are exposed to Leishmania spp., but their role in the circulation of the parasite needs further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
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19
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Cardoso SF, Guesser JVC, Rodrigues AAF, Brazil RP, Rona LDP, Pitaluga AN. Leishmania infantum detection in Nyssomyia neivai and dogs in Southern Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:269. [PMID: 38918858 PMCID: PMC11200822 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sand fly Nyssomyia neivai is one of the most abundant species in Southern Brazil. It is frequently found in areas that are foci of visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Santa Catarina, caused by Leishmania infantum. In this region, the main vector of L. infantum, Lutzomyia longipalpis, has not been detected. In the absence of L. longipalpis, this study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna and diagnose any potential Leishmania spp. infection in sand flies and in dogs in a region of Southern Brazil that experienced a recent canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak. METHODS This report includes a survey of the sand fly fauna at the Zoonosis Control Center of the Municipality of Tubarão (Santa Catarina, Brazil). Molecular tests were conducted to investigate Leishmania spp. natural infection in sand flies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In positive females, in addition to morphological identification, molecular analysis through DNA barcoding was performed to determine the sand fly species. Additionally, the dogs were tested for the presence of Leishmania spp. using a non-invasive technique for the collection of biological material, to be assessed by PCR. RESULTS A total of 3419 sand flies, belonging to five genera, were collected. Nyssomyia neivai was the most abundant species (85.8%), followed by Migonemyia migonei (13.3%), Pintomyia fischeri (0.8%), Evandromyia edwardsi (< 0.1%), and species of the genus Brumptomyia. (0.1%). Out of the 509 non-engorged females analyzed by PCR, two (0.4%) carried L. infantum DNA. The naturally infected females were identified as Ny. neivai, in both morphological and molecular analysis. In addition, two out of 47 conjunctival swabs from dogs tested positive for L. infantum, yielding an infection rate of 4.2%. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the presence of Ny. neivai naturally infected with L. infantum in an area where dogs were also infected by the parasite, suggesting its potential role as a vector in Southern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Fernandes Cardoso
- Department of Cell Biology, Embryology, and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance (DIVE), Santa Catarina's State Health Secretary, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - João Victor Costa Guesser
- Department of Cell Biology, Embryology, and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luísa Damazio Pitaluga Rona
- Department of Cell Biology, Embryology, and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Molecular Entomology, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (INCT-EM, CNPq), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - André Nóbrega Pitaluga
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Molecular Entomology, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (INCT-EM, CNPq), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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20
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Suckow MA, Bolton ID, McDowell MA. Overview and Approaches for Handling of Animal Models of Leishmaniasis. Comp Med 2024; 74:148-155. [PMID: 39107941 PMCID: PMC11267445 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-24-029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a disease of global relevance, results from infection with the protozoan parasite, Leishmania, which is transmitted to susceptible hosts through the bite of sand flies. Multiple forms of leishmaniasis may occur, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. Research with animal models remains an important approach to help define basic pathophysi- ologic processes associated with infection and disease. In this regard, mice and hamsters represent the most commonly used models. The severity of leishmaniasis in animal models depends on several factors, including genotype of the host and parasite and the dose and route of administration of the parasite to the host, and severity of outcome may range from subclinical to severe illness. This review provides basic background on leishmaniasis, relevant animal models, the pathophysiology and clinical signs in animals used as models of leishmaniasis, and general approaches to mitigate risk to personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Suckow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Iris D Bolton
- Freimann Life Science Center, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; and
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
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21
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Sheikh SY, Hassan F, Shukla D, Bala S, Faruqui T, Akhter Y, Khan AR, Nasibullah M. A review on potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Parasitol Int 2024; 100:102863. [PMID: 38272301 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Leishmania, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for the occurrence of leishmaniasis, a disease that is prevalent in tropical regions. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar in Asian countries, is one of the most significant forms of VL, along with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) and Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (ML). Management of this condition typically entails the use of chemotherapy as the sole therapeutic option. The current treatments for leishmaniasis present several drawbacks, including a multitude of side effects, prolonged treatment duration, disparate efficacy across different regions, and the emergence of resistance. To address this urgent need, it is imperative to identify alternative treatments that are both safer and more effective. The identification of appropriate pharmacological targets in conjunction with biological pathways constitutes the initial stage of drug discovery. In this review, we have addressed the key metabolic pathways that represent potential pharmacological targets as well as prominent treatment options for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabahat Yasmeen Sheikh
- Department of Chemistry, Integral University, Dasauli, Kursi road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Firoj Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Integral University, Dasauli, Kursi road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Deepanjali Shukla
- Department of Chemistry, Integral University, Dasauli, Kursi road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Shashi Bala
- Department of Chemistry, Lucknow University, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Tabrez Faruqui
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Yusuf Akhter
- Department of Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, India
| | - Abdul Rahman Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Integral University, Dasauli, Kursi road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Malik Nasibullah
- Department of Chemistry, Integral University, Dasauli, Kursi road, Lucknow 226026, India.
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22
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Msellemu D, Tanner M, Yadav R, Moore SJ. Occupational exposure to malaria, leishmaniasis and arbovirus vectors in endemic regions: A systematic review. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 6:100185. [PMID: 39027087 PMCID: PMC11252614 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases, including dengue, leishmaniasis and malaria, may be more common among individuals whose occupations or behaviours bring them into frequent contact with these disease vectors outside of their homes. A systematic review was conducted to ascertain at-risk occupations and situations that put individuals at increased risk of exposure to these disease vectors in endemic regions and identify the most suitable interventions for each exposure. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines on articles published between 1945 and October 2021, searched in 16 online databases. The primary outcome was incidence or prevalence of dengue, leishmaniasis or malaria. The review excluded ecological and qualitative studies, abstracts only, letters, commentaries, reviews, and studies of laboratory-acquired infections. Studies were appraised, data extracted, and a descriptive analysis conducted. Bite interventions for each risk group were assessed. A total of 1170 articles were screened and 99 included. Malaria, leishmaniasis and dengue were presented in 47, 41 and 24 articles, respectively; some articles presented multiple conditions. The most represented populations were soldiers, 38% (43 of 112 studies); refugees and travellers, 15% (17) each; migrant workers, 12.5% (14); miners, 9% (10); farmers, 5% (6); rubber tappers and missionaries, 1.8% (2) each; and forest workers, 0.9% (1). Risk of exposure was categorised into round-the-clock or specific times of day/night dependent on occupation. Exposure to these vectors presents a critical and understudied concern for outdoor workers and mobile populations. When devising interventions to provide round-the-clock vector bite protection, two populations are considered. First, mobile populations, characterized by their high mobility, may find potential benefits in insecticide-treated clothing, though more research and optimization are essential. Treated clothing offers personal vector protection and holds promise for economically disadvantaged individuals, especially when enabling them to self-treat their clothing to repel vectors. Secondly, semi-permanent and permanent settlement populations can receive a combination of interventions that offer both personal and community protection, including spatial repellents, suitable for extended stays. Existing research is heavily biased towards tourism and the military, diverting attention and resources from vulnerable populations where these interventions are most required like refugee populations as well as those residing in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Msellemu
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rajpal Yadav
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Academy of Public Health Entomology, Udaipur, 313 002, India
| | - Sarah J. Moore
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), P.O. Box 447, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
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23
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Benelli G, Germinara GS, Volf P, Otranto D. Smelly interactions: host-borne volatile organic compounds triggering behavioural responses in mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:227. [PMID: 38755646 PMCID: PMC11100076 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06299-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals emitted as products of cell metabolism, which reflects the physiological and pathological conditions of any living organisms. These compounds play a key role as olfactory cues for arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks, which act in the transmission of pathogens to many animal species, including humans. Some VOCs may influence arthropod behaviour, e.g., host preference and oviposition site selection for gravid females. Furthermore, deadly vector-borne pathogens such as Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania infantum are suggested to manipulate the VOCs profile of the host to make them more attractive to mosquitoes and sand fly vectors, respectively. Under the above circumstances, studies on these compounds have demonstrated their potential usefulness for investigating the behavioural response of mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks toward their vertebrate hosts, as well as potential tools for diagnosis of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Herein, we provide an account for scientific data available on VOCs to study the host seeking behaviour of arthropod vectors, and their usefulness as attractants, repellents, or tools for an early diagnosis of VBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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24
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Dantas-Torres F. Canine leishmaniasis in the Americas: etiology, distribution, and clinical and zoonotic importance. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:198. [PMID: 38689318 PMCID: PMC11061994 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06282-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine leishmaniasis is a widespread disease on the American continent, with cases reported from Uruguay to the USA and Canada. While numerous Leishmania spp. have been reported in dogs in this region, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis are the most common etiological agents of canine leishmaniasis from a continental perspective. Nonetheless, other species may predominate locally in some countries. The participation of dogs in the transmission cycle of various Leishmania spp. has long been speculated, but evidence indicates that their role as reservoirs of species other than L. infantum is negligible. Various native wildlife (e.g., small rodents, marsupials, sloths, and monkeys) are, in fact, the primary hosts of Leishmania spp. in the Americas. In this review, an updated list of Leishmania spp. infecting dogs in the Americas is presented, along with their distribution and clinical and zoonotic importance.
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25
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Tsakmakidis I, Lefkaditis M, Zaralis K, Arsenos G. Alternative hosts of Leishmania infantum: a neglected parasite in Europe. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:128. [PMID: 38630347 PMCID: PMC11189345 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Multi-host pathogens that infect various animal species and humans are considered of great importance for public and animal health. Leishmania spp. parasites are a characteristic example of such pathogens. Although leishmaniosis in humans is endemic for about 100 countries around the world it is classified as a neglected tropical disease. There are three main forms of leishmaniosis in humans: cutaneous (CL), visceral (VL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniosis (MCL). Each year, about 30,000 new cases of VL and more than 1 million new cases of CL are recorded. In Europe L. infantum is the dominant species with dogs being reservoir hosts. Apart from dogs, infection has been recorded in various animals, which suggests that other species could play a role in the maintenance of the parasite in nature. Herein we provide an in-depth review of the literature with respect to studies that deal with Leishmania infantum infections in domestic and wild animal species in Europe. Given the fact that domesticated and wild animals could contribute to the incidences of leishmaniosis in humans, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review which could potentially be used for the development of measures when it comes to the control of the Leishmania infantum parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsakmakidis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Zaralis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece.
| | - Georgios Arsenos
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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26
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Ullah W, Khan A, Niaz S, Al-Garadi MA, Nasreen N, Swelum AA, Ben Said M. Epidemiological survey, molecular profiling and phylogenetic analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:273-286. [PMID: 38055843 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), an emerging vector-borne ailment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, exhibits diverse spread patterns and outbreaks. METHODS To comprehend its epidemiology and identify parasite species, we conducted an active survey on suspected CL cases (n=8845) in KPK. RESULTS Microscopy and internal transcribed spacer-1 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) molecular techniques detected Leishmania spp. in blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis gauged genetic affinities with other areas. District Bannu displayed the highest CL impact (14.58%), while Swat had the lowest impact (4.33%) among cases. Annual blood examination rate, parasite incidence and slide positivity rate were 4.96 per 1000 people, 0.0233 and 0.047%, respectively. CL infections were prevalent in 1- to 20-y-olds, with males (57.17%) more vulnerable than females (42.82%). Single lesions occurred in 43.73% of patients, while 31.2% people had two lesions, 17.31% had three lesions and 7.74% had more than three lesions. Most had sand-fly exposure but lacked preventive measures like repellents and bed nets. Leishmania tropica was confirmed via RFLP analysis in amplified samples. Phylogenetic analysis unveiled genetic parallels between L. tropica of KPK and isolates from China, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Syria and Morocco. CONCLUSIONS Urgent comprehensive control measures are imperative. Early detection, targeted interventions and raising awareness of CL and sand-fly vectors are vital for reducing the disease's impact. International collaboration and monitoring are crucial to tackle Leishmania spp.'s genetic diversity and curtail its cross-border spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasia Ullah
- Depart ment of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany/Zoology, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Department of Biology, Mountain Allison university, Sackville, new Brunswick, Canada
| | - Sadaf Niaz
- Depart ment of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Maged A Al-Garadi
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Depart ment of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ayman A Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
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27
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Das N, Roy J, Patra B, Saunders E, Sarkar D, Goon S, Sinha BP, Roy S, Roy S, Sarif J, Bandopadhyay P, Barik S, Mukherjee S, McNamara N, Varghese S, Simpson K, Baell J, McConville M, Ganguly D, Talukdar A. Hit-to-lead optimization of 2-aminoquinazolines as anti-microbial agents against Leishmania donovani. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116256. [PMID: 38461679 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially fatal disease caused by infection by the intracellular protist pathogens Leishmania donovani or Leishmania infantum. Present therapies are ineffective because of high costs, variable efficacy against different species, the requirement for hospitalization, toxicity and drug resistance. Detailed analysis of previously published hit molecules suggested a crucial role of 'guanidine' linkage for their efficacy against L. donovani. Here we report the design of 2-aminoquinazoline heterocycle as a basic pharmacophore-bearing guanidine linkage. The introduction of various groups and functionality at different positions of the quinazoline scaffold results in enhanced antiparasitic potency with modest host cell cytotoxicity using a physiologically relevant THP-1 transformed macrophage infection model. In terms of the ADME profile, the C7 position of quinazoline was identified as a guiding tool for designing better molecules. The good ADME profile of the compounds suggests that they merit further consideration as lead compounds for treating visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmal Das
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Jayasree Roy
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Binita Patra
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Eleanor Saunders
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology (Bio21), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Dipika Sarkar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Sunny Goon
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Bishnu Prasad Sinha
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Shreya Roy
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Swarnali Roy
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Jafar Sarif
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Purbita Bandopadhyay
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhasis Barik
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Suravi Mukherjee
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Nicole McNamara
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 2052, Australia
| | - Swapna Varghese
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 2052, Australia
| | - Kaylene Simpson
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Jonathan Baell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 2052, Australia
| | - Malcolm McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology (Bio21), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Dipyaman Ganguly
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India.
| | - Arindam Talukdar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India.
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Usarov GX, Turitsin VS, Sattarova XG, Sádlová J, Mustanov JAU, Saura A, Yurchenko V. Phlebotomine sand fly (Diptera: Phlebotominae) diversity in the foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Surxondaryo Region of Uzbekistan: 50 years on. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:170. [PMID: 38526739 PMCID: PMC10963468 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08191-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
In Uzbekistan, the number of reported leishmaniasis cases is rising at the alarming rate. In this work, we studied the phlebotomine sand fly (Diptera: Phlebotominae) diversity in the foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Surxondaryo Region of Uzbekistan and compared it with the data obtained for the same area 50 years ago, when infection prevalence was reportedly low. We found that the implicated vector for zoonotic leishmaniasis, P. papatasi, remained eudominant; the proportion of implicated anthroponotic leishmaniasis vector, P. sergenti, rose significantly from averaged 5.4 to 41.4%; Phlebotomus alexandri, a suspected visceral leishmaniasis vector, was eudominant at two sites, and a second suspected vector for this disease, P. longiductus, was newly recorded in the region. We conclude that the increase in the documented cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Surxondaryo Region of Uzbekistan may be connected to the changes in fauna of sand flies vectoring Leishmania spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gofur X Usarov
- Isayev Research Institute of Microbiology, Virology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Samarkand State Medical University, 140100, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | | | - Xulkar G Sattarova
- Isayev Research Institute of Microbiology, Virology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Samarkand State Medical University, 140100, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Jovana Sádlová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Andreu Saura
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czechia.
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Rodrigues BL, da Silva Costa G, Godoy RE, Pereira Júnior AM, Cella W, Ferreira GEM, de Medeiros JF, Shimabukuro PHF. Molecular and morphometric study of Brazilian populations of Psychodopygus davisi. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 38:83-98. [PMID: 37867259 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we analysed the molecular and morphometric differences of several populations of the putative sand fly vector Psychodopygus davisi (Root, 1934) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in Brazil. We amplified the 658 base pair fragments of the DNA barcoding region-cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene-for 57 specimens of P. davisi and three specimens of Psychodopygus claustrei (Abonnenc, Léger & Fauran, 1979). We merged our data with public sequences of the same species available from GenBank. Then, the combined dataset-87 sequences and 20 localities-was analysed using population structure analysis and different species delimitation approaches. Geometric morphometry of wings was performed for 155 specimens of P. davisi populations from the North, Midwest and Southeast Brazilian regions, analysing the differences in centroid sizes and canonical variates. Molecular analysis indicated high intraspecific genetic distance values for P. davisi (maximum p distance = 5.52%). All algorithms identified P. davisi and P. claustrei as distinct molecular taxonomic units, despite the low interspecific distance (p distance to the nearest neighbour = 4.79%). P. davisi sequences were split into four genetic clusters by population structure analysis and at least five genetic lineages using intermediate scenarios of the species delimitation algorithms. The species validation analysis of BPP strongly supported the five-species model in our dataset. We found high genetic diversity in this taxon, which is in agreement with its wide geographic distribution in Brazil. Furthermore, the wing analysis showed that specimens from the Southeast Region of Brazil are different from those in the North and the Midwest. The evolutionary patterns of P. davisi populations in Brazil suggest the presence of candidate species, which need to be validated in future studies using a more comprehensive approach with both genomic data and morphological characters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Leite Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Glaucilene da Silva Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Estado de Rondônia, LACEN-RO, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wilsandrei Cella
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense, Paraná, Brazil
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Tefé, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Eduardo Melim Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia Genética, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Jansen Fernandes de Medeiros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Paloma Helena Fernandes Shimabukuro
- Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Coleção de Flebotomíneos (Fiocruz/COLFLEB), Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Schaffner F, Silaghi C, Verhulst NO, Depaquit J, Mathis A. The Phlebotomine sand fly fauna of Switzerland revisited. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 38:13-22. [PMID: 37642138 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae; Newstead, 1911) are widespread in Europe, being particularly common in the Mediterranean region but rare north of the Alps. Thus, Switzerland is an opportune place to investigate the sand fly fauna on both sides of the Alpine crest, in southern sub-Mediterranean climate and northern oceanic temperate climate. We reinvestigated the Swiss sand fly fauna with the aim to assess changes in composition, altitudinal distribution, abundance and seasonality. Thirty-eight sites were investigated with light traps and/or interception sticky traps in 4 years. Ninety and 380 specimens were caught by light traps and sticky traps, respectively, at 15 collecting sites. Four species were identified. Phlebotomus mascittii (Grassi, 1908), Phlebotomus perniciosus (Newstead, 1911) and Sergentomyia minuta (Rondani, 1843) were confirmed in Ticino, and P. mascittii for the first time in neighbouring Grisons. Also, Phlebotomus neglectus (Tonnoir, 1921) is for the first time reported, though at a very low density compared to P. perniciosus at the same site. Its presence in Ticino supports the northward spread observed in Italy. Sand flies were detected north of the Alps at one site only, endorsing a historical report. Overall, the low density of P. perniciosus and very low density of P. neglectus suggest that canine leishmaniosis may not be an important disease risk in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Schaffner
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Infectology (IMED), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Niels O Verhulst
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Depaquit
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, EA7510 ESCAPE, ANSES, USC "Pathogènes-Environnement-Toxoplasme-Arthropodes-Réservoirs-bioDiversité (PETARD)", Reims, France
| | - Alexander Mathis
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Paronyan L, Babayan L, Vardanyan H, Manucharyan A, Papapostolou KM, Balaska S, Vontas J, Mavridis K. Molecular monitoring of insecticide resistance in major disease vectors in Armenia. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:54. [PMID: 38321481 PMCID: PMC10848433 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06139-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Armenia is considered particularly vulnerable to life-threatening vector-borne diseases (VBDs) including malaria, West Nile virus disease and leishmaniasis. However, information relevant for the control of the vectors of these diseases, such as their insecticide resistance profile, is scarce. The present study was conducted to provide the first evidence on insecticide resistance mechanisms circulating in major mosquito and sand fly populations in Armenia. METHODS Sampling sites were targeted based mainly on previous historical records of VBD occurrences in humans and vertebrate hosts. Initially, molecular species identification on the collected vector samples was performed. Subsequently, molecular diagnostic assays [polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Sanger sequencing, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), quantitative PCR (qPCR)] were performed to profile for major insecticide resistance mechanisms, i.e. target site insensitivity in voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) associated with pyrethroid resistance, acetylcholinesterase (ace-1) target site mutations linked to organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CRB) resistance, chitin synthase (chs-1) target site mutations associated with diflubenzuron (DFB) resistance and gene amplification of carboxylesterases (CCEs) associated with resistance to the OP temephos. RESULTS Anopheles mosquitoes were principally represented by Anopheles sacharovi, a well-known malaria vector in Armenia, which showed no signs of resistance mechanisms. Contrarily, the knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations V1016G and L1014F/C in the vgsc gene were detected in the arboviral mosquito vectors Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens, respectively. The kdr mutation L1014S was also detected in the sand fly, vectors of leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus papatasi and P. tobbi, whereas no mutations were found in the remaining collected sand fly species, P. sergenti, P. perfiliewi and P. caucasicus. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to report on molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance circulating in major mosquito and sand fly disease vectors in Armenia and highlights the need for the establishment of systematic resistance monitoring practices for the implementation of evidence-based control applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lusine Paronyan
- National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, MOH, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia.
| | - Lilit Babayan
- National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, MOH, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
| | - Haykuhi Vardanyan
- National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, MOH, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
| | - Arsen Manucharyan
- National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, MOH, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
| | - Kyriaki Maria Papapostolou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Sofia Balaska
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Vontas
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Crop Science, Pesticide Science Laboratory, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mavridis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013, Heraklion, Greece.
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Rodrigues BL, Galati EAB. New sand fly (Diptera, Psychodidae) records and COI DNA barcodes in the state of Maranhão, Eastern Amazon, Brazil. Acta Trop 2024; 250:107095. [PMID: 38097151 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The sand fly fauna and the usefulness of the DNA barcoding fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were accessed in a forest fragment in the municipality of Governador Newton Bello, state of Maranhão, Brazil. We performed entomological collections in three independent campaigns in May and October 2021, and January 2023. Sand flies were morphologically-identified and then DNA barcoded. Sequences were deposited and analyzed in the BOLD System Database, and various species delimitation algorithms, to assess whether DNA sequences merge into taxonomic units in accordance with nominal species. In total, 1,524 sand flies were collected, comprising 32 nominal species. Nyssomyia antunesi was the most abundant species (31.5 %), followed by Psychodopygus davisi (27 %). We reported for the first time in the state of Maranhão, the presence of Lutzomyia evangelistai, Lutzomyia sherlocki, Pressatia equatorialis, and Psathyromyia barrettoi. We amplified and analyzed 67 COI barcodes of 23 species, which were merged with conspecific sequences extracted from GenBank. The maximum intraspecific p distances ranged from 0.0 % to 14.74 %, while the distances to the nearest neighbor varied from 1.67 % to 13.64 %. The phylogenetic gene tree and species delimitation tools clustered sequences into well-supported clades/clusters for each nominal species, except for Pressatia choti/Pr. equatorialis, which have the lowest interspecific genetic distance (1.67 %). We sequenced for the first time COI barcodes of Brumptomyia brumpti, Evandromyia monstruosa, Micropygomyia rorotaensis, Micropygomyia pilosa, Pintomyia christenseni, Pintomyia pacae, Pr. equatorialis, Pa. barrettoi, and Psathyromyia hermanlenti, which will be useful for further molecular identification and classification proposals of Neotropical species. This study updated the current list of the sand fly fauna for the state of Maranhão to 97, and demonstrated that COI barcodes are useful for specific identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Leite Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - Cerqueira César, São Paulo 01246-904, SP, Brazil,.
| | - Eunice Aparecida Bianchi Galati
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - Cerqueira César, São Paulo 01246-904, SP, Brazil
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Maia C. Sand fly-borne diseases in Europe: epidemiological overview and potential triggers for their emergence and re-emergence. J Comp Pathol 2024; 209:6-12. [PMID: 38320331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are vectors of human and animal pathogens, including Leishmania species protozoan parasites and viruses of the genus Phlebovirus. In Europe, visceral zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum, a deadly disease when left untreated, is endemic in southern countries, and dogs are the main reservoir hosts for human infection. Most phleboviruses cause asymptomatic infections or flu-like syndromes in humans, but Toscana phlebovirus can cause meningitis and encephalitis. These diseases are likely to re-emerge, posing a growing threat to public and animal health. Potential triggers include the movement of humans and dogs, increasing numbers of immunosuppressive conditions, climate change and other human-mediated environmental changes. An overview of the main epidemiological characteristics of the pathogens transmitted by sand flies in Europe and the potential triggers involved in their emergence and re-emergence are reviewed here. There is a need to implement mandatory notification of human and canine leishmaniases and human phleboviruses and coordinated epidemiological surveillance programmes at a European level, and to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and citizens about sand fly-borne diseases, following a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1348-009, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Mahdavi R, Martinkovic F, Shams-Eldin H, Pereira IE, Reis AB, Latz A, Heinz D, Aira C, Fresco-Taboada A, Abass E, Romero-Olmedo J, Teixeira HC, Steinhoff U. Comparative Study of a Novel Lateral Flow Rapid Test with Conventional Serological Test Systems for the Diagnosis of Canine Leishmaniosis in Croatia and Brazil. Pathogens 2024; 13:109. [PMID: 38392847 PMCID: PMC10892489 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Control of canine infections with Leishmania infantum (L. infantum), a major zoonotic disease in Brazil and southern Europe, is becoming increasingly important due to its close proximity to humans, the increasing import of dogs from endemic regions and the impact of climate change on vector spreading. Simple, rapid and reliable diagnostic tests are therefore needed to detect infected dogs. Here, we re-evaluated different serological methods for the diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) in Croatia and Brazil. The diagnostic performance of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the VetLine® Leishmania ELISA (GSD Frankfurt, Germany) was compared with three rKLi8.3-based diagnostic test systems, the rKLi8.3 ELISA (GSD Frankfurt, Germany), the INgezim® Leishma CROM (GSD Madrid, Spain) lateral flow test (LFT) and the VetBlot®Leishmania LineBlot (GSD Frankfurt, Germany). CanL symptomatic dogs were efficiently diagnosed by all tests, except the VetLine® Leishmania ELISA, which is based on whole Leishmania antigens. The advantage of rKLi8.3 was also observed in oligo- and asymptomatic dogs from Brazil and Croatia, although with reduced diagnostic efficiency compared to symptomatic dogs. Similar to IFAT and rKLi8.3 ELISA, the LFT did not cross-react with other common canine pathogens; it showed very high specificity for healthy dogs from endemic regions in both countries and did not react with healthy, vaccinated dogs in Brazil. In conclusion, serodiagnostic tests based on the rKLi8.3 antigens are superior to whole parasite antigens, and the LFT has the advantage of providing a laboratory-independent, rapid and specific diagnosis of CanL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouzbeh Mahdavi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Phillips University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (R.M.); (H.S.-E.); (J.R.-O.)
| | - Franjo Martinkovic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, HR-1000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Hosam Shams-Eldin
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Phillips University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (R.M.); (H.S.-E.); (J.R.-O.)
| | - Ingrid E. Pereira
- Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, MG, Brazil (H.C.T.)
| | - Alexandre B. Reis
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, MG, Brazil;
| | - Andreas Latz
- Gold Standard Diagnostics Frankfurt (GSD Frankfurt), 63128 Dietzenbach, Germany; (A.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Daniela Heinz
- Gold Standard Diagnostics Frankfurt (GSD Frankfurt), 63128 Dietzenbach, Germany; (A.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Cristina Aira
- Gold Standard Diagnostics Madrid S.A. (GSD Madrid), 28037 Madrid, Spain; (C.A.); (A.F.-T.)
| | - Alba Fresco-Taboada
- Gold Standard Diagnostics Madrid S.A. (GSD Madrid), 28037 Madrid, Spain; (C.A.); (A.F.-T.)
| | - Elfadil Abass
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Jelena Romero-Olmedo
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Phillips University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (R.M.); (H.S.-E.); (J.R.-O.)
| | - Henrique C. Teixeira
- Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, MG, Brazil (H.C.T.)
| | - Ulrich Steinhoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Phillips University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (R.M.); (H.S.-E.); (J.R.-O.)
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Montes de Oca-Aguilar AC, Euan-Canul RD, Sosa-Bibiano EI, López-Ávila KB, Rebollar-Téllez EA, Palacio-Vargas JA, Loría-Cervera EN. Phlebotomine sand flies in rural Mayan communities of Southern Mexico: The heterogeneity of the ruralscape increases the entomological risk. Acta Trop 2024; 249:107051. [PMID: 37875169 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
In the Yucatan Peninsula, tropical preserved forests harbor a high diversity of phlebotomine sand fly species, potential vectors of Leishmania. As a result, a significant risk of contracting localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) is associated with entry into these forest ecosystems. However, with the current trajectory of land use in the region, communities now live within modified landscapes which could increase their risk of contact with vectors. In this study, we characterized the sand fly fauna and its relationship with the characteristics of peridomestic habitats in two rural communities in Yucatan characterized by contrasting records of leishmaniasis. Five human dwellings in each community were randomly selected and the peridomestic landscape was characterized (i.e., type and percentage of land use). For the collection of sand flies, CDC traps were deployed in both the intra and peridomicile. Differences in alpha and beta diversity between communities and ecotopes were estimated considering three separate groups, all species together, zoophilic species, and anthropophilic species. In total, 1, 241 sand flies represented by eight species were collected from November 2021-March 2022. Both communities registered the presence of sand flies in the intra and peridomicile, and females were more abundant than males. However, the greatest diversity of species was recorded in the peridomicile of the community with the highest composition of land uses. Our study demonstrates that the transformation of the forest around the communities favors the abundance and richness of sand flies in the peridomestic environment. We discuss the limitations and implications of our findings regarding the potential risk of the emergence of peri‑rural cycles of leishmaniasis in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Montes de Oca-Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Ave. Itzáes No. 490 × 59-A, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - R D Euan-Canul
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto Tecnológico de México, Campus Conkal, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - E I Sosa-Bibiano
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Ave. Itzáes No. 490 × 59-A, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - K B López-Ávila
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Ave. Itzáes No. 490 × 59-A, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - E A Rebollar-Téllez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Departamento de Zoología de Invertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
| | - J A Palacio-Vargas
- Dirección de Prevención y Protección de la Salud de los Servicios de Salud de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - E N Loría-Cervera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Ave. Itzáes No. 490 × 59-A, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
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Ruang-Areerate T, Ruang-Areerate P, Manomat J, Naaglor T, Piyaraj P, Mungthin M, Leelayoova S, Siripattanapipong S. Genetic variation and geographic distribution of Leishmania orientalis and Leishmania martiniquensis among Leishmania/HIV co-infection in Thailand. Sci Rep 2023; 13:23094. [PMID: 38155252 PMCID: PMC10754904 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50604-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1999, the number of asymptomatic leishmaniasis cases has increased continuously in Thailand, particularly among patients with HIV who are prone to develop symptoms of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis further. The asymptomatic infection could play a key role in Leishmania transmission and distribution. Understanding population structure and phylogeographic patterns could be crucially needed to develop effective diagnoses and appropriate guidelines for therapy. In this study, genetic variation and geographic distribution of the Leishmania/HIV co-infected population were investigated in endemic northern and southern Thailand. Interestingly, Leishmania orientalis was common and predominant in these two regions with common regional haplotype distribution but not for the others. Recent population expansion was estimated, probably due to the movement and migration of asymptomatic individuals; therefore, the transmission and prevalence of Leishmania infection could be underestimated. These findings of imbalanced population structure and phylogeographic distribution patterns provide valuable, insightful population structure and geographic distribution of Leishmania/HIV co-infection to empower prevention and control of transmission and expansion of asymptomatic leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toon Ruang-Areerate
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Panthita Ruang-Areerate
- BIOTEC, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Jipada Manomat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Tawee Naaglor
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Phunlerd Piyaraj
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Mathirut Mungthin
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Saovanee Leelayoova
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
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Tom A, Kumar NP, Kumar A, Saini P. Interactions between Leishmania parasite and sandfly: a review. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:6. [PMID: 38052752 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis transmission cycles are maintained and sustained in nature by the complex crosstalk of the Leishmania parasite, sandfly vector, and the mammalian hosts (human, as well as zoonotic reservoirs). Regardless of the vast research on human host-parasite interaction, there persists a substantial knowledge gap on the parasite's development and modulation in the vector component. This review focuses on some of the intriguing aspects of the Leishmania-sandfly interface, beginning with the uptake of the intracellular amastigotes from an infected host to the development of the parasite within the sandfly's alimentary canal, followed by the transmission of infective metacyclic stages to another potential host. Upon ingestion of the parasite, the sandfly hosts an intricate repertoire of immune barriers, either to evade the parasite or to ensure its homeostatic coexistence with the vector gut microbiome. Sandfly salivary polypeptides and Leishmania exosomes are co-egested with the parasite inoculum during the infected vector bite. This has been attributed to the modulation of the parasite infection and subsequent clinical manifestation in the host. While human host-based studies strive to develop effective therapeutics, a greater understanding of the vector-parasite-microbiome and human host interactions could help us to identify the targets and to develop strategies for effectively preventing the transmission of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anns Tom
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - N Pradeep Kumar
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- ICMR- Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, India
| | - Prasanta Saini
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India.
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Silva FS, das Neves GS, da Costa FDF, de Oliveira AM, da Costa Viana J, Brito JM, Costa Neta BM. Field evaluation of a new suction light trap for the capture of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), vectors of leishmaniasis. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:9. [PMID: 38052759 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08076-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are crepuscular and nocturnal small dipteran insects in the family Psychodidae. Several disease agents, including Leishmania parasites, are transmitted to humans and other vertebrate hosts by the bite of an infected female sand fly. As part of leishmaniasis surveillance programs, light traps have been routinely used in sand fly collections. In this context, new trapping devices are always being required to improve vector monitoring. Here, the efficiency of a new suction light trap, named Silva suction trap or SS trap, was field evaluated in collecting sand flies. Two SS traps, one with green (520 nm, 15,000 mcd) and the other with white (wide spectrum, 18,000 mcd) LEDs, and one CDC-type trap were deployed in a rural forested environment. A total of 4686 phlebotomine sand flies were captured. The most frequent species were females of the Ps. Chagasi series (77.8%) followed by males of Ps. wellcomei (11.6%), Nyssomyia whitmani (3.3%), and Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (2.4%). The CDC-type light trap collected 101.9 ± 20.89 sand flies and 14 species, followed by the white-baited SS trap (87.78 ± 16.36, 14), and the green-baited SS trap (70.61 ± 14.75, 15), but there were no statistically significant differences among traps. A discussion on the considerable advantages of the use of SS traps over CDC traps is included. In this study, the Silva suction trap proved to be efficient and can be an alternative to CDC traps for monitoring adult phlebotomine sand fly populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francinaldo Soares Silva
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, 65080-805, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil.
| | - Genilson Silva das Neves
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil
| | - Francisco de França da Costa
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil
| | - Agnael Mendes de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil
| | - Joany da Costa Viana
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Mesquita Brito
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil
| | - Benedita Maria Costa Neta
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, 65080-805, Brazil
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Cannet A, Simon-Chane C, Histace A, Akhoundi M, Romain O, Souchaud M, Jacob P, Sereno D, Volf P, Dvorak V, Sereno D. Species identification of phlebotomine sandflies using deep learning and wing interferential pattern (WIP). Sci Rep 2023; 13:21389. [PMID: 38049590 PMCID: PMC10696019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48685-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sandflies (Diptera; Psychodidae) are medical and veterinary vectors that transmit diverse parasitic, viral, and bacterial pathogens. Their identification has always been challenging, particularly at the specific and sub-specific levels, because it relies on examining minute and mostly internal structures. Here, to circumvent such limitations, we have evaluated the accuracy and reliability of Wing Interferential Patterns (WIPs) generated on the surface of sandfly wings in conjunction with deep learning (DL) procedures to assign specimens at various taxonomic levels. Our dataset proves that the method can accurately identify sandflies over other dipteran insects at the family, genus, subgenus, and species level with an accuracy higher than 77.0%, regardless of the taxonomic level challenged. This approach does not require inspection of internal organs to address identification, does not rely on identification keys, and can be implemented under field or near-field conditions, showing promise for sandfly pro-active and passive entomological surveys in an era of scarcity in medical entomologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Cannet
- Direction des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, France
| | | | - Aymeric Histace
- ETIS UMR 8051, Cergy Paris University, ENSEA, CNRS, 95000, Cergy, France
| | | | | | - Marc Souchaud
- ETIS UMR 8051, Cergy Paris University, ENSEA, CNRS, 95000, Cergy, France
| | - Pierre Jacob
- ETIS UMR 8051, Cergy Paris University, ENSEA, CNRS, 95000, Cergy, France
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LaBRI, UMR 5800, 33400, Talence, France
| | - Darian Sereno
- InterTryp, Univ Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, Infectiology, Entomology and One Health Research Group, Montpellier, France
| | - Petr Volf
- Laboratory of Vector Biology, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vit Dvorak
- Laboratory of Vector Biology, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Denis Sereno
- InterTryp, Univ Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, Infectiology, Entomology and One Health Research Group, Montpellier, France.
- MIVEGEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.
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Al-Ashwal MA, Atroosh WM, Al-Adhroey AH, Al-Subbary AA, Yee-Ling L, Al-Mekhlafi HM. A disfiguring neglected tropical disease sweeps war-torn Yemen: a community-based study of prevalence and risk factors of cutaneous leishmaniasis among rural communities in the western highlands. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:823-838. [PMID: 37486252 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major health problem in Yemen and is endemic in many rural areas across the country. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional survey followed by unmatched case-control comparisons was conducted among 612 participants in Utmah district, western Yemen. A total of 223 participants were included in the case-control analysis to identify the significant risk factors. Skin scrapping samples were examined by microscopy and internal transcribed spacer 1 nested polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Overall, 33% (202/612) of the participants had active skin lesions and/or scars that met the clinical criteria for CL. A total of 90 (14.7%) participants had suspected active CL lesions; however, a prevalence of 8.7% (53/612) was obtained based on molecular and parasitological examination, with Leishmania tropica being the only causative agent identified. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that being ≤10 y old, being female, living in houses with cracked walls, living in the presence of other family members with typical ulcerating skin diseases and sleeping outside were factors significantly associated with an increased likelihood of having CL. Moreover, keeping livestock on the ground floor of the house was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of having CL. CONCLUSION The study reveals an alarmingly high prevalence of CL among the studied population. Therefore there is an urgent need for effective control measures and improved treatment efforts against this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal A Al-Ashwal
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wahib M Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Aden, Aden, Yemen
| | - Abdulelah H Al-Adhroey
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
| | - Assia A Al-Subbary
- National Centre of Public Health Laboratories, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Dhamar, Yemen
| | - Lau Yee-Ling
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a 1247, Yemen
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Al-numaani SA, Al-Nemari AT, El-Kafrawy SA, Hassan AM, Tolah AM, Alghanmi M, Zawawi A, Masri BE, Hindawi SI, Alandijany TA, Bajrai LH, Bukhari A, Mahmoud AB, Al Salem WS, Algaissi A, Charrel RN, Azhar EI, Hashem AM. Seroprevalence of Toscana and sandfly fever Sicilian viruses in humans and livestock animals from western Saudi Arabia. One Health 2023; 17:100601. [PMID: 37520847 PMCID: PMC10372353 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High seroprevalence rates of several phleboviruses have been reported in domestic animals and humans in sandfly-infested regions. Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and Toscana virus (TOSV) are two of these viruses commonly transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies. While SFSV can cause rapidly resolving mild febrile illness, TOSV could involve the central nervous system (CNS), causing diseases ranging from aseptic meningitis to meningoencephalitis. Sandfly-associated phleboviruses have not been investigated before in Saudi Arabia and are potential causes of infection given the prevalence of sandflies in the country. Here, we investigated the seroprevalence of SFSV and TOSV in the western region of Saudi Arabia in samples collected from blood donors, livestock animals, and animal handlers. An overall seroprevalence of 9.4% and 0.8% was found in humans for SFSV and TOSV, respectively. Seropositivity was significantly higher in non-Saudis compared to Saudis and increased significantly with age especially for SFSV. The highest seropositivity rate was among samples collected from animal handlers. Specifically, in blood donors, 6.4% and 0.7% tested positive for SFSV and TOSV nAbs, respectively. Animal handlers showed higher seroprevalence rates of 16% and 1% for anti-SFSV and anti-TOSV nAbs, respectively, suggesting that contact with livestock animals could be a risk factor. Indeed, sera from livestock animals showed seropositivity of 53.3% and 4.4% in cows, 27.5% and 7.8% in sheep, 2.2% and 0.0% in goats, and 10.0% and 2.3% in camels for SFSV and TOSV, respectively. Together, these results suggest that both SFSV and TOSV are circulating in the western region of Saudi Arabia in humans and livestock animals, albeit at different rates, and that age and contact with livestock animals could represent risk factors for infection with these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ayman Al-numaani
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Talat Al-Nemari
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif A. El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Hassan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Tolah
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maimonah Alghanmi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayat Zawawi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badr Essa Masri
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa I. Hindawi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamir A. Alandijany
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leena H. Bajrai
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Bukhari
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed S. Al Salem
- Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Algaissi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Emerging and Epidemic Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Esam I. Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Sellali S, Lafri I, Ayhan N, Medrouh B, Messahel NE, Lafri M, Charrel R, Bitam I. Neutralizing based seroprevalence study of Toscana virus in livestock from Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 103:102075. [PMID: 37922744 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Toscana virus is a sandfly-borne human pathogen belonging to Phlebovirus genus into Phenuiviridae family. It is emerging in north Africa posing a complex threat to public health. TOSV is heavily affecting sandfly-exposed people in northern Algeria. A larger distribution has recently been stated in Algeria by using dog sera. Dog exposure to TOSV was repeatedly identified in north Algeria, with 4.56% lately detected to possess respective neutralizing antibodies. However, evidence for TOSV has only been observed in dogs among various species of domestic animals. Therefore, we attempted to assess sera from 221 livestock comprising cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits and horses, to identify the presence of TOSV neutralizing antibodies. The study was conducted during 2017, in 11 areas from the governorates of Blida, Medea, Algiers, Tipaza, Ain Defla, Tissemsilt in the north center, and Setif, Mila, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel in the northeast of Algeria. Positive results were obtained in 14.6% (12/82) cattle, 17.18% (11/64) sheep, 15% (3/20) horses and 3.33% (1/30) goats, whereas rabbits remained negative. Positive samples originated mainly from the north centre, with new areas being first-ever detected. The seroprevalence was noticed to be very strongly related to sample origin (p < 0.01). Females (OR=4.09) were observed to be more likely infected. Our findings represent a further proof of TOSV circulation in Algeria. Moreover, they revealed a potential role of livestock (p = 0.00731) in its natural cycle. This fact emphasize how important is to elucidate the exact contribution of livestock to the epidemiology of sandfly-borne phleboviruses, and their impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Sellali
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Ismail Lafri
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Bachir Medrouh
- Center of Research in Agro-pastoralism, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
| | | | - Mohamed Lafri
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Center of Research in Agro-pastoralism, Djelfa 17000, Algeria.
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Rodrigues BL, Brilhante AF, de Souza Pinto I, Galati EAB. Trichophoromyia auraensis: evidence for cryptic species and first record in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2933-2944. [PMID: 37773460 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07982-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Trichophoromyia auraensis (Mangabeira, 1942) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) has a wide geographic distribution in the western region of the Amazon biome, where it is a putative Leishmania vector. Here, we reported for the first time a population of this species in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, in the eastern Amazon, from which we DNA-barcoded and compared with previously processed specimens from Acre State, in the western Amazon. For this, we analyzed the DNA barcoding fragment (658 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of Trichophoromyia species using phylogenetic gene trees, and species delimitation algorithms. The analyses of COI barcodes showed high values of genetic distance (mean K2P = 5.17) and well-supported clades/MOTUs for the eastern and western populations of T. auraensis, which may indicate a possible complex of cryptic species. The western population of this taxon merged with the close-related sand fly Trichophoromyia velezbernali Posada-López, Galvis and Galati, 2018 from Colombia, which may be associated with the recent speciation history and introgression between these populations. These evidences should be evaluated with a more comprehensive sampling in terms of analyzed populations and molecular markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Leite Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Israel de Souza Pinto
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará (IFPA), Itaituba, PA, Brasil
| | - Eunice Aparecida Bianchi Galati
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Montes de Oca-Aguilar AC, Pavón-Mendez MI, López-Ávila KB, Sosa-Bibiano EI, Rebollar-Téllez EA, Palacio-Vargas JA, Fernández-Figueroa EA, Loría-Cervera EN. Biting rhythms and infection rates of anthropophilic sand fly species (Diptera: Phlebotominae) in sites with different land use in southern Mexico. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107014. [PMID: 37696485 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Could tropical forest conversion shape sand fly (Diptera: Phlebotominae) biting rhythms and Leishmania infection rates? Using a Shannon trap, we estimated the bite rate and infection prevalence among anthropophilic sand flies at sites with different land use in southern Mexico. We estimated the expected monthly infection rate of the Leishmania parasite along the gradient and generated information on the biting rhythm of sand flies in a poorly characterized cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic region. We used generalized mixed linear and mixed additives models to evaluate differences in the biting rate, nocturnal activity, and inoculation rate of female sand flies, as well as their relationship with the loss of forest cover and environmental disparities recorded throughout the study area. Our results show that the loss of forest cover influences the biting rhythm of sand fly species and the potential number of infectious bites with Leishmania, but the greatest entomological and potential epidemiological risk continues to be associated with sylvatic areas (amplification events). Despite this, we detected that the effect of forest cover (%) on the entomological exposure seems to be also dependent on the sand fly species, and that, albeit to a lesser extent, Leishmania parasite is circulating in disturbed landscapes through generalist and competent sand fly vector species. We also found that land use change did not affect the nocturnal activity, however we detected that important vector species were active most of the time. Contrary to our expectation, temperature and humidity did not shape the biting rhythm of sand fly species. We discuss the limitations and epidemiological implications of our findings regarding the risk of contracting leishmaniasis in southern Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Montes de Oca-Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - M I Pavón-Mendez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - K B López-Ávila
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - E I Sosa-Bibiano
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - E A Rebollar-Téllez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Departamento de Zoología de Invertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
| | - J A Palacio-Vargas
- Dirección de Prevención y Protección de la Salud de los Servicios de Salud del Estado de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - E A Fernández-Figueroa
- Núcleo B de Innovación en Medicina de Precisión, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico
| | - E N Loría-Cervera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
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Al Rashed A, Al Jindan R, Al Jaroodi S, Al Mohanna A, El-Badry AA. Molecular identification of Leishmania major species in phlebotomine sand flies from Al Ahsa, Eastern KSA. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2023; 18:1268-1272. [PMID: 37275953 PMCID: PMC10238839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is considered an overlooked public health threat in KSA. CL is endemic to several Saudi regions, including Al Ahsa City, Eastern KSA. To our knowledge, no prior molecular identification of Leishmania parasites in vectors in Al Ahsa has been published. The aim of this study was to perform molecular identification of Leishmania species in sand flies collected from Al Ahsa. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al Ahsa from July 2020 to May 2021. Sand flies were collected from the three areas with the highest rates of CL cases and sand flies, according to data from the Vector Borne Diseases Prevention Center in Al Ahsa. CDC miniature light traps and sticky traps were used to collect sand flies. Pools of 3-10 female sand flies were subjected to genomic DNA extraction. The extracted DNA was then amplified with a protocol targeting the Leishmania genus and using species-specific primers. For Leishmania species identification, a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used. Results Ten of 113 pools of samples tested positive for the Leishmania genus, according to our experimental protocol. Characterization of Leishmania species by PCR-RFLP established Leishmania major as the only species found in the collected sand flies. Conclusion This is the first documentation of molecular identification of Leishmania species in phlebotomine sand flies in the Al Ahsa region. L. major was the only species identified in our study. Further comprehensive research investigating the vectors and reservoirs will be crucial to establish the dynamics of transmission of Leishmania in Al Ahsa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullatif Al Rashed
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, KSA
| | - Reem Al Jindan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, KSA
| | - Salma Al Jaroodi
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, KSA
| | - Ahmed Al Mohanna
- Vector Control Department, Vector and Zoonotic Diseases Center, Ministery of Health, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman A. El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, KSA
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Martínez-Burgos M, Lozano-Sardaneta YN, Rodríguez-Rojas JJ, Gómez-Rivera ÁS, Canto-Mis KL, Flores-Escobar E, Mis-Ávila PC, Correa-Morales F, Becker I. Species diversity and detection of pathogens in phlebotomine sand flies collected from forest management areas of Quintana Roo, Mexico. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:845-858. [PMID: 37649415 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Sand flies have expanded their areas of distribution, thereby increasing the risk of pathogen transmission in non-endemic areas. To establish efficient prevention and control strategies for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens, it is important to understand seasonal dynamics of their vectors. In Mexico, there are several areas where the contact between sand flies, hosts and reservoirs favours the transmission of the pathogen. We compared sand fly communities in a forest management area and a conserved area in Noh-Bec, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The analysis included species diversity, activity peaks and molecular detection of pathogens. Sand flies were collected from November to December 2021 and April to May 2022, during 84 night-traps. The conserved area showed higher numbers and greater species heterogeneity of sand flies as compared with the other sites. The β-diversity analysis revealed that sites disturbed by logging (S1, S2, S3) had greater similarity (90%) in their sand fly species composition than a conserved area (S4) (similarity = 36%). Although none of the specimens were infected with Leishmania, we detected Wolbachia (19.4%) in all four sites, as well as Bartonella (3.25%) only in the disturbed sites. Further studies on the dynamics of sand fly populations and their association with pathogens are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Martínez-Burgos
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Departamento de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vector y Zoonosis, Servicios Estatales de Salud de Quintana Roo, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Yokomi N Lozano-Sardaneta
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jorge J Rodríguez-Rojas
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad de Patógenos y Vectores, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Ángel S Gómez-Rivera
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Departamento de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vector y Zoonosis, Servicios Estatales de Salud de Quintana Roo, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Karla L Canto-Mis
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Flores-Escobar
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Pedro C Mis-Ávila
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Fabián Correa-Morales
- Programa de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vector, Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades (CENAPRECE), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Messaoudene F, Boukraa S, Boubidi SC, Guerzou A, Ouahabi A. Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in North Africa and Its Threats to Public Health: A Statistical Study Focused on Djelfa (Algeria). Microorganisms 2023; 11:2608. [PMID: 37894266 PMCID: PMC10609502 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis, the most common form of leishmaniasis, causes long-term skin lesions on exposed areas of the skin. It is caused by a protozoan parasite belonging to the genus Leishmania and is transmitted via infected phlebotomine sand flies. In North Africa, particularly Algeria, the disease represents a major public health problem. This retrospective study, which focuses on the agropastoral region of Djelfa (central Algeria) during a period of 16 years, from 2006 to 2021, is part of the surveillance of cutaneous leishmaniasis to identify the key factors favouring its probable spread. The analyzed data reveal that this disease is more prevalent in male patients (53.60%) and is highly widespread in this vast area of 66,415 km2 with a total of 3864 CL cases, reaching a peak of 1407 cases in 2006. Statistically, the Pearson correlation validated by the p-value shows, in an original and sometimes unexpected way, that certain factors, such as temperature linked to climate change, are playing a significant role in the probable spread of the disease in Djelfa and its surrounding regions. The concentration of the population in some specific rural areas with limited or nonexistent access to public health services is another potential factor in disease transmission. The results were highlighted by a significant correlation coefficient (r=0.66) with a p-value less than 0.01. While there is currently no vaccine or prophylactic drug available, our research represents a preliminary approach that addresses various epidemiological aspects of the disease. This paves the way for a proactive preventive strategy involving the control of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Messaoudene
- Exploration and Valorization of Steppe Ecosystems Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Science, Ziane Achour University of Djelfa, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
| | - Slimane Boukraa
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry Zoology, Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique, El-Harrach 16004, Algeria
| | - Said Chaouki Boubidi
- Laboratoire d’Eco-Epidémiologie Parasitaire et Génétique des Populations, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Dely-Brahim 16047, Algeria
| | - Ahlem Guerzou
- Exploration and Valorization of Steppe Ecosystems Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Science, Ziane Achour University of Djelfa, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
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Polat C, Ayhan N, Saygan MB, Karahan S, Charrel R, Ergünay K. Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Human Sandfly-Borne Phlebovirus Exposure in an Endemic Region. Viruses 2023; 15:1902. [PMID: 37766308 PMCID: PMC10535931 DOI: 10.3390/v15091902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses are endemic in countries around the Mediterranean Basin and pose a significant health threat for populations, with symptoms spanning from febrile diseases to central nervous system involvement. We carried out a comprehensive cross-sectional screening via microneutralization (MN) assays for a quantitative assessment of neutralizing antibodies (NAs) to seven phleboviruses representing three distinct serocomplexes, using samples previously screened via immunofluorescence assays (IFAs) in Turkey, an endemic region with various phleboviruses in circulation. We detected NAs to three phleboviruses: Toscana virus (TOSV), sandfly fever Naples virus (SFNV), and sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), while assays utilizing Adana virus, Punique virus, Massilia virus, and Zerdali virus remained negative. The most frequently observed virus exposure was due to TOSV, with a total prevalence of 22.6%, followed by SFNV (15.3%) and SFSV (12.1%). For each virus, IFA reactivity was significantly associated with NA detection, and further correlated with NA titers. TOSV and SFSV seroreactivities were co-detected, suggesting exposure to multiple pathogenic viruses presumably due to shared sandfly vectors. In 9.6% of the samples, multiple virus exposure was documented. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate widespread exposure to distinct pathogenic phleboviruses, for which diagnostic testing and serological screening efforts should be directed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceylan Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Nazlı Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Mehmet Bakır Saygan
- Middle Anatolia Regional Blood Center, Turkish Red Crescent Society, Ankara 06378, Turkey
| | - Sevilay Karahan
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
- Laboratoire des Infections Virales Aigues et Tropicales, Pole des Maladies Infectieuses, AP-HM Hopitaux Universitaires de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Koray Ergünay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD 20746, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC 20560, USA
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Vaziri VM, Behniafar H, Spotin A, Absavarand A, Badakhshan M. Molecular Detection of Leishmania in Wild Caught Sand Flies of Larroussius Subgenus in Iran: Combined Use of Internal and External Morphological Characters as a Mean to Differentiate Morphologically Similar Females. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:520-526. [PMID: 37328624 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00690-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phlebotomine sand flies are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis; visceral form of disease is transmitted mainly by species belonging to Larroussius and Adlerius subgenus. Species identification of some females in Larroussius subgenus is not easy due to the high similarity. Accurate species identification enables control operations to target only main vectors and increase understanding of ecological needs, bionomic characteristics, and behavioral traits. The purpose of current study was to use two approaches based on internal and external morphological characters to identify the wild caught of female specimens belonged to Larroussius subgenus and investigate Leishmania infection. METHODS Totally, 128 specimens belonging to Larroussius' subgenus were collected from a VL focus in northwestern Iran, species differentiation was done by two approaches proposed in literature: (1) characters of pharyngeal armature, number of Spermathecal segment, length of spermathecal neck, palpal and ascoid formulae; (2) blindly on the basis of the shape of the base of spermathecal duct. Their potential infection to Leishmania was investigated by kDNA-Nested-PCR. RESULTS The results of species identification were consistent based on two methods. Among three identified species, Phlebotomus perfiliewi was found to be the dominant species, followed by Ph. neglectus and Ph. tobbi. Two specimens of Ph. perfiliewi were found to be infected by Leishmania infantum, which emphasizes the role of this species in VL transmission in study area. CONCLUSION It is suggested that combination of the characters used here be considered for species identification of female of Larroussius subgenus to take advantage of maximum characters, especially where species present sympatrically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahideh Moin Vaziri
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamed Behniafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Adel Spotin
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Azad Absavarand
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Badakhshan
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Usman M, Natala AJ, Jatau ID, Ogo NI, Jeelani G, Goto Y, Nozaki T, McKerrow JH, Balogun EO. Molecular identification of phlebotomine sand flies and the harbored Leishmania spp. in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1219629. [PMID: 37719668 PMCID: PMC10500309 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1219629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Female sand flies are hematophagous, feeding on animals and in the process serve as vectors for Leishmania, the parasites that cause leishmaniasis in humans. Leishmaniasis are a group of parasitic neglected tropical diseases in 98 countries including Nigeria and kills ~60,000 people/year. In Nigeria, Sokoto State is endemic to leishmaniasis but there is a knowledge gap on the identity of the prevalent sand flies and the Leishmania species they transmit. Hence, this cross-sectional study was designed to take inventory of the species of sand flies in Sokoto using genetic methods. Methods 1,260 (310 females) sand flies were collected from three Local Government Areas (L.G.A) of Sokoto State- Wamakko, Sokoto South and Kware. Genomic DNA was extracted from each fly and DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out on the DNA samples using primers targeting the arthropods mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (mt-coI) gene, and nested PCR with primers targeting the gene for Leishmania internal transcribed spacer-1 (its-1) of ribosomal RNA its-1rRNA. The PCR products were sequenced. Results Gene sequence analysis revealed five species of sand flies belonging to the old-world genera namely Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. The identified species were P. papatasi (6.45%), S. adleri (6.45%), S. affinis (9.7%), S. distincta (9.7%), S. schwetzi (67.7%). Within the sampling period, sand flies were most abundant in the rainy months of August (104/33.5%) and September (116/37.4%) with all the five identified species occurring. Sequence analysis of its-1 gene identified Leishmania infantum in two sand flies (2/310)- P. papatasi (from Sokoto South) and S. affinis (from Wamakko). BLAST search in NCBI and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sand fly species are related to the species reported in different parts of Africa, while the L. infantum is identical to strain reported in Brazil (KY379083.1). Discussion Phlebotomus papatasi and four species belonging to the genus Sergentomyia are the most prevalent sand flies in Sokoto State, Nigeria and they harbor L. infantum solely. The results shed light on why visceral leishmaniasis is the most predominant form of the disease. Therefore, we recommend that adequate care for dogs must be instituted as dogs are the major animal reservoir for L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmud Usman
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Audu Joseph Natala
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Isa Danladi Jatau
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Ndudim Isaac Ogo
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Goto
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Tokyo University, Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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