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Piyasiri SB, Dewasurendra R, Samaranayake N, Karunaweera N. Diagnostic Tools for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania donovani: A Narrative Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2989. [PMID: 37761356 PMCID: PMC10529649 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182989] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, encompasses a spectrum of clinical conditions and poses a significant risk of infection to over one billion people worldwide. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Indian sub-continent (ISC), where the causative parasite is Leishmania donovani, is targeted for elimination by 2025, with some countries already reaching such targets. Other clinical phenotypes due to the same species could act as a reservoir of parasites and thus pose a challenge to successful control and elimination. Sri Lanka has consistently reported cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due to L. donovani as the primary disease presentation over several decades. Similar findings of atypical phenotypes of L. donovani have also been reported from several other countries/regions in the Old World. In this review, we discuss the applicability of different methods in diagnosing CL due to L. donovani and a comprehensive assessment of diagnostic methods spanning clinical, microscopic, molecular, and immunological approaches. By incorporating evidence from Sri Lanka and other regions on L. donovani-related CL, we thoroughly evaluate the accuracy, feasibility, and relevance of these diagnostic tools. We also discuss the challenges and complexities linked to diagnosing CL and review novel approaches and their applicability for detecting CL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nadira Karunaweera
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Kynsey Road, Colombo 0800, Sri Lanka; (S.B.P.); (R.D.); (N.S.)
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Usmael UA, Tesema NB, Girma S, Kendie DA, Abas MK. Detection of Leishmania donovani using ITS1-RFLP from positive and negative smear samples among clinically reported patients visiting University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:963. [PMID: 36577945 PMCID: PMC9797380 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the Leishmania donovani species complex that can spread to internal organs and leading to death if not treated on time. Diagnosis of leishmaniasis is based on clinical signs and symptoms, microscopy, serological and molecular techniques. Because of a broad spectrum of diverse clinical manifestations and similarities of the responses to different species, identification to the species level is often difficult for the proper patient treatment and management. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the PCR- RFLP assay of the ITS1 region for identification of L. donovani species from clinical smear slide patient samples. METHOD DNA extraction was performed on a total of 90 smear slide samples using phenol-chloroform method. The PCR detection limit was determined by L. donovani reference strain DNA. The ITS1 region was amplified at 320 bp using LITSR/L5.8S genus specific primers and then the ITS1-PCR products were subjected to RFLP assay for confirmation of L. donovani species using HaeIII restriction enzyme. RESULTS Of the total samples ITS1-PCR revealed the true positive, false positive, true negative, and false negative results of 42 (46.7%), 6 (6.7%), 37 (41.1%) and 5 (5.6%), respectively. Considering microscopy as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of the ITS1- PCR technique was 89.4%, 86.0%, 87.5%, and 88.1% respectively. All ITS1-PCR positive clinical samples were confirmed as L. donovani species by PCR-RFLP patterns. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the ITS1- RFLP method is highly sensitive and more specific for identification of L. donovani species in the smear negative clinical samples of visceral leishmaniasis patients. There is also significant association and degree of agreement between the two methods. For direct identification of L. donovani species from clinical samples, irrespective of genus and species level, PCR-RFLP is more recommendable than a microscope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umer Ahmed Usmael
- grid.59547.3a0000 0000 8539 4635Departments of Medical Biotechnology, University of Gondar, Ethiopia and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nega Berhane Tesema
- grid.59547.3a0000 0000 8539 4635Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Selfu Girma
- grid.418720.80000 0000 4319 4715Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Desalegn Adane Kendie
- grid.59547.3a0000 0000 8539 4635Leishmania Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Musin Kelel Abas
- grid.472240.70000 0004 5375 4279Departments of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Das SS, Dubey AK, Verma PRP, Singh SK, Singh SK. Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin-Loaded Nanoemulsion against Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis: In Vitro/ Ex Vivo Studies and Mechanistic Insights. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3367-3384. [PMID: 35980291 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most fatal and neglected tropical diseases caused by Leishmania donovani (L. donovani). The applications of currently available chemotherapy (amphotericin B, miltefosine, and others) in VL treatment have been limited due to their poor bioavailability, unfavorable toxicity profile, and prolonged parenteral dosing. Quercetin (QT), a potent natural antioxidant, is a prominent target when conducting investigations on alternative therapies against L. donovani infections. However, the therapeutic applications of QT have been restricted due to its low solubility and bioavailability. In the present study, we developed and evaluated the antileishmanial activity (ALA) of quercetin-loaded nanoemulsion (QTNE) against L. donovani clinical strains. In vitro anti-promastigote assay results demonstrated that QTNE (IC50 6.6 μM, 48 h) significantly inhibited the growth of parasites more efficiently than the pure QT suspension in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Results of the anti-amastigote assay revealed that the infected macrophages (%) of QTNE were significantly more than those of the pure QT suspension at all concentrations (6.6, 26.4, and 52.8 μM; p < 0.05, p < 0.01 compared to the control). Moreover, the results of in vitro and ex vivo studies assisted in determining the mechanistic insights associated with the ALA of QTNE. The overall findings suggested that QTNE exhibited potential ALA by enhancing the intracellular ROS and nitric oxide levels, inducing distortion of membrane integrity and phosphatidylserine release (AV/PI), rupturing the parasite DNA (late apoptosis/necrosis process), and upregulating the immunomodulatory effects (IFN-γ and IL-10 levels). Additionally, QTNE showed superior biocompatibility against all of the treated healthy cells (PBMCs, PECs, and BMCs) as compared to the control. In conclusion, QTNE acts as a potential antileishmanial agent targeting both promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of L. donovani, which thus opens a new avenue for the use of QTNE in VL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabya Sachi Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215, Jharkhand, India
| | - Amit Kumar Dubey
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Hajipur, Vaishali 844102, Bihar, India.,Parasite Immunology Lab, Division of Microbiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna 800007, Bihar, India
| | - Priya Ranjan Prasad Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215, Jharkhand, India
| | - Shubhankar Kumar Singh
- Parasite Immunology Lab, Division of Microbiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna 800007, Bihar, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215, Jharkhand, India
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Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana Infection in Wild Rodents from an Emergent Focus of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Yucatan, Mexico. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:8392005. [PMID: 35686208 PMCID: PMC9173895 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8392005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2015, emergent cases of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) were reported in Tinum, Yucatan, Mexico. As part of an eco-epidemiological study to characterize the elements that trigger Leishmania infection in that area, we conducted a field study to investigate the occurrence of Leishmania infection in wild rodents. From November 2019 to February 2020, rodents were caught from three sites located in the municipality of Tinum, Yucatan. For each specimen, clinical signs suggestive of Leishmania infection were recorded. Samples from the tail, liver, and spleen were taken for the identification of Leishmania DNA by PCR. Twenty rodents belonging to two species were caught including Heteromys gaumeri (55%, 11/20) and Ototylomys phyllotis (45%, 9/20). Fifty-five percent of the animals presented white spots on the tail, 15% had splenomegaly, and 5% had hepatomegaly. Fifty-five percent (11/20) of the animals were found infected by Leishmania. Heteromys gaumeri was caught in all trapping sites and was the most infected species (63.6%, 7/11). The percentage of infection for O. phyllotis was 44.4% (4/9). Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana was identified as the infecting species in two H. gaumeri. This study provides, for the first time, evidence of Leishmania infection in wild rodents from the Yucatan state. Heteromys gaumeri and O. phyllotis may be involved in the transmission cycle of L. mexicana in this emergent focus; however, further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm their role as primary reservoirs.
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De Silva NL, De Silva VNH, Deerasinghe ATH, Rathnapala UL, Itoh M, Takagi H, Weerasooriya MV, Kato H, Yahathugoda TC. Development of a Highly Sensitive Nested PCR and Its Application for the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Microorganisms 2022; 10:990. [PMID: 35630433 PMCID: PMC9145043 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent surge in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka has rendered clinical diagnosis difficult; thus, laboratory confirmation is indispensable. A modified (two novel inner primers to detect CL caused by Leishmania donovani) nested Internal Transcribed Spacer-1 (ITS1) PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method was developed and tested. The sensitivity of the modified nested PCR was tested using serial dilutions (103 to 10−2) of the DNA extract of a cultured L. donovani DD8 strain. Patients (n = 194) from Southern Sri Lanka were examined clinically, microscopically (Slit Skin Smear-SSS) and using the modified nested PCR. The modified nested PCR detected 2.55 fg of parasite DNA compared to ITS1 PCR (25 fg) and detected more cases than SSS (94.3% vs. 77.3%; p < 0.01). The RFLP pattern was L. donovani in all cases. The modified nested PCR performed well in clinically doubtful lesions (95% by PCR vs. 60% by SSS; p < 0.01), ulcerated nodules (91% vs. 71.8%; p < 0.01) and plaques (100% vs. 66.7%; p < 0.01). SSS demonstrated sensitivity (80.9%), specificity (81.8%), PPV (98.7%) and NPV (20.5%) against modified PCR. Low parasite loads and atypical lesions can be diagnosed by the proposed method with higher accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmitha Lalindi De Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka; (N.L.D.S.); (M.V.W.); (T.C.Y.)
| | | | | | | | - Makoto Itoh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi 480-1195, Japan; (M.I.); (H.T.)
| | - Hidekazu Takagi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi 480-1195, Japan; (M.I.); (H.T.)
| | | | - Hirotomo Kato
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Thishan Channa Yahathugoda
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka; (N.L.D.S.); (M.V.W.); (T.C.Y.)
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Validation of an In-House ELISA Method in the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania donovani in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050921. [PMID: 35630365 PMCID: PMC9146622 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical diagnosis has become a challenge amidst a surge of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Southern Sri Lanka. The routine diagnostic method, slit-skin smear (SSS), has variable sensitivity, leading to undiagnosed cases. Improved diagnostics are urgently needed. We assessed a new in-house ELISA method for its diagnostic capabilities against ITS-1 nested PCR (gold standard—Gs). A cohort of 190 clinical CL cases was examined by SSS microscopy, anti-rKRP42 IgG ELISA (serum- and urine-based), and rK39-Immunochromatographic strip test. Validation was done using non-endemic sera, and cutoffs were developed using the receiver operating curve. The sensitivity of SSS for case detection was 77.9% (authors) and 76.3% (technicians). ELISA vs. Gs demonstrated sensitivity (Sn) = 94.4%; specificity (Sp) = 50.0%; positive predictive value (PPV) = 97.1%; negative predictive value (NPV) = 33.3%; Kappa agreement (Kp) = 0.39/p < 0.01. Comparison of the combination method (SSS by technicians and ELISA) vs. Gs showed: Sn = 98.9%; Sp = 30.0; PPV = 96.2; NPV 60.0%; Kp = 0.378/p < 0.01. All methods performed better compared to SSS (29.4%) where the clinical diagnosis was doubtful (PCR = 94.15%; serum ELISA = 88.2%; combination = 94.1%; p < 0.01 for all). High serum anti-rKRP42 titers were seen in those with multiple lesions. Anti-rKRP42 urine ELISA was suboptimal as a diagnostic test. A 9% rate of positivity was seen for rk39-ICT, and positives recorded high anti-rKRP42 titers. The diagnostic accuracy can be increased above the level of the Gs by combining SSS and ELISA. Advanced studies are required to understand the association between rk39-ICT positivity and high anti-rKRP42 titers.
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Lata S, Kumar G, Ojha VP, Dhiman RC. Detection of Leishmania donovani in Wild-Caught Phlebotomine Sand Flies in Endemic Focus of Leishmaniasis in Himachal Pradesh, India. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:719-724. [PMID: 34865089 PMCID: PMC8924965 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An endemic focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is located in the Sutlej River Valley in Himachal Pradesh (India) in the north-western Himalaya where CL co-exists with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In areas of the Indian subcontinent such as Rajasthan, cutaneous leishmaniasis is transmitted by Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) and Phlebotomus salehi. In Himachal Pradesh, Phlebotomus longiductus (Parrot) is suspected to be the vector for CL. In the current study, sand flies were collected and tested for Leishmania infection and to confirm the vector species causing CL. Sand flies were collected during April and September of 2017-2019 from CL endemic villages of Rampur (Shimla), Nirmand (Kullu) and Nichar (Kinnaur) districts of Himachal Pradesh. The sand flies were identified as Phlebotomus (adlerius) longiductus (Parrot) and Phlebotomus (larrousisus) major (Annandale). The density of P. longiductus was found highest. The elevation of villages ranged from 947 m to 2,130 m and were far from the presence of subsoil water. Field collected sand flies tested positive (7.69%) for Leishmania donovani by PCR-RFLP. The L. donovani sequences detected from P. longiductus were 97% similar to L. donovani sequences reported from the cases of CL in Himachal Pradesh.The Leishmania positive sand flies were morphologically identified as Phlebotomus adlerious longiductus providing one step further evidence towards the vector status of CL in Himachal Pradesh. The findings of the study are of epidemiological significance for strategic planning of vector control for leishmaniasis in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Lata
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - V P Ojha
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramesh C Dhiman
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
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Gunathilaka N, Wijerathna T, Semege S, Pathirana N, Rodrigo W, Fernando D. Genetic diversity of Leishmania donovani isolates from cutaneous lesions of military personnel in the Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/1995-7645.354420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Jayasena Kaluarachchi TD, Campbell PM, Wickremasinghe R, Ranasinghe S, Wickremasinghe R, Yasawardene S, De Silva H, Menike C, Jayarathne MCK, Jayathilake S, Dilhari A, McBain AJ, Weerasekera MM. Distinct microbiome profiles and biofilms in Leishmania donovani-driven cutaneous leishmaniasis wounds. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23181. [PMID: 34848752 PMCID: PMC8633208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The endemic strain of Leishmania donovani in Sri Lanka causes cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) rather than more common visceral form. We have visualized biofilms and profiled the microbiome of lesions and unaffected skin in thirty-nine CL patients. Twenty-four lesions (61.5%) were biofilm-positive according to fluorescence in situ hybridization. Biopsies of biofilm-positive lesions were dominated by Pseudomonas, class Bacilli and Enterobacteriaceae and distinguished by significantly lower community evenness. Higher relative abundance of a class Bacilli OTU was detected in wound swabs versus contralateral skin. Wound swabs and biopsies had significantly distinct microbiome profiles and lower diversity compared to unaffected skin. Greater abundances of potentially pathogenic organisms were observed in wet ulcers, lesions with high parasite loads and large wounds. In summary, more than half of L. donovani associated CL wounds harboured biofilms and the wounds exhibited a distinct, less diverse, microbiome than unaffected skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Jayasena Kaluarachchi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
| | - Paul M Campbell
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rajitha Wickremasinghe
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Shalindra Ranasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Renu Wickremasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Surangi Yasawardene
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Chandrani Menike
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - M C K Jayarathne
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Subodha Jayathilake
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Ayomi Dilhari
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Andrew J McBain
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Manjula M Weerasekera
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
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Flaih MH, Al-Abady FA, Hussein KR. Phylogenetic analysis of kinetoplast DNA: kDNA of Leishmania tropica in Thi-Qar province, Iraq. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 78:101696. [PMID: 34416483 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of wobbling endemic disease in Iraq, that cause intracellular obligate protistan parasite returned to the genusLeishmania. This study is aimed to identify epidemiology of CL, detect the prevalence of Leishmania tropica and find the phylogenetic relationship. METHODOLOGY The current study was conducted in the main hospitals of Thi-Qar province-south of Iraq for period from November 2018 to October 2019. Nested-PCR was used to amplify kinetoplast minicircle fragments DNA. RESULTS It was recorded 247 clinical cases with CL, the infections of males were higher than females, while infection rate appeared gradual reduction with age progress. Furthermore, the most CL infections were as single lesions and occurred in December. The infections of upper limbs were high when compared with other body regions. The molecular diagnosis showed L. tropica was more frequently. DNA sequences of kDNA gene of L. tropica showed confirmative genetic detection of local isolates using NCBI-Blast data and phylogenetic tree analysis after comparison with global recorded isolates. The local L. tropica isolates showed genetically closed related to NCBI-Blast L. tropica with accession number AB678350.1. Generally, the analysis of kDNA nitrogen bases sequences showed that all of samples were consistent with those recorded at the NCBI. CONCLUSION The kDNA minicircle sequences analysis results showed mismatching of the local isolates decrease whenever approached from the Iranian border. In addition, genetic heterogeneity diagnosis is important for detection of therapy, control and epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Hassan Flaih
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Nasiriyah Technical Institute, Southern Technical University, Nasiriyah 64001, Iraq.
| | - Fadhil Abbas Al-Abady
- Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Thi-Qar, Nasiriyah 64001, Iraq
| | - Khwam Reissan Hussein
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Nasiriyah Technical Institute, Southern Technical University, Nasiriyah 64001, Iraq
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Jayasena Kaluarachchi T, Wickremasinghe R, Weerasekera M, Yasawardene S, McBain AJ, Yapa B, De Silva H, Menike C, Jayathilake S, Munasinghe A, Wickremasinghe R, Ranasinghe S. Diagnosing human cutaneous leishmaniasis using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Pathog Glob Health 2021; 115:307-314. [PMID: 33686909 PMCID: PMC8547812 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1896265] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in Sri Lanka. Giemsa-stained slit-skin-smears (SSS-Giemsa) and histology are routinely used in diagnosis with a sensitivity of 40-70%. PCR currently has limited accessibility. Therefore, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of a previously described fluorescence in situ hybridization assay, on skin smears and biopsy samples to overcome the limitations encountered with routine diagnostic methods.Samples from a total of 123 suspected CL patients were collected and subjected to SSS-Giemsa, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on slit skin smears (SSS-FISH), formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded-tissues stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin staining (FFPE-H&E) and FISH on formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded-tissues (FFPE-FISH). Negative controls of 61 patient samples were collected from a CL non-endemic area and subjected to the same procedures. The gold standard PCR was used as a comparator. For FISH, two previously described cyanine 3 tagged Leihsmania genus-specific probes were used.Compared to PCR, SSS-Giemsa, SSS-FISH, FFPE-H&E, and FFPE-FISH had sensitivities of 76.5%, 79.1%, 50.4% and 80.9%, respectively. Routine diagnostic tests (SSS-Giemsa and FFPE-H&E) had a specificity of 100%. SSS-FISH and FFPE-FISH had specificities of 96.7% and 93.4%, respectively. FFPE-FISH had a statistically significant higher diagnostic performance than FFPE-H&E (p < 0.001). The relative performance of SSS-Giemsa, SSS-FISH and FFPE-FISH was similar (p > 0.05 for all comparisons).We conclude that FFPE-FISH is a more accurate diagnostic tool than FFPE-H&E. SSS-FISH did not have an additional advantage over SSS-Giemsa in diagnosis. However, SSS-FISH could be recommended as a minimally invasive method in studies assessing wound healing where immunological probes are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilini Jayasena Kaluarachchi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Manjula Weerasekera
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Surangi Yasawardene
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Andrew J McBain
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, UK
| | - Bandujith Yapa
- Dermatology Unit, District General Hospital, Matara, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Chandranie Menike
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Subodha Jayathilake
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Anuradha Munasinghe
- Department of Transport and Logistics Management, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
| | - Renu Wickremasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Shalindra Ranasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
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Lata S, Kumari S, Das R, Pasi S, Dhiman RC. Typical and atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis in Himachal Pradesh (India). Heliyon 2021; 7:e07282. [PMID: 34189318 PMCID: PMC8220184 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is in elimination phase in India while cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is being reported from new foci. In Himachal Pradesh (HP), a foci of CL had been reported along Satluj River, but the causative agent poses a dilemma, hence the present study was undertaken in Shimla, Kullu and Kinnaur districts. METHODS A total of 28 CL patients from Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital Shimla (IGMC) in 2018, were tested by rK39., Twelve fresh cases were subjected to microscopic detection of Leishmania parasite, PCR and sequencing. Skin biopsies of 3-4 mm diameter were cultured, as well as imprints were prepared for the detection of Leishmania amastigotes. Biopsy samples were inoculated into different culture media (M199, RPMI 1640, NNN) and were incubated at 22-24 °C. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to characterize Leishmania parasite species. RESULTS Of 28 patients, one was positive by rK39 dipstick test and one imprint was found positive for Leishmania amstigotes. Twelve biopsy DNA samples subjected to PCR for Leishmania kDNA, were found Lesihmania positive. Identification of Leishmania species was confirmed by PCR-RFLP and sequencing method. Of 12 Leishmania positive samples, six were identified as L. donovani, three L. tropica, two L.major and one remained unidentified. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the existence of three species of parasites i.e., L. donovani, L. tropica and L. major indicating the existence of typical and atypical leishmaniasis in Himachal Pradesh. The occurrence of CL cases in HP, Kerala or elsewhere should not be ignored considering them just cases of CL alone. Further studies are warranted to confirm the existence of L.donovani zymodeme MON37 from cases of CL in HP or L.donovani zymodeme MON2 strain causing VL in Bihar. Elimination of CL should also be considered along with goal of Kala -Azar elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Lata
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 11007, India
| | - Sandhya Kumari
- Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, 171001, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ram Das
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 11007, India
| | - Shweta Pasi
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 11007, India
| | - Ramesh C. Dhiman
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Sector 8, New Delhi, 11007, India
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A Multi-Country, Single-Blinded, Phase 2 Study to Evaluate a Point-of-Need System for Rapid Detection of Leishmaniasis and Its Implementation in Endemic Settings. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030588. [PMID: 33809332 PMCID: PMC7999011 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advancement of isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, detection of the pathogenic DNA in clinical samples at point-of-need is no longer a dream. The newly developed recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay incorporated in a suitcase laboratory has shown promising diagnostic efficacy over real-time PCR in detection of leishmania DNA from clinical samples. For broader application of this point-of-need system, we undertook a current multi-country diagnostic evaluation study towards establishing this technique in different endemic settings which would be beneficial for the ongoing elimination programs for leishmaniasis. For this study purpose, clinical samples from confirmed visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) patients were subjected to both real-time PCR and RPA assay in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Further skin samples from confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients were also included from Sri Lanka. A total of 450 clinical samples from VL patients, 429 from PKDL patients, 47 from CL patients, and 322 from endemic healthy/healthy controls were under investigation to determine the diagnostic efficacy of RPA assay in comparison to real-time PCR. A comparative sensitivity of both methods was found where real-time PCR and RPA assay showed 96.86% (95% CI: 94.45–98.42) and 88.85% (95% CI: 85.08–91.96) sensitivity respectively in the diagnosis of VL cases. This new isothermal method also exhibited promising diagnostic sensitivity (93.50%) for PKDL cases, when a skin sample was used. Due to variation in the sequence of target amplicons, RPA assay showed comparatively lower sensitivity (55.32%) than that of real-time PCR in Sri Lanka for the diagnosis of CL cases. Except for India, the assay presented absolute specificity in the rest of the sites. Excellent concordance between the two molecular methods towards detection of leishmania DNA in clinical samples substantiates the application of RPA assay incorporated in a suitcase laboratory for point-of-need diagnosis of VL and PKDL in low resource endemic settings. However, further improvisation of the method is necessary for diagnosis of CL.
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Experimental infection of Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis in BALB/c mice and Syrian golden hamsters. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3041-3051. [PMID: 32779021 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06842-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to investigate clinical progression, presence of parasites and DNAs, parasite loads, and histological alterations in BALB/c mice and Syrian golden hamsters after intraperitoneal inoculation with Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis promastigotes with a goal to choosing an appropriate animal model for visceral leishmaniasis. Infections were monitored for 16 weeks. Infected BALB/c mice were asymptomatic during the infection course. Parasite DNAs were detected in the liver at week 8 of infection, followed by clearance in most animals at week 16; whereas in the spleen, parasite DNAs were detected until week 16. These results are correlated to those obtained measuring parasite loads in both organs. No parasite DNA and no alteration in the bone marrow were observed indicating that no dissemination occurred. These results suggest the control of visceralization of L. martiniquensis by BALB/c mice. In hamsters, weight loss, cachexia, and fatigue were observed after week 11. Leishmania martiniquensis parasites were observed in tissue smears of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow by week 16. Parasite loads correlated with those from the presence of parasites and DNAs in the examined tissues. Alterations in the liver with nuclear destruction and cytoplasmic degeneration of infected hepatocytes, presence of inflammatory infiltrates, necrosis of hepatocytes, and changes in splenic architecture and reduction and deformation of white pulp in the spleen were noted. These results indicate a chronic form of visceral leishmaniasis indicating that the hamster is a suitable animal model for the study of pathological features of chronic visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. martiniquensis.
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A Comprehensive Review of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka and Identification of Existing Knowledge Gaps. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:300-309. [PMID: 32052240 PMCID: PMC7223001 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00174-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Sri Lanka is endemic to cutaneous leishmaniasis and reported as the latest focus of leishmaniasis in the Asian subcontinent. Annually, the number of leishmaniasis cases is increasing; therefore, more efficient diagnostic tools, treatment methods and effective prevention measures are indispensable. For this reason, many studies were conducted regarding leishmaniasis infections in Sri Lanka; however, some areas need more attention. Thus, in this review, we comprehensively discussed the studies on leishmaniasis carried out in Sri Lanka. Methods Published articles on leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka were searched on PubMed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate databases. Inclusion criteria for the articles were based on keyword searches including ‘Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka’, ‘Leishmaniasis vector in Sri Lanka’, ‘Sandfly species in Sri Lanka’, ‘Leishmaniasis epidemiology in Sri Lanka’ which are publicly accessible as of 15th July 2019. Results In this study, we evaluated and summarized the leishmaniasis reports in Sri Lanka and mainly focused on clinical presentation of leishmaniasis infection, genetic characteristics of Leishmania donovani Sri Lankan strain, geographical distribution and associated environmental factors, immunological aspects of the infection, vector, reservoir host, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment, and prevention and control. Furthermore, we identified the areas where further research is needed to fill the essential knowledge gaps. Conclusions Leishmaniasis has become a critically important parasitic infection in Sri Lanka, whereas the significant clinical form is cutaneous leishmaniasis. Prevalence of the leishmaniasis infections is reported from all the districts of the country. Therefore, more studies are essential to be carried out to fill the existing knowledge gaps emphasized in this review.
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Gunathilaka N, Semege S, Pathirana N, Manamperi N, Udayanga L, Wijesinghe H, Premaratne P, Fernando D. Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis infection and clinico-epidemiological patterns among military personnel in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts of the Northern Province, early war-torn areas in Sri Lanka. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:263. [PMID: 32430014 PMCID: PMC7236442 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 30-year-old armed conflict in Sri Lanka resulted in a general breakdown of civil administration in the Northern and Eastern provinces, leading to mobilisation of many armed forces personnel to assist with reconstruction and resettlement. This occupational group has been identified as a priority risk group for leishmaniasis. METHODS Individuals enlisted at all military establishments in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts, Northern Province of Sri Lanka were included. Five thousand individuals were screened for skin lesions between September 2018 and August 2019. Persons with lesions suspected as cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) were further investigated. Information on sociodemographic/other potential risk factors was obtained through an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. The diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic visualization of parasitic stages from different samples obtained (skin scraping, lesion aspirate and tissue impression smears), histopathology and polymerase chain reaction DNA amplification. RESULTS Among 5000 individuals screened, 74 individuals were suspected of having CL. Of these, 67.6% (n = 50) patients were confirmed for CL by microscopy. Around two third of both males (67.6%; n = 48) and females (66.6%; n = 2) were positive for Leishmania. The soldiers belonging to 26-35-year age group reported the highest susceptibility (83.3%; OR: 4.83, 95% CI: 3.49-6.20%). Of the sociodemographic factors, age, wearing short-sleeved upper body clothing as the uniform and non-use of insect repellents were identified as significant risk factors. Most of the CL patients had a single lesion (86.0%; n = 43) of an ulcerative type (34.0%; n = 17), mostly on their upper limb (67.9%; n = 34). Lesions were mostly 5-10 mm diameter (59.9%; n = 30) in size with poorly defined margins (72.0%; n = 36). Amongst the diagnostic techniques, microscopic examination of slit skin smear and tissue impression smear were able to discriminate the majority of patients (92.1%; n = 46) for CL. CONCLUSIONS In order to highlight the true burden of leishmaniasis in the military personnel, cases of leishmaniasis from military institutes should be recognized as a different entity per say and be included in the national figures so as to depict the real magnitude of the disease burden amongst this high-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayana Gunathilaka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Saveen Semege
- Directorate of Army Preventive Medicine & Mental Health Services, Army Headquarters, Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Nuwani Manamperi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Lahiru Udayanga
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Sri Lanka
| | - Harshima Wijesinghe
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Prasad Premaratne
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kotalawela Defence University, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka
| | - Deepika Fernando
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Montalvo AM, Alba A, Fraga J, Marzoa A, Torres C, Muskus C. Improving the sensitivity of an hsp20-based PCR for genus detection of Leishmania parasites in cutaneous clinical samples: a proof of concept. Parasitol Res 2019; 119:345-349. [PMID: 31776667 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06520-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease of medical importance widely distributed around the world. Several methods are available for diagnosis but molecular approaches are highly recommended. To improve the sensitivity of an existing hsp20 gene based-PCR protocol to detect Leishmania parasites, primers were redesigned to amplify a shorter fragment using a new PCR variant (PCR-hsp20S). In this study, we aimed at characterizing the performance of the new method on cutaneous clinical samples and compare it with the former PCR-hsp20. The analytical sensitivity of the PCR-hsp20S was evaluated using DNA dilutions (100-0.1 pg) from Leishmania donovani and resulted in the detection of 10 fg of parasitic DNA, the equivalent to 0.05 parasite genome. For the diagnostic evaluation, a panel of 127 human clinical samples was used to calculate the parameters of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of the PCR-hsp20S. Diagnostic sensitivity was 94% (CI, 89.1-99.7%) and the specificity of 100% (CI, 98.6-100%). The same panel was also evaluated with the PCR-hsp20 to calculate the agreement between both molecular assays and to compare their performances. While both hsp20-based PCRs showed a good agreement coefficient (kappa index = 0.6), the performance of the novel variant, PCR-hsp20S, was significantly higher in terms of sensitivity (P = 0.0001) allowing the accurate detection of a higher number of Leishmania-positive clinical samples. We endorse the use of the PCR-hsp20S over the former protocol for the detection of Leishmania parasites from cutaneous clinical samples. In addition, as an improved sensitivity was achieved with the new method merely through the amplification of a shorter gene fragment, this investigation constitutes an experimental proof of this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Montalvo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí (IPK), Havana, Cuba.
| | - Annia Alba
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí (IPK), Havana, Cuba
| | - Jorge Fraga
- Department of Science and Innovation, IPK, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Cecia Torres
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí (IPK), Havana, Cuba
| | - Carlos Muskus
- PECET (Program of Study and Control of Tropical Diseases), University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Gow I, Millar D, Ellis J, Melki J, Stark D. Semi-Quantitative, Duplexed qPCR Assay for the Detection of Leishmania spp. Using Bisulphite Conversion Technology. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:E135. [PMID: 31683788 PMCID: PMC6958480 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4040135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is caused by the flagellated protozoan Leishmania, and is a neglected tropical disease (NTD), as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Bisulphite conversion technology converts all genomic material to a simplified form during the lysis step of the nucleic acid extraction process, and increases the efficiency of multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) reactions. Through utilization of qPCR real-time probes, in conjunction with bisulphite conversion, a new duplex assay targeting the 18S rDNA gene region was designed to detect all Leishmania species. The assay was validated against previously extracted DNA, from seven quantitated DNA and cell standards for pan-Leishmania analytical sensitivity data, and 67 cutaneous clinical samples for cutaneous clinical sensitivity data. Specificity was evaluated by testing 76 negative clinical samples and 43 bacterial, viral, protozoan and fungal species. The assay was also trialed in a side-by-side experiment against a conventional PCR (cPCR), based on the Internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1 region). Ninety-seven percent of specimens from patients that previously tested positive for Leishmania were positive for Leishmania spp. with the bisulphite conversion assay, and a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 copies per PCR was achieved, while the LOD of the ITS1 methodology was 10 cells/1000 genomic copies per PCR. This method of rapid, accurate and simple detection of Leishmania can lead to improved diagnosis, treatment and public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ineka Gow
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
- Genetic Signatures Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia.
| | | | - John Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - John Melki
- Genetic Signatures Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia.
| | - Damien Stark
- Microbiology Department, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
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Jayasena Kaluarachchi TD, Weerasekera MM, McBain AJ, Ranasinghe S, Wickremasinghe R, Yasawardene S, Jayanetti N, Wickremasinghe R. Diagnosing Cutaneous leishmaniasis using Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization: the Sri Lankan Perspective. Pathog Glob Health 2019; 113:180-190. [PMID: 31429388 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2019.1650228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania donovani MON-37 is becoming a major public health problem in Sri Lanka, with 100 new cases per month being reported in endemic regions. Diagnosis of CL is challenging for several reasons. Due to relative specificity and rapidity we propose Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization as a diagnostic tool for CL. The objective was to evaluate the potential of Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization as a diagnostic method for Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Literature on current laboratory tests used to diagnose Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka and globally was reviewed. Sri Lankan data were reviewed systematically following the PRISMA guidelines. A narrative of the results is presented. There is currently no gold standard diagnostic method for Cutaneous leishmaniasis. Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization has been previously applied to detect dermal pathologies including those involving infectious agents, and its use to detect the Leishmania parasite in human cutaneous lesions reported in small number of studies, generally with limited numbers of subjects. Advantages of FISH has been specificity, cost and ease-of-use compared to the alternatives. Based on the available literature and our current work, FISH has potential for diagnosing CL and should now be evaluated in larger cohorts in endemic regions. FISH for CL diagnosis could find application in countries such as Sri Lanka, where laboratory facilities may be limited in rural areas where the disease burden is highest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manjula Manoji Weerasekera
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura , Nugegoda , Sri Lanka
| | - Andrew J McBain
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura , Nugegoda , Sri Lanka.,Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester , Manchester
| | - Shalindra Ranasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura , Colombo , Sri Lanka
| | - Renu Wickremasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura , Colombo , Sri Lanka
| | - Surangi Yasawardene
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura , Colombo , Sri Lanka
| | - Nisal Jayanetti
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura , Colombo , Sri Lanka
| | - Rajitha Wickremasinghe
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya , Kelaniya , Sri Lanka
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Deepachandi B, Weerasinghe S, Soysa P, Karunaweera N, Siriwardana Y. A highly sensitive modified nested PCR to enhance case detection in leishmaniasis. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:623. [PMID: 31307404 PMCID: PMC6631494 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4180-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human leishmaniasis is one of the major parasitic diseases with worldwide distribution. Sri Lanka is a recently established focus of leishmaniasis caused by a variant Leishmania donovani. Early case detection and management is a main approach identified for L. donovani control in the regional leishmaniasis elimination drive. Usefulness of light microscopy and in-vitro culture are limited in chronic, atypical or treated lesions though timely and accurate detection of all light microscopy/in-vitro culture negative cases of all forms of leishmaniasis is necessary for treatment. Timely treatment is important to minimize risk for death in visceral disease and undesired sequelae of long standing infection and illness on both patients and community. We described a 100% sensitive, Leishmania spp. specific modified version of a nested PCR (Mo-STNPCR) that also minimizes carry over and cross contaminations while facilitate investigation of light microscopy and in-vitro culture negative clinically suggestive cases of leishmaniasis. METHODS Leishmania DNA was amplified using previously published P221: 5'-GGTTCCTTTCCTGATTTACG-3' and P332: 5'-GGCCGGTAAAGGCCGAATAG-3'outer primers followed by a nested reaction using P223: 5'-TCCCATCGCAACCTCGGTT-3' and P333: 5'-AAGCGGGCGCGGTGCTG-3' inner primers that by passes the requirement of tube handling between the two steps of the conventional nested PCR. Leishmania DNA was detected in a range of infected tissue material. Infected material from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 30), visceral leishmaniasis (n = 10) and from a control group including patients with non-leishmanial skin diseases (n = 10), other systemic diseases (n = 10) and healthy individuals (n = 10) were examined with Mo-STNPCR. Results were further compared with those of light microscopy and in-vitro culture. RESULTS Mo-STNPCR method was 100% sensitive and 100% specific for diagnosis of leishmaniasis. Light microscopy and in-vitro culture were positive in 75.0% (n = 30/40) and 72.5% (n = 29/40) samples respectively where combined results of them gave 87.5% (n = 35/40) sensitivity. Mo-STNPCR did not cross react with control samples. Furthermore, Mo-STNPCR reduces the risk of cross-contaminations and carry over contaminations since the full reaction is carried out without opening the tubes. Per patient cost was calculated as 22 USD while the same was 3 and 6 USD for light microscopy and in-vitro culture respectively. CONCLUSION Mo-STNPCR method is a useful tool in detecting leishmaniasis in minority of cases that go undetected by first line investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagya Deepachandi
- Deparment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Sudath Weerasinghe
- Deparment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Preethi Soysa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nadira Karunaweera
- Deparment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Yamuna Siriwardana
- Deparment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis, a fatal disease if not treated, is caused by Leishmania parasites. This disease might be overlooked in the Middle East because of limited awareness and low incidence. We report 5 patients who died of visceral leishmaniasis in Lebanon and make recommendations to improve faster diagnosis and treatment.
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Cardoso MS, Bento GA, de Almeida LV, de Castro JC, Reis-Cunha JL, Barbosa VDA, de Souza CF, Brazil RP, Valdivia HO, Bartholomeu DC. Detection of multiple circulating Leishmania species in Lutzomyia longipalpis in the city of Governador Valadares, southeastern Brazil. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211831. [PMID: 30721272 PMCID: PMC6363391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis encompasses a group of diverse clinical diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. This disease is a major public health problem in the New World affecting people exposed in endemic regions. The city of Governador Valadares (Minas Gerais/Brazil) is a re-emerging area for visceral leishmaniasis, with 191 human cases reported from 2008 to 2017 and a lethality rate of 14.7%. The transmission of the parasite occurs intensely in this region with up to 22% of domestic dogs with positive serology for the visceral form. Lu. longipalpis is one of the most abundant sand fly species in this area. Despite this scenario, so far there is no information regarding the circulating Leishmania species in the insect vector Lutzomyia longipalpis in this focus. We collected 616 female Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies between January and September 2015 in the Vila Parque Ibituruna neighborhood (Governador Valadares/MG), which is located on a transitional area between the sylvatic and urban environments with residences built near a preserved area. After DNA extraction of individual sand flies, the natural Leishmania infections in Lu. longipalpis were detected by conventional PCR, using primers derived from kDNA sequences, specific for L. (Leishmania) or L. (Viannia) subgenus. The sensitivity of these PCR reactions was 0.1 pg of DNA for each Leishmania subgenus and the total infection rate of 16.2% (100 positive specimens). Species-specific PCR detected the presence of multiple Leishmania species in infected Lu. longipalpis specimens in Governador Valadares, including L. amazonensis (n = 3), L. infantum (n = 28), L. (Viannia) spp. (n = 20), coinfections with L. infantum and L. (Viannia) spp. (n = 5), and L. (Leishmania) spp (n = 44). Our results demonstrate that multiple Leishmania species circulate in Lu. longipalpis in Governador Valadares and reveal a potential increasing risk of transmission of the different circulating parasite species. This information reinforces the need for epidemiological and entomological surveillance in this endemic focus, and the development of effective control strategies against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Santos Cardoso
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Ariadine Bento
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laila Viana de Almeida
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Joseane Camilla de Castro
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João Luís Reis-Cunha
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniella Castanheira Bartholomeu
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Gunaratna G, Manamperi A, Böhlken-Fascher S, Wickremasinge R, Gunawardena K, Yapa B, Pathirana N, Pathirana H, de Silva N, Sooriyaarachchi M, Deerasinghe T, Mondal D, Ranasinghe S, Abd El Wahed A. Evaluation of rapid extraction and isothermal amplification techniques for the detection of Leishmania donovani DNA from skin lesions of suspected cases at the point of need in Sri Lanka. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:665. [PMID: 30577826 PMCID: PMC6303884 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by vector-borne protozoans. In Sri Lanka, the cutaneous form of the disease is predominant, which is usually diagnosed using Giemsa-stained slit skin smear examination and by histology. However, the sensitivity of slit skin smears and histology are reportedly low. Moreover, facilities for the highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are available only in a few highly-equipped parasitology laboratories. Therefore, there is a need for low cost, sensitive and specific screening tests for diagnosis of leishmaniasis at the point of need. RESULTS In this study, a mobile suitcase laboratory applying novel extraction (SpeedXtract) and isothermal amplification and detection (recombinase polymerase amplification assay, RPA) methods were evaluated for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. First, the developed assay was applied to three different sample types (punch biopsy, slit skin smears and fine needle aspirates) at a local hospital. The results showed that the 2 mm punch biopsy sample produced the best exponential amplification curve and early fluorescence signal in the RPA assay. Secondly, punch biopsies were collected from 150 suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis cases and screened with SpeedXtract/RPA, RNAlater/PCR and ATL buffer/PCR, in addition to Giemsa-stained slit skin smears. Fifty-seven samples were negative in all detection methods. In total 93 samples were positive with assay sensitivities of 65.5% (SpeedXtract/RPA), 63.4% (RNAlater/PCR) and 92.4% (ATL buffer/PCR). The Giemsa-stained slit skin smear delivered the worst clinical sensitivity (32.2%). CONCLUSIONS The SpeedXtract/RPA method under field conditions took 35 min, while almost 8 h were needed to finalize the extraction and detection by PCR in the laboratory. The SpeedXtract/RPA method produced similar sensitivity to samples preserved in RNAlater and subjected to PCR amplification, but both were less sensitive than ATL-preserved samples subjected to PCR amplification. There is a need for a standardization of sample collection and nucleic acid extraction methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayana Gunaratna
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Aresha Manamperi
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Renu Wickremasinge
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Kithsiri Gunawardena
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Bandujith Yapa
- Dermatology Unit, District General Hospital Matara, Matara, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | - Nilanthi de Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Monica Sooriyaarachchi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Theja Deerasinghe
- Dermatology Unit, District General Hospital Hambantota, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shalindra Ranasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
| | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Microbiology and Animal Hygiene, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
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Kariyawasam UL, Selvapandiyan A, Rai K, Wani TH, Ahuja K, Beg MA, Premathilake HU, Bhattarai NR, Siriwardena YD, Zhong D, Zhou G, Rijal S, Nakhasi H, Karunaweera ND. Genetic diversity of Leishmania donovani that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka: a cross sectional study with regional comparisons. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:791. [PMID: 29273010 PMCID: PMC5741890 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2883-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania donovani is the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Indian subcontinent. However, it is also known to cause cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan L. donovani differs from other L. donovani strains, both at the molecular and biochemical level. To investigate the different species or strain-specific differences of L. donovani in Sri Lanka we evaluated sequence variation of the kinetoplastid DNA (kDNA). METHODS Parasites isolated from skin lesions of 34 CL patients and bone marrow aspirates from 4 VL patients were genotyped using the kDNA minicircle PCR analysis. A total of 301 minicircle sequences that included sequences from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and six reference species of Leishmania were analyzed. RESULTS Haplotype diversity of Sri Lankan isolates were high (H d = 0.757) with strong inter-geographical genetic differentiation (F ST > 0.25). In this study, L. donovani isolates clustered according to their geographic origin, while Sri Lankan isolates formed a separate cluster and were clearly distinct from other Leishmania species. Within the Sri Lankan group, there were three distinct sub-clusters formed, from CL patients who responded to standard antimony therapy, CL patients who responded poorly to antimony therapy and from VL patients. There was no specific clustering of sequences based on geographical origin within Sri Lanka. CONCLUSION This study reveals high levels of haplotype diversity of L. donovani in Sri Lanka with a distinct genetic association with clinically relevant phenotypic characteristics. The use of genetic tools to identify clinically relevant features of Leishmania parasites has important therapeutic implications for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udeshika Lakmini Kariyawasam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No. 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 8 Sri Lanka
| | | | - Keshav Rai
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | | | - Kavita Ahuja
- JH-Institute of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Mizra Adil Beg
- JH-Institute of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Narayan Raj Bhattarai
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Yamuna Deepani Siriwardena
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No. 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 8 Sri Lanka
| | - Daibin Zhong
- University of California Irvine, College of Health Sciences, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Guofa Zhou
- University of California Irvine, College of Health Sciences, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Suman Rijal
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Hira Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, USA
| | - Nadira D. Karunaweera
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No. 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 8 Sri Lanka
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25
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De Silva G, Somaratne V, Senaratne S, Vipuladasa M, Wickremasinghe R, Wickremasinghe R, Ranasinghe S. Efficacy of a new rapid diagnostic test kit to diagnose Sri Lankan cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187024. [PMID: 29135995 PMCID: PMC5685575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka is caused by Leishmania donovani. This study assessed the diagnostic value of a new rapid diagnostic immunochromatographic strip (CL-Detect™ IC-RDT), that captures the peroxidoxin antigen of Leishmania amastigotes. Methodology/Principal findings We sampled 74 clinically suspected CL lesions, of which 59 (79.7%) were positive by PCR, 43 (58.1%) by Giemsa stained slit skin smear (SSS) and 21 (28.4%) by the new IC-RDT. All samples which were positive either by SSS or IC-RDT or both were positive by PCR. The sensitivities of the IC-RDT and SSS compared to PCR were 36% and 73%, respectively. Fifteen patients from this endemic region were negative by all three tests. Twenty two clinically non-CL skin lesions from a CL non-endemic region were also negative by all three methods. Specificity and PPV of both IC-RDT and SSS compared to PCR were 100%; the NPVs of IC-RDT and SSS were 37% and 58%, respectively. The median parasite grading of the 59 PCR positive samples was 2+ (1–10 parasites/100 HPFs) and IC-RDT positive lesions was 3+ (1–10 parasites /10HPFs). The duration of the lesion was not associated with IC-RDT positivity. Conclusions/Significance The median parasite grade of Sri Lankan CL lesions is low. The low sensitivities of SSS and CL Detect™ IC-RDT may be due to low parasite counts or low expression of peroxidoxin antigen in amastigotes of the Sri Lankan L. donovani strain. Our results indicate that negative SSS has to be combined with PCR for confirmation of CL in Sri Lanka. The current commercially available IC-RDT is not suitable to diagnose CL in Sri Lanka; an IC-RDT with improved sensitivity to detect L. donovani would be a valuable addition in the diagnostic tool kit for Sri Lanka.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayani De Silva
- Department of Parasitology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Sujai Senaratne
- Department of Parasitology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | - Renu Wickremasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Shalindra Ranasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
- * E-mail:
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