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Navi Z, Salahi-Moghaddam A, Habibi-Nokhandan M, Mohebali M, Hajjaran H, Fuentes MV. A Geomedical Survey: Is There an Association Between Climatic Conditions and Leishmania Species Distribution in Iran During the Years 1999-2021? Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:769-775. [PMID: 38416328 PMCID: PMC11001653 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00811-4] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Iran is among the high-risk leishmaniasis regions in the world. WHO recommends the use of GIS as an ideal tool for healthcare authorities to predict the evolution of a disease, delimit the risk of outbreaks and identify critical areas. The aim of this research is to find the association between the main species of Leishmania (L. major, L. tropica, L. infantum) dispersion and climatic variables in Iran. METHODS All molecular-based reports of leishmaniasis from Iran between 1999 and 2021 were gathered from reliable medical sources. Meteorological data (air and soil temperatures, annual rainfall and humidity) of the country along the study period were obtained from the Iranian Climatological Research Centre. The data concerning species distribution and climatic conditions during this period were moved to a base-map through raster layers using ArcGIS 10.4.1 software. The relationship between parasitological and climatic models was examined using ANOVA. RESULTS High risk area maps, based on the cut-off thresholds, were generated for Leishmania major, L. tropica and L. infantum. According to the molecular-based reports, the L. major distribution was significantly related to all climatic variables, while L. tropica was merely related to rainfall and humidity, and the L. infantum distribution was significantly associated with rainfall, soil and air temperatures. CONCLUSION The association between climatic conditions and Leishmania species distribution in Iran has been confirmed. Consequently, both, the relationship between climatic conditions and the geographical distribution of Leishmania species, and the use of GIS to better understand the spatial epidemiology of leishmaniasis, have been reaffirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Navi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Poor Sina Avenue Qods ST, Keshavarz Blvd, 1417613151, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Poor Sina Avenue Qods ST, Keshavarz Blvd, 1417613151, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Poor Sina Avenue Qods ST, Keshavarz Blvd, 1417613151, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Màrius V Fuentes
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Departament de Farmàcia iI Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100, València, Spain.
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Ferrer E, Aguilar CM, Viettri M, Torrellas A, Lares M, Diaz M, Delgado O, Feliciangeli MD, Herrera L. Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis, Sympatric Zoonoses Present in Human from Rural Communities of Venezuela. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:616-627. [PMID: 38294711 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00786-8] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. coexist in several endemic areas, and there are few studies of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis coinfection worldwide; for this reason, the objective of this work was to determine the Chagas disease and leishmaniasis coinfection in several rural communities co-endemic for these diseases. METHODS A total of 1107 human samples from six co-endemic rural communities of Cojedes state, Venezuela, were analyzed. Serum samples were evaluated by ELISA, indirect hemagglutination, and indirect immunofluorescence for Chagas disease diagnosis, and individuals were evaluated for leishmaniasis by leishmanin skin test (LST). Approximately, 30% of the individuals were also analyzed by PCR (blood clot samples) for T. cruzi and for Leishmania spp. RESULTS The 14.7% of the individuals were positive to Trypanosoma cruzi infection by serology, and 25.8% were positive to Leishmania spp. current or past infection by LST. Among the group with PCR results, 7.8% were positive for T. cruzi, and 9.4% for Leishmania spp. The coinfection T. cruzi/Leishmania spp. was 6.5%. The T. cruzi DTUs of the positive blood clot samples were TcI, revealed using the molecular markers: (i) intergenic region of the miniexon, (ii) D7 divergent domain of the 24Sα rDNA, (iii) size-variable domain of the 18S rDNA, and (iv) hsp60-PCR-RFLP (EcoRV). The Leishmania species identified were L. (Leishmania) mexicana and L. (Viannia) braziliensis. CONCLUSION A high prevalence was found for T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. single and coinfections in almost all communities studied, being these results of relevance for the implementation of control programs in co-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ferrer
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso" (BIOMED), Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, calle Cecilio Acosta, Urb. La Rinconada, Las Delicias, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela.
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela.
| | - Cruz M Aguilar
- Centro de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET-UC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo, San Carlos, Cojedes, Venezuela
| | - Mercedes Viettri
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso" (BIOMED), Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, calle Cecilio Acosta, Urb. La Rinconada, Las Delicias, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Annhymariet Torrellas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso" (BIOMED), Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, calle Cecilio Acosta, Urb. La Rinconada, Las Delicias, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - María Lares
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso" (BIOMED), Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, calle Cecilio Acosta, Urb. La Rinconada, Las Delicias, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Marietta Diaz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET-UC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo, San Carlos, Cojedes, Venezuela
| | - Olinda Delgado
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical (IMT), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María D Feliciangeli
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso" (BIOMED), Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, calle Cecilio Acosta, Urb. La Rinconada, Las Delicias, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Leidi Herrera
- Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical (IZET), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), Caracas, Venezuela
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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Olías-Molero AI, Botías P, Cuquerella M, García-Cantalejo J, Barcia E, Torrado S, Torrado JJ, Alunda JM. Effect of Clindamycin on Intestinal Microbiome and Miltefosine Pharmacology in Hamsters Infected with Leishmania infantum. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:362. [PMID: 36830274 PMCID: PMC9952363 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Leishmania donovani and L. infantum (Kinetoplastida), affects humans and dogs, being fatal unless treated. Miltefosine (MIL) is the only oral medication for VL and is considered a first choice drug when resistance to antimonials is present. Comorbidity and comedication are common in many affected patients but the relationship between microbiome composition, drugs administered and their pharmacology is still unknown. To explore the effect of clindamycin on the intestinal microbiome and the availability and distribution of MIL in target organs, Syrian hamsters (120-140 g) were inoculated with L. infantum (108 promastigotes/animal). Infection was maintained for 16 weeks, and the animals were treated with MIL (7 days, 5 mg/kg/day), clindamycin (1 mg/kg, single dose) + MIL (7 days, 5 mg/kg/day) or kept untreated. Infection was monitored by ELISA and fecal samples (16 wpi, 18 wpi, end point) were analyzed to determine the 16S metagenomic composition (OTUs) of the microbiome. MIL levels were determined by LC-MS/MS in plasma (24 h after the last treatment; end point) and target organs (spleen, liver) (end point). MIL did not significantly affect the composition of intestinal microbiome, but clindamycin provoked a transient albeit significant modification of the relative abundance of 45% of the genera, including Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Ruminococcus 2; Bacteroides and (Eubacterium) ruminantium group, besides its effect on less abundant phyla and families. Intestinal dysbiosis in the antibiotic-treated animals was associated with significantly lower levels of MIL in plasma, though not in target organs at the end of the experiment. No clear relationship between microbiome composition (OTUs) and pharmacological parameters was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Olías-Molero
- ICPVet, Department of Animal Health, School of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Botías
- Genomics Unit, Research Assistance Center of Biological Techniques, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Cuquerella
- ICPVet, Department of Animal Health, School of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús García-Cantalejo
- Genomics Unit, Research Assistance Center of Biological Techniques, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilia Barcia
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Industrial Pharmacy UCM, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Torrado
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Industrial Pharmacy UCM, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José Torrado
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Industrial Pharmacy UCM, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Alunda
- ICPVet, Department of Animal Health, School of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Industrial Pharmacy UCM, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Retrospective Analysis of Leishmaniasis in Sicily (Italy) from 2013 to 2021: One-Health Impact and Future Control Strategies. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091704. [PMID: 36144305 PMCID: PMC9504907 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an important vector-borne disease that represents a serious public health problem, including in Sicily (Italy), which is considered an endemic area. We collected canine, feline and human data from 2013 to 2021 in Sicily, while entomological surveys were conducted only in 2013 and 2021. Overall, 23,794/74,349 (34.4%) of dogs and 274/4774 (11.8%) of cats were positive in one or more diagnostic tests. A total of 467 cases of human Leishmaniasis were reported, with 71% showing cutaneous and 29% visceral involvement. The provinces with the largest number of patients were Agrigento (45.4%) and Palermo (37%). In 2013, Phlebotomus perfiliewi was the dominant sandfly species in Sicily (68.7%), followed by Phlebotomus perniciosus (17.2%) and Sergentomya minuta (14%). In 2021, Phlebotomusperfiliewi was confirmed as the most common species (61.6%), followed by Phlebotomusperniciosus (33.1%) and Sergentomyaminuta (4.7%). Of particular interest was the identification of Phlebotomus papatasi (0.41%) in Agrigento. Our retrospective study can inform health authorities for the development of appropriate screening, treatment and control strategies to reduce Leishmania incidence rate. This study examined the present state of Leishmaniasis control, surveillance, and prevention in Sicily, but also highlighted deficiencies that could be addressed through the application of One-Health principles.
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Galán-Puchades MT, Solano J, González G, Osuna A, Pascual J, Bueno-Marí R, Franco S, Peracho V, Montalvo T, Fuentes MV. Molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in rats and sand flies in the urban sewers of Barcelona, Spain. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:211. [PMID: 35710435 PMCID: PMC9201797 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Classically, dogs have been considered to be the only reservoir of leishmaniasis in urban areas. However, in a previous study, we found a 33.3% prevalence of Leishmania infantum in the spleens of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) sampled in the underground sewer system of the city of Barcelona (Spain). The aim of the present study was to verify, using molecular methods, the potential reservoir role of these rats in the same sewer system. Methods A sensitive real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were carried out to identify and quantify the presence of L. infantum DNA in sand fly individuals captured in the same underground sewer system of Barcelona as in our previous study and in the spleens and ears of rats captured in the same sewer system. Results Leishmania infantum DNA was found in 14 of the 27 (51.9%) sand flies identified as Phlebotomus perniciosus, and 10 of the 24 (41.7%) rats studied were infected. Leishmania infantum was found in the spleens (70%) and in the ears (40%) of the infected rats. Quantitative results revealed the presence of high loads of L. infantum in the rats studied (> 3 × 106 parasites/g ear tissue) and among the sand flies (> 34 × 106 parasites in 1 individual). Conclusions The molecular methods used in this study demonstrated a high prevalence of L. infantum in the underground
sewer populations of both R. norvegicus and P. perniciosus. These results suggest that sewer rats, in addition to dogs, are likely to act as reservoirs of leishmaniasis in cities, where sewer systems seem to offer the ideal scenario for the transmission of leishmaniasis. Therefore, to achieve the WHO 2030 target on the elimination of leishmaniasis as a public health problem successfully, an efficient control strategy against leishmaniasis in rats and sand flies should be implemented, particularly in the sewer systems of urban areas of endemic countries. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05309-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Jennifer Solano
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Gloria González
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Jordi Pascual
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Franco
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Peracho
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health CIBERESP Epidemiology and Public Health, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Màrius V Fuentes
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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Yasak Guner R, Berksoy Hayta S, Tosun M, Akyol M, Ozpınar N, Akın Polat Z, Egilmez R, Celikgün S, Cam S. Combination of infra-red light with nanogold targeting macrophages in the treatment of Leishmania major infected BALB/C mice. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2022; 41:18-24. [PMID: 35100933 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2021.2000430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), developing drug resistance, existing toxic effects of drugs and failure respond to treatment cause the need to try different treatment methods. We investigated the effect of gold-conjugated macrophage-specific antibody on amastigotes under infra-red light for the treatment of CL. METHODS Female BALB/c (4-8 weeks old, 20 ± 5 g weight) mice were used in the study. The L. major strain was inoculated on the soles of mice in amastigote form and subpassed. Nanogold (Au), Au + macrophage-specific antibody (MSA) modification and near infra-red (NIR) (5 seconds) were applied to mice groups that developed cutaneous leishmaniasis on their soles. On the 5th and 10th days of the treatment, the lesions were examined clinically and pathologically. RESULTS When the erythema values were examined, the highest decrease was calculated in the Au + MSA + NIR group in the measurements made on the 10th day (p < 0.014). The best improvement in 10th day measurements is in the NIR and Au + MSA + NIR groups when area values were examined (p = 0.011, p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of parasite load (PL) (p < 0.005) in pathological evaluation. According to PL grouping, the best result is NIR (p = 0.002). When both main titles (clinical and pathological) are examined, the Au + MSA + NIR group is thought to have an optimal therapeutical feature. CONCLUSIONS Au + MSA + NIR combination could be a new treatment approach for CL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukiye Yasak Guner
- Dermatology Department, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
| | | | - Mustafa Tosun
- Dermatology Department, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Melih Akyol
- Dermatology Department, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Necati Ozpınar
- Faculty of Health Science, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Zubeyde Akın Polat
- Parasitology Department, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Reyhan Egilmez
- Pathology Department, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Serkan Celikgün
- Public Health Department, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmır, Turkey
| | - Selim Cam
- Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Cumhuriyet Social Sciences, Vocational School Office Services and Secretarial Department, Sivas, Turkey
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Arif M, Shah AA, Badshah M, Hasan F, Rehman AU, Khan S. Positivity, diagnosis and treatment follow-up of cutaneous leishmaniasis in war-affected areas of Bajaur, Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:991-998. [PMID: 35076777 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07438-2] [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: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to explore the frequency of positivity of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the tribal district Bajaur located near the Pak-Afghan border. The present study was conducted at the Leishmaniasis Center of Headquarter Hospital Khar District Bajaur, Pakistan. In total, 646 patients were recruited and included in the study after ethical approval and consent from the patients. CL was confirmed by taking blood samples from the sides of the lesion and observing them under a microscope using Giemsa staining. Information about demographic factors was collected from the study participants with a questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS. It was found that 73.8% of suspected patients were positive and 26.2% were negative for CL. There were 51.9% male and 48.1% female patients. The most frequently affected site was the face (42.6%), and most of the patients (85.8%) had only one lesion. The positivity of CL was higher among those under age 15 years. The area of most positivity, with 45.2% of the cases, was Tehsil Mamund. Most of the patients (46.6%) lived in stone houses, with 98.6% of patients having domestic animals in their houses. Approximately 198 patients were treated with intramuscular and intralesional injections of meglumine antimoniate, and their weekly follow-up revealed that 48% of patients recovered, while the remaining patients left the course of treatment at different stages of therapy. The positivity of CL is high in this area and is confirmed by the detection of Leishmania amastigotes in the blood collected from their lesions. Socioeconomic factors are the main underlying causes of the rapid spread of this disease and meglumine antimoniate is an effective drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Arif
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Aamer Ali Shah
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Malik Badshah
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Fariha Hasan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Asim Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Samiullah Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
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Leishmaniasis in Cameroon and neighboring countries: An overview of current status and control challenges. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 2:100077. [PMID: 36589871 PMCID: PMC9795355 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis causes the ninth largest disease burden among infectious diseases but remains a very neglected tropical disease. Although the disease is endemic in Cameroon and some neighboring countries, data on its epidemiology are very scanty. The present review summarizes the available information on leishmaniasis in the central region of Africa. According to available records, Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria have been identified as endemic foci of both cutaneous (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In addition, the phlebotomine vectors of leishmaniasis have been reported in these three countries and also in Congo and the Central African Republic. Although Gabon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea and Congo are all situated next to the above leishmaniasis-endemic countries and are characterized by similar landscapes and vegetation, they lack published reports of autochthonous cases of leishmaniasis. Considering that many cases of the disease might remain unreported, it might not be an overstatement to recommend that research should be carried out in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic and Congo to identify cases of leishmaniasis (CL and/or VL), the parasite and vector species, and the mammalian reservoir host. This review updates data on leishmaniasis and its insect vector in the geographical region of Central Africa. Such updates are basic requirement for the development of successful control programmes in individual countries and the whole region. In order to address the shortcomings identified in the present review, the authors recommend training of more scientists in leishmaniasis epidemiology in the region that should be accompanied by necessary funding. This training must be multidisciplinary and include development of laboratory and field skills for studies of the parasite, the vector, the reservoir, the vegetation and the soil in potential endemic foci. In addition, prospective studies involving geographers and other experts should develop a disease risk map of the Central Africa region.
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Dinc R. New developments in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/1995-7645.345944] [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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Kourbeli V, Chontzopoulou E, Moschovou K, Pavlos D, Mavromoustakos T, Papanastasiou IP. An Overview on Target-Based Drug Design against Kinetoplastid Protozoan Infections: Human African Trypanosomiasis, Chagas Disease and Leishmaniases. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154629. [PMID: 34361781 PMCID: PMC8348971 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan diseases Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), Chagas disease (CD), and leishmaniases span worldwide and therefore their impact is a universal concern. The present regimen against kinetoplastid protozoan infections is poor and insufficient. Target-based design expands the horizon of drug design and development and offers novel chemical entities and potential drug candidates to the therapeutic arsenal against the aforementioned neglected diseases. In this review, we report the most promising targets of the main kinetoplastid parasites, as well as their corresponding inhibitors. This overview is part of the Special Issue, entitled "Advances of Medicinal Chemistry against Kinetoplastid Protozoa (Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp.) Infections: Drug Design, Synthesis and Pharmacology".
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Kourbeli
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 84 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eleni Chontzopoulou
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.M.); (D.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Kalliopi Moschovou
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.M.); (D.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Dimitrios Pavlos
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.M.); (D.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.M.); (D.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Ioannis P. Papanastasiou
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 84 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence:
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