1
|
Xhekaj B, Hoxha I, Platzgummer K, Kniha E, Walochnik J, Sherifi K, Rexhepi A, Behluli B, Dvořák V, Fuehrer HP, Obwaller AG, Poeppl W, Stefanovska J, Cvetkovikj A. First Detection and Molecular Analysis of Leishmania infantum DNA in Sand Flies of Kosovo. Pathogens 2023; 12:1190. [PMID: 37887706 PMCID: PMC10610191 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are the principal vectors of phleboviruses and Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniases. The Mediterranean sand fly fauna is diverse, and leishmaniasis, mainly caused by Leishmania infantum, is endemic in the Balkan countries. Despite recent entomological surveys, only some districts of Kosovo have been sampled for sand flies, with no proof/confirmation of L. infantum. This study aimed to gain further insights into the species composition of natural sand fly populations in previously unsampled districts and areas in Kosovo without reports of leishmaniasis and to detect Leishmania DNA in sand flies. A sand fly survey was conducted in 2022 in all seven districts of Kosovo. Collected females were screened for Leishmania DNA by PCR. Positive samples were sequenced and subjected to maximum likelihood analysis with reference sequences for further molecular characterization. The trapping activities at 114 different localities resulted in 3272 caught specimens, comprising seven sand fly species of two genera, namely Phlebotomus neglectus, Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. tobbi, Ph. papatasi, Ph. simici, Ph. balcanicus and Sergentomyia minuta. Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in three individual sand flies of Ph. neglectus and Ph. perfiliewi. This study provides the most extensive sand fly survey in Kosovo and reports the first record of L. infantum DNA in sand flies, indicating autochthonous circulation of L. infantum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Betim Xhekaj
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Ina Hoxha
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Katharina Platzgummer
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Edwin Kniha
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (I.H.); (K.P.); (E.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Kurtesh Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
| | - Agim Rexhepi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
| | - Behlul Behluli
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Bulevardi “Bill Clinton”, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (B.X.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (B.B.)
| | - Vit Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Adelheid G. Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Roßauer Lände 1, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Wolfgang Poeppl
- Department of Dermatology and Tropical Medicine, Military Medical Cluster East, Austrian Armed Forces, Brünner Straße 238, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Jovana Stefanovska
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xhekaj B, Stefanovska J, Sherifi K, Rexhepi A, Bizhga B, Rashikj L, Nikolovski M, Kniha E, Cvetkovikj A. Seroprevalence of canine leishmaniosis in asymptomatic dogs in Kosovo. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:607-14. [PMID: 36536229 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07762-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania spp. Leishmania infantum is the species responsible for the zoonotic form of the disease where dogs are reservoir hosts. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of CanL in asymptomatic dogs in Kosovo. Blood samples were collected from 285 dogs in all seven regions in Kosovo (35-50 samples per region) from summer 2021 to spring 2022. Sera were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the presence of anti-Leishmania IgG was confirmed by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The true overall seroprevalence of CanL of asymptomatic dogs in Kosovo with ELISA was 4.21% (95% CI: 2.42-7.21) while with IFAT was 3.51% (95% CI: 1.92-6.34). The highest rates were found in the Prishtina region to be 8.0% (4/50) by ELISA and 6.0% (3/50) by IFAT, and in the Mitrovica region, the prevalence was 0% (0/40). There were no significant differences among the different regions, gender, age, health status, and breed. These findings highlight the presence of CanL in most regions of Kosovo and underline the veterinary relevance of clinically asymptomatic dogs infected with Leishmania.
Collapse
|
3
|
Vaselek S. Canine leishmaniasis in Balkan - A review of occurrence and epidemiology. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106110. [PMID: 34450057 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Canine leishmaniasis is a parasitic zoonotic infection of dogs caused by the Leishmania spp. parasites. In Europe, canine leishmaniasis is among the most important vector-borne parasitic diseases of dogs, with majority of data originating from countries of southwestern Europe. With its scarce and outdated records, the Balkan region presents the "blank space" in the European map of canine leishmaniasis knowledge. Numerous records obtained during the past decade and a half indicate the emergence of autochthonous canine leishmaniasis in new settings all across Balkan, a significant increase in the numbers of infected dogs in previously endemic areas, and northward spread of the disease. As the majority of canine leishmaniasis data from Balkan countries are several decades old and generally written in native Balkan languages, hence not available to the broader area of scientists, comprehensive search of scientific literature published from 1934 to January 2021 was conducted in order to provide a better perspective to the past and current canine leishmaniasis situation in Balkan. This review provides exhaustive information on all leishmaniasis records in dogs, wild animals and cats, available from 10 countries of the Balkan region. It identifies dogs as the main disease reservoirs and highlights the importance of wild animals, and potentially cats, as disease reservoirs, which is of great public and veterinary health concern. Additionally, certain shortcomings in canine leishmaniasis research, management, surveillance and control were identified.
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide an updated overview of the leishmaniasis epidemiology in the Balkans, as this region presents "blank space" on the map of leishmaniasis knowledge in Europe. METHODS Following the PRISMA guideline, literature on the presence and circulation of human leishmaniasis in Balkan countries was screened in PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Matica Srpska Library and the National Library of Serbia. RESULTS Sixty nine publications from 1919 until September 2020 were reviewed. Historical records indicate that leishmaniasis was previously present mainly in the southern parts of the Balkans, while newer data demonstrate its northward spread. CONCLUSIONS Human leishmaniasis is re-emerging in the Balkans and in some areas is already widespread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Slavica Vaselek
- Department of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Al-Bajalan MMM, Niranji SS, Al-Jaf SM, Kato H. First molecular identification of Leishmania major in Phlebotomus papatasi in an outbreak cutaneous leishmaniasis area in Iraq. Acta Trop 2021; 215:105807. [PMID: 33385365 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is transmitted by Phlebotomine sand fly vectors, among which Phlebotomus papatasi is prevalent in Western Asia, Northern Africa and Southern Europe, and it is known as a vector for Leishmania major parasite in the world. However, in Iraq, morphological studies showed that P. papatasi is a predominant sand fly species and hypothesised to transmit CL causing Leishmania species including L. major and L. tropica. Few studies have found Leishmania species in sand flies in mixed pools of samples in this country. Accurate identification of sand flies as vectors of Leishmania species is required in Iraq. The current study aims to identify sand fly species, using both morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, in a region where CL tends to be endemic. Furthermore, molecular phylogenetic analysis has also used to confirm Leishmania species in the sand fly samples collected in 11 villages between Diyala and Sulaymaniyah Provinces. For the first time, we have found L. major in three individual sand flies, one engorged (with fresh blood meal) and two non-engorged (without visible fresh blood meal) P. papatasi females in an area of CL outbreaks since 2014-till now due to civil wars and internal conflicts happen in the region. Further study should be performed on sand fly population and Leishmania reservoirs in this region.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kniha E, Dvořák V, Milchram M, Obwaller AG, Köhsler M, Poeppl W, Antoniou M, Chaskopoulou A, Paronyan L, Stefanovski J, Mooseder G, Volf P, Walochnik J. Phlebotomus (Adlerius) simici NITZULESCU, 1931: first record in Austria and phylogenetic relationship with other Adlerius species. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:20. [PMID: 33407822 PMCID: PMC7788815 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04482-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phlebotomine sand flies are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). Information on sand flies in Central Europe is scarce and, to date, in Austria, only Phlebotomus mascittii has been recorded. In 2018 and 2019, entomological surveys were conducted in Austria with the aim to further clarify sand fly distribution and species composition. Results In 2019, a Ph. simici specimen was trapped in Austria for the first time. Analyses of two commonly used marker genes, cytochrome c oxidase I (coxI) and cytochrome b (cytb), revealed high sequence identity with Ph. simici specimens from North Macedonia and Greece. Phylogenetic analyses showed high intraspecific distances within Ph. simici, thereby dividing this species into three lineages: one each from Europe, Turkey and Israel. Low interspecific distances between Ph. simici, Ph. brevis and an as yet unidentified Adlerius sp. from Turkey and Armenia highlight how challenging molecular identification within the Adlerius complex can be, even when standard marker genes are applied. Conclusion To our knowledge, this study reports the first finding of Ph. simici in Austria, representing the northernmost recording of this species to date. Moreover, it reveals valuable insights into the phylogenetic relationships among species within the subgenus Adlerius. Phlebotomus simici is a suspected vector of L. infantum and therefore of medical and veterinary importance. Potential sand fly expansion in Central Europe due to climatic change and the increasing import of Leishmania-infected dogs from endemic areas support the need for further studies on sand fly distribution in Austria and Central Europe in general. Graphic abstract ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Kniha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vít Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markus Milchram
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Köhsler
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Poeppl
- Department of Dermatology and Tropical Medicine, Military Medical Cluster East, Austrian Armed Forces, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Antoniou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Alexandra Chaskopoulou
- European Biological Control Laboratory, US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lusine Paronyan
- Vector Borne and Parasitic Diseases Epidemiology Department, National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Jovana Stefanovski
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Saints Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Gerhard Mooseder
- Department of Dermatology and Tropical Medicine, Military Medical Cluster East, Austrian Armed Forces, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|