Entomological Survey and Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana Prevalence in Sand Fly Species during an Outbreak of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Quintana Roo State, Mexico.

(1) Background: Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected vector-borne disease that has become a serious public health problem in the Yucatan Peninsula. Although more than 60% of cases originate from the state of Quintana Roo, it is one of the least explored areas in terms of incriminating vectors of the Leishmania parasite. Additionally, cases of leishmaniasis have increased substantially in that region in recent years. For this reason, we explored and provided primary evidence of Leishmania DNA in sand fly species from four localities during outbreaks of leishmaniasis in Quintana Roo. We also contributed information on the regional genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites. (2) Methods: Sand flies were collected during several periods from November 2022 to April 2023 using Mosquito Light Circle and Shannon traps, as well as an active entomological search in refuges. For Leishmania detection, we amplified a fragment of 300-350 bp of the internal transcribed spacer subunit 1 (ITS-1). (3) Results: Of the 242 females collected, we detected Leishmania DNA in 25 specimens represented by Bichromomyia olmeca (1), Psathyromyia shannoni (17), Lutzomyia cruciata (4), Psathyromyia undulata (2), and Dampfomyia deleoni (1). The detection of Leishmania in these last two species represents new records for the Yucatan Peninsula and for Mexico. Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana was the only species detected in the Phlebotominae species, with prevalence values that ranked between 7.41% and 33.33% from specimens collected in the sylvatic areas of Cozumel Island and Petcacab. (4) Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of infection of Da. deleoni and Pa. undulata by L. (L.) Mexicana. In addition, the presence of three dominant haplotypes in all the evaluated localities was evidenced using the analysis of genetic diversity, and the locality of Petcacab was the one with the circulation of two new haplotypes not previously described in Mexico or neighboring countries. These results highlight the importance of intensive epidemiological surveillance due to the dynamics of transmission of Leishmania between different species.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Emergence in Southeastern Mexico: The Case of the State of Yucatan.

Environmental changes triggered by deforestation, urban expansion and climate change are present-day drivers of the emergence and reemergence of leishmaniasis. This review describes the current epidemiological scenario and the feasible influence of environmental changes on disease occurrence in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Relevant literature was accessed through different databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google, and Mexican official morbidity databases. Recent LCL autochthonous cases, potential vector sandflies and mammal hosts/reservoirs also have been reported in several localities of Yucatan without previous historical records of the disease. The impact of deforestation, urban expansion and projections on climate change have been documented. The current evidence of the relationships between the components of the transmission cycle, the disease occurrence, and the environmental changes on the leishmaniasis emergence in the state shows the need for strength and an update to the intervention and control strategies through a One Health perspective.

Molecular detection of Rickettsia sp. cf. Rickettsia monacensis in Ixodes sp. cf. Ixodes affinis collected from white-tailed deer in Campeche, Mexico.

Deer encompass a group of large-sized vertebrates that serve as hosts for a wide variety of ectoparasites, mainly ticks. In Mexico, ticks have relevance as vectors of pathogenic microorganisms, and 20 species of hard ticks are associated with four species of deer, although only a single study has been conducted to detect bacterial agents associated with ticks from deer in the country. In February, 2019 three white-tailed deers (Odocoileus virginianus) were hunted from the locality of Chiná from the municipality of Campeche, Mexico. The sampled deers were parasitized by 26 ticks belonged to three species: Amblyomma mixtum (5♀, 1♂), Amblyomma ovale (2♀, 1♂), and Ixodes sp. cf. Ixodes affinis (15♀, 2♂). Specimens were screened individually for Anaplasma, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia DNA by the amplification of several fragments of 16S rRNA, gltA, 17-kDa, and flaB genes. This study report for the first time the presence of Rickettsia sp. cf. Rickettsia monacensis in Ixodes sp. cf. Ixodes affinis in Mexico.

The genus Rickettsia in Mexico: Current knowledge and perspectives.

The genus Rickettsia encompasses 35 valid species of intracellular, coccobacilli bacteria that can infect several eukaryotic taxa, causing multiple emerging and re-emerging diseases worldwide. This work aimed to gather and summarise the current knowledge about the genus Rickettsia in Mexico, updating the taxonomy of the bacteria and their hosts by including all the records available until 2020, to elucidate host-parasite relationships and determine the geographical distribution of each Rickettsia species present in the country. Until now, 14 species of Rickettsia belonging to four groups have been recorded in Mexico. These species have been associated with 26 arthropod species (14 hard ticks, three soft ticks, two sucking lice, and seven fleas) and 17 mammal species distributed over 30 states in Mexico. This work highlights the high biological inventory of rickettsias for Mexico and reinforces the need to approach the study of this group from a One Health perspective.

New report of Eratyrus cuspidatus Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in the State of Campeche, Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Triatomine bugs are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. METHODS: Triatomine bugs were collected and identified following established protocols. In addition, infection with T. cruzi was detected by microscopic and molecular analysis. RESULTS: We captured an adult male specimen of the Eratyrus cuspidatus species that has not been reported in the state of Campeche. CONCLUSIONS: This finding provides new information on the distribution of E. cuspidatus in Mexico. However, more studies are needed to determine their epidemiological significance.

New report of Eratyrus cuspidatus Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in the State of Campeche, Mexico

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomine bugs are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. METHODS: Triatomine bugs were collected and identified following established protocols. In addition, infection with T. cruzi was detected by microscopic and molecular analysis. RESULTS: We captured an adult male specimen of the Eratyrus cuspidatus species that has not been reported in the state of Campeche. CONCLUSIONS: This finding provides new information on the distribution of E. cuspidatus in Mexico. However, more studies are needed to determine their epidemiological significance.

First description of a clinical case of murine typhus in Campeche, Mexico.

Murine typhus is a flea-borne disease caused by Rickettsia typhi, which was first detected in Mexico in 1927. It was not until 1996 that the first systematized study involving this pathogen was conducted in two coastal states of Mexico. We now report the first confirmed case of murine typhus in the state of Campeche, which occurred in a male patient who exhibited fever, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, and a rash. Furthermore, the patient reported having had previous contact with Rickettsia reservoirs.

First description of a clinical case of murine typhus in Campeche, Mexico

Abstract Murine typhus is a flea-borne disease caused by Rickettsia typhi, which was first detected in Mexico in 1927. It was not until 1996 that the first systematized study involving this pathogen was conducted in two coastal states of Mexico. We now report the first confirmed case of murine typhus in the state of Campeche, which occurred in a male patient who exhibited fever, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, and a rash. Furthermore, the patient reported having had previous contact with Rickettsia reservoirs.

[Prevalence of dengue and leptospira in febrile patients of the general hospital of specialities in Mexico]. / Prevalencia de dengue y leptospirosis en pacientes febriles en un hospital general de especialidades, México.

Among the infectious diseases characterized by a febrile picture are: dengue, leptospirosis, rickettsiosis and salmonellosis, among others. The objective of this study was to identify IgM antibodies against dengue and Leptospira in febrile patientes. The seropositivity for IgM antibodies to dengue was 34%; 26.3% for women and 7.6% for men, without differences significant (p = 0.181). The seropositivity for IgM antibodies to Leptospira was 3.2%, being found only in women. Positive serology for both dengue and Leptospira was 1%. The serovars detected were Pomona and Canicola by the microagglutination technique. It was possible to identify the unsuspected presence of leptospirosis and dengue in atypical months for the latter, an important fact to consider the study of serology in the differential diagnosis of febrile diseases.

Prevalencia de dengue y leptospirosis en pacientes febriles en un hospital general de especialidades, México / Prevalence of dengue and leptospira in febrile patients of the general hospital of specialities in Mexico

Resumen Entre las enfermedades infecciosas febriles se encuentran: dengue, leptospirosis, rickettsiosis y salmonelosis, entre otras. El objetivo de este estudio fue detectar la presencia de anticuerpos IgM a dengue y Leptospira en pacientes febriles. La seropositividad para IgM frente al dengue fue 34%; 26,3% en mujeres y 7,6% en varones, sin diferencias significativas (p = 0,181). La seropositividad para los anticuerpos IgM a Leptospira fue 3,2%; encontrándose sólo en mujeres. La serología positiva para leptospirosis y dengue fue 1%. Los serovares detectados fueron Pomona y Canicola por la técnica de microaglutinación. Se pudo identificar la presencia insospechada de leptospirosis y dengue en meses atípicos para este último, hecho importante para considerar el estudio de serología en el diagnóstico diferencial de enfermedades febriles.

Among the infectious diseases characterized by a febrile picture are: dengue, leptospirosis, rickettsiosis and salmonellosis, among others. The objective of this study was to identify IgM antibodies against dengue and Leptospira in febrile patientes. The seropositivity for IgM antibodies to dengue was 34%; 26.3% for women and 7.6% for men, without differences significant (p = 0.181). The seropositivity for IgM antibodies to Leptospira was 3.2%, being found only in women. Positive serology for both dengue and Leptospira was 1%. The serovars detected were Pomona and Canicola by the microagglutination technique. It was possible to identify the unsuspected presence of leptospirosis and dengue in atypical months for the latter, an important fact to consider the study of serology in the differential diagnosis of febrile diseases.

[Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) concurrent with cancer: Presentation of a case]. / Leishmaniasis cutánea difusa (LCD) y visceral (LV) concurrentes con cáncer: Presentación de un caso.

Male of 52 year old with chronic alcoholism and ulcerated lesion on the face and disseminated nodular skin lesions, underwent to biopsy of ulcer edges where was observed a concomitant epidermoid malignancy with Leishmania (L.). Besides others, biopsies of nodule in the periumbilical region, lymph node and bone marrow were assayed, and all biopsies had abundant amastigotes. The amplified Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) products from nodule were sequenced and the alignment analysis demonstrated homology with L. mexicana confirming the infection by this parasite. This is considered the first case of visceral and diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis concurrent with epidermoid cancer in the state of Campeche.

Detection of reactive canines to Leptospira in Campeche City, Mexico.

Leptospira reactivity in stray and household dogs in Campeche as well as associated risk factors to the seropositivity in household dogs have been herein determined. The survey included 323 dogs, 142 of which were stray dogs and 181 household dogs. Nine Leptospira interrogans serovars were tested by the microagglutination test. Reactivity was 21.3 % (69/323), 17.2 % corresponded to household dogs and 26.7 % to stray dogs. Leptospira Canicola (29 %), Leptospira Hardjo (22.58 %), and Leptospira Icterohaemorrhagiae (16.12 %) were the most common serovars reacting against the serum of household animals, while Leptospira Canicola (15.78 %), Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae (13.15 %), and Leptospira Pomona (7.89 %) were those reacting in stray dogs. Results showed that all dogs have been in contact with different Leptospira serovars and outdoor exposure is the main infection risk factor.

Detection of reactive canines to Leptospira in Campeche City, Mexico / Detection of reactive canines to Leptospira in Campeche City, Mexico.

Leptospira reactivity in stray and household dogs in Campeche as well as associated risk factors to the seropositivity in household dogs have been herein determined. The survey included 323 dogs, 142 of which were stray dogs and 181 household dogs. Nine Leptospira interrogans serovars were tested by the microagglutination test. Reactivity was 21.3

corresponded to household dogs and 26.7

), and Leptospira Icterohaemorrhagiae (16.12

) were the most common serovars reacting against the serum of household animals, while Leptospira Canicola (15.78

), and Leptospira Pomona (7.89

) were those reacting in stray dogs. Results showed that all dogs have been in contact with different Leptospira serovars and outdoor exposure is the main infection risk factor.

[A Trypanosoma cruzi infection without serologic evidence]. / Hallazgo de infección con Trypanosoma cruzi sin evidencia serológica.

Trypanosoma cruzi was isolated from a 20 year old male with no evidence of antibodies against this parasite until 12 months after the isolation and with no electrocardiographic alterations. The isolated sample obtained was characterized as T. cruzi I through PCR mini-exon. It had been reported without serologic reactivity to T. cruzi. It is the first case with lack reactivity reported in Mexico.

Identificación de serotipos del virus dengue circulantes en el estado de Campeche, México / Identification of dengue virus serotypes circulating in Campeche state, Mexico

Introducción: el dengue en la actualidad es una arbovirosis que está impactando a los países latinoamericanos, y México no ha sido la excepción, donde de ser una región hipoendémica ha evolucionado a hiperendémica por la múltiple circulación de los serotipos. Objetivos: determinar la seroprevalencia de los virus del dengue en el Estado de Campeche, México e identificar los serotipos circulantes en los diferentes municipios que conforman el estado. Métodos: para este estudio se emplearon los métodos de ELISA de inhibición y la prueba de neutralización por reducción del número de placas. Resultados: de un total de 600 muestras obtenidas, 67,5 por ciento (405) presentó anticuerpos IgG contra virus dengue y 32,5 por ciento (195) resultó negativo. Con respecto a los serotipos se detectó que 32,3 por ciento tuvo una infección primaria con predominio del serotipo DEN-1 y 68 por ciento infección secundaria; prevaleció la secuencia DEN-1/ DEN-2 y DEN-3/ DEN-4 en 9 municipios. El grupo de edad en el que fue más frecuente la infección a los 4 serotipos resultó el de 21 a 30 años. El serotipo que resultó con mayor circulación en el estado fue DEN-1. Conclusiones: la seroprevalencia y la frecuencia de infección secundaria observada en niños y adultos, indica la elevada circulación de los virus en el Estado; este resultó un factor epidemiológico importante para la aparición de brotes epidémicos y de las formas graves de la enfermedad.

Background: at present, dengue is an arbovirosis that is greatly affecting the Latin American countries, and Mexico is not the exception, where a hypoendemic region has evolved into a hyperendemic area because of the circulation of multiple serotypes. Objectives: to determine the seroprevalence of dengue virus in Campeche state, Mexico, and to identify the circulating serotypes in its various municipalities. Methods: inhibition ELISA and plate reduction neutralizing test were the methods used in this study. RESULTS: of 600 samples, 67.5 percent (405) had IgG antibodies to dengue virus whereas 32.5 percent (195) were negative. Regarding the serotypes, 32.3 percent had primary infection with serotype DEN-1 and 68 percent showed secondary infection; the prevailing sequence was DEN-1/DEN-2 and DEN-3/DEN-4 in 9 municipalities. The infection with the 4 serotypes was mostly found in the 21-30 y age group. The most circulating serotype was DEN-1 throughout the state. Conclusions: seroprevalence and frequency of secondary infection observed in children and adults indicated an increased circulation of virus in the state and this was considered an important epidemiological factor for the emergence of outbreaks and the most severe forms of the disease.

Two Triatoma dimidiata clades (Chagas disease vector) associated with different habitats in southern Mexico and Central America.

Triatoma dimidiata is the only reported Chagas disease vector in Campeche, Mexico. The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic variability of vectors from Campeche coastal and rain forest areas and establish a phylogenetic relationship with other T. dimidiata populations by analyzing the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) region. The sequence length of samples from Campeche ranged from 469 to 478 basepairs. The ITS-2 variability among the populations enabled us to classify them into two clades with an 18-22 nucleotide difference. The genetic distance (0.042) between them confirms this divergence. Phylogenetic analysis of gene genealogies confirmed these two clades. Furthermore, the population genetic analyses showed two groups with little genetic similarity or migration between them. One group was associated with the tropical forest area and the other group was associated with a mainly coastal distribution. This correlation was also observed when T. dimidiata from other regions of Mexico and Central America were analyzed.