Risk factors for antimony treatment failure in American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Northwestern-Argentina.

BACKGROUND: To date, there is no specific literature available on the determinants for therapeutic failure (TF) with meglumine antimoniate (MA) in Northwestern-Argentina. This study aimed to identify epidemiological, clinical, and treatment-related factors that could be involved in TF. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We performed a case-control study. Cases were represented by patients who showed TF after administration of the first course of MA treatment, whereas, controls were determined as patients who evolved towards healing after the first MA cycle received. Crude Odds Ratios and their corresponding 90% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and risk factors were then tested by multivariate analysis using logistic binary regression. Three hundred and eighty-four patients with a presumptive diagnosis of ACL were recruited, and 153 with a positive diagnosis were selected. We included in the study 71 patients, who underwent specific treatment with MA, presented complete data on response to treatment, and had a minimum post-treatment follow-up of 6 months in cutaneous leishmaniasis, and 12 months in mucosal leishmaniasis. Of these, 34 (47.9%) presented TF. In the initial analysis, TF was significantly associated with the geographical area of disease acquisition (p = 0.036), the presence of mucosal lesions (p = 0.042), the presence of concomitant skin and mucosal lesions (p = 0.002), and lesion age ≥ 6 months (p = 0.018). Risk factors influencing TF in the final multivariate model included the geographical area where the disease was acquired (adjusted Odd Ratio 8.062; 95% CI 1.914-33.959; p = 0.004), and lesion age ≥ 6 months (adjusted Odd Ratio 10.037; 95% CI 1.383-72.843; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The results of the present study suggest the existence of some risk factors linked to TF in Northwestern-Argentina, which deserve further investigation. Herein we recorded a high percentage of TF and we described clinical and epidemiological characteristics associated with TF that could be taken into account improving the clinical management of patients.

Sustained-release hydrogels of ivermectin as alternative systems to improve the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Background: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease and its cutaneous form manifests as ulcers or nodules, generally in exposed parts of the body. This work aimed to develop ivermectin (IVM) thermosensitive hydrogels as topical formulations to improve cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment. Materials & methods: Hydrogels based on poloxamers 407 and 188 with different concentrations of IVM were prepared and rheologically characterized. The IVM release profiles were obtained and mathematically analyzed using the Lumped model. Results: The formulation containing 1.5% w/w of IVM presented an adequate gelling temperature, an optimal complex viscosity and elastic modulus. Hydrogels allowed to modulate the release of IVM. Conclusion: IVM thermosensitive hydrogels can be considered a valuable alternative to improve the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

[Alterations of immunological parameters in an autochthonous case of visceral leishmaniasis from the Northwest of Argentina]. / Afectación de parámetros inmunológicos en un caso de leishmaniasis visceral autóctono del Noroeste Argentino.

We report the alterations of immunological parameters of a patient with visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum from the Northwest of Argentina during active disease and after achieving clinical recovery. We first demonstrated elevated amounts of IFN-y, IL-10, B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and IgG in plasma during active disease, which returned to control values after recovery. In relation to T cell profile, we measured CD27, CD28, CD45RO, CD57 and perforin. We found a highly differentiated phenotype, preferentially in active disease and among CD8+ T cells, consisting in increased numbers of late differentiated and terminal effector cells. Although this highly differentiated CD8+ T cell phenotype persisted after recovery, a clear increase of central memory cells was recorded for both T subsets at that point, suggesting signs of reversion toward a less differentiated profile. The composition of the B cell compartment was slightly modified during active disease. Herein we document the global impact of severe visceral leishmaniasis on immunological parameters, which tend to revert upon clinical recovery, suggesting signs of immune restoration accompanying clinical improvement. The evaluated parameters could eventually be used as biomarkers of clinical evolution of visceral leishmaniasis.

En el presente trabajo informamos la afectación de parámetros inmunológicos durante la etapa grave de la infección y luego de alcanzar la recuperación clínica en un paciente autóctono del Noroeste argentino con leishmaniasis visceral causada por Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Detectamos concentraciones plasmáticas elevadas de interferón-y, interleuquina 10, IgG y BAFF (B-cell activating factor) durante la enfermedad activa, que se normalizaron luego de la recuperación clínica. En relación al perfil de diferenciación y memoria de las células T, clasificamos las células según la expresión de CD27, CD28, CD45RO, CD57 y perforina. Encontramos un fenotipo altamente diferenciado analizando la población de linfocitos T CD8+, con porcentajes aumentados de células T de diferenciación tardía y efectoras terminales. Si bien el fenotipo T CD8+ persistió luego de la recuperación clínica, pudimos observar un claro aumento de células T de memoria central en ese punto de estudio, sugiriendo signos de una posible reversión hacia un perfil T menos avanzado. El compartimiento de células B CD19+ mostró cambios más leves en la composición de las subpoblaciones de memoria. Documentamos el compromiso global de parámetros inmunológicos en la etapa grave de la leishmaniasis visceral que tienden a revertir luego de la recuperación, sugiriendo posibles signos de reconstitución inmune acompañando a la mejoría clínica. Los parámetros evaluados podrían ser útiles como biomarcadores de la evolución clínica de la enfermedad.

Afectación de parámetros inmunológicos en un caso de leishmaniasis visceral autóctono del Noroeste Argentino / Alterations of immunological parameters in an autochthonous case of visceral leishmaniasis from the Northwest of Argentina

Resumen En el presente trabajo informamos la afectación de parámetros inmunológicos durante la etapa grave de la infección y luego de alcanzar la recuperación clínica en un paciente autóctono del Noroeste argentino con leishmaniasis visceral causada por Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Detectamos concentraciones plasmáticas elevadas de interferón-γ, interleuquina 10, IgG y BAFF (B-cell activating factor) durante la enfermedad activa, que se normalizaron luego de la recuperación clínica. En relación al perfil de diferenciación y memoria de las células T, clasificamos las células según la expresión de CD27, CD28, CD45RO, CD57 y perforina. Encontramos un fenotipo altamente diferenciado analizando la población de linfocitos T CD8+, con porcentajes aumentados de células T de diferenciación tardía y efectoras terminales. Si bien el fenotipo T CD8+ persistió luego de la recuperación clínica, pudimos observar un claro aumento de células T de memoria central en ese punto de estudio, sugiriendo signos de una posible reversión hacia un perfil T menos avanzado. El compartimiento de células B CD19+ mostró cambios más leves en la composición de las subpoblaciones de memoria. Documentamos el compromiso global de parámetros inmunológicos en la etapa grave de la leishmaniasis visceral que tienden a revertir luego de la recuperación, sugiriendo posibles signos de reconstitución inmune acompañando a la mejoría clínica. Los parámetros evaluados podrían ser útiles como biomarcadores de la evolución clínica de la enfermedad.

Abstract We report the alterations of immunological parameters of a patient with visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum from the Northwest of Argentina during active disease and after achieving clinical recovery. We first demonstrated elevated amounts of IFN-γ, IL-10, B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and IgG in plasma during active disease, which returned to control values after recovery. In relation to T cell profile, we measured CD27, CD28, CD45RO, CD57 and perforin. We found a highly differentiated phenotype, preferentially in active disease and among CD8+ T cells, consisting in increased numbers of late differentiated and terminal effector cells. Although this highly differentiated CD8+ T cell phenotype persisted after recovery, a clear increase of central memory cells was recorded for both T subsets at that point, suggesting signs of reversion toward a less differentiated profile. The composition of the B cell compartment was slightly modified during active disease. Herein wedocument the global impact of severe visceral leishmaniasis on immunological parameters, which tend to revert upon clinical recovery, suggesting signs of immune restoration accompanying clinical improvement. The evaluated parameters could eventually be used as biomarkers of clinical evolution of visceral leishmaniasis.

B-cell profile, B-cell activating factor concentration and IgG levels in human cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of B cells in human tegumentary leismaniasis (TL) analysing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), most prevalent form and mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), aggressive form characterized by the destruction of the oral-nasal-pharyngeal cavities. METHODS AND RESULTS: By flow cytometry analysis, we found decreased percentages of non-class-switched memory B cells in TL with the degree of the loss related to clinical severity. Using commercial ELISA, we reported high levels of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and IgG preferentially in aggressive CL and markedly in ML together with decreased BAFF receptors in the latter. We also found lower levels of BAFF after clinical recovery suggesting a relation between BAFF and disease activity. Mucosal leishmaniasis history of therapeutic failure presented high levels of BAFF accompanied by detectable concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-6 (assayed by commercial ELISA and cytometric bead arrays respectively), cytokines involved in exaggerated inflammatory responses and tissue damage in TL. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate B-cell disturbances in TL with the degree of the alterations related to clinical severity. We suggest a relation between excess of BAFF and disease activity and point towards a possible implication of BAFF in the inflammatory phenomenon of ML.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis in infancy and childhood.

Infant and young child skin diseases are among the most common features of morbidity throughout the tropics. Because the skin is directly exposed to the environment, it is considerably affected by climatic and local conditions such as vectors and microorganisms, as in the case of leishmaniasis. In America the observed magnitude of cutaneous leishmaniasis in children has led to the study of increased risk of exposure of this group due to the possibility of peri- and intradomiciliary transmission. The present review pretends to make a concrete approach all through the broad and main figures of this parasitic disease, including the clinical, physiopathological, epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects, in order to be used as a practical source of reference for pediatricians leading with tropical cutaneous pathology in the region.

American tegumentary leishmaniasis: T-cell differentiation profile of cutaneous and mucosal forms-co-infection with Trypanosoma cruzi.

American tegumentary leishmaniasis displays two main clinical forms: cutaneous (CL) and mucosal (ML). ML is more resistant to treatment and displays a more severe and longer evolution. Since both forms are caused by the same Leishmania species, the immunological response of the host may be an important factor determining the evolution of the disease. Herein, we analyzed the differentiation and memory profile of peripheral CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes of patients with CL and ML and their Leishmania-T. cruzi co-infected counterparts. We measured the expression of CD27, CD28, CD45RO, CD127, PD-1 and CD57, together with interferon-γ and perforin. A highly differentiated phenotype was reflected on both T subsets in ML and preferentially on CD8(+) T cells in CL. A positive trend toward a higher T differentiation profile was found in T. cruzi-infected CL and ML patients as compared with Leishmania single infections. Association between CD8(+) T-cell differentiation and illness duration was found within the first year of infection, with progressive increase of highly differentiated markers over time. Follow-up of patients with good response to therapy showed predominance of early differentiated CD8(+) T cells and decrease of highly differentiated cells, while patients with frequent relapses presented the opposite pattern. CD8(+) T cells showed the most striking changes in their phenotype during leishmaniasis. Patients with long-term infections showed the highest differentiated degree implying a relation between T differentiation and parasite persistence. Distinct patterns of CD8(+) T differentiation during follow-up of different clinical outcomes suggest the usefulness of this analysis in the characterization of Leishmania-infected patients.

Clinical and epidemiological features of leishmaniasis in northwestern-Argentina through a retrospective analysis of recent cases.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by hemoflagellates of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected phlebotomine sandflies. Depending on the Leishmania species, the disease has different clinical forms including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral manifestations. Previous studies performed in endemic zones of northwestern-Argentina, during epidemic outbreaks, have been important for detecting patients suffering from the acute phase of the disease, but have not given a complete representation of the clinical and epidemiological features in the region. Furthermore, due to the resurgence of leishmaniasis worldwide and in particular the large increase of international tourism to the region, it seems pertinent to update the current epidemiological and clinical profile of leishmaniasis in northwestern-Argentina. Here we present a retrospective analysis of 95 Leishmania positive cases, presenting between 2000 and 2014. Patients were derived from hospitals and diagnosed in our lab at the University of Salta, located in a non-endemic area in Salta, Argentina. We detected numerous extensive mucocutaneous cases (34/95, 35.8%) distinct from mucosal affected patients, some instances originating in locations with no previously reported human cases. Additionally patients suffering from concomitant diseases, besides leishmaniasis, were assessed. These included Chagas disease, syphilis, deep mycoses, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis and intestinal parasitosis. This study updates the clinical and epidemiological features of leishmaniasis in northwestern-Argentina, and discusses the implications and management strategy for patients who acquire the disease in this region.

Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum in Salta, Argentina: Possible Reservoirs and Vectors.

Cases of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) were not recorded until recently in the Chaco region of northwestern Argentina. Dogs were surveyed at the sites of infection of two HVL index cases in the Chaco region of Salta province. Canine cases (CanL) were diagnosed by two parasitological methods, two molecular methods targeting mini- and maxicircle DNA, and immunochromatographic dipstick. Among 77 dogs studied, 10 (13%) were found infected with Leishmania spp. In seven dogs and two humans, the infecting species was typed as Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. The same genotype was detected in the human and two of the CanL. Although several diagnostic methods displayed weak or moderate agreement, the concordance values for serology versus maxicircle PCR were very good (Kappa index = 0.84). Sandflies captured in the area were identified as Lutzomyia migonei and Lu. cortelezzii/Lu. sallesi (cortelezzii complex). The focal appearance of leishmaniasis in dogs and humans in a sylvatic region and its relatively low prevalence of infection suggests that L. (L.) infantum transmission to dogs and humans may, in this region, stem from sylvatic reservoirs.

[Miltefosine versus meglumine antimoniate in the treatment of mucosal leishmaniasis]. / Miltefosina versus antimoniato de meglumina en el tratamiento de la leishmaniasis mucosa.

The conventional treatment for tegumentary leishmaniasis is meglumine antimoniate, which needs parenteral administration, has increased therapeutic failure, and produces serious adverse effects, justifying the search for therapeutic alternatives. We report here the preliminary results of a phase II clinical trial in patients with mucosal leishmaniasis, in which the efficacy of oral miltefosine versus the antimonial compound was assessed. The evaluation of response to the treatment was performed by monitoring with nasopharyngeal video-fibroscopy, using a score of mucosal injury severity for patients at each follow-up point. We found no significant differences so far between the number of patients cured with miltefosine or conventional chemotherapy. The favorable results of this study suggest that miltefosine could be an effective and safe oral therapeutic alternative in the region.

Miltefosina versus antimoniato de meglumina en el tratamiento de la leishmaniasis mucosa

El tratamiento convencional para la leishmaniasis tegumentaria es el antimoniato de meglumina, el cual presenta falla terapéutica creciente, producción de efectos adversos graves, y necesidad de administración parenteral, justificando la búsqueda de alternativas terapéuticas. Presentamos aquí los resultados preliminares de un ensayo clínico de fase II en pacientes con leishmaniasis mucosa, en el que se comparó la eficacia de miltefosina por vía oral con respecto a la del compuesto antimonial. La evaluación de la respuesta a los tratamientos se realizó mediante un seguimiento con videofibroscopia nasofaríngea, utilizándose un score de gravedad de lesiones mucosas para aplicar en cada momento del seguimiento de los pacientes. No se encontraron hasta ahora diferencias significativas entre el número de pacientes curados con miltefosina o con la quimioterapia convencional. Los resultados favorables de este trabajo sugieren que miltefosina podría constituir una alternativa terapéutica efectiva y segura en la región.

The conventional treatment for tegumentary leishmaniasis is meglumine antimoniate, which needs parenteral administration, has increased therapeutic failure, and produces serious adverse effects, justifying the search for therapeutic alternatives. We report here the preliminary results of a phase II clinical trial in patients with mucosal leishmaniasis, in which the efficacy of oral miltefosine versus the antimonial compound was assessed. The evaluation of response to the treatment was performed by monitoring with nasopharyngeal video-fibroscopy, using a score of mucosal injury severity for patients at each follow-up point. We found no significant differences so far between the number of patients cured with miltefosine or conventional chemotherapy. The favorable results of this study suggest that miltefosine could be an effective and safe oral therapeutic alternative in the region.

In vivo antileishmanial efficacy of miltefosine against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis.

Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus, constitutes a significant health and social problem in many countries and is increasing worldwide. The conventional treatment, meglumine antimoniate (MA), presents numerous disadvantages, including invasiveness, toxicity, and frequent therapeutic failure, justifying the attempts at finding alternatives to the first-line therapy. We have studied the comparative long-term efficacy of MA against miltefosine (MF) in Leishmania infection in experimental mice. The criteria for efficacy evaluation were footpad lesion size, anti-Leishmania antibodies level, histopathology of the site of inoculation (right footpad, RFP), splenic index (SI), and the presence of parasites in RFP, spleen, and liver, determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Swiss mice, infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis were treated, at different time points (5 and 40 days after infection) with either MA or MF. The efficacy of MF was better than that of MA for inhibiting lesions and for reducing tissue damage and presence/load of amastigotes in spleen and liver. Moreover, early administration of MF produced a clear reduction in splenomegaly and was equal in reducing antibody titles in comparison with MA. Our results demonstrated that MF is an effective and safe therapeutic alternative for leishmaniasis by L. (L.) amazonensis and is more efficacious than MA.

[Role of three ELISA tests using promastigote homogenates of Leishmania braziliensis, L. amazonensis and L. guyanensis in the diagnosis of tegumentary leishmaniasis]. / El rol de tres pruebas de ELISA con antígenos de promastigotes de Leishmania braziliensis, L. amazonensis y L. guyanensis en el diagnóstico de leishmaniasis tegumentaria.

It is important to know whether the variability of species of Leishmania parasites circulating in a region affects the performance of the ELISA test for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the reactivity of the ELISA using homogenates of promastigotes of Leishmania (V.) braziliensis (ELISAb), Leishmania (L) amazonensis (ELISAa) and Leishmania (V.) guyanensis (ELISAg) against different sera groups. Samples from individuals with cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 37), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 8), healthy controls (n = 52), persons infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (n = 11) and mixed infections (n = 14) were included in the study. We calculated sensitivities, specificities, cut offs, and predictive values for the three tests and compared them using ANOVA, kappa index, ROC curves comparison, and confidence intervals calculated by the bootstrap method. Significant differences were found when comparing the OD levels of sera from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis against healthy controls, but there were no differences when comparing the different ELISAs. The sensitivities calculated for ELISAb and ELISAa were 84.6 and of 88.5% for ELISAg, while the value of specificity for the three tests was 96.2. The kappa index (0.87) and comparison of ROC curves showed similar performance for the three ELISAs (p = 0.225). The high reactivity obtained for these ELISAs in sera of patients with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis indicates this test as an important complement in the diagnosis of the disease.

El rol de tres pruebas de ELISA con antígenos de promastigotes de Leishmania braziliensis, L. amazonensis y L. guyanensis en el diagnóstico de leishmaniasis tegumentaria / Role of three ELISA tests using promastigote homogenates of Leishmania braziliensis, L. amazonensis and L. guyanensis in the diagnosis of tegumentary leishmaniasis

Es importante conocer si la variabilidad de especies de Leishmania circulantes en una región afecta la performance de las pruebas de ELISA estandarizadas para el diagnostico de la leishmaniasis. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la reactividad de la prueba de ELISA utilizando homogenados de promastigotes de Leishmania (V.) braziliensis (ELISAb), L (L) amazonensis (ELISAa) y L (V.) guyanensis (ELISAg) frente a distintos grupos de sueros. Se estudiaron muestras de personas con leishmaniasis cutánea (n = 37), leishmaniasis mucocutánea (n = 8), no infectados (n = 52), infectadas por Trypanosoma cruzi (n = 11) e infecciones mixtas (n = 14). Se calcularon las sensibilidades, especificidades, cut off, valores predictivos, y se compararon las tres pruebas usando ANOVA, índice de concordancia kappa, comparación de curvas ROC e intervalos de confianza construidos por el método de bootstrap. Se encontraron diferencias significativas al comparar los niveles de DO de los sueros de pacientes con leishmaniasis cutánea respecto a los controles negativos, pero no se encontraron diferencias entre pruebas. Las sensibilidades calculadas fueron de 84.6% para ELISAb y ELISAa y de 88.5 para ELISAg, mientras que el valor de especificidad para las tres pruebas fue de 96.2. El índice de concordancia kappa y la comparación de curvas ROC mostraron performances similares para las tres pruebas (p = 0.225). La elevada reactividad obtenida para estas ELISAs frente a sueros de pacientes con leishmaniasis mucocutánea indica un importante potencial de esta técnica como complemento en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad.

It is important to know whether the variability of species of Leishmania parasites circulating in a region affects the performance of the ELISA test for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the reactivity of the ELISA using homogenates of promastigotes of Leishmania (V.) braziliensis (ELISAb), Leishmania (L) amazonensis (ELISAa) and Leishmania (V.) guyanensis (ELISAg) against different sera groups. Samples from individuals with cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 37), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 8), healthy controls (n = 52), persons infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (n = 11) and mixed infections (n = 14) were included in the study. We calculated sensitivities, specificities, cut offs, and predictive values for the three tests and compared them using ANOVA, kappa index, ROC curves comparison, and confidence intervals calculated by the bootstrap method. Significant differences were found when comparing the OD levels of sera from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis against healthy controls, but there were no differences when comparing the different ELISAs. The sensitivities calculated for ELISAb and ELISAa were 84.6 and of 88.5% for ELISAg, while the value of specificity for the three tests was 96.2. The kappa index (0.87) and comparison of ROC curves showed similar performance for the three ELISAs (p = 0.225). The high reactivity obtained for these ELISAs in sera of patients with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis indicates this test as an important complement in the diagnosis of the disease.

Identificación por PS-PCR de especies de leishmania y su correlación con características clínicas, epidemiológicas y terapéuticas en Salta, Argentina / Identification by PS-PCR of Leishmania Species and its Correlation with Clinical, Epidemiologic and Therapeutic Characteristics in Salta, Argentina

La Leishmaniasis es una enfermedad endémica en la provincia de Salta, Argentina, con cientos de casos anuales. La identificación de la especie de Leishmania es necesaria debido a diferencias de presentación clínica y de respuesta al tratamiento entre especies. La técnica PS-PCR ha sido validada con el método de isoenzimas para la identificación de especies de Leishmania en Argentina. OBJETIVOS: optimizar la técnica PS-PCR para identificar la especie de parásitos aislados por cultivo y en muestras clínicas de pacientes de Salta y correlacionarla con sus características clínicas y su respuesta al tratamiento. RESULTADOS: La PS-PCR permitió identificar la especie de Leishmania en las 24 muestras analizadas: 9 aislados de cultivo y 15 muestras clínicas de raspado de lesiones (100% de especificidad). Las especies halladas fueron:L(V) braziliensis (19/24; p< 0,0001), L(L) amazonensis (4/24) yL(V) guyanensis (1/24). La primera estuvo relacionada con todos los casos severos (8 con lesiones mucocutáneas y 1 con enfermedad diseminada), y con todas las fallas al tratamiento con Glucantime(4) observadas. En los casos de L(L) amazonensis, no se observó enfermedad grave ni resistencia al tratamiento. El caso deL(V) guyanensis no era autóctono de la zona. CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio demuestra que la técnica PS-PCR es apropiada para el diagnóstico específico de la leishmaniasis. El diagnóstico deL(V) braziliensis obliga a considerar tratamientos alternativos para los casos severos de la enfermedad

Leishmaniasis is endemic in the province of Salta, Argentina, with hundreds of cases annually. Identifying the species of Leishmania is necessary due to differences in clinical presentation and treatment response between species. PS-PCR technique has been validated by the method of isozymesto identify Leishmania species in Argentina. OBJECTIVES:To optimize the PS-PCR technique to identify the species of parasites isolated by culture and in clinical specimens from patients of Salta and its correlation with clinical characteristics and response to treatment. RESULTS: The PS-PCR allowed us to identify the species of Leishmania in 24 samples analyzed: 9 isolated from clinical specimens and 15 culture swabs taken from lesions (100% specificity). The species found were: L(V)braziliensis (19/24, P <0.0001), L(L) amazonensis (4/24) andL(V) guyanensis (1/24). The first one was related to all severe cases (8 with mucocutaneous lesions and 1 with disseminated disease), and to all failures to treatment with Glucantime (4)observed. In the cases of L(L) amazonensis, there were noserious disease or resistance to treatment. The case of L(V)guyanensis was not indigenous to the area. CONCLUTIONS:This study demonstrates that PS-PCR technique is suitable for specific diagnosis of leishmaniasis. The diagnosis of L(V)braziliensis under takes to consider alternative treatments for severe cases of the disease