Multiplex qPCR assay to determine Leishmania infantum load in Lutzomyia longipalpis sandfly samples.

The study aimed to develop a multiplex qPCR to detect Leishmania infantum load in different sandfly sample settings using Leishmania kDNA and sandfly vacuolar ATPase (VATP) subunit C as internal control gene. The amplification of Lutzomyia longipalpis VATP gene was evaluated together with Leishmania infantum kDNA in a multiplex reaction. The concentration of VATP gene oligonucleotides was adjusted until no statistically significant difference was observed between all multiplex standard curves and singleplex curves, that is, only kDNA amplification. Limit of detection (LoD) was measured using a probit model and a cut-off defined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Limit of quantification (LoQ) was assessed by a linear model using the coefficient of variation threshold of 25%. After assuring VATP gene amplification, its primer-probe concentrations were best at 100 nM/10 nM, respectively. The cut-off Cq value for L. infantum kDNA was defined as 35.46 with 100% of sensitivity and specificity. A total of 95% LoD was determined to be of 0.162 parasites while LoQ was 5.858. Our VATP/kDNA multiplex qPCR assay shows that it can be used to evaluate both DNA integrity and determine L. infantum load in L. longipalpis even for low yielded samples, that is, individual midguts.

Plant-feeding phlebotomine sand flies, vectors of leishmaniasis, prefer Cannabis sativa.

Blood-sucking phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) transmit leishmaniasis as well as arboviral diseases and bartonellosis. Sand fly females become infected with Leishmania parasites and transmit them while imbibing vertebrates' blood, required as a source of protein for maturation of eggs. In addition, both females and males consume plant-derived sugar meals as a source of energy. Plant meals may comprise sugary solutions such as nectar or honeydew (secreted by plant-sucking homopteran insects), as well as phloem sap that sand flies obtain by piercing leaves and stems with their needle-like mouthparts. Hence, the structure of plant communities can influence the distribution and epidemiology of leishmaniasis. We designed a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assay for determining the source of sand fly plant meals, based upon the chloroplast DNA gene ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain (rbcL). Here, we report on the predilection of several sand fly species, vectors of leishmaniasis in different parts of the world, for feeding on Cannabis sativa We infer this preference based on the substantial percentage of sand flies that had fed on C. sativa plants despite the apparent "absence" of these plants from most of the field sites. We discuss the conceivable implications of the affinity of sand flies for C. sativa on their vectorial capacity for Leishmania and the putative exploitation of their attraction to C. sativa for the control of sand fly-borne diseases.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with equineleptospirosis in the metropolitan region of Salvador and Recôncavo Baiano region, Bahia state (NE Brazil).

Equine leptospirosis, although usually asymptomatic, has been associated with recurrent uveitis, abortion, and other systemic signs, constituting a major economic loss in the equine agribusiness sector. The occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. agglutinins were investigated in 1200 serum samples of horses from 27 municipalities of the Recôncavo Baiano region, Bahia state (NE Brazil), besides the risk factors related to animals and their cattle farms. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed using 13 serogroups of Leptospira spp. as antigens. From 1200 analyzed equines, 97 (8%) were considered as positive, which obtained titer equal to or higher than 200. In 22 (78.6%) from the 28 properties, at least one animal was detected as seropositive. The most prevalent serogroup in animals, raised in stables, was the Australis (serovar Bratislava) 67%; in mounted police animals was the Sejroe (serovar Wolffi and Hardjobovis) 50%; and equestrian animals was the Australis (serovar Bratislava) 25% and Icterohaemorrhagiae (serovar Copenhageni) 25%. Equine leptospirosis is present in most cattle farms of the region studied. The risk factors of major importance regarded the semi-extensive livestock farming, the land topography of the cattle farm, the contact with animals in neighboring properties, and cohabitation with goats.

Multiplex flow cytometry serology to diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis.

An accurate diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis is an essential tool for control of the disease. While serologic methods are very useful, these conventional methodologies still present limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity. The use of flow cytometry is a worldwide trend in the development of high-performance diagnostic methods. Herein, we describe a new flow cytometry serology test, characterized by the employment of the Cytometric Bead Array microspheres A4 and E4 coated with the recombinant antigens rLci1A and rLci2B respectively, to improve the serodiagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis. The tests were conducted in a wide variety of sera groups (n = 140), where the diagnostics development would be optimized accounting not just the ability to identify infected dogs with different clinical status, but also to exclude cross-reaction and differentiate vaccinated dogs from dogs infected. Serological testing of the antigenic system A4-rLci1A showed a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 75%, while the E4-rLci2B testing demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.0% and specificity of 82.5%. The use of a multiplex assay of A4-rLci1A and E4-rLci2B, resulted in a diagnostic improvement, with a sensitivity of 95.0% and specificity of 91.2%. Our results show that this novel flow cytometry serology test is a viable tool for sensitive and specific serodiagnosis. Notably, the combination of distinct antigenic systems allows us to test for antibodies to multiple recombinant antigens from a single serum sample. This benefit emphasizes the importance of this methodology as an alternative in the serological diagnosis.

Identification of Lutzomyia longipalpis' using MALDI-TOF peptide/protein profiles.

Sand flies are vectors of great public health importance, since they constitute a group of hematophagous insects responsible for etiological agents transmission of zoonotic diseases such a visceral leishmaniasis. In face of the expansion of these diseases, efficient control strategies are needed which depend on comprehending the sand fly eco-epidemiology. In this regard, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has been used for bacteria, fungi and yeast detection studies through peptide/protein profiles. However, little is known about interference of biological factors associated with vector ecology, such as blood meal preferences and even sand fly age on the peptide/protein profiles. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the differences in peptide/protein profiles of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, by means of MALDI-TOF, due to the sand fly's age, sex, blood meal source and Leishmania infantum infection. Sample preparation was made removing both head and last abdomen segments keeping the thorax, its appendices and the rest of the abdomen. Five specimens per pool were used to obtain peptide/protein extract of which 1 µL solution was deposited over 1 µL MALDI matrix dried. Characteristic spectra were analyzed using principal coordinate analysis as well as indicator species analysis to discriminate differences in sand flies's peptide/protein profile by sex, age, blood meal source and L. infantum infection. The results show that the evaluated variables produced distinct peptide/protein profiles, demonstrated by the identification of specific diagnostic ions. It was found that the interference of biological factors should be taken into account when using the MALDI-TOF analysis of sand fly species identification and eco-epidemiological applications in field studies. Based on our results, we believe that it is possible to identify infected specimens and the source of blood meal in a collection of wild sand flies, serving to measure infectivity and understand the dynamics of the vector's transmission chain. Our results may be useful for epidemiological studies that look at the ecology of sand flies and leishmaniasis, as well as for raising awareness of biological characteristics' impact on peptide/protein profiles in sand fly species identification.

Pharmacokinetics, Dose-Proportionality, and Tolerability of Intravenous Tanespimycin (17-AAG) in Single and Multiple Doses in Dogs: A Potential Novel Treatment for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis.

In the New World, dogs are considered the main reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Due to inefficacies in existing treatments and the lack of an efficient vaccine, dog culling is one of the main strategies used to control disease, making the development of new therapeutic interventions mandatory. We previously showed that Tanespimycin (17-AAG), a Hsp90 inhibitor, demonstrated potential for use in leishmaniasis treatment. The present study aimed to test the safety of 17-AAG in dogs by evaluating plasma pharmacokinetics, dose-proportionality, and the tolerability of 17-AAG in response to a dose-escalation protocol and multiple administrations at a single dose in healthy dogs. Two protocols were used: Study A: four dogs received variable intravenous (IV) doses (50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 mg/m2) of 17-AAG or a placebo (n = 4/dose level), using a cross-over design with a 7-day "wash-out" period; Study B: nine dogs received three IV doses of 150 mg/m2 of 17-AAG administered at 48 h intervals. 17-AAG concentrations were determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method: linearity (R2 = 0.9964), intra-day precision with a coefficient of variation (CV) ≤ 8%, inter-day precision (CV ≤ 20%), and detection and quantification limits of 12.5 and 25 ng/mL, respectively. In Study A, 17-AAG was generally well tolerated. However, increased levels of liver enzymes-alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)-and bloody diarrhea were observed in all four dogs receiving the highest dosage of 250 mg/m2. After single doses of 17-AAG (50-250 mg/m2), maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) ranged between 1405 ± 686 and 9439 ± 991 ng/mL, and the area under the curve (AUC) plotting plasma concentration against time ranged between 1483 ± 694 and 11,902 ± 1962 AUC 0-8 h µg/mL × h, respectively. Cmax and AUC parameters were dose-proportionate between the 50 and 200 mg/m2 doses. Regarding Study B, 17-AAG was found to be well tolerated at multiple doses of 150 mg/m2. Increased levels of liver enzymes-ALT (28.57 ± 4.29 to 173.33 ± 49.56 U/L), AST (27.85 ± 3.80 to 248.20 ± 85.80 U/L), and GGT (1.60 ± 0.06 to 12.70 ± 0.50 U/L)-and bloody diarrhea were observed in only 3/9 of these dogs. After the administration of multiple doses, Cmax and AUC 0-48 h were 5254 ± 2784 µg/mL and 6850 ± 469 µg/mL × h in plasma and 736 ± 294 µg/mL and 7382 ± 1357 µg/mL × h in tissue transudate, respectively. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the potential of 17-AAG in the treatment of CVL, using a regimen of three doses at 150 mg/m2, since it presents the maintenance of high concentrations in subcutaneous interstitial fluid, low toxicity, and reversible hepatotoxicity.

Intraperitoneal Administration of 17-DMAG as an Effective Treatment against Leishmania braziliensis Infection in BALB/c Mice: A Preclinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a significant global public health issue that is caused by parasites from Leishmania genus. With limited treatment options and rising drug resistance, there is a pressing need for new therapeutic approaches. Molecular chaperones, particularly Hsp90, play a crucial role in parasite biology and are emerging as promising targets for drug development. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of 17-DMAG in treating BALB/c mice from cutaneous leishmaniasis through in vitro and in vivo approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed 17-DMAG's cytotoxic effect on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMΦ) and its effects against L. braziliensis promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Additionally, we tested the compound's efficacy in BALB/c mice infected with L. braziliensis via intraperitoneal administration to evaluate the reduction in lesion size and the decrease in parasite load in the ears and lymph nodes of infected animals. RESULTS: 17-DMAG showed selective toxicity [selective index = 432) towards Leishmania amastigotes, causing minimal damage to host cells. The treatment significantly reduced lesion sizes in mice and resulted in parasite clearance from ears and lymph nodes. It also diminished inflammatory responses and reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF) and the regulatory cytokine IL-10, underscoring its dual leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory properties. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the potential of 17-DMAG as a viable treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis and support further research into its mechanisms and potential applications against other infectious diseases.

Another tick bites the dust: exploring the association of microbial composition with a broad transmission competence of tick vector species.

IMPORTANCE: Some tick species are competent to transmit more than one pathogen while other species are, until now, known to be competent to transmit only one single or any pathogen. Such a difference in vector competence for one or more pathogens might be related to the microbiome, and understanding what differentiates these two groups of ticks could help us control several diseases aiming at the bacteria groups that contribute to such a broad vector competence. Using 16S rRNA from tick species that could be classified into these groups, genera such as Rickettsia and Staphylococcus seemed to be associated with such a broad vector competence. Our results highlight differences in tick species when they are divided based on the number of pathogens they are competent to transmit. These findings are the first step into understanding the relationship between one single tick species and the pathogens it transmits.

Efficacy of intralesional meglumine antimoniate in the treatment of canine tegumentary leishmaniasis: A Randomized controlled trial.

Dogs living in areas of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis transmission may present canine tegumentary leishmaniasis (CTL) characterized by cutaneous or muzzle ulcers as well as asymptomatic L. braziliensis infection. It is not clear if dogs participate in the transmission chain of L. braziliensis to humans. However, dogs may remain with chronic ulcers for a long time, and as there are no public policies about CTL, these animals die or are sacrificed. Here we compare the efficacy of intralesional meglumine antimoniate with intralesional 0.9% NaCl solution in CTL treatment. This randomized control study included 32 dogs with cutaneous or muzzle lesions who had L. braziliensis DNA detected by PCR in tissue biopsied. Group one received 5ml of intralesional Glucantime, and group two received 5ml 0.9% NaCl solution, both applied in the four cardinal points on days 0, 15, and 30. Cure was defined as complete healing of the ulcers in the absence of raised borders on day 90. There was no difference in animals' demographic and clinical features in the two groups (p >.05). While at the endpoint, the cure rate was 87.5% in the group test, and in those who received 0.9 NaCl the cure rate was only 12.5%. As important as the high cure rate, the healing time was faster in dogs treated with antimony than in those treated with saline (p < .001). Intralesional meglumine antimoniate is effective in the treatment of dogs with L. braziliensis infection and accelerates the healing time of CTL.

Correction: Efficacy of intralesional meglumine antimoniate in the treatment of canine tegumentary leishmaniasis: A Randomized controlled trial.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011064.].

Dogs Harbor Leishmania braziliensis and Participate in the Transmission Cycle of Human Tegumentary Leishmaniasis.

Dogs play an important role in transmission of Leishmania infantum, but epidemiologic and clinical studies of canine tegumentary leishmaniasis (CTL) are scarce. In an endemic area of human American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) caused by Leishmania braziliensis, we determine the prevalence and incidence of both CTL and subclinical (SC) L. braziliensis infection in dogs and evaluated if the presence of dogs with CTL or SC L. braziliensis infection is associated with the occurrence of human ATL. SC infection in healthy animals and CTL in animals with ulcers were determined by PCR on biopsied healthy skin or on ulcers or by detecting antibodies against soluble leishmania antigen. We compared the occurrence of human ATL in homes with dogs with CTL or SC infection with control homes without dogs or with dogs without CTL or SC infection. The prevalence of SC infection was 35% and of CTL 31%. The incidence of SC infection in dogs was 4.6% and of CTL 9.3%. The frequency of ATL in humans was 50% in homes with infected dogs and 13% in homes without L. braziliensis infection in dogs. CTL and SC infection is highly prevalent, and dogs may participate in the transmission chain of L. braziliensis.

Elucidating the role played by bone marrow in visceral leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis is a widespread group of infectious diseases that significantly impact global health. Despite high prevalence, leishmaniasis often receives inadequate attention in the prioritization of measures targeting tropical diseases. The causative agents of leishmaniasis are protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus, which give rise to a diverse range of clinical manifestations, including cutaneous and visceral forms. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the most severe form, can be life-threatening if left untreated. Parasites can spread systemically within the body, infecting a range of organs, such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes. Natural reservoirs for these protozoa include rodents, dogs, foxes, jackals, and wolves, with dogs serving as the primary urban reservoir for Leishmania infantum. Dogs exhibit clinical and pathological similarities to human VL and are valuable models for studying disease progression. Both human and canine VL provoke clinical symptoms, such as organ enlargement, fever, weight loss and abnormal gamma globulin levels. Hematologic abnormalities have also been observed, including anemia, leukopenia with lymphocytosis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Studies in dogs have linked these hematologic changes in peripheral blood to alterations in the bone marrow. Mouse models of VL have also contributed significantly to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these hematologic and bone marrow abnormalities. This review consolidates information on hematological and immunological changes in the bone marrow of humans, dogs, and mice infected with Leishmania species causing VL. It includes findings on the role of bone marrow as a source of parasite persistence in internal organs and VL development. Highlighting gaps in current knowledge, the review emphasizes the need for future research to enhance our understanding of VL and identify potential targets for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Leishmania exposure in dogs from two endemic countries from New and Old Worlds (Brazil and Portugal): evaluation of three serological tests using Bayesian Latent Class Models.

BACKGROUND: Zoonotic leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is endemic in several countries of the Mediterranean Basin, Latin America, and Asia. Dogs are the main hosts and reservoirs of human infection. Thus, from a One Health perspective, early diagnosis of Leishmania infection in dogs is essential to control the dissemination of the parasite among other dogs and to humans. The aim of this study was to estimate the diagnosis accuracy of three serological tests to detect antibodies to Leishmania in dogs from two endemic settings using Bayesian latent class models (BLCM). METHODS: A total of 378 dogs from two Portuguese and Brazilian endemic areas of leishmaniosis (194 animals from Portugal and 184 from Brazil) were screened. Detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies was performed using two commercial ELISA (L. infantum IgG-ELISA® and EIE-LVC®) and a rapid immunochromatographic test (DPP-LVC®). Bayesian latent class models were used to estimate Leishmania infection prevalence, together with sensitivities and specificities of the three diagnostic tests, in the two dog populations simultaneously. Predictive values were also calculated. Credibility intervals (CI) were obtained, considering different types of prior information. RESULTS: A posterior median Leishmania seroprevalence of 13.4% (95% CI 9.0-18.7) and of 21.6% (15.0-28.3) was estimated to the Portuguese and Brazilian dog subpopulations, respectively. The Bayesian analysis indicated that all tests were highly specific (specificity above 90%), and that the DPP-LVC® was more sensitive (96.6%; 83.1-99.9) than both ELISAs in the Portuguese subpopulation, while in the Brazilian subpopulation, EIE-LVC® and L. infantum IgG-ELISA®, had the highest sensitivity (88.2%; 73.7-97.0) and specificity (98.7%; 95.1-99.9), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the levels of diagnosis accuracy of the three serological tests to detect Leishmania antibodies assessed by BLCM indicate their utility in canine epidemiological studies. The same approach should be used to assess the performance of these techniques in the clinical management of infected and sick dogs using representative samples from the wide spectrum of clinical situations, namely from subclinical infection to manifest disease. The low positive predictive value of the serological tests used in the current protocol of the Brazilian Ministry of Health suggests that they should not be used individually and may not be sufficient to target reservoir-based control interventions.

Screening organic repellent compounds against Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) present in plant essential oils: Bioassay plus an in silico approach.

In the Americas, Lutzomyia longipalpis is the most relevant sand fly species for the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis. For its vector control in Brazil, insecticide spraying has not shown persistent reduction in disease prevalence while some sand fly populations are reported resistant to the insecticides used in spraying. The usage of repellents and personal protection behavior can reduce vector borne diseases prevalence. Therefore, the search for new repellent compounds is needed to use together with insecticide spraying, especially from natural sources to overcome the resistance developed by some sand fly populations to the compounds commercially used. In silico strategies have been applied together with repellency bioassays successfully identifying new bioactive compounds from natural sources. Thus, the present study aimed to screen repellent potential of neem (Azadirachta indica), citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus), bushy matgrass (Lippia alba) and 'alecrim do mato' (Lippia thymoides) essential oils against L. longipalpis and to identify potential repellent compounds by chemical analysis and in silico approach. Plant essential oils were extracted from leaves and repellency bioassays were performed on volunteers using colony reared L. longipalpis. Aside from neem oil, all other tested essential oil has shown a reduced number of sand fly bites using higher concentrations. Chemical composition from oils was assessed and its compounds were screened on a pharmacophore model using odorant binding protein 1 (OBP1). All essential oils were majorly composed of either oxygenated monoterpenes, except for the oil extracted from neem which was composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Molecular docking was performed with the compounds that best superimposed in the OBP1 pharmacophore model, identifying those binding to OBP4, which is associated with insect repellency behavior. Citronellol, Citronellol acetate, Citronellal and Geranyl acetate showed similar interactions with OBP4 binding site as DEET. Thus, it is suggested that these compounds are able to bind to L. longipalpis OBP4 generating repellent behavior in sand flies.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and associated factors according to sex: A population-based survey in Salvador, Brazil.

Vaccination is a major strategy to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, information about factors associated with men and women intention to be vaccinated are scarce. To determine COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and identify factors associated vaccine hesitancy according to sex, we performed a cross-sectional population-based random survey in Salvador, Brazil between Nov/2020-Jan/2021. Participants were interviewed to obtain data on intention to receive and pay for a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as on demographics, comorbidities, influenza vaccination history, previous diagnosis of COVID-19, and exposures and perception of COVID-19 risk. Among 2,521 participants, 2,053 (81.4%) reported willingness to use a COVID-19 vaccine and 468 (18.6%) hesitated to take it. Among those intending to get vaccinated, 1,400 (68.2%) would pay for the vaccine if necessary. Sex-stratified multivariable analysis found that men who were working and who had comorbidities were less likely to hesitate about using the vaccine. Among women, higher educational level and high perception of COVID-19 risk were associated with less vaccine hesitancy. In both groups, reporting influenza vaccination in 2020 reduced the chance of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine campaigns targeting to reduce vaccine hesitancy are urgently needed. These campaigns should consider gender differences in order to be successful.

Hematological Changes in Dogs with Visceral Leishmaniasis Are Associated with Increased IFN-γ and TNF Gene Expression Levels in the Bone Marrow.

Visceral leishmaniasis is associated with a variety of hematological abnormalities. In this study, we correlated the hematological changes in the peripheral blood of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) with the distribution of cell lineages and cytokine gene expression patterns in the bone marrow. Samples from 63 naturally semidomiciled dogs living in an endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis were analyzed. L. infantum infection was detected in 50 dogs (79.3%). Among those, 18 (32%) had positive splenic cultures and showed more clinical signs. They also had lower red blood cell counts and leukocytosis with an increased number of neutrophils and monocytes in peripheral blood compared to dogs negative to this test. L. infantum DNA was detected in the bone marrow of 8/14 dogs with positive splenic culture. Dogs with L. infantum infection in the bone marrow presented with histiocytosis (p = 0.0046), fewer erythroid cell clusters (p = 0.0127) and increased gene expression levels of IFN-γ (p = 0.0015) and TNF (p = 0.0091). The data shown herein suggest that inflammatory and cytokine gene expression changes in bone marrow may contribute to the peripheral blood hematological changes observed in visceral leishmaniasis.

Early detection and persistent positivity of anti-Leishmania antibodies using a recombinant protein-based ELISA in naturally infected dogs in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania infantum, for which dogs constitute the main urban parasite reservoir. Control measures and the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) are essential to reduce VL cases. Early and accurate detection of L. infantum-infected dogs is crucial to the success of VL control. To improve the serological detection of L. infantum-exposed dogs, we evaluated the early diagnosis capacity of a recombinant protein (rLci5) in an immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect naturally infected dogs. Additionally, we evaluated the persistence of the positive results obtained by rLci5 ELISA in comparison to other conventional diagnostic test methods. METHODS: Serum samples obtained from 48 L. infantum-infected dogs involved in a cohort study were evaluated using different diagnostic methods (qPCR, EIE-LVC, DPP-LVC and splenic culture). The results were compared to rLci5 ELISA to determine its capacity to diagnose L. infantum infection at earlier infection time points. The persistence of positive diagnostic test results was also compared for each dog evaluated. RESULTS: rLci5 ELISA presented higher rates of positive results at early time points compared to the other diagnostic tests employed in the cohort study, as early as 24 months prior to detection by other tests. rLci5 ELISA positivity was 52.1% (25/48) at baseline, while qPCR was 35.4% (17/48), DPP-LVC 27.1% (13/48), EIE-LVC 22.9% (11/48) and culture only 4.2% (2/48). In at least one of the time points of the 24-month cohort study, rLci5 ELISA was positive in 100% (48/48) of the dogs, versus 83% (40/48) for qPCR, 75% (36/48) for DPP-LVC, 65% (31/48) for EIE-LVC and 31% (15/48) for culture. Investigating clinical signs in association with diagnostic test positivity, rLci5 ELISA successfully detected CVL in 62.9% (95/151) of the clinical evaluations with a score of 0-3, 64.3% (45/70) with scores between 4 and 7, and 73.7% (14/19) with scores > 7, providing higher rates of positivity than all other methods evaluated. Moreover, rLci5 ELISA presented the greatest persistence with respect to test positivity: 45.8% of the dogs evaluated. CONCLUSION: Four diagnostic tests were compared to rLci5 ELISA, which presented earlier infection diagnosis and a greater persistence of positive test results. Accordingly, the use of the rLci5 ELISA can improve CVL diagnostic performance by detecting infected dogs sooner than other testing methods, with enhanced persistence of positive results over the course of the infection.

Effects of larval rearing substrates on some life-table parameters of Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies.

Sand flies are the insects responsible for transmitting Leishmania parasites, the causative agents of leishmaniasis in humans. However, the effects of sand fly breeding sites on their biology and ecology remain poorly understood. Herein, we studied how larval nutrition associated with putative breeding sites of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis affects their oviposition, development, microbiome, and susceptibility to Leishmania by rearing L. longipalpis on substrates collected from an endemic area for leishmaniasis in Brazil. The results showed that female L. longipalpis select the oviposition site based on its potential to promote larval maturation and while composting cashew leaf litter hindered the development, larvae reared on chicken feces developed rapidly. Typical gut microbial profiles were found in larvae reared upon cashew leaf litter. Adult females from larvae reared on substrate collected in chicken coops were infected with Leishmania infantum, indicating that they were highly susceptible to the parasite. In conclusion, the larval breeding sites can exert an important role in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis.

Immune response dynamics and Lutzomyia longipalpis exposure characterize a biosignature of visceral leishmaniasis susceptibility in a canine cohort.

BACKGROUND: Reports have shown correlations between the immune response to vector saliva and Leishmaniasis outcome. We followed dogs in an endemic area for two years characterizing resistance or susceptibility to canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) according to Leishmania infantum diagnosis and clinical development criteria. Then, we aimed to identify a biosignature based on parasite load, serum biological mediators' interactions, and vector exposure intensity associated with CVL resistance and susceptibility. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A prospective two-year study was conducted in an area endemic for CVL. Dogs were evaluated at 6-month intervals to determine infection, clinical manifestations, immune profile, and sandfly exposure. CVL resistance or susceptibility was determined upon the conclusion of the study. After two years, 78% of the dogs were infected with L. infantum (53% susceptible and 47% resistant to CVL). Susceptible dogs presented higher splenic parasite load as well as persistence of the parasite during the follow-up, compared to resistant ones. Susceptible dogs also displayed a higher number of correlations among the investigated biological mediators, before and after infection diagnosis. At baseline, anti-saliva antibodies, indicative of exposure to the vector, were detected in 62% of the dogs, reaching 100% in one year. Higher sandfly exposure increased the risk of susceptibility to CVL by 1.6 times (CI: 1.11-2.41). We identified a discriminatory biosignature between the resistant and susceptible dogs assessing splenic parasite load, interaction of biological mediators, PGE2 serum levels and intensity of exposure to sandfly. All these parameters were elevated in susceptible dogs compared to resistant animals. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The biosignature identified in our study reinforces the idea that CVL is a complex multifactorial disease that is affected by a set of factors which are correlated and, for a better understanding of CVL, should not be evaluated in an isolated way.

Correction: High accuracy of an ELISA test based in a flagella antigen of Leishmania in serodiagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis with potential to improve the control measures in Brazil-A Phase II study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006871.].