Comparison of PCR-based methods for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in two different epidemiological scenarios: Spain and Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a disfiguring and stigmatising disease occurring in more than 70 countries across the world including Spain and Morocco. The use of sensitive tests that can differentiate Leishmania species is advised. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the epidemiological scenario on the reliability of the PCR techniques and contribute to the selection of the most efficient one for CL diagnosis. METHODS: The sensitivities of parasitological methods and four PCRs were compared in cutaneous samples from 77 patients from Spanish (PSH) and Moroccan hospitals (PMH). Exudates and fresh or paraffin-embedded tissue biopsies were used. RESULTS: None of the PCRs used in this study allowed the diagnosis of all CL cases, showing also some drawbacks. Lmj4/Uni21-PCR displayed the best sensitivity with PMH, but it did not provide positive results in PSH with CL confirmed by other PCRs. Conversely, JW13/JW14-PCR and L. infantum-PCR-ELISA displayed good sensitivities with PSH that were not achieved with PMH. Nested-ITS-1-PCR did not show enough sensitivity with paraffin-embedded tissue biopsies. False-negative results were obtained in 19% of PSH due to unspecific hybridizations of ITS-1 primers with human chromosome1. CONCLUSIONS: PCR should be routinely used in patients with cutaneous lesions compatible with CL and furthermore, the combination of two PCR techniques is advisable. The selection of these PCRs will be influenced by the epidemiological scenario: In areas where L. infantum is endemic, the use of the PCR-ELISA joint with JW13/JW14-PCR seems an appropriate choice, whereas in areas such as Morocco, Lmj4/Uni21 and ITS-1 provide satisfactory results.

Effectiveness of the sesquiterpene (-)-α-bisabolol in dogs with naturally acquired canine leishmaniosis: an exploratory clinical trial.

The use of natural products is a promising approach for treating visceral leishmaniosis. (-)-α-Bisabolol is a sesquiterpene that have been proved active in vivo on Leishmania infantum-infected mice without showing toxicity. A single-centre, parallel-group, randomized, exploratory study was designed to assess its efficacy in a canine leishmaniosis model involving naturally infected dogs. In this clinical trial, 12 dogs were allocated into two groups and were treated with either meglumine antimoniate (100 mg/kg) through subcutaneous route or (-)-α-bisabolol (30 mg/kg) through oral route for two treatment series of 30 days, separated by a 30-day interval. A 4-month follow-up period was established as well. Parasite loads in bone marrow, lymph node and blood were estimated through quantitative PCR. Antibody titres were determined through immunofluorescence antibody test and cytokine expression values were estimated through real-time reverse transcription-PCR. Treatment safety was assessed through the evaluation of weight, gastrointestinal alterations and hematological and biochemical parameters in blood. Analyses were performed before and after treatment, and after a 4-months follow-up period. Treatment with the sesquiterpene was effective at decreasing parasite loads and increasing gamma-interferon expression level. Dogs treated with (-)-α-bisabolol did not show any toxicity sign. These results were better than those obtained using the reference drug, meglumine antimoniate. The natural compound seemed to induce a Th1 immune response that led to parasitological and clinical improvement without showing any safety issue, suggesting a high potential for the treatment of canine and human visceral leishmaniosis.

Phlebotomus langeroni Nitzulescu (Diptera, Psychodidae) a new vector for Leishmania infantum in Europe.

Burrows of the wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, a lagomorph that has been recently suggested as a Leishmania infantum reservoir, constitute an unspoilt biotope in phlebotomine studies in Europe. We hypothesize that Phlebotomus langeroni, a proven vector of L. infantum in North Africa, is associated with rabbits and may have been overlooked in Europe. Sandfly captures were carried out with CDC light traps in an L. infantum endemic area of southern Spain with a high density of lagomorphs and a large numbers of burrows. The stable, permanent, and highly abundant presence of P. langeroni was assessed. After morphological identification, this sandfly species was characterized by comparing it with P. perniciosus and other P. langeroni populations from North Africa through molecular techniques. P. langeroni had not been found in southern Spain to date, despite being a highly investigated area, except for this particular biotope. Its activity period turned out to begin in mid-July, ending in late October, accounting for a maximum activity during this month. This study shows that P. langeroni is associated with the existence of rabbit burrows and has been overlooked in Europe. L. infantum DNA was found in almost half of the female specimens (47.6%) captured inside a biotope where wild rabbits are infected as well.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum: behind granulomatous lesions of unknown aetiology.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is underestimated in Spain as in other European countries due to the polymorphism of its clinical manifestations and histopathological features discouraging doctors from suspecting leishmaniasis. Mucosal manifestations (ML) are misdiagnosed due to the fact that they often mimic cancer. OBJECTIVES: Given that leishmaniasis may be masked as different granulomatous diseases in Leishmania infantum endemic areas, the aim of this study was to verify this misdiagnosing and contributes to the improvement of CL/ML diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective study involving formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue biopsies with histopathological features of granulomatous lesions of unknown origin (GLUO) detected in 17 patients. This study included 13 patients with CL that was used as positive controls, nine patients with other confirmed diseases used as negative controls and seven patients with histological features suggestive of CL or ML without confirmation. Molecular analysis was blindly performed using two different PCR techniques. RESULTS: The PCR detected 15 CL cases in which the diagnosis was neither clinically nor histologically suspected. Leishmaniasis was confirmed in seven suspected patients in whom the classical techniques failed to detect the parasite. L. infantum was identified in all cases. A systematic review of CL cases in GLUO patients from European countries identified 45 reported cases. CONCLUSIONS: In L. infantum endemic areas, a high percentage of GLUO are due to Leishmania infection. The main consequences are delayed diagnosis and underestimation of the real incidence. PCR performed on paraffin-embedded tissue proved to be a reliable tool for diagnosis of CL/ML and must be performed routinely in any granulomatous dermatitis, even when the morphological features are no stereotypical of leishmaniasis.

The sesquiterpene (-)-α-bisabolol is active against the causative agents of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis through the induction of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment remains challenging due to the absence of a satisfactory treatment. The screening of natural compounds is a valuable strategy in the search of new drugs against leishmaniasis. The sesquiterpene (-)-α-bisabolol is effective in vivo against visceral leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum, but its mechanism of action remains elusive. The aim of this study is to validate this promising compound against the causative species of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis and to get an insight into its antileishmanial mode of action. The compound was evaluated on L. tropica promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes using bone marrow-derived macrophages and its cytotoxicity was evaluated on L929 fibroblasts. The reactive oxygen species generation was evaluated using a sensitive probe. Mitochondrial depolarization was assessed evaluating the fluorescence due to rhodamine 123 in a flow cytometer. Apoptosis was investigated by measuring the fluorescence due to annexin V and propidium iodide in a flow cytometer. The ultrastructure of treated promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes was analysed through transmission electron microscopy. (-)-α-Bisabolol was active against L. tropica intracellular amastigotes displaying an inhibitory concentration 50 % of 25.2 µM and showing low cytotoxicity. This compound induced time and dose-dependent oxidative stress, mitochondrial depolarization and phosphatidilserine externalization (a marker of apoptosis). These effects were noticed at a low concentration and short exposure time. In the ultrastructural analyses, the treated parasites showed mitochondrial disruption, presence of electron-dense structures and chromatin condensation. These results suggest that this natural compound induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis on Leishmania without disturbing the plasma membrane.

Genetic variability and infective ability of the rabbit trypanosome, Trypanosoma nabiasi Railliet 1895, in southern Spain.

Trypanosomes are widespread haemoflagellate protozoans, commonly found in all groups of vertebrates and usually transmitted by arthropods. Non-pathogenic species are those that cause little or no apparent negative effects in the host and it is accepted that Trypanosoma nabiasi is the species that infects the domestic and wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus. Knowledge about genetic variability, in vitro cultivation and infectivity of this parasite is very scarce, so the aim of this study was to provide an insight on them. The parasite was detected in all the type of samples of 121 wild rabbits. Epimastigotes were visualized and isolated from all the organ cultures types except from skin, and twenty-six strains were isolated and grown in mass. Epimastigote infectivity was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Amastigotes were obtained in infected macrophages from cultured epimastigotes. Furthermore, trypomastigotes were found in the peripheral bloodstream of an experimentally infected naïve domestic rabbit with cultured epimastigotes at the fourth day after infection. The rising titre of antibodies led to the disappearance of the parasite from blood. In addition, this study reports the existence of two T. nabiasi genetic lineages in southern Spain. Phylogenetic analysis places T. nabiasi in the same clade as T. lewisi and other rodent trypanosomes of the subgenus Herpetosoma.

Hair parasite load as a new biomarker for monitoring treatment response in canine leishmaniasis.

Canine leishmaniasis treatment focuses on the reduction of parasite load, the clinical improvement of the animal, and the avoidance of relapses, in a scenario where the definitive parasite clearance is not achievable. Therefore, monitoring is crucial during the treatment of this disease. Quantitative PCR has been shown as an ideal tool for the treatment monitoring when quantifying parasite load in target organs such as lymph node or bone marrow, tissues that are too invasive for regular evaluation. This study aims to prove the potential of hair parasite load in the treatment monitoring of canine leishmaniasis. Six dogs were treated with meglumine antimoniate and monitored up to four months after the end of the treatment. Parasite loads in bone marrow, blood, lymph node and hair were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. Total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 antibody titres were analysed by immunofluorescent assay and a clinical assessment was carried out. Treatment consisted of two 28-day courses of meglumine antimoniate (100mg/kg/day) separated by an one-month interval. Analyses were performed before (day 0), during (day 60) and after treatment (day 120), and at the end of a follow-up period (day 210, four months after the end of treatment). Hair parasite load turned out to be strongly correlated with bone marrow, lymph node and blood parasite loads and with the clinical score and the IgG1 antibody titre. The evolution of this biomarker reflects the evolution of the parasitological, immunological and clinical state of the dog, highlighting its potential as a non-invasive marker for the treatment monitoring in canine leishmaniasis.

Differential ecological traits of two Phlebotomus sergenti mitochondrial lineages in southwestern Europe and their epidemiological implications.

OBJECTIVES: The introduction of leishmaniasis in a new area requires a well-established population of the sandfly vector species of the parasite. No autochthonous cases of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis have been detected in southwestern Europe, and Leishmania infantum is the only causative agent of leishmaniasis in this area. Phlebotomus sergenti, the main vector of Leishmania tropica, is commonly found in the Iberian Peninsula at sufficient densities to be able to act as a vector. It is characterised by high genetic diversity and classified in four mitochondrial lineages. Our aim was to analyse the composition and distribution of P. sergenti mitochondrial lineages in southwestern Europe given the possibility of phenotypic differences of biomedical importance between them. METHODS: Sandflies were captured in the Iberian Peninsula and on the Canary and Balearic Islands. Mitochondrial lineage identification of 137 P. sergenti was performed using a novel PCR-RFLP that avoids the necessity of gene sequencing. RESULTS: Two lineages were evidenced, the typical Iberian one (lineage I) and another, held in common with North Africa (lineage III), that show a distinctive distribution. P. sergenti lineage I shows a better correlation to the bioclimatic diversity in southwestern Europe. Conversely, P. sergenti lineage III prefers warmer temperatures and less precipitation, which are typical of the Mediterranean. CONCLUSION: Lineage I seems to have adaptive advantages given its wider tolerance to temperature and altitude than lineage III, and it would seem more suitable to lead a potential geographical expansion towards the rest of Europe.

Mitochondrial DNA Intraspecific Variability in Sergentomyia minuta (Diptera: Psychodidae).

Recently, there has been growing interest in analysis of the geographical variation between populations of different Phlebotomus spp. and American sand flies by comparing the sequences of various genes. However, little is known about the genetic structure of the genus Sergentomyia França & Parrot. No study has been carried out on Sergentomyia minuta Rondani. Most authors recognize this as a species with a high degree of morphological polymorphism, and some suspect that there are two subspecies: Se. minuta minuta Rondani in Europe, having about 40 horizontal cibarial teeth (sticks aligned along a straight line in the cibarial cavity), and Se. minuta parroti Adler & Theodor in North Africa, having about 70 cibarial teeth. Here we analyzed phylogeographic patterns using cytochrome b (Cytb) and cytochrome C oxidase I mtDNA for 29 populations from 10 countries: Algeria, Cyprus, France (continental and Corsica), Greece (continental and Crete), Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, Portugal (continental and Atlantic Savage Islands), Spain, and Tunisia. We analyzed intra- and interpopulation patterns of genetic diversity. Our results from Bayesian inference showed a complex genetic structure of Se. minuta with four haplogroups including many different haplotypes. One haplogroup includes all the specimens from North Africa. A second haplogroup includes a few specimens from the south of France, Spain, and one from Portugal. The third includes many specimens from southern France, all the specimens from Corsica, one from Spain, and all specimen from Portugal except one. A fourth branch includes specimens from the Balkans, Malta, Crete, Cyprus, and curiously some from the Atlantic Savage Islands; settlement of the latter population remains unexplained. However, our results suggest that the settlement of the Mediterranean basin could have occurred at the same time for Se. minuta and both Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead and Phlebotomus ariasi Tonnoir. The spatial distribution of haplotypes was congruent with phylogenetic findings.

Leishmania infantum in wild rodents: reservoirs or just irrelevant incidental hosts?

Wild rodents constitute a very large biomass of potential reservoirs for Leishmania spp. Therefore, an epidemiological study was carried out in a well-known focus of canine leishmaniasis from southern Spain, with the objective of detecting and characterizing Leishmania infantum infection in wild rodents. Blood, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and skin from 37 rodents (24 Apodemus sylvaticus, 9 Rattus rattus, and 4 Mus musculus) were analyzed by optical microscopy, culture, and two different polymerase chain reactions. L. infantum DNA was found in 27% (10 out of 37) of the trapped rodents, in a variety of tissues: bone marrow, spleen, or healthy skin (ear lobe). High prevalences of L. infantum infection were found in the three investigated rodent species. The presence of other trypanosomatids was also evidenced. These rodent species are abundant, widely distributed in Europe, and have a long enough lifespan to overcome the low sandfly activity season. They live in a suitable habitat for sandflies and serve as blood sources for these insects, which can become infected when induced to feed on Leishmania-infected animals. Whether they are reservoirs or just irrelevant incidental hosts, it is clear that the epidemiology of L. infantum is more complex than previously thought, and so is its control. The classic epidemiological cycle dog-sandfly-human is turning into a network of animal species that collaborate with the dog in the maintenance of the parasite under natural conditions and probably showing local differences.

High rates of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma nabiasi infection in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in sympatric and syntrophic conditions in an endemic canine leishmaniasis area: epidemiological consequences.

Leishmania infantum infection has been reported in various host species, both domestic and wild, in some cases with high prevalence rates. However, until the recent discovery of infected hares, no studies had provided clear evidence of any significant reservoir other than domestic dogs. Our focus was on another lagomorph, Oryctolagus cuniculus or wild rabbit. This species is native to the Iberian Peninsula and its presence and abundance gave rise to the name of Spain. In an endemic area for canine leishmaniasis in the southeast of Spain, 150 rabbits were captured over a period of three years. Samples of blood, bone marrow, liver, spleen, heart and skin were taken and analysed through parasitological, serological and molecular techniques in order to detect Leishmania and Trypanosoma. 20.7% of the rabbits were infected with L. infantum and 82.4% with Trypanosoma nabiasi, and 14.8% of mixed infections were detected. Both parasites were found in all the animal organs analysed, a factor which, along with the presence of serological cross-reactions, must be taken into account in epidemiological studies on leishmaniasis. O. cuniculus is an abundant and gregarious species, with a long enough average lifespan to ensure L. infantum transmission. The presence of the parasite in the skin and blood of these rabbits with no acute manifestation of disease ensures its contact with the vector, which finds in their warrens a suitable biotope to inhabit. The rabbit therefore seems to meet the most of conditions for being considered a reservoir host of L. infantum.

Predicting the risk of an endemic focus of Leishmania tropica becoming established in South-Western Europe through the presence of its main vector, Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot, 1917.

The aim of the study was the construction of risk maps for exposure to Phlebotomus sergenti, the main vector of Leishmania tropica, with a view to identifying hot spots for the potential establishment of this parasite in the southwest of Europe. Data were collected on the presence/absence of this vector and the ecological and climatic characteristics of 662 sampling sites located in the southeast, centre and northeast of the Iberian Peninsula (south-western Europe). The environmental factors associated with the distribution of P. sergenti were determined. The best predictors for the presence of this dipteran were 'altitude', 'land use', 'land surface temperature', 'aspect', 'adjacent land cover', 'absence of vegetation in wall' and the 'absence of PVC pipes in the drainage holes of retaining walls'. Risk maps for exposure to the vector were drawn up based on these variables. The validation of the predictive risk model confirmed its usefulness in the detection of areas with a high risk of P. sergenti being present. These locations represent potential hot spots for an autochthonous focus of L. tropica becoming established. The risk maps produced for P. sergenti presence revealed several areas in the centre and south of the Iberian Peninsula to be the most prone to this process, which would make it possible for the disease to enter south-western Europe.

Risk maps for the presence and absence of Phlebotomus perniciosus in an endemic area of leishmaniasis in southern Spain: implications for the control of the disease.

The aim of this study was to construct risk maps for the presence of the dominant Leishmania infantum vector, P. perniciosus, and check its usefulness (a) to predict the risk of canine leishmaniasis and (b) to define effective leishmaniasis control measures. We obtained data for the presence/absence of P. perniciosus at 167 sampling sites in southern Spain, from which we also took a series of ecological and climate-related data. The probability of P. perniciosus presence was estimated as a function of these environmental variables and generated spatial risk maps. Altitude, land use and drainage hole features (with or without PVC piping) were retained as the only predictors for the distribution of this vector species. Drainage hole features in retaining walls, with or without PVC piping, produce significant variations in the probability of P. perniciosus presence, varying from 2·3 to 91·8% if PVC piping is absent and from 0·4 to 66·5% if all holes have PVC piping. It was concluded that the use of PVC piping in drainage holes could help to reduce leishmaniasis transmission.

Situación de la leishmaniosis en Granada (Sur de España) después de 25 años de estudio / Current status of leishmaniasis in Granada (Southern Spain) after 25 years of study

INTRODUCCIÓN: En España, Leishmania infantum es la única especie responsable de la leishmaniosis cutánea (LC) y visceral (LV) humanas, así como de la leishmaniosis canina (L Ca).Como vectores actúan dípteros nematóceros del género Phlebotomus (Diptera, Phlebotomidae), con las especies Phlebotomus perniciosus y P. ariasi actuando en condiciones simpátricas en un mismo foco. OBJETIVO: Pretendemos analizar los cambios acaecidos en la epidemiología de la leishmaniosis en la provincia de Granada durante los últimos 25 años, prestando atención a la incidencia de la enfermedad humana, la prevalencia de la leishmaniosis canina y la densidad de los vectores. METODOLOGÍA: se han recopilado los casos de leishmaniosis humana declarados entre 1984 y2005. En el caso del reservorio, se ha realizado un estudio epidemiológico de la leishmaniosis canina en 20 pueblos de la Alpujarra, que fueron estudiados previamente hace 22 años. Los cambios en las poblaciones de vectores se han determinado haciendo capturas con papeles adhesivos. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN: En el periodo 1984-2005, la media de la tasa de incidencia de la leishmaniosis humana en la provincia de Granada ha sido de 0,4 casos anuales/100.000 habitantes, observándose un ligero aumento del número de casos a lo largo de los años. Con respecto a la L Ca, hemos observado un incremento progresivo de la seroprevalencia en el piso bioclimático Mesomediterráneo. La densidad de P.perniciosus y P. ariasi ha quedado constante en el Termomediterráneo y ha caído en el Mesomediterráneo; sin embargo se ha incrementado el periodo de actividad de P. perniciosus(AU)

Introduction: The human and canine leishmaniosis are endemic in Granada province (South Spain)since the beginning of 20th century. Object: to study the variation of the rate of human leishmaniosis, the seroprevalence of canine leishmaniosis, and the density of vectors (phlebotomine sandflies).Methodology: we have compiled the reported cases of human leishmaniosis in the period 1984-2004,we have analysed, by IFAT, the dogs of 20 villages of the Alpujarra region, and the results were compared with those obtained 22 years ago. In the same way, the vectors populations were studied using sticky traps. Results and discussion: we have observed a net increase in the rate of human leishmaniosis, and in the seroprevalence of canine leishmaniosis. Respect the vector there is a increase in the activity period but not in the density(AU)

Activity of (-)alpha-bisabolol against Leishmania infantum promastigotes.

Many of the drugs used to treat leishmaniasis are associated with numerous adverse effects. Agents of natural origin have shown activity against different parasites. With this background, an in vitro study was conducted on the activity of (-)alpha-bisabolol, the principal component of Chamomilla recutita essential oil, against Leishmania infantum promastigotes, the main species responsible for human leishmaniasis in Spain. At the two highest concentrations tested (1000 and 500mug/ml), (-)alpha-bisabolol and pentamidine (control agent) achieved 100% inhibition of L. infantum promastigote. These in vitro data can be considered promising in support of the therapeutic use of (-)alpha-bisabolol preparations to treat leishmaniasis caused by L. infantum species.

Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the genus Sergentomyia in Marrakech region, Morocco.

We reported the results of an entomological investigation in Marrakech area, in the aim to study the present Sergentomyia species composition. One hundred thirty seven sandflies were collected by sticky papers and they comprised three sub-genera: Parrotomyia (43.1%), Sergentomyia (36.5%), and Grassomyia (20.4%). Four species were identified; Sergentomyia (Parrotomyia) africana Newstead (43.1%) followed by S. (Grassomyia) dreyfussi Parrot, S. (Sergentomyia) fallax Parrot, and S. (S.) minuta Rondani accounted for 20.4%, 19.7%, and 16.8%, respectively. Ecological study subdivides these species into rural species (S. africana and S. dreyfussi) and ubiquitous species (S. minuta and S. fallax) which were collected in both urban and rural areas. Enzymatic analysis identified three monomorphic loci (alphaGPDH, ICD, and ME) and six polymorphic loci (PGI, HK, FUM, MDH2, 6PGD, and ACO) in the four species. At FUM and ACO loci, some alleles appeared to be fixed in each species. Morphological (counts of cibarial teeth) and isoenzymatic analysis of wild populations of S. minuta parroti from Morocco and of S. minuta minuta from continental Europe (France, Spain, and Portugal) was carried out. Morphological results showed significant differences between France and Portugal populations and south Spain populations. In contrast, there was no significant difference between northern and southern Moroccan populations. Genetic variability showed a separation between northern and southern European populations and S. minuta from Andalusia clustered with Moroccan populations.

Intraspecific variability (rDNA ITS and mtDNA Cyt b) of Phlebotomus sergenti in Spain and Morocco.

Phlebotomus sergenti, the main vector of Leishmania tropica, is widely represented in Spain, whilst L. tropica is not an endemic species in this country. Nevertheless, the important human migrant flow from regions where L. tropica is endemic, the existence of its vector and the anthroponotic cycle of the parasite could lead to its establishment in our country. The vectorial capacity of P. sergenti could depend on the existence of cryptic species or races, which can only be identified by molecular methods. Our aim has been to study the molecular variation on two genes of Spanish populations of P. sergenti, comparing them with Moroccan ones. We have identified 5 ribosomal and 16 mitochondrial haplotypes. The results obtained indicate a high diversity of P. sergenti in Spain and the existence in the country of two P. sergenti lineages, a typically Spanish mitochondrial lineage and another one common in Morocco, where L. tropica is endemic in the south and emergent in the north and centre of the country.

Infection by Leishmania infantum in cats: epidemiological study in Spain.

More than 40 cases of feline leishmaniasis have been reported in the scientific literature. The influence of some immunodepressive conditions of viral origin, such as leukemia and feline immunodeficiency, are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of Leishmania infection in cats and possible relations with these viral infections. Markers of Leishmania infection were searched in 183 cats from Southern Spain by IFAT, PCR, Giemsa stain and culture, with a follow-up of positive cats. Seropositivity was 60.0% (Ab titer > or =10) and 28.3% of animals presented Ab titers > or =40. Around 25.7% of the cats studied were parasitemic and some of them remained positive for months. Combining both data, 70.6% of the feline population was, or could be, infected. We observed a negative association between seropositivity to Leishmania and infection by FeLV. Hence, production of antibodies against the parasite appears to be compromised in cats with leukemia, which have a prevalence of 36% in our study. In contrast, we found no association with feline immunodeficiency. The results makes us doubt the value of conventional serological methods to detect active Leishmania infection in cats.

Pool screen PCR for estimating the prevalence of Leishmania infantum infection in sandflies (Diptera: Nematocera, Phlebotomidae).

Prevalence studies of infection in the sandfly vector can be used as an indicator of a change in the intensity of Leishmania transmission. However, these studies are difficult to carry out as prevalence in the vector is usually low and its estimation requires a large number of sandflies to be dissected. Our objective was to establish whether a L. infantum-specific PCR-ELISA applied to pools of female sandflies and a previously described algorithm could be useful tools to study the prevalence of infection by this parasite in natural vector populations. We collected sandflies from six collection points in two stable foci of leishmaniasis in southern (N=3) and north-eastern (N=3) Spain, following standard procedures. A fraction of the collected females was dissected and morphologically identified. Another fraction was used for pool screening. In total, 127 pools of 30 females (3810 specimens) were studied by PCR-ELISA and 1764 specimens were individually dissected. The prevalence of infection determined by dissection does not differ from that determined by pool screen PCR. The results suggest that pool screen PCR can be of practical use in the epidemiological surveillance of leishmaniasis in European countries of the western Mediterranean basin, associated with control interventions or global change.

Sandflies of the Phlebotomus perniciosus complex: mitochondrial introgression and a new sibling species of P. longicuspis in the Moroccan Rif.

The bloodsucking adult females of Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead and P. longicuspis Nitzulescu (Diptera: Psychodidae) are important vectors of the protozoan Leishmania infantum Nicolle (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in western Mediterranean countries. The species status of the two phlebotomine sandflies was assessed, along with the epidemiological implications. Individual sandflies from three Moroccan Rif populations were characterized morphologically, isoenzymatically (by the isoelectrofocusing of alleles at the polymorphic enzyme loci of HK, GPI and PGM), and by comparative DNA sequence analysis of a fragment of mitochondrial Cytochrome b (mtDNA). By reference to the character profiles of specimens from other locations, including southern Spain and the type-locality countries, the Moroccan flies were placed in three lineages: first, the lineage of P. perniciosus, which contained two mtDNA sublineages, one (pnt) widely distributed and associated with the morphology of the male types from Malta, and the other (pna) associated with a P. longicuspis-like male morphology; second, the lineage of P. longicuspis sensu stricto, including typical forms from Tunisia; and third, a new sibling species of P. longicuspis. The mtDNA sublineage (pnt) of typical P. perniciosus was also found in some P. longicuspis from Morocco, indicating interspecific hybridization. The typical race of P. perniciosus occurs in Italy as well as in Malta, Tunisia and Morocco. It is replaced in southern Spain by the Iberian race (with the pni mtDNA sublineage). The discovery of interspecific gene introgression and a new sibling species mean that previous records of the two morphospecies do not necessarily reflect their true vectorial roles or geographical and ecological distributions.