Molecular Characterization of Leishmania RNA virus 2 in Leishmaniamajor from Uzbekistan.

Here we report sequence and phylogenetic analysis of two new isolates of Leishmania RNA virus 2 (LRV2) found in Leishmania major isolated from human patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis in south Uzbekistan. These new virus-infected flagellates were isolated in the same region of Uzbekistan and the viral sequences differed by only nineteen SNPs, all except one being silent mutations. Therefore, we concluded that they belong to a single LRV2 species. New viruses are closely related to the LRV2-Lmj-ASKH documented in Turkmenistan in 1995, which is congruent with their shared host (L. major) and common geographical origin.

Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis in tegumentary leishmaniasis.

Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis is a causal agent of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL). This protozoan has been poorly investigated; however, it can cause different clinical forms of ATL, ranging from a single cutaneous lesion to severe lesions that can lead to destruction of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. L. (V.) guyanensis and the disease caused by this species can present unique aspects revealing the need to better characterize this parasite species to improve our knowledge of the immunopathological mechanisms and treatment options for ATL. The mechanisms by which some patients develop a more severe form of ATL remain unclear. It is known that the host immune profile and parasite factors may influence the clinical manifestations of the disease. Besides intrinsic parasite factors, Leishmaniavirus RNA 1 (LRV1) infecting L. guyanensis can contribute to ATL immunopathogenesis. In this review, general aspects of L. guyanensis infection in humans and mouse models are presented.

Síndrome hemofagocítico secundario a leishmaniasis visceral / Hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to visceral leishmaniasis

El síndrome hemofagocítico es una enfermedad diagnosticada basándose en criterios clínicos y analíticos, relacionada con numerosas entidades infecciosas. De forma excepcional se ha descrito en pacientes infectados con el parásito Leishmania. La leishmaniasis visceral es una patología infrecuente en nuestro país, salvo en zonas concretas donde es endémica. Su diagnóstico en ocasiones es difícil y hay que recurrir a varios de los métodos actualmente disponibles. El tratamiento del síndrome hemofagocítico se fundamenta en pautas quimioterápicas protocolizadas, aunque puede representar una excepción cuando es secundario a la leishmaniasis visceral, ya que el tratamiento antiinfeccioso suele resolver las alteraciones por sí mismo. Dicha terapia ha evolucionado en los últimos tiempos al sustituir la anfotericina B liposomal a las pautas clásicas con antimoniales y logrando beneficios por sus menores efectos secundarios y por acortar el tiempo de tratamiento (AU)

Haemophagocytic syndrome is a disease diagnosed according to clinical and analytical criteria, related to many infectious diseases. It is exceptionally described in patients infected with Leishmania. Visceral leishmaniasis is an uncommon disease in our country except in some areas where it is endemic. Its diagnosis is sometimes difficult and the use of other methods currently available is needed. Haemophagocytic syndrome treatment is based on established chemotherapy protocols, but when it is secondary to Visceral Leishmaniasis, it may be an exception, since the abnormalities can be resolved by treatment of the infection itself. This treatment has improved recently as Liposomal Amphotericin B has replaced classic antimonials, being more beneficial due to less adverse effects and a shorter treatment time (AU)

An insight into the Leishmania RNA virus.

Leishmania RNA virus is an ancient virus that has coevolved with its protozoan host. The purpose of this article is to convey current understanding of Leishmania RNA virus as it has emerged over the past decade. The potential of the virus to play a role in modulating parasite virulence is also discussed.