RESUMEN
Leishmania species, members of the kinetoplastid parasites, cause leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, in millions of people worldwide. Leishmania has a complex life cycle with multiple developmental forms, as it cycles between a sand fly vector and a mammalian host; understanding their life cycle is critical to understanding disease spread. One of the key life cycle stages is the haptomonad form, which attaches to insect tissues through its flagellum. This adhesion, conserved across kinetoplastid parasites, is implicated in having an important function within their life cycles and hence in disease transmission. Here, we discover the kinetoplastid-insect adhesion proteins (KIAPs), which localise in the attached Leishmania flagellum. Deletion of these KIAPs impairs cell adhesion in vitro and prevents Leishmania from colonising the stomodeal valve in the sand fly, without affecting cell growth. Additionally, loss of parasite adhesion in the sand fly results in reduced physiological changes to the fly, with no observable damage of the stomodeal valve and reduced midgut swelling. These results provide important insights into a comprehensive understanding of the Leishmania life cycle, which will be critical for developing transmission-blocking strategies.
Asunto(s)
Flagelos , Leishmania , Psychodidae , Animales , Leishmania/fisiología , Leishmania/genética , Leishmania/metabolismo , Psychodidae/parasitología , Flagelos/metabolismo , Adhesión Celular , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos , Proteínas de Insectos/metabolismo , Proteínas de Insectos/genética , Estadios del Ciclo de Vida , Leishmaniasis/parasitología , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , FemeninoRESUMEN
Sand flies, vectors capable of transmitting Leishmania spp. and causing leishmaniasis, have been a concern in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, where canine leishmaniasis (CanL) has been documented since 1985. Notably, there has been a surge in CanL cases since 2017, with two autochthonous cases of human visceral leishmaniasis reported in the area in 2021. This study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna potentially involved in disease transmission. Modified Centers for Disease Control light traps were deployed in three neighborhoods of the city where CanL cases had been previously reported, spanning January 2021 to December 2022. Of the 89 collections conducted, 119 sand flies belonging to five species were captured: Pintomyia fischeri (76/119, 63.86%), Migonemyia migonei (23/119, 19.33%), Lutzomyia longipalpis (16/119, 13.45%), Brumptomyia sp. (2/119, 1.68%), and Psathyromyia lanei (2/119, 1.68%), predominantly between February and April in 2021 and 2022. Polymerase chain reaction testing on all female specimens yielded negative results for Leishmania spp. DNA. Although Leishmania spp. was not detected in these vectors, these findings underscore the imperative to implement measures aimed at curtailing the proliferation of these insects.
Asunto(s)
Insectos Vectores , Leishmaniasis , Psychodidae , Estaciones del Año , Animales , Psychodidae/clasificación , Psychodidae/parasitología , Brasil , Femenino , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Insectos Vectores/clasificación , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , MasculinoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Sand flies serve as crucial vectors in various medical and veterinary diseases. Sand fly-borne diseases pose a significant public health burden globally, as the causative agents can infect a diverse range of hosts, leading to severe consequences such as leishmaniasis and sand fly fever. Additionally, the widespread use of insecticides for agricultural purposes and mosquito control is not specifically targeted at sand flies, potentially leading to resistance development. We investigated sand fly species, their potential role as vectors of various parasitic agents, and insecticide resistance in the endemic regions of Natawi and Sadao districts in Songkhla, Thailand. METHODS: Sand flies were collected using CDC light traps. The collected sand flies were then identified to species level using molecular techniques. Subsequent analyses included the detection of pathogens and the identification of pyrethroid resistance mutations within the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (Vgsc) domain IIS6 gene, followed by sequence analysis. RESULTS: The study identified nine sand fly species belonging to the genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. The DNA of Sergentomyia khawi was the only species found to test positive for one sample of Leishmania orientalis in Sadao district. This finding represents the first detection of L. orientalis in Thailand. Moreover, three samples of Leishmania martiniquensis and four samples of Trypanosoma sp. were found in the Natawi district. No I1011M, L1014F/S, V1016G, or F1020S mutations were detected in Vgsc gene. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide valuable information on sand fly species and the continuous circulation of Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma spp. in Songkhla, southern Thailand. Moreover, the development of geo-spatial information on vectors, parasites, and insecticide resistance in sand flies has the potential to provide well-informed risk assessments and evidence-based guidance for targeted vector control in Thailand. These results can serve as a foundation for integrating the One Health approach, which is crucial for disease control, considering the diverse ecological interactions among human and/or animal reservoir hosts, parasites, and sand fly vectors.
Asunto(s)
Insectos Vectores , Resistencia a los Insecticidas , Insecticidas , Leishmania , Leishmaniasis , Psychodidae , Trypanosoma , Animales , Tailandia/epidemiología , Resistencia a los Insecticidas/genética , Psychodidae/parasitología , Leishmania/genética , Leishmania/efectos de los fármacos , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Leishmaniasis/parasitología , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Trypanosoma/genética , Trypanosoma/efectos de los fármacos , Trypanosoma/aislamiento & purificación , Trypanosoma/clasificación , Humanos , Insecticidas/farmacología , FemeninoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum, L. major and L. tropica is endemic in Morocco. Growing evidence of both human and canine Leishmania infections in urban centres has been reported. Since many forms of the disease are zoonotic, veterinarians play an important role in leishmaniosis control by intervening at the parasite host level. This study aimed to bring together One Health principles to connect canine and feline leishmaniosis epidemiology within urban centres of Morocco (Rabat and Fez) and assess the level of awareness of Moroccan veterinarians about facing this threat. METHODS: A molecular survey was conducted for Leishmania DNA detection in canine (n = 155) and feline (n = 32) whole-blood samples. Three conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols were implemented. The first PCR aimed at identifying infected animals by targeting Leishmania spp. kinetoplast minicircle DNA (kDNA). The second and third PCR targeted the Leishmania internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-1) and the Leishmania small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSUrRNA) gene, respectively, aiming at identification of the infecting species after Sanger sequencing-positive amplicons. Total immunoglobulin G (IgG) against Leishmania spp. was evaluated in 125 dogs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using an in-house protocol, including three Leishmania-specific antigens (SPLA, rKDDR and LicTXNPx). Sera from 25 cats were screened for total IgG to Leishmania spp. by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). An online questionnaire was presented to Moroccan veterinarians addressing their knowledge and practices towards animal leishmaniosis. RESULTS: Overall, 19.4% of the dogs tested positive for Leishmania kDNA and ITS-1 and sequencing revealed infection with L. infantum among PCR-positive dogs. These animals presented a wide range of ELISA seropositivity results (16.7%, 34.9% and 51.6%) according to the tested antigens (rKDDR, SPLA and LicTXNPx, respectively). Use of kDNA-PCR revealed 12.5% cats positive to Leishmania spp. otherwise found to be seronegative by IFAT. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable prevalence of infection was identified in dogs from urban centres of Morocco. Additionally, this is the first report of feline infection with Leishmania spp. in this country and in urban settings. Moroccan veterinarians are aware that animal leishmaniosis is endemic in Morocco, representing a public health threat, and are knowledgeable about canine leishmaniosis diagnosis and treatment.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Enfermedades de los Perros , Leishmaniasis , Animales , Marruecos/epidemiología , Perros , Gatos , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis/veterinaria , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Veterinarios , Humanos , ADN Protozoario/genética , ADN Protozoario/sangre , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Leishmania/genética , Leishmania/inmunología , Leishmania/aislamiento & purificación , Leishmania/clasificación , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Masculino , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Femenino , Leishmania infantum/genética , Leishmania infantum/inmunología , Leishmania infantum/aislamiento & purificación , Zoonosis/parasitología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/transmisiónRESUMEN
Entomological investigations were conducted for the first time in urban forest remnants of Porto Velho, state of Rondônia, Brazil, to explore the transmission dynamics of Leishmania. Sand fly collections were carried out at ten sites, encompassing both canopy and ground strata, from October to December 2021. A total of 1,671 sand flies were collected, representing 42 species within 12 genera. Nyssomyia Antunesi (n = 384) and Psychodopygus davisi (n = 111) were the most abundant species. Molecular analyses targeting the V7V8 region (18S gene) unveiled the presence of sequences 100% identical to Leishmania infantum in females of Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (1), Nyssomyia Antunesi complex (6), Nyssomyia umbratilis (1), Nyssomyia sp. (1), Psychodopygus ayrozai (1), Ps. davisi (3), Psychodopygus paraensis (1), and Sciopemyia sordellii (1). Sequences 100% similar to Trypanosoma minasense were found in two samples of the Nyssomyia Antunesi complex, and two samples of Sc. sordellii presented 100% identity to a Trypanosoma sp. strain, previously identified in this same sand fly in Rondônia. Sequencing of Cytb fragment suggested Homo sapiens, Dasypus novemcinctus and Tamandua tetradactyla as the blood source for distinct sand flies. The identification of sequences similar to L. infantum in sand flies collected in urban forest fragments is noteworthy, correlating with the recent local and regional occurrence of autochthonous cases of human visceral leishmaniasis. However, further studies are imperative to ascertain the presence of hosts/reservoirs and evaluate the risk of L. infantum transmission to humans.
Asunto(s)
Insectos Vectores , Psychodidae , Brasil/epidemiología , Animales , Psychodidae/parasitología , Femenino , Humanos , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Leishmania infantum/genética , Leishmania infantum/aislamiento & purificación , Bosques , Leishmania/genética , Leishmania/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
Global changes in climate are contributing to modified Phlebotomine sand fly presence and activity, and the distribution of the pathogens they transmit (e.g., Leishmania and Phlebovirus), and are leading to their possible extension toward northern France. To predict the evolution of these pathogens and control their spread, it is essential to identify and characterize the presence and abundance of potential vectors. However, there are no recent publications describing sand fly species distribution in France. Consequently, we carried out a systematic review to provide distribution and abundance maps over time, along with a simplified dichotomous key for species in France. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, resulting in 172 relevant capture reports from 168 studies out of the 2646 documents retrieved, of which 552 were read and 228 analyzed. Seven species were recorded and categorized into three groups based on their abundance: low abundance species, abundant but little-studied species, and abundant vector species. Sand flies are certainly present throughout France but there is a greater diversity of species in the Mediterranean region. Phlebotomus perniciosus and Ph. ariasi are the most abundant and widely distributed species, playing a role as vectors of Leishmania. Sergentomyia minuta, though very abundant, remains under-studied, highlighting the need for further research. Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. sergenti, and Ph. mascittii are present in low numbers and are less documented, limiting understanding of their potential role as vectors. This work provides the necessary basis for comparison of field data generated in the future.
Title: Répartition et abondance des phlébotomes en France : revue systématique. Abstract: Les changements globaux du climat contribuent à modifier la présence et l'activité des phlébotomes, ainsi que la répartition des pathogènes qu'ils transmettent (par exemple Leishmania et Phlebovirus), et conduisent à leur éventuelle extension vers le nord de la France. Pour prédire l'évolution de ces pathogènes et contrôler leur propagation, il est essentiel d'identifier et de caractériser la présence et l'abondance des vecteurs potentiels. Il n'existe cependant aucune publication récente décrivant la répartition des espèces de phlébotomes en France. Par conséquent, nous avons réalisé une revue systématique pour fournir des cartes de répartition et d'abondance dans le temps, ainsi qu'une clé dichotomique simplifiée pour les espèces françaises. La revue a respecté les lignes directrices PRISMA, aboutissant à 172 rapports de capture pertinents provenant de 168 études sur les 2 646 documents récupérés, dont 552 ont été lus et 228 analysés. Sept espèces ont été recensées et classées en trois groupes en fonction de leur abondance : les espèces de faible abondance, les espèces abondantes mais peu étudiées et les espèces vectrices abondantes. Les phlébotomes sont certes présents partout en France mais on trouve une plus grande diversité d'espèces dans le bassin méditerranéen. Phlebotomus perniciosus et Ph. ariasi sont les espèces les plus abondantes et les plus largement réparties, jouant un rôle de vecteurs de Leishmania. Sergentomyia minuta, bien que très abondant, reste sous-étudié, ce qui souligne la nécessité de recherches plus approfondies. Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. sergenti et Ph. mascittii sont présents en faibles nombres et sont moins documentés, ce qui limite la compréhension de leur rôle potentiel en tant que vecteurs. Ce travail fournit la base nécessaire pour la comparaison des données de terrain générées à l'avenir.
Asunto(s)
Insectos Vectores , Phlebotomus , Psychodidae , Francia , Animales , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Phlebotomus/clasificación , Phlebotomus/parasitología , Psychodidae/parasitología , Psychodidae/clasificación , Distribución Animal , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Densidad de Población , Leishmania , Región Mediterránea , Cambio ClimáticoRESUMEN
Introduction. El Alférez, a village in Los Montes de María (Bolívar, Colombia) and a macro-focus of leishmaniasis, recorded its first case in 2018, evidencing changes in the distribution and eco-epidemiology of the disease, although interactions between vectors and local fauna remain unknown. Objective. To evaluate the diversity of sandflies and their blood meal sources in the community of El Alférez in the municipality of El Carmen de Bolívar (Bolívar, Colombia). Materials and methods. In 2018, sandflies were collected using LED-based light traps in domestic, peridomestic, and sylvatic ecotopes and identified at the species level. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome B gene was used to analyze blood from the digestive tract. Results. Lutzomyia evansi was the most abundant species (71.85%; n = 485/675), followed by Lu. panamensis, Lu. gomezi, Lu. trinidadensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. abonnenci, and Lu.aclydifera. Twenty-five percent of the species had blood meals from Canis familiaris (36.00%; n = 9/25), Ovis aries (36.00%; n=9:/25), Bos taurus (24.00%; n = 6/25), Sus scrofa (20.00%; n = 5/25), and Homo sapiens (8.00%; n = 2/25). Lutzomyia evansi registered the highest feeding frequency (68.00%; n = 17/25), predominantly on a single (44.00%; n = 11/25) or multiple species (24.00%; n = 6/25). Conclusion. Results indicate a eclectic feeding behavior in Lu. evansi, implying potential reservoir hosts for Leishmania spp. and increasing transmission risk. This study is a first step towards understanding the diversity of mammalian blood sources used by sandflies, that may be crucial for vector identification and formulation of effective control measures.
Introducción. En 2018, en la vereda El Alférez de Los Montes de María (Bolívar, Colombia), un macrofoco de leishmaniasis, se reportó el primer caso y se evidenciaron cambios en la distribución y ecoepidemiología de la enfermedad. No obstante, las interacciones entre vectores y fauna local aún son desconocidas. Objetivo. Evaluar la diversidad de flebotomíneos y sus fuentes de alimentación sanguínea en la comunidad de El Alférez del municipio de El Carmen de Bolívar (Bolívar, Colombia). Materiales y métodos. En el 2018, se recolectaron flebotomíneos mediante trampas de luz led ubicadas en el domicilio, el peridomicilio y en el área silvestre, y se identificaron a nivel de especie. Se utilizó la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa múltiple dirigida al gen mitocondrial citocromo B para analizar la sangre del aparato digestivo. Resultados. Lutzomyia evansi fue la especie más abundante (71,85 %; n = 485/675), seguida por Lu. panamensis, Lu. gomezi, Lu. trinidadensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. abonnenci y Lu. aclydifera. El 25 % (n = 25/100) de las especies analizadas tuvieron como fuentes de ingesta sanguínea a Canis familiaris (36 %; n = 9/25), Ovis aries (36 %; n = 9/25), Bos taurus (24 %; n = 6/25), Sus scrofa (20 %; n = 5/25) y Homo sapiens (8 %; n = 2/25). Lutzomyia evansi fue la especie con la mayor frecuencia de alimentación (68 %; n = 17/25), predominantemente de una sola especie (44 %; n = 11/25) o de varias (24 %; n = 6/25).
Asunto(s)
Insectos Vectores , Leishmaniasis , Psychodidae , Animales , Colombia/epidemiología , Psychodidae/parasitología , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Humanos , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Conducta Alimentaria , Perros , Bovinos , Citocromos b/genética , Femenino , MasculinoRESUMEN
Equids may be infected by zoonotic Leishmania spp., including Leishmania infantum, in regions where canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is endemic, and Leishmania martiniquensis, which has been reported in horses from Central Europe. This study was designed to evaluate the occurrence of both Leishmania spp. among equids living in CanL endemic areas of Italy, as well as to identify dipteran vectors from the same habitats. From March to October 2023, blood, serum and tissue samples from skin lesions were collected from equids (n = 98; n = 56 donkeys and n = 42 horses) living in Italy, as well as sand flies and biting midges. Blood samples (n = 98) and skin lesions (n = 56) were tested for Leishmania spp. by conventional and real time PCRs and sera were tested by immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT) for both L. infantum and L. martiniquensis. Insects were morphologically identified, and female specimens (n = 268 sand flies, n = 7 biting midges) analyzed for Leishmania DNA, as well as engorged sand flies (n = 16) for blood-meal detection. Two animals with skin lesions (i.e., one donkey and one horse) scored positive for Leishmania spp. DNA, and 19 animals (i.e., 19.4%; n = 13 donkeys and n = 6 horses) were seropositive for L. infantum, with five of them also for L. martiniquensis. Most seropositive animals had no dermatological lesions (i.e., 68.4%) while both animals molecularly positive for Leishmania spp. scored seronegative. Of the 356 sand flies collected, 12 females (i.e., n = 8 Sergentomyia minuta; n = 3 Phlebotomus perniciosus, n = 1 Phlebotomus perfiliewi) were positive for Leishmania spp. DNA, and one out of seven biting midges collected was DNA-positive for L. infantum. Moreover, engorged sand flies scored positive for human and equine DNA. Data suggest that equids living in CanL endemic areas are exposed to Leishmania spp., but their role in the circulation of the parasite needs further investigations.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Perros , Equidae , Insectos Vectores , Leishmania , Leishmaniasis , Animales , Perros , Caballos/parasitología , Equidae/parasitología , Leishmania/aislamiento & purificación , Leishmania/genética , Leishmania/clasificación , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/transmisión , Leishmaniasis/veterinaria , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis/parasitología , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Femenino , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Italia/epidemiología , Masculino , Psychodidae/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/epidemiología , Leishmania infantum/aislamiento & purificación , Leishmania infantum/genética , Ceratopogonidae/parasitología , Enfermedades Endémicas/veterinariaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Habitat modification and land use changes impact ecological interactions and alter the relationships between humans and nature. Mexico has experienced significant landscape modifications at the local and regional scales, with negative effects on forest cover and biological biodiversity, especially in the Yucatan peninsula in southeastern Mexico. Given the close relationship between landscape modification and the transmission of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, it is essential to develop criteria for identifying priority zoonoses in the south of the country. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We reviewed 165 published studies on zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in the region (2015-2024). We identified the most frequent vectors, reservoirs, and hosts, the most prevalent infections, and the factors associated with transmission risk and the anthropogenic landscape modification in urban, rural, ecotone, and sylvatic habitats. The most relevant pathogens of zoonotic risk included Trypanosoma cruzi, arboviruses, Leishmania, Rickettsia, Leptospira, and Toxoplasma gondii. Trypanosoma cruzi was the vector-borne agent with the largest number of infected vertebrate species across habitats, while Leishmania and arboviruses were the ones that affected the greatest number of people. Dogs, cats, backyard animals, and their hematophagous ectoparasites are the most likely species maintaining the transmission cycles in human settlements, while rodents, opossums, bats, and other synanthropic animals facilitate connection and transmission cycles between forested habitats with human-modified landscapes. Pathogens displayed different prevalences between the landscapes, T. cruzi, arbovirus, and Leptospira infections were the most prevalent in urban and rural settlements, whereas Leishmania and Rickettsia had similar prevalence across habitats, likely due to the diversity and abundance of the infected vectors involved. The prevalence of T. gondii and Leptospira spp. may reflect poor hygiene conditions. Additionally, results suggest that prevalence of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases is higher in deforested areas and agricultural aggregates, and in sites with precarious health and infrastructure services. CONCLUSIONS: Some hosts, vectors, and transmission trends of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in the YP are well known but others remain poorly recognized. It is imperative to reinforce practices aimed at increasing the knowledge, monitoring, prevention, and control of these diseases at the regional level. We also emphasize the need to perform studies on a larger spatio-temporal scale under the socio-ecosystem perspective, to better elucidate the interactions between pathogens, hosts, vectors, environment, and sociocultural and economic aspects in this and many other tropical regions.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores , Zoonosis , Animales , Humanos , Zoonosis/transmisión , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/transmisión , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/epidemiología , Prevalencia , México/epidemiología , Ecosistema , Trypanosoma cruzi/aislamiento & purificación , Vectores de Enfermedades , Reservorios de Enfermedades/microbiología , Leptospira/aislamiento & purificación , Leptospira/genética , Leptospira/clasificación , Enfermedad de Chagas/transmisión , Enfermedad de Chagas/epidemiología , Toxoplasma , Arbovirus/fisiología , Leishmania/aislamiento & purificación , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Leishmaniasis/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
The protozoan parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma are transmitted by hematophagous insects and cause severe diseases in humans. These infections pose a global threat, particularly in low-resource settings, and are increasingly extending beyond the current endemic regions. Tropism of parasites is crucial for their development, and recent studies have revealed colonization of noncanonical tissues, aiding their survival and immune evasion. Despite receiving limited attention, cumulative evidence discloses the respiratory system as a significant interface for host-pathogen interactions, influencing the course of (co)infection and disease onset. Due to its pathophysiological and clinical implications, we emphasize that further research is needed to better understand the involvement of the respiratory system and its potential to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and interruption of the chain of transmission.
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Plasmodium , Animales , Humanos , Plasmodium/fisiología , Sistema Respiratorio/parasitología , Trypanosoma/fisiología , Insectos/parasitología , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Leishmania/fisiología , Infecciones por Protozoos/parasitología , Infecciones por Protozoos/transmisión , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Leishmaniasis/parasitologíaRESUMEN
Phlebotomine sand flies are critical vectors of Leishmania parasites, impacting public health significantly. This study focused on assessing the diversity of sand flies in a rural area of El Carmen de Bolívar Municipality, northern Colombia, employing rarefaction curves and Hill numbers to understand potential vector communities and inform environmental management. From January 2018 to April 2019 (five samplings), sand flies were collected using CDC light traps with blue LED in domestic/peridomestic/sylvatic ecotopes, identifying species per Young and Duncan (1994) and Galati (2003). Hill numbers provided diversity estimates across samples, while Principal Component Analysis correlated with environmental factors with phlebotomine species presence and abundance. 8,784 phlebotomine individuals were collected; 56.4 % females and 43.6% males (ratio 3:2). These individuals belonged to eight species: Pintomyia evansi, Psychodopygus panamensis, Lutzomyia gomezi, Micropygomyia cayennensis, Evandromyia dubitans, Psathyromyia aclydifera, Pintomyia serrana, and Pintomyia rangeliana; with Pi. evansi being the most abundant species (74.39 %; 6,530 exemplars). The ANOVA showed no significant differences between phlebotomine sand flies abundances across ecotopes (p = 0.018). Species of epidemiological relevance as Pi. evansi and Lu. gomezi not show a positive correlation with environmental variables evaluated, only Ps. panamensis was positively correlated with precipitation. However, the study emphasizes the need for a continuous sand fly monitoring and research to enhance leishmaniasis control strategies, highlighting the necessity to expand knowledge on phlebotomine diversity and environmental interactions to understand vector ecology and disease dynamics better.
Asunto(s)
Insectos Vectores , Leishmania , Leishmaniasis , Psychodidae , Animales , Colombia , Psychodidae/clasificación , Psychodidae/crecimiento & desarrollo , Insectos Vectores/clasificación , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Femenino , Masculino , Leishmania/clasificación , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , BiodiversidadRESUMEN
This study updates knowledge on historical geographic distribution of sand fly species through identifying altitudinal and bioclimatic patterns in leishmaniasis endemic areas in Mexico. We analyze and identify sand fly specimens obtained through national efforts by the Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos (InDRE, Mexico), collected between 1995 and 2001, 2008-2012, and 2017-2023, and add bibliographic information (427 additional records). After a principal components analysis of WorldClim variables and altitudinal ranges, variables that better explain the distribution of sand fly species were chosen (BIO6, BIO12, and BIO16, explaining 72 % of variation). A total of 1,187 specimens of 22 species were retrieved from eight states, providing 29 new municipalities and 48 new localities, being Lutzomyia cruciata, Micropygomyia chiapanensis, and Psathyromyia shannoni the most common species. We presented new historical records of distribution for sand fly species from Morelos (3), Oaxaca (7) and Tabasco (1). The 82.7 % of sand fly species analyzed were distributed in areas with altitudinal ranges below 420 m. The anthropophilic species Psathyromyia shannoni, and Lutzomyia cruciata showed the greatest variability regarding altitudinal range, and climatic preferences, while several wild species showed abiotic preferences. It is likely that the effect of urbanization and climate change generate new beneficial biotopes for the proliferation of the vector sand fly species. Complementary studies that consider seasonality, vegetation types, and change in land use could provide new information to better understand the spread of vector-borne diseases.
Asunto(s)
Altitud , Leishmaniasis , Psychodidae , Animales , México/epidemiología , Psychodidae/clasificación , Psychodidae/fisiología , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Insectos Vectores/fisiología , Insectos Vectores/clasificación , Clima , Distribución Animal , Enfermedades Endémicas , Humanos , Femenino , MasculinoRESUMEN
Numerous sand fly species have been reported in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP) in Northeast Brazil, including important Leishmania vectors, making the park an endemic area for tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. We evaluated sand fly abundance monthly over 7 years, correlating it with environmental variables and monthly tourist numbers in LMNP. Sand fly species were observed throughout the year, with Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva and Nyssomyia whitmani Antunes and Coutinho (Diptera: Psychodidae) being the most abundant species, especially from April to June. In addition to seasonal abundance patterns, Lu. longipalpis showed increasing abundance throughout 2013 until April 2014, whereas Ny. whitmani exhibited a consistent increase throughout the study period. Redundancy analysis indicated that monthly sand fly abundances increased with humidity but decreased with mean temperature and wind speed. Ecotourists mainly visit the park from May to September when interdune lagoons are full, coinciding with high-frequency vector activity during the rainy months (May-June). Tourists also visit in January and February during school holidays, when the rains begin and sand fly abundance increases, and in July, when sand fly abundance decreases. To date, no instances of infected tourists have been recorded, likely because visits to LMNP occur during the day when sand flies are inactive. However, there is a potential risk of vector exposure if tourists engage in nighttime cultural visits to villages around the park, where leishmaniasis cases occur annually.
Asunto(s)
Parques Recreativos , Dinámica Poblacional , Psychodidae , Estaciones del Año , Animales , Psychodidae/fisiología , Brasil , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Insectos Vectores/fisiología , Turismo , FemeninoRESUMEN
Canine leishmaniasis is a widespread disease on the American continent, with cases reported from Uruguay to the USA and Canada. While numerous Leishmania spp. have been reported in dogs in this region, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis are the most common etiological agents of canine leishmaniasis from a continental perspective. Nonetheless, other species may predominate locally in some countries. The participation of dogs in the transmission cycle of various Leishmania spp. has long been speculated, but evidence indicates that their role as reservoirs of species other than L. infantum is negligible. Various native wildlife (e.g., small rodents, marsupials, sloths, and monkeys) are, in fact, the primary hosts of Leishmania spp. in the Americas. In this review, an updated list of Leishmania spp. infecting dogs in the Americas is presented, along with their distribution and clinical and zoonotic importance.
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Enfermedades de los Perros , Leishmaniasis , Zoonosis , Animales , Perros , Humanos , Américas/epidemiología , Reservorios de Enfermedades/parasitología , Reservorios de Enfermedades/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Leishmania/patogenicidad , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Leishmaniasis/veterinaria , Zoonosis/transmisión , Zoonosis/parasitologíaRESUMEN
Leishmaniasis is considered one of the neglected tropical diseases in the world. Although Bhutan is a member of the visceral leishmaniasis elimination consortium in South Asia, not much attention has been accorded to the disease because of its low incidence. The vector that transmits Leishmania remains poorly understood. In this backdrop, sand-fly surveys were regularly conducted at multiple sites where leishmaniasis cases have been reported in Bhutan. Collections were made using CDC light traps and cattle-baited net traps in 15 villages from February 2019 to May 2022. Six species of Phlebotomus and four species of Sergentomyia were identified from these sites that included two Phlebotomus and three Sergentomyia species discovered for the first time in Bhutan. Sand-fly density varied significantly from village to village, and it showed strong seasonality with peak numbers collected from June to October and almost zero from December to February. Overall, sand-fly density was highest in the basements of the houses and were higher outdoors than indoors. Cattle-baited net traps collected few sand flies during the surveillance period. This work constituted the first systematic sand-fly population surveillance conducted in Bhutan and will provide a baseline for future vector ecology and Leishmania epidemiological studies.
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Insectos Vectores , Phlebotomus , Psychodidae , Estaciones del Año , Animales , Bután/epidemiología , Phlebotomus/fisiología , Phlebotomus/clasificación , Insectos Vectores/fisiología , Insectos Vectores/clasificación , Psychodidae/clasificación , Psychodidae/fisiología , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Bovinos , Humanos , Femenino , Distribución Animal , Leishmaniasis Visceral/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis Visceral/transmisiónRESUMEN
Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis constitutes a serious but neglected tropical disease. Recently, socio-environmental, biological and physical changes have altered the range of leishmaniasis, causing it to spread into urban areas. In Minas Gerais, the disease is endemic, exhibiting regional differences and reaching urban centers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate entomological aspects related to the ecoepidemiology of leishmaniasis in Itaúna. METHODS: Monthly catches with HP traps were carried out from June 2017 to May 2018, in three ecological areas (urban, rural, and forest). The adaptability of the species to anthropic environments was assessed using the synanthropy index (SI). RESULTS: We collected 1306 specimens of phlebotomine sand flies. Of the species of medical importance, Lutzomyia longipalpis, the vector of Leishmania infantum, represented 90.4% of the specimens identified at species level (n=1260). Nyssomyia whitmani, the vector of Leishmania braziliensis, represented 1.6% of the total. Lu. longipalpis displayed an SI of +95.8, a value that denotes a marked preference for human environments. For Ny. whitmani, the SI was -25, expressing the tendency of this species to occupy uninhabited areas. The population of the three most numerous species captured increased with rain, high temperatures, and high relative humidity. Although captured at low numbers, Ny. whitmani showed a different profile concerning the climate variables analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the epidemiology of the disease may assist the health services in formulating effective control measures for improving community health and contributing to the establishment of a dynamic relationship and a global awareness of the health/disease process.
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Animales , Masculino , Femenino , Psychodidae/clasificación , Insectos Vectores/clasificación , Población Rural , Estaciones del Año , Población Urbana , Brasil , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Distribución AnimalRESUMEN
Despite some phlebotomines being well recognised as vectors of leishmaniasis agents, vector importance of those belonging to the genus Trichophoromyia has not been extensively studied. The present study provides evidence regarding the putative vector role played by some species of Trichophoromyia on leishmanine enzootics, based on literature reports and findings obtained from field experiments conducted in the ecotopes of Pará State, Brazil. The species Th. ubiquitalis, Th. velascoi, Th. auraensis, Th. ininii and Th. brachipyga possess minimal criteria to be included in the list of suspected leishmanine vectors. However, knowledge on man-biting behavior, substantiation of vector competence and determination of epidemiological implications are limited for all of the above mentioned species. Published studies together with present data draw attention to prioritize these phlebotomine species in entomological surveillance programs and studies on experimental susceptibility to Leishmania spp. infection.
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Animales , Psychodidae/parasitología , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Leishmania/clasificación , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , ADN Protozoario/genética , Leishmania/genéticaRESUMEN
Research regarding zoonotic diseases often focuses on those diseases that are transferred from animals to humans. However, humans are also transmitting pathogens to animals but research on this topic is not given priority and importance. I have tried to draw the attention of researchers to this area also which is equally important. The aim of this letter was to provide a brief overview of published literature regarding reverse zoonoses or zooanthroponosis in the field of leishmaniasis and highlight the need for future work in this area. Scientific research must be conducted in the field of reverse zoonoses to provide an enriched understanding of emerging disease threats to animals and should not be neglected
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Humanos , Animales , Enfermedades de los Animales/epidemiología , Transmisión de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Leishmaniasis/transmisión , Leishmaniasis/veterinaria , VertebradosRESUMEN
Abstract INTRODUCTION: Malaria and leishmaniases are transmitted by vectors during blood-feeding. Vector-infected animals develop antibodies against the vector's saliva. This study evaluated IgY antibody detection in the chicken eggs exposed to bites from Migonemyia migonei, Lutzomyia longipalpis and Anopheles aquasalis. METHODS: We used ELISA to quantify the antibody levels in the sera and exposed chicken eggs. RESULTS: High IgY levels were observed following immunization; furthermore, higher reactivity was observed in the eggs and species-specific immune response was observed post final immunization. CONCLUSIONS: Chicken eggs can be used as sentinels to surveil vector saliva antibodies.