The Leishmanioses

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Gramiccia
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Cutaneous Lesion ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Leishmania Species ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Phlebotomine Sandflies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Behavioural Factors ◽  
Visceral Leishmaniosis

Leishmanioses are a large group of parasitic diseases range over the intertropical zones of America and Africa, and extend into temperate regions of South America, Southern Europe and Asia. The clinical aspect of the diseases is wide ranging from a simple, self-resolving cutaneous lesion to the potentially fatal visceral leishmaniosis, known as kala-azar. In numerous underdeveloped countries leishmanioses remain a major public health problem representing one of the most neglected diseases. Among 15 well-recognized Leishmania species known to infect humans, 13 have definite zoonotic nature, which include agents of visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms of the disease in both the Old and New Worlds. Mammal reservoir hosts belong to the marsupalia, edentata, carnivora, hyracoidea, and rodentia, maintaining sylvatic zoonotic foci in the deserts of Africa and Asia, the forests of South and Central America, as well as synanthropic foci in the Mediterranean basin and much of South America. Although the known vectors are all phlebotomine sandflies, these have a wide range of specific habits and habitats. The complexity of this group of infections has only recently been appreciated and is still being worked out. Currently, leishmanioses show a wider geographical distribution than previously known, with increased global incidence of human disease. Environmental, demographic and human behavioural factors contribute to the changing leishmaniosis landscape, which basically include increasing risk factors for zoonotic cutaneous leishmanioses, and new scenarios associated with the zoonotic entity of visceral leishmaniosis. In comparison with the anthroponotic entities of leishmaniosis, limited progresses were made for the control of the zoonotic ones, consisting mainly in new tools developed for the control of L. infantum in the canine reservoir.

scholarly journals Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Properties

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelia A Pavlatou
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Synthetic Methods ◽  
Synthesis Process ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Biogenic Synthesis ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

The transmission of a wide range of diseases, related to the infection by pathogenic microorganisms is a major public health problem that daily endangers the safety of human population. Silver has been thoroughly studied and used against bacteria due to its antimicrobial properties. Nanostructured silver gathers all the advantages of the silver itself, as well as the advanced performance of the nanomaterials. Thus, currently, silver nanoparticles constitute the most widely used kind of nanoparticles in biomedicine, due to their attractive antimicrobial properties. A variety of physical and chemical methods are employed for the AgNPs synthesis. However, many of them include the use of toxic reagents or require large amounts of energy, during the synthesis process. For this reason, many eco-friendly methods are proposed in order to synthesize AgNPs. Hence, biogenic synthesis of AgNPs, utilizing biological resources opens a novel route for the development of alternative production processes.These methods seem to have significant advantages, as the extracts contribute positively to the formation and enhancement of the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs, also acting as protective agents of the produced particles. In this review an integrated approach of AgNPs bio-synthetic methods using microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, plants and plant extracts, as well as several templates, like DNA and viruses is discussed, shedding light on the comparative advantages of them.

scholarly journals Understanding the social determinants of TB and HIV in South Asia

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bishwajit Ghose ◽  
Cheng Zhaohui ◽  
He Zhifei
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
South Asian Population ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mdr Tb

South Asian population suffer a particularly wide range of infectious diseases among which TB and HIV appear to produce most profound influence across various dimensions of social life, healthcare and the economy. Although the countries in this region have a relatively lower prevalence of HIV/AIDS compared to other developing regions until now, the future looks rather bleak in terms of preparedness for emerging healthcare realities. Tuberculosis on the other hand, has always been a major public health problem plaguing the healthcare system and the economy for decades. Moreover, the emergence of the drug resistant (MDR-TB & XDR-TB) strains are making the existing intervention and prevention strategies less effective and posing ever-growing threats to the underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure. Understanding the underlying social-determinants of these diseases can prove crucial to design more comprehensive intervention approaches. This article aims to clarify why the healthcare system in South Asia needs to adopt a social-determinants-of-health (SDOH) approach as a long-term strategy for more efficient prevention and control of TB and HIV infection.

scholarly journals ANIMAL MODELS FOR THE STUDY OF LEISHMANIASIS IMMUNOLOGY

2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elsy Nalleli Loria-Cervera ◽  
Fernando Jose Andrade-Narvaez
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Human Disease ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Leishmania Species ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Leishmania Infection ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Wild Rodents ◽  
Experimental Conditions

Leishmaniasis remains a major public health problem worldwide and is classified as Category I by the TDR/WHO, mainly due to the absence of control. Many experimental models like rodents, dogs and monkeys have been developed, each with specific features, in order to characterize the immune response to Leishmania species, but none reproduces the pathology observed in human disease. Conflicting data may arise in part because different parasite strains or species are being examined, different tissue targets (mice footpad, ear, or base of tail) are being infected, and different numbers (“low” 1×102 and “high” 1×106) of metacyclic promastigotes have been inoculated. Recently, new approaches have been proposed to provide more meaningful data regarding the host response and pathogenesis that parallels human disease. The use of sand fly saliva and low numbers of parasites in experimental infections has led to mimic natural transmission and find new molecules and immune mechanisms which should be considered when designing vaccines and control strategies. Moreover, the use of wild rodents as experimental models has been proposed as a good alternative for studying the host-pathogen relationships and for testing candidate vaccines. To date, using natural reservoirs to study Leishmania infection has been challenging because immunologic reagents for use in wild rodents are lacking. This review discusses the principal immunological findings against Leishmania infection in different animal models highlighting the importance of using experimental conditions similar to natural transmission and reservoir species as experimental models to study the immunopathology of the disease.

scholarly journals Binding and neutralization of C. difficile toxins A and B by purified clinoptilolite-tuff

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0252211
Author(s):  
Carmen Ranftler ◽  
Dietmar Nagl ◽  
Andreas Sparer ◽  
Andreas Röhrich ◽  
Michael Freissmuth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Toxin Binding ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Natural Clinoptilolite ◽  
Clinoptilolite Tuff

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. The current treatment of C. difficile-associated diarrhea relies on the use of antibacterial agents. However, recurrences are frequent. The main virulence factors of C. difficile are two secreted cytotoxic proteins toxin A and toxin B. Alternative research exploring toxin binding by resins found a reduced rate of recurrence by administration of tolevamer. Hence, binding of exotoxins may be useful in preventing a relapse provided that the adsorbent is innocuous. Here, we examined the toxin binding capacity of G-PUR®, a purified version of natural clinoptilolite-tuff. Our observations showed that the purified clinoptilolite-tuff adsorbed clinically relevant amounts of C. difficile toxins A and B in vitro and neutralized their action in a Caco-2 intestinal model. This conclusion is based on four independent sets of findings: G-PUR® abrogated toxin-induced (i) RAC1 glucosylation, (ii) redistribution of occludin, (iii) rarefaction of the brush border as visualized by scanning electron microscopy and (iv) breakdown of the epithelial barrier recorded by transepithelial electrical resistance monitoring. Finally, we confirmed that the epithelial monolayer tolerated G-PUR® over a wide range of particle densities. Our findings justify the further exploration of purified clinoptilolite-tuff as a safe agent in the treatment and/or prevention of C. difficile-associated diarrhea.

scholarly journals A study on clinical profile of typhoid fever in children

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1067
Author(s):  
Ranganatha A. Devaranavadagi ◽  
Srinivasa S.
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Antibiotic Sensitivity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Sensitivity Pattern ◽  
Wide Range

Background: Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi. It is a major public health problem in India. Typhoid fever is endemic in many developing countries. Wide variations in the clinical manifestations of typhoid fever make its diagnosis a challenging task. This study was conducted to understand the wide range of clinical manifestations, complications and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of typhoid fever in children.Methods:Prospectively, 113 children admitted in pediatric unit with confirmed Typhoid fever from September 2015 to December 2016 at KIMS hospital, Bangalore were included. In each case, age, sex, presenting complaint, laboratory investigations and antibiotic sensitivity pattern are collected and analysed.Results: Out of 113 cases, 72 cases (63.8.1%) were males, 41 cases (36.2%) were females. The most common age group was 5-10 years. The most common symptom was fever, seen in 100% cases, followed by anorexia (61%), vomiting (44%) and abdominal pain (18%). The most common sign observed was toxic look in 68% of the cases, followed by coated tongue in 49% and hepatomegaly in 44%. Leucocytopenia was found in 34% of cases. Eosinopenia was found in 39% of cases. Anaemia was found in 16% of cases. Thrombocytopenia was found in 15% of cases. Blood culture was positive in 20% of cases. Use of municipal water for drinking was found in 65% of cases. Outside eating was found in 40% of cases. Unhygienic practices were found in 64% of cases. Duration of hospital stay varied from 3-10 days. No mortality reported.Conclusions:Typhoid fever is most commonly observed with unhygienic practices and eating of unhealthy outside food. This major public health issue can be tackled by bringing awareness among people regarding disease transmission and its various preventive measures. 

scholarly journals The role of indigenous phlebotomine sandflies and mammals in the spreading of leishmaniasis agents in the Mediterranean region

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (30) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Antoniou ◽  
M Gramiccia ◽  
R Molina ◽  
V Dvorak ◽  
P Volf
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Leishmania Species ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Phlebotomine Sandflies ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Natural Hosts ◽  
Behavioural Factors ◽  
Reservoir Hosts ◽  
New Reservoir

An updated view of the establishment and spread of the leishmaniases in Europe is presented, mostly with respect to newly emerging and re-emerging foci and the incrimination of neglected as well as new reservoir hosts. At the same time, a concept of specific versus permissive vectors reassesses the potential role of various sandfly species in Leishmania transmission and considers the risk of introduction of exotic Leishmania species in Europe. The leishmaniases are dynamic diseases and the circumstances of transmission are continually changing in relation to environmental, demographic and human behavioural factors. Changes in the habitat of the natural hosts and vectors, immunosuppressive conditions (like infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or organ transplantation-associated therapies in humans) and the consequences of war, all contribute to the transformation of the epidemiology of leishmaniasis. Such changes should be considered when studying the spread of the disease throughout Europe for targeted control measures to safeguard public health.

Understanding the immune responses involved in mediating protection or immunopathology during leishmaniasis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thalia Pacheco-Fernandez ◽  
Greta Volpedo ◽  
Chaitenya Verma ◽  
Abhay R. Satoskar
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Host Immune Response ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Leishmania Infection ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Leishmania Parasites

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) transmitted by the sand fly and is a major public health problem worldwide. Infections caused by Leishmania clinically manifest as a wide range of diseases, such as cutaneous (CL), diffuse cutaneous (DCL), mucosal (MCL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The host innate and adaptative immune responses play critical roles in the defense against leishmaniasis. However, Leishmania parasites also manipulate the host immune response for their survival and replication. In addition, other factors such as sand fly salivary proteins and microbiota also promote disease susceptibility and parasite spread by modulating local immune response. Thus, a complex interplay between parasite, sand fly and the host immunity governs disease severity and outcome. In this review, we discuss the host immune response during Leishmania infection and highlight the factors associated with resistance or susceptibility.

Taking Stock – What Is Known About Suicide in Sri Lanka

Crisis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Pearson ◽  
Anthony B. Zwi ◽  
Amanda K. Rouse ◽  
Ravindra Fernando ◽  
Nicholas A. Buckley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Suicidal Intention ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Broad Understanding

Background: Suicide is and has been a major public health problem in Sri Lanka and has generated a wide range of literature. Aims: This review aimed to systematically appraise what is known about suicide in Sri Lanka. The patterns and content of articles were examined and recommendations for further research proposed. Method: The paper describes the systematic search, retrieval, and quality assessment of studies. Thematic analysis techniques were applied to the full text of the articles to explore the range and extent of issues covered. Results: Local authors generated a large body of evidence of the problem in early studies. The importance of the method of suicide, suicidal intention, and the high incidence of suicide were identified as key foci for publications. Neglected areas have been policy and health service research, gender analysis, and contextual issues. Conclusion: The literature reviewed has produced a broad understanding of the clinical factors, size of the problem, and social aspects. However, there remains limited evidence of prevention, risk factors, health services, and policy. A wide range of solutions have been proposed, but only regulation of pesticides and improved medical management proved to be effective to date.

scholarly journals Identification of Leishmania donovani inhibitors from pathogen box compounds of Medicine for Malaria Venture

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markos Tadele ◽  
Solomon M. Abay ◽  
Eyasu Makonnen ◽  
Asrat Hailu
Keyword(s):  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Drug Development ◽  
Leishmania Donovani ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
New Chemical Entities ◽  
Intracellular Amastigote

AbstractLeishmaniasis is a collective term used to describe various pathological conditions caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan of the genus Leishmania. It is one of the neglected diseases and has been given low attention in drug discovery researches to narrow the existing gap in safety and efficacy of the currently used drugs to treat leishmaniasis. The challenge is further exacerbated by the emergence of drug resistance by the parasites. Aiming to look for potential anti-leishmanial hits and leads, we screened MMV Pathogen Box against clinically isolated L. donovani strain. Compounds were screened against promastigote, and then against amastigote stages; of which, 35 compounds showed >50% inhibition on promastigotes in the initial screen (1 μM). Out of these compounds, 9 compounds showed >70% inhibition with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranges from 12 nM to 491 nM on anti-promastigote assay and 53 to 704 nM on intracellular amastigote assay. Identified compounds demonstrated good safety on THP-1 cell lines and sheep RBCs, and appropriate physico-chemical property suitable for further drug development. Two compounds (MMV690102 and MMV688262) were identified as lead compounds. Among these compounds, anti-tubercular agent MMV688262 (delamanid) showed synergistic effect with amphotericin B, indicating the prospect of this compound for combination therapy. The current study indicates the presence of additional hits which may hold promise as starting points for anti-leishmanial drug discovery and in-depth structure activity relationship studies. Future works also needs to investigate antiamastigotes activity of remaining ‘hits’, which were not covered in the present study.Authors summaryVisceral leishmaniasis is a major public health problem in endemic regions. Different drugs have been used to treat visceral leishmaniasis. However, the available drugs are either toxic, non-compliance to the patient, painful upon administration, low in efficacy, or costly. New chemical entities that overcome the limitations of existing drugs are therefore desperately needed. Screening of 400 pathogen box compounds against of Leishmania donovani clinical isolate resulted in identification of 35 compounds with >50% inhibition against promastigotes at 1 μM. Out of these compounds, 9 showed >70% inhibition with median inhibitory concentration ranges from 12 nM to 491 nM on anti-promastigote assay, and 53 to 704 nM on intracellular amastigote assay. Our work identified new compounds which hold promise for further drug development.

scholarly journals Historical analysis of leishmaniasis cases in the transamazonian region: from 2009 to 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. e9163
Author(s):  
Alexandre Apolo Silva Coelho ◽  
Evellyn Vitória Sousa de Loureiro ◽  
Andrey Caique Jorge da Silva ◽  
Ana Beatriz Costa da Silva ◽  
Helton Correa Alves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cutaneous Lesion ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tegumentary Leishmaniasis ◽  
Hiv Coinfection ◽  
American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis

Objective: To determine the total number of notified cases, new cases and recurrence of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL), to investigate the association between HIV coinfection and the presence of cutaneous lesion, as well to assess the concordance of two different laboratorial procedures: parasitological and histopathological in this region. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The research used data from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, hence forth designated as SINAN (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação) that contained 6,183 cases of leishmaniasis in 9 municipalities. Results: As results, 5795 were of new cases and 351 recurrence cases. Among the cases 1,146 patients were tested for HIV, 16 presented coinfection from these 15 developed cutaneous lesion. In the overall studied population 5,690 subjects manifested cutaneous lesion. There was no agreement of the results regarding the quality of the parasitological and histopathological exams, demonstrating that they are poorly replicable (p <0.005). Conclusion: The ATL is endemic in the transamazonian region posing as a major public health problem. All patients with leishmaniasis must be tested for HIV and health professionals must register on the notification form. The tests to diagnose leishmaniasis need to be more specific and sensitive.

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