Canine Leishmaniasis in Brazil: Serological Follow-Up of a Dog Population in an Endemic Area of American Visceral Leishmaniasis

We performed a serological, clinical, and parasitological follow-up of a dog population in an endemic area of American Visceral Leishmaniasis estimated by indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and western blot (WB). After twelve months, the results obtained from IFA demonstrated that 50% were seropositive and two serological profiles were observed: the first one ranging from 1/40 to 1/80 and the second≥1/160. By WB, it was observed that the same percentage and sera from positive dogs presented the recognition of the peptides of 29 and 32 kDa up to 8 months before IFA serum conversion. Among the positive dogs, all the sera from symptomatic ones with tissue parasitism recognized the peptide of 68.5 kDa. Our results suggest the need of modifications in the control measures regarding the elimination of the dogs. They also corroborate the high sensitivity and specificity of western blot in the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis, suggesting the possibility of its association with IFA.

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USE OF THE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF ASYMPTOMATIC Leishmania INFECTION IN A VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS-ENDEMIC AREA

Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo ◽

10.1590/s0036-46652013000200006 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 55 (2) ◽

pp. 101-104 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Luciana Almeida Silva ◽

Héctor Dardo Romero ◽

Aline Fagundes ◽

Nédia Nehme ◽

Otávio Fernandes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Endemic Area ◽

Asymptomatic Infection ◽

Control Measures ◽

Skin Tests ◽

Leishmania Infection ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Polymerase Chain

The diagnosis of asymptomatic infection with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi has become more important over recent years. Expansion of visceral leishmaniasis might be associated with other routes of transmission such as transfusion, congenital or even vector transmission, and subjects with asymptomatic infection are potential reservoirs. Moreover, the identification of infection may contribute to the management of patients with immunosuppressive conditions (HIV, transplants, use of immunomodulators) and to the assessment of the effectiveness of control measures. In this study, 149 subjects living in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area were evaluated clinically and submitted to genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serological testing, and the Montenegro skin test. Forty-nine (32.9%) of the subjects had a positive PCR result and none of them developed the disease within a follow-up period of three years. No association was observed between the results of PCR, serological and skin tests. A positive PCR result in subjects from the endemic area did not indicate a risk of progression to visceral leishmaniasis and was not associated with a positive result in the serological tests.

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Blood amyloid β oligomerization as a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease: a blinded validation study

10.21203/rs.2.19960/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Young Chul Youn ◽

Byoung Sub Lee ◽

Gwang Je Kim ◽

Ji Sun Ryu ◽

Kuntaek Lim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Diagnosis ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Detection System ◽

Amyloid Β ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Community Based ◽

Clinical Sensitivity ◽

Aβ Oligomerization ◽

Normal Cognition

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Oligomeric amyloid ß (Aß) is one of the major contributors to the pathomechanism of AD; Aß oligomerization in plasma can be measured using a Multimer Detection System-Oligomeric Aß (MDS-OAß) after incubation with spiked synthetic Aß. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the MDS-OAß values by inBlood TM OAß test using heparin-treated plasma samples from 52 AD patients in comparison with 52 community-based subjects with normal cognition (NC). The inclusion criterion was proposed by the NINCDS-ADRDA and additionally required for the least 6 months of follow-up from the initial clinical diagnosis in the course of AD. RESULTS: The MDS-OAβ values were 1.43 ± 0.30 ng/ml in AD and 0.45 ± 0.19 ( p <0.001) in NC, respectively. Using a cut-off value of 0.78 ng/ml, the results revealed that 100% sensitivity 92.31% specificity. DISCUSSION: MDS-OAß to measure plasma Aβ oligomerization is a valuable blood-based biomarker for clinical diagnosis of AD, with high sensitivity and specificity.

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Age structure of owned dogs under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area

Cadernos de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/0102-311x00026115 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 32 (8) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Danielly Vieira Bortoletto ◽

Yuri Tani Utsunomiya ◽

Silvia Helena Venturoli Perri ◽

Fernando Ferreira ◽

Cáris Maroni Nunes

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Age Structure ◽

Endemic Area ◽

Study Data ◽

Control Measures ◽

Logarithmic Scale ◽

Control Programs ◽

Age Pyramid ◽

Growth Projection ◽

The Impact

Abstract: The age structure of the dog population is essential for planning and evaluating control programs for zoonotic diseases. We analyzed data of an owned-dog census in order to characterize, for the first time, the structure of a dog population under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area (Panorama, São Paulo State, Brazil) that recorded a dog-culling rate of 28% in the year of the study. Data on 1,329 households and 1,671 owned dogs revealed an owned dog:human ratio of 1:7. The mean age of dogs was estimated at 1.73 years; the age pyramid indicated high birth and mortality rates at the first year of age with an estimated cumulative mortality of 78% at the third year of age and expected life span of 2.75 years. In spite of the high mortality, a growth projection simulation suggested that the population has potential to grow in a logarithmic scale over the years. The estimated parameters can be further applied in models to maximize the impact and minimize financial inputs of visceral leishmaniasis control measures.

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Will Fluoroscopic Follow-up after Stent-Assisted Coiling of Cerebral Aneurysms Provide Information on Recanalization?

Interventional Neuroradiology ◽

10.15274/inr-2014-10062 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 20 (6) ◽

pp. 693-703 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hyun Ho Oh ◽

Cheolkyu Jung ◽

Tae Hong Lee ◽

Bae Ju Kwon ◽

Young Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Imaging Modality ◽

False Negative ◽

Cerebral Aneurysms ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Outpatient Basis ◽

Good Imaging ◽

Sensitivity Specificity ◽

Interreader Agreement

Fluoroscopic images for comparison (FICs) can be easily obtained for follow-up on an outpatient basis. This study retrospectively assessed the diagnostic performance of a set of FICs for evaluation of recanalization after stent-assisted coiling, with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. A total of 124 patients harboring 144 stent-assisted coiled aneurysms were included. At least one month postembolization they underwent follow-up angiograms comprising a routine frontal and lateral DSA and a working-angle DSA. For analysis, FICs should be compared with the mask images of postprocedural DSAs to find recanalization. Instead of FIC acquisition, the mask images of follow-up DSAs were taken as a substitute because of the same view-making processes as FICs, full availability, and perfect coincidence with follow-up DSAs. Two independent readers evaluated a set of 169 FICs and DSA images for the presence of recanalization one month apart. Sensitivity, specificity, and interreader agreement were determined. Recanalization occurred in 24 (14.2%) cases. Of these, nine (5.3%) cases were found to have significant recanalization in need of retreatment. Sensitivity and specificity rates were 79.2% (19 of 24) and 95.9% (139 of 145) respectively for reader 1, and 66.7% (16 of 24) and 97.9% (142 of 145) for reader 2. Minimal recanalization was identified in seven out of all eight false negative cases. Excluding minimally recanalized cases in no need for retreatment from the recanalization group, calculation resulted in high sensitivity and specificity of over 94% for both readers. Interreader agreement between the two readers was excellent (96.4%; κ = 0.84). FICs may be a good imaging modality to detect significant recanalization of stent-assisted coiled aneurysms.

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Transient adverse events positively associated with patent foramen ovale after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy

Phlebology The Journal of Venous Disease ◽

10.1258/phleb.2008.008060 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 114-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Pauline Raymond-Martimbeau

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Patent Foramen Ovale ◽

Varicose Veins ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Foramen Ovale ◽

Ultrasound Guided ◽

Foam Sclerotherapy ◽

Phone Calls

Objectives To prospectively study the association between patent foramen ovale (PFO) detected by contrast transcranial Doppler (cTCD) and adverse events (AEs) reported by patients after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) for the treatment of varicose veins. Methods All patients reporting AEs after UGFS were studied using cTCD directed at the middle cerebral artery to determine the Spencer grading score by counting high-intensity transient signals. Agitated saline was used as the contrast medium. The Spencer grading score determined the presence or absence of PFO. All patients undergoing UGFS received follow-up phone calls within 24 hours and again two weeks after the procedure. Results Of the 3259 patients who underwent UGFS, AEs were reported by seven (0.21%) patients at their first session. These included visual disturbance, migraine and chest discomfort. Five (71.4%) of these seven patients tested positive for PFO by cTCD. The two-week follow-up confirmed no permanent symptoms. Published studies show high sensitivity and specificity for cTCD when compared with contrast transesophageal echocardiography (cTEE). Conclusions The overall rate of AEs reported is consistent with published results. The presence of a PFO was detected in most patients reporting AEs after undergoing UGFS. While PFO screening with high sensitivity and specificity can be performed efficiently in the clinic setting, based on the literature, further investigation is warranted.

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Serodiagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northeastern Italy: Evaluation of Seven Serological Tests

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms8121847 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 1847

Author(s):

Margherita Ortalli ◽

Daniele Lorrai ◽

Paolo Gaibani ◽

Giada Rossini ◽

Caterina Vocale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Western Blot ◽

Rapid Test ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Screening Tests ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Northeastern Italy ◽

Indirect Immunofluorescent ◽

Immunofluorescent Antibody Test

This study compares the performance of seven assays, including two ELISA (Leishmania ELISA IgG + IgM, Vircell Microbiologists; Leishmania infantum IgG ELISA, NovaTec), three rK39-based immunochromatographic tests (rK39-ICTs) (Leishmania Dipstick Rapydtest, Apacor; On Site Leishmania IgG/IgM Combo Rapid Test, CTK Biotech; LEISHMANIA Strip quick Test, Cypress Diagnostic), one indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) (Leishmania-Spot IF, BioMérieux), and one western blot (WB) (Leishmania WESTERN BLOT IgG, LDBio Diagnostics) for serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Serum samples from 27 VL patients living in northeastern Italy were analyzed, as well as the serum samples from 50 individuals in whom VL diagnosis was excluded. The WB and the IFAT had 96% sensitivity, followed by the ELISA (63% and 74%, respectively). The rK39-ICT exhibited the worst performance among the serological tests, with sensitivities ranging from 52% to 70%. By combining selected ELISA/ICT, the sensitivity of VL detection reached 89%. IFAT and WB outperformed ELISA and rK39-ICT by possessing optimal sensitivity, but their high cost and complexity of execution would not allow their employment as screening tests. In conclusion, the combination of easy-to-perform tests, such as ICT and ELISA, could improve sensitivity in the serodiagnosis of Mediterranean VL.

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Serological diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi: evaluation of three enzyme immunoassays and an indirect immunofluorescent assay

Journal of Medical Microbiology ◽

10.1099/jmm.0.46149-0 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 55 (2) ◽

pp. 171-178 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Annette K. Malan ◽

Erick Avelar ◽

Sheldon E. Litwin ◽

Harry R. Hill ◽

Christine M. Litwin

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Latin America ◽

Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽

Organ Transplantation ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

The United States ◽

Indirect Immunofluorescent Assay ◽

Indirect Immunofluorescent ◽

Antibody Tests

Chagas' disease is an important cause of heart failure in Latin America, but is rare in the United States. The immigration of persons from endemic countries increases the potential of encountering patients with the disease. Concerns have also been raised about the introduction of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes the disease, into the blood supply and during organ transplantation. To compare Chagas' antibody tests that are available in the United States, we evaluated three IgG ELISAs, CeLLabs T. cruzi ELISA, Hemagen Chagas' kit and IVD Research Chagas' Serum Microwell ELISA, and MarDx indirect immunofluorescent assays. The CeLLabs and Hemagen IgG ELISAs had 100 % agreement, sensitivity and specificity. The IVD Research IgG ELISA had 94·6 % agreement, 100 % sensitivity and 93 % specificity.

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Retrospective evaluation of the clinical utility of serological biomarkers in Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease: 2-year clinical experience

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) ◽

10.1515/cclm-2016-0658 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 55 (6) ◽

pp. 865-875 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Shulan Zhang ◽

Jing Luo ◽

Ji Li ◽

Ziyan Wu ◽

Chaojun Hu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Clinical Experience ◽

Intestinal Tuberculosis ◽

Disease Onset ◽

Clinical Information ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Indirect Immunofluorescent Assay ◽

Serological Biomarkers

AbstractBackground:Antibodies to saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA), antibodies to perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic (pANCA), pancreatic autoantibodies (PAB) and antibodies against intestinal goblet cells (GAB) are important in diagnosing Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, little is known about their diagnostic value in real clinical practice in China. This retrospective study aimed to present our 2-year clinical experience with those biomarkers in diagnosis of CD and UC.Methods:A total of 140 patients with UC, 128 patients with CD, and 224 patients with intestinal associated diseases as disease controls were included. Serum ASCA were determined by ELISA. Serum pANCA, GAB, and PAB were tested by indirect immunofluorescent assay. Retrospective review of laboratory results and clinical information was performed.Results:ASCA and ASCA+/pANCA− showed poor abilities in differentiating CD from UC, CD from intestinal Behçet’s disease (BD), or CD from intestinal tuberculosis (ITB). In contrast, PAB exhibited good capacities in differentiating CD from UC, CD from intestinal BD, and CD from ITB. IgG pANCA demonstrated a high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating UC from CD. pANCA+/ASCA− or pANCA+/PAB− displayed a high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating UC from CD. GAB showed poor potential in differentiating UC from CD. PAB were positively correlated with early disease onset, ileocolonic disease, and perianal disease in CD patients.Conclusions:Our data suggest that pANCA and PAB are helpful in diagnosis of UC and CD, respectively, while ASCA and GAB were not. Our findings indicate a clear need for additional biomarkers for diagnosis of CD in China.

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Performance of Tsol-p27 antigen for the serological diagnosis of cysticercosis in Mozambique

Journal of Helminthology ◽

10.1017/s0022149x15000747 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 90 (5) ◽

pp. 630-633 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

N. Nhancupe ◽

E.V. Noormahomed ◽

S. Afonso ◽

K.I. Falk ◽

J. Lindh

Keyword(s):

Western Blot ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Blot Analysis ◽

Western Blot Analysis ◽

Low Cost ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Neuroimaging Techniques

AbstractThe diagnosis of neurocysticercosis (NCC) requires expensive neuroimaging techniques that are seldom affordable for people in endemic countries. Accordingly, there is a need for new low-cost diagnostic methods that offer high sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we evaluated Western blot analysis of the previously described recombinant antigen Tsol-p27 in relation to a commercial or in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for NCC, and compared the results with those provided by a commercial enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay, which was regarded as the reference standard method. The analysed serum samples were obtained from 165 people, 18 of whom were confirmed to be NCC positive by EITB. Comparing our Western blot analysis of Tsol-p27 with a previous evaluation performed in Central America showed similar specificity (96.69% versus 97.8%) and sensitivity (85.71% versus 86.7%). The present results indicate that the recombinant Tsol-p27 antigen provides good sensitivity and specificity, and might be preferable as a diagnostic antigen in poorly equipped laboratories in endemic countries.

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Sandflies in an endemic area for Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northeastern Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612019073 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 569-573 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jonatas Abinadabe Oliveira Silva ◽

Fernando José da Silva ◽

Lucia Oliveira de Macedo ◽

Cléber Vinícius Brito dos Santos ◽

Leucio Câmara Alves ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽

Leishmania Infantum ◽

Endemic Area ◽

Control Measures ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Lutzomyia Longipalpis ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Light Traps ◽

Animal Populations

Abstract Phlebotomines of the genus Lutzomyia are important vector for species of Leishmania, the etiological agent of leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to assess the diversity of sandflies in an endemic area for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL). Sampling was performed in four localities on the coast of the municipality of Goiana, state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Specimens were collected monthly on three consecutive nights, from November 2017 to October 2018. CDC light traps were installed at a height of 1.5 m above the ground, in two ecotypes (i.e. tree and animal facility), both in peridomestic areas. A total of 5,205 sandflies were collected, among which the species Lutzomyia longipalpis (99.85%; 5,197/5,205) was the most common, followed by Lutzomyia evandroi (0.13%; 07/5,205) and Lutzomyia whitmani (0.02%; 01/5,205). Specimens of L. longipalpis were collected throughout the study period and most of them were found near to the animal facilities. The findings from this research indicate that vectors for Leishmania infantum are present in the study area throughout the year, along with occurrences of vectors relating to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL). Preventive vector control measures need to be implemented in Goiana to reduce the risk of infection for the human and animal populations.

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