scholarly journals Antibody Response to Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus in Cats Naturally Exposed to Phlebotomine Sand Fly Bites in Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 339
Author(s):  
André Pereira ◽  
Nazli Ayhan ◽  
José Manuel Cristóvão ◽  
Hugo Vilhena ◽  
Ângela Martins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Exposure ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Clinical Impact ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Toscana Virus ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Phlebotomine sand fly-borne pathogens such as Leishmania spp. and phleboviruses are emerging threats to humans and animals worldwide. The aim of this work was to evaluate the exposure of cats from Portugal to Toscana virus (TOSV) and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and assess the associated risk factors. The possible association between exposure to Phlebotomus perniciosus saliva with TOSV and SFSV was also investigated. Out of 369 cats tested, 18 (4.9%, n = 365) were seropositive for TOSV, and eight (2.2%, n = 367) were seropositive for SFSV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cats presenting clinical signs that were compatible with leishmaniosis and antibodies to TOSV had a significantly higher risk of being SFSV seropositive. The presence of antibodies to sand fly-borne viruses in cats indicate that these animals are frequently exposed to sand flies and transmitted pathogens. Data suggest that cats can be used to qualitatively monitor human exposure to TOSV and SFSV in endemic areas. The clinical impact of SFSV in cats’ health should be investigated. The identification of the sand fly species responsible for the circulation of TOSV and SFSV in nature and the evaluation of the vectorial competence of P. perniciosus to SFSV should also be addressed.

scholarly journals Molecular Evidence Suggests That Wolbachia pipientis (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) is Widely Associated With South American Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Léo Nava Piorsky Dominici Cruz ◽  
Luis Fernando Carvalho-Costa ◽  
José Manuel Macário Rebêlo
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
South American ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Wolbachia Pipientis ◽  
16S Rna ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Causative Agents

Abstract Wolbachia pipientis (Hertig) is an endosymbiotic microorganism widespread among arthropods and other invertebrate hosts, and employed in strategies to reduce the incidence of arthropod-borne diseases. Here, we used a PCR-based approach for 16S RNA and wsp genes to investigate the prevalence, geographical distribution, and strains of Wolbachia in sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), the main vectors of the causative agents of leishmaniasis, from three biomes in Brazil: Amazon, Cerrado, and Caatinga. We found that: 1) Wolbachia DNA is present in most (66.7%) of the sampled sand fly species, including vectors of Leishmania spp. (Ross, Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae), 2) the prevalence of Wolbachia DNA varies among species and populations, 3) some strains of Wolbachia may have wider geographical and host range in South America, and 4) two phylogenetic distinct wsp sequences might represent two novel strains for Wolbachia in South America sand flies. Those findings increase the basic knowledge about Wolbachia in South American sand flies and might foster further researches on its use to reduce the transmission of sand fly-borne parasites.

scholarly journals Notes on the sand fly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a region of Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. e596101422480
Author(s):  
Paula Fassicolo Variza ◽  
Thiago Nunes Pereira ◽  
Joice Guilherme de Oliveira ◽  
Millena Fernandes ◽  
Daniel Moreira de Avelar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Forest ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Santa Catarina ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
And Control ◽  
First Time

The family Psychodidae has a cosmopolitan distribution with members that occur in many habitats, mainly in humid environments, and is most diverse in the tropics. Subfamilies Sycoracinae and Phlebotominae have females with hematophagous habits and the latter studied more due to medical and veterinary interest, since it includes species that can transmit diseases to animals and humans. The knowledge about the sand fly fauna in a region is extremely important for adequate monitoring and control measures for leishmaniasis. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize Psychodidae fauna in relation to richness, abundance and molecular identification of Leishmania spp. in sand flies in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil. The ollections were carried out between 2015 and 2016 in three cities in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Samples were taken near feeding places for domestic animals, urban forest and peridomicile areas. The insects were identified and female sand flies were submitted to molecular analysis to detect the presence of Leishmania spp.. A total of 4,200 insects were collected, 4,193 from the Sycoracinae subfamily and 7 Phlebotominae from the Nyssomyia neivai and Pintomyia fisheri species. Of the studied municipalities, sandflies were registered in Tubarão and Imaruí and the most frequent habitat was the peridomicile areas. No samples were positive for Leishmania spp. In conclusion, the work highlights the presence of two species of sandflies, which were recorded for the first time in southern Santa Catarina.

Incidence of Steroid-induced Diabetes in COVID-19 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2595-2596
Author(s):  
M. Asim Rana ◽  
Mujtaba H. Siddiqui ◽  
Sitara Raza ◽  
Kinza Tehreem ◽  
M. F.Ullah Mahmood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Glucose Level ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels ◽  
Keywords Hyperglycaemia ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic has started, glucocorticoids have been proved to be one of the most effective lifesaving treatments for respiratory complications associated with SARS CoV-2. Aim: To review the incidence of steroid induced diabetes and the associated risk factors in COVID-19 patients. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study Place and duration of the study: Bahria International Hospital Lahore from 15th April 2020 to 31st December 2020 Methodology: Two hundred and thirty patients of COVID-19 cases treated with glucocorticoids (Dexamethasone 4mg BID) were enrolled. All known cases of pre-existing diabetes mellitus and with initial (admission) random blood glucose levels of more than 200 mg/dl were excluded. Patients labelled as glucocorticoid induced diabetes mellitus (GI-DM)met the following criteria, fasting blood glucose level of more than 126 mg/dl or a random glucose level of more than200 mg/dlon two occasions after starting these patients on steroids. Results: The glucocorticoid induced diabetes mellitus was 36 (15.65%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval (1.02-1.36) was found to be the most profound risk factor for GI-DM. Conclusion: Glucocorticoid induced diabetes mellitus found to be associated with glucocorticoid used among COVID-19 patients especially in older ages. So, it is recommended that the treating physicians should consider this side effect of steroids especially when dealing with geriatric cases. Keywords: Hyperglycaemia, COVID-19, Steroids, SARS-CoV-2, Diabetes mellitus, Steroids induced diabetes, Glucocorticoids

scholarly journals Broader Geographical Distribution of Toscana Virus in the Mediterranean Region Suggests the Existence of Larger Varieties of Sand Fly Vectors

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazli Ayhan ◽  
Jorian Prudhomme ◽  
Lison Laroche ◽  
Anne-Laure Bañuls ◽  
Remi N. Charrel
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Toscana Virus ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Sand Fly Vectors

Toscana virus (TOSV) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, where it is transmitted by sand flies. TOSV can infect humans and cause febrile illness as well as neuroinvasive infections affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although TOSV is a significant human pathogen, it remains neglected and there are consequently many gaps of knowledge. Recent seroepidemiology studies and case reports showed that TOSV’s geographic distribution is much wider than was assumed a decade ago. The apparent extension of the TOSV circulation area raises the question of the sandfly species that are able to transmit the virus in natural conditions. Phlebotomus (Ph.) perniciosus and Ph. perfiliewi were historically identified as competent species. Recent results suggest that other species of sand flies could be competent for TOSV maintenance and transmission. Here we organize current knowledge in entomology, epidemiology, and virology supporting the possible existence of additional phlebotomine species such as Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, and Sergentomyia minuta in TOSV maintenance. We also highlight some of the knowledge gaps to be addressed in future studies.

LutzoDex™—A digital key for Brazilian sand flies (Diptera, Phlebotominae) within an Android App

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4688 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-388
Author(s):  
DOUGLAS DE ALMEIDA ROCHA ◽  
MAXWELL RAMOS DE ALMEIDA ◽  
JAINAINE ABRANTES DE SENA BATISTA ◽  
ANDREY JOSÉ DE ANDRADE
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Android App ◽  
Google Play

Here we present an Android mobile application (app) for the identification of Brazilian phlebotomine sand fly species. The app, which is named LutzoDex™, relies on information included in a data source with morphological and morphometrical characters. This tool can present up to seven answer options to a question. Images of morphological structures can be referenced to make identification easier, and users can see a list of possible species based on the features they report. Maps are also used to determine the geographical distribution and whether the species is incriminated or suspected as a vector of Leishmania spp. in Brazil. The app is available free of charge in both English and Portuguese in the Google Play Store at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=max.com.lutzodex&hl=pt_BR. 

scholarly journals Early onset of clinical leishmaniosis in a litter of pups with evidence of in utero transmission

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harold Salant ◽  
Yaarit Nachum‑Biala ◽  
Barbara Feinmesser ◽  
Maya Perelmutter ◽  
Gad Baneth
Keyword(s):  
Lymph Node ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Canine Leishmaniosis ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Cutaneous Lesions ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Abstract Background Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania infantum. Although usually transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, infection by vertical transmission and by blood transfusion have also been reported. Methods We describe the very early onset of clinical leishmaniosis, starting from 2 months of age, in a litter of pups born to an infected dam and sire. Seven pups from the litter of nine living in different households showed alopecic, exfoliative dermatitis and ulcerative cutaneous lesions. All pups and both parents were tested on at least one occasion both serologically, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Leishmania ribosomal operon internal transcribed spacer 1 region and a short fragment of the kinetoplast minicircle; positive amplicons were sequenced. Results All nine pups were PCR positive for L. infantum verified by DNA sequencing, seven were positive by conjunctival, five by blood, four by lymph node, and one by skin PCR from an ulcerative lesion. Both pups with no clinical signs were seronegative, while five of the seven pups with dermatologic abnormalities were seropositive by ELISA. The sire had typical clinical dermatologic and visceral findings of CanL, was seropositive and PCR positive for L. infantum in the lymph node and fluid from the vas deferens tested after the testes were removed by castration. The dam was sub-clinically infected and seronegative, but positive by blood, lymph node and conjunctival PCR for L. infantum. Allopurinol administered to all clinically affected dogs resulted in clinical recovery. Conclusions Infection with L. infantum in both parents, the very early age of clinical onset among most of the pups, and the fact that the puppies were born and detected with signs of leishmaniosis in the winter, which is a season without sand fly activity in Israel, strongly suggest vertical transmission. Awareness of the possibility of vertical transmission of L. infantum and infection in littermates should be increased. It is recommended that littermates of young dogs with clinical leishmaniosis should be tested for sub-clinical infection as they may also be infectious to sand flies and thus to other dogs and to humans. Restricting the mating of infected bitches should also be considered to prevent the vertical transmission of the infection. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Sand fly identification and screening for Leishmania spp. in six provinces of Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Orawan Phuphisut ◽  
Chanyapat Nitatsukprasert ◽  
Nattaphol Pathawong ◽  
Boonsong Jaichapor ◽  
Arissara Pongsiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Barcoding ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Operational Taxonomic Units ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Human Leishmaniasis ◽  
Leishmania Spp

Abstract Background Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors of Leishmania spp. At least 27 species of sand flies have been recorded in Thailand. Although human leishmaniasis cases in Thailand are mainly imported, autochthonous leishmaniasis has been increasingly reported in several regions of the country since 1999. Few studies have detected Leishmania infection in wild-caught sand flies, although these studies were carried out only in those areas reporting human leishmaniasis cases. The aim of this study was therefore to identity sand fly species and to investigate Leishmania infection across six provinces of Thailand. Methods Species of wild-caught sand flies were initially identified based on morphological characters. However, problems identifying cryptic species complexes necessitated molecular identification using DNA barcoding in parallel with identification based on morphological characters. The wild-caught sand flies were pooled and the DNA isolated prior to the detection of Leishmania infection by a TaqMan real-time PCR assay. Results A total of 4498 sand flies (1158 males and 3340 females) were caught by trapping in six provinces in four regions of Thailand. The sand flies were morphologically classified into eight species belonging to three genera (Sergentomyia, Phlebotomus and Idiophlebotomus). Sergentomyia iyengari was found at all collection sites and was the dominant species at most of these, followed in frequency by Sergentomyia barraudi and Phlebotomus stantoni, respectively. DNA barcodes generated from 68 sand flies allowed sorting into 14 distinct species with 25 operational taxonomic units, indicating a higher diversity (by 75%) than that based on morphological identification. Twelve barcoding sequences could not be assigned to any species for which cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences are available. All tested sand flies were negative for Leishmania DNA. Conclusions Our results confirm the presence of several sand fly species in different provinces of Thailand, highlighting the importance of using DNA barcoding as a tool to study sand fly species diversity. While all female sand flies tested in this study were negative for Leishmania, the circulation of Leishmania spp. in the investigated areas cannot be ruled out. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Serological Evidence of Phleboviruses in Domestic Animals on the Pre-Apennine Hills (Northern Italy)

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1577
Author(s):  
Davide Lelli ◽  
Vittorio Scanferla ◽  
Ana Moreno ◽  
Enrica Sozzi ◽  
Valentina Ravaioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Toscana Virus ◽  
Virus Neutralization Assay

Phleboviruses are arboviruses transmitted by sand flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Some sand fly-borne phleboviruses cause illnesses in humans, such as the summer fevers caused by the Sicilian and Naples viruses or meningitis caused by the Toscana virus. Indeed, traces of several phleboviral infections have been serologically detected in domestic animals, but their potential pathogenic role in vertebrates other than humans is still unclear, as is the role of vertebrates as potential reservoirs of these viruses. In this study, we report the results of a serological survey performed on domestic animals sampled in Northern Italy, against four phleboviruses isolated from sand flies in the same area. The sera of 23 dogs, 165 sheep and 23 goats were tested with a virus neutralization assay for Toscana virus, Fermo virus, Ponticelli I virus and Ponticelli III virus. Neutralizing antibodies against one or more phleboviruses were detected in four out of 23 dogs, 31 out of 165 sheep and 12 out of 23 goats. This study shows preliminary evidence for the distribution pattern of phleboviral infections in different animal species, highlighting the potential infection of the Toscana virus in dogs and the Fermo virus in goats.

scholarly journals Molecular Detection of Virulence Factor Glycoprotein (Gp63) of Leishmania spp. in Phlebotomus Sand Flies

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 95-100
Author(s):  
Hadi M. Hamza Al-Mayali ◽  
Ali Jawad Abdulaali Alyasiri
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Factor ◽  
The Body ◽  
Surface Glycoprotein ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Factor Gene ◽  
Phlebotomus Sergenti ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Virulence Factor Gene ◽  
Major Surface

Introduction: Gp63 is the major surface glycoprotein of Leishmania which is prevalent in the promastigote stage of Phlebotomus sergenti. Glycoprotein 63 (gp63) or leishmanolysin is a zinc-dependent metalloprotease found on the surface of Leishmania. It was initially discovered in 1980and described biochemically and genetically as a surface antigen expressed in promastigotes of Leishmania species, having a range of substrates including casein, albumin, fibrinogen, haemoglobin, and gelatin. On the surface of amastigote, GP63 is present at a very low level. Glycoprotein 63 is a zinc-dependent metalloprotease that is active in the pH range of 7–10, which is neutral to alkaline. Materials and Methods: During the study, which was carried out in Al-Muthanna province from July 2017 to August 2018, about 2550 sand fly samples including 719 males and 1633 females were collected. Three species of sand flies were recorded according to morphological features which included Phlebotomus papatasi, Phlebotomus sergenti, and Sergentomyia sintoni. The caught specimens showed that P. papatasi was the most prevalent species. Two primers were used for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. using a nested PCR technique, which was designed in a previous study for 1250 samples of sand flies from 25 locations in the study area. Results: Results showed that 13 samples were positive, containing DNA for the Leishmania parasite, and 12 samples were negative. Positive samples include 11 samples of L. major species and only 2 samples of L. tropica species. Additionally, the results showed that the L. major species was the dominant species in the study area. Positive samples (13) of sand flies had Leishmania parasite based on molecular diagnosis and virulence factor gene (Gp63) of Leishmania parasite was detected in sand flies using PCR method The results showed that virulence factor gene (Gp63) was detected on the surface of promastigote. This refers to the presence of Leishmania parasite in sand fly. The study is the first one which detected the presence of the virulence factors gene (GP63) of Leishmania in the body of sand flies. Conclusion: This study revealed the possibility of diagnosing leishmaniasis by virulence factor gene (Gp63) in leishmania promastigotes.

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