Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qianhui Gong, Li Xiang, Botao Ye, Deng Liu, Hongmei Wang, Liyuan Ma, Xiaolu Lu
Summary: In this study, an antimony-resistant fungus, Sarocladium kiliense ZJ-1, was isolated from a slag sample collected in an antimony mine in China. The fungus showed high resistance to both Sb(III) and Sb(V), and whole genomic analysis revealed the presence of multiple antimony-resistant genes. The study also quantified the biosorption capacity of the fungus for Sb and investigated the adsorption mechanism using Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Budhaditya Mukherjee, Kamalika Mukherjee, Piyush Nanda, Rupkatha Mukhopadhayay, V. Ravichandiran, Suvendra N. Bhattacharyya, Syamal Roy
Summary: Visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani can develop resistance to pentavalent antimonial drugs, leading to more aggressive infection in mammals. Alterations in miRNA pathways may provide a new strategy to control infection caused by drug-resistant parasites.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anabel Zabala-Penafiel, Geovane Dias-Lopes, Lea Cysne-Finkelstein, Fatima Conceicao-Silva, Luciana de Freitas Campos Miranda, Aline Fagundes, Armando de Oliveira Schubach, Maria Ines Fernandes Pimentel, Franklin Souza-Silva, Lucas de Almeida Machado, Carlos Roberto Alves
Summary: Glucantime (Sb-V) is the first-line treatment for American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis, but resistance cases have been reported. This study analyzed 12 Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis isolates from patients with different treatment outcomes, showing phenotypic heterogeneity and potential for characterization based on in vitro susceptibility to Sb-III and serine proteases profiles.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brady Page, Alex Lago, Juliana Almeida Silva, Albert Schriefer, Jamile Lago, Livia Oliveira, Luiz Henrique Guimaraes, Marshall Glesby, Edgar M. Carvalho
Summary: The study investigated the impact of intestinal helminths on Leishmania infection and found no significant association between helminth infection and the detection of Leishmania braziliensis genomic DNA in CL lesions, clinical features, or treatment response. The results suggest that cutaneous Leishmania load may influence therapeutic response in CL.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kadir Gonzalez, Santiago S. De Leon, Vanessa Pineda, Franklyn Samudio, Zeuz Capitan-Barrios, Jose Antonio Suarez, Adriana Weeden, Betsi Ortiz, Margarita Rios, Brechla Moreno, Nathan D. Gundacker, Juan M. Pascale, Sandra Lopez-Verges, Nestor Sosa, Azael Saldana, Leyda E. Abrego
Summary: We detected Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1) in 11 isolates of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis collected from patients in different geographic areas in Panama between 2014 and 2019. The distribution suggests the spread of LRV1 in L. (V.) panamensis parasites. There was no association found between LRV1 and an increase in clinical pathology.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mayra M. Reimann, Eduardo Caio Torres-Santos, Celeste S. F. de Souza, Valter V. Andrade-Neto, Ana Maria Jansen, Reginaldo P. Brazil, Andre Luiz R. Roque
Summary: This study demonstrates that Leishmania parasites can infect hosts through oral and intragastric routes, which is crucial for understanding their transmission dynamics in nature.
Article
Immunology
Xinyi Wang, Huilin Zhao, Bingjie Wang, Ying Zhou, Yanlei Xu, Lulin Rao, Wenxiu Ai, Yinjuan Guo, Xiaocui Wu, Jingyi Yu, Longhua Hu, Lizhong Han, Shuying Chen, Liang Chen, Fangyou Yu
Summary: This study characterized six ST8 strains collected from three tertiary hospitals in China, and found that two MRSA strains exhibited similar virulence potential as the epidemic USA300 strain. These findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance of these highly virulent MRSA strains in China.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Julian Medina, Lissa Cruz-Saavedra, Luz Helena Patino, Marina Munoz, Juan David Ramirez
Summary: Investigating the expression profiles and potential resistance markers of different Leishmania species revealed species-specific genes related to resistance to trivalent stibogluconate, suggesting the importance of considering a species-specific treatment scheme in controlling leishmaniasis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zhiwan Zheng, Jinlei He, Tao Luo, Jianhui Zhang, Qi Zhou, Shuangshuang Yin, Dali Chen, Jie Luo, Jianping Chen, Jiao Li
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that threatens millions of people worldwide. The emergence of antimony-resistant Leishmania strains has posed challenges to the treatment and elimination of leishmaniasis. In this study, genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and mutation analysis were performed on five clinical isolates of Leishmania, with a focus on the newly isolated L_HCZ strain in 2016, which showed strong virulence and antimony resistance.
Article
Cell Biology
Noelie Douanne, George Dong, Atia Amin, Lorena Bernardo, Mathieu Blanchette, David Langlais, Martin Olivier, Christopher Fernandez-Prada
Summary: This study investigates the DNA content of Leishmania extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their role in DNA transfer. It is found that drug-resistant EVs carry amplicons associated with drug-resistance genes. Transfer experiments demonstrate that the transferred DNA significantly impacts the phenotype of recipient parasites, enhancing their growth and ability to withstand oxidative stress. These findings provide evidence for the important role of eukaryotic EVs in horizontal gene transfer and adaptation to stressful environments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gilda Eslami, Samira Hatefi, Vahid Ramezani, Masoud Tohidfar, Tatyana Churkina, Yuriy L. Orlov, Saeedeh Sadat Hosseini, Mohammad Javad Boozhmehrani, Mohammad Vakili
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a prevalent tropical disease caused by over 20 species of Leishmania. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form, with an annual 0.6-1 million new cases reported worldwide. Treatment failure is an increasing problem, and this study utilized phylogenetic analysis and gene expression analysis to assess the molecular characteristics of isolates and their association with drug response. The results showed that COXII and minicircle kDNA were suitable for identification and differentiation, with treatment failure isolates displaying lower AQP1 gene expression. Further research on other molecular mechanisms related to drug response is needed.
Article
Immunology
Barbara B. Esteves, Marcella N. Melo-Braga, Vladimir Gorshkov, Thiago Verano-Braga, Martin R. Larsen, Celia M. F. Gontijo, Patricia F. Quaresma, Helida M. Andrade
Summary: In this study, differential protein expression in Leishmania braziliensis strains causing atypical cutaneous lesions compared to strains causing typical lesions was identified. The atypical strains showed upregulation of proteins related to macrophage survival, antimony resistance, and peroxidase activity. Additionally, potential drug and vaccine targets were identified. These findings contribute to the understanding of atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis and provide new insights for treatment and prevention strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Sneider Alexander Gutierrez Guarnizo, Zemfira N. Karamysheva, Elkin Galeano, Carlos E. Muskus
Summary: Leishmania parasites causing leishmaniasis exhibit high drug resistance, which poses a major threat to public health. This study demonstrates that metabolomic profiling can potentially predict the response level of antimony-resistant parasites, as well as identify differences in metabolite composition and suggest metabolic remodeling to combat the drug. The findings also indicate a link between metabolite composition changes and optimized response to stress, and highlight potential metabolite biomarkers for drug resistance.
Article
Microbiology
Sneider Alexander Gutierrez Guarnizo, Elena B. Tikhonova, Masoud Zabet-Moghaddam, Kai Zhang, Carlos Muskus, Andrey L. Karamyshev, Zemfira N. Karamysheva
Summary: The study used lipidomic profiles to differentiate between sensitive and resistant Leishmania strains, showing that resistant phenotypes had downregulated phosphatidylcholines, decreased sphingolipids, and increased lysophosphatidylcholines, while sensitive phenotypes had upregulated triglycerides and decreased phosphatidylethanolamine. The changes in lipid composition in antimony-resistant parasites appear to contribute to their physiological response to combat oxidative stress caused by the drug, highlighting several lipids as potential biomarkers for drug resistance.
Article
Parasitology
Laila Viana de Almeida, Joao Luis Reis-Cunha, Anderson Coqueiro-dos-Santos, Gabriela Flavia Rodrigues-Luis, Rodrigo de Paula Baptista, Soraia de Oliveira Silva, Maria Norma de Melo, Daniella Castanheira Bartholomeu
Summary: The study characterized three L. major-like isolates and found increased gene copy numbers in the infective isolate, potentially explaining infectivity differences. Phylogenetic analyses showed that these isolates grouped with L. major and were likely imported from the Old World in at least two independent events.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Debora Elienai de Oliveira Miranda, Kamila Gaudencio da Silva Sales, Luciana Aguiar Figueredo, Sheilla Andrade de Oliveira, Amanda Vasconcelos do Nascimento, Diego Jose Lira Torres, Petra Sumova, Petr Volf, Sinval Pinto Brandao-Filho, Suenia da Cunha Goncalves de Albuquerque, Virginia Maria Barros de Lorena, Filipe Dantas-Torres
Summary: Our study found that Migonemyia migonei salivary gland homogenates may modulate the immune response of BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, leading to reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and potentially smaller skin lesions. However, further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emilie Pondeville, Anna-Bella Failloux, Frederic Simard, Petr Volf, Andrea Crisanti, Roya Elaine Haghighat-Khah, Nuria Busquets, Francesc Xavier Abad, Anthony J. Wilson, Romeo Bellini, Sarah Marsh Arnaud, Alain Kohl, Eva Veronesi
Summary: This article provides expert advice on safely handling mosquitoes and the pathogens they transmit, based on the experience of the Infravec2 consortium. It can also be used as a basis for research with other arthropods.
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Rafael Rocha, Andre Pereira, Carla Maia
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive review of scientific literature published between 2000 and 2021 to identify the epidemiological situation and clinical management of imported animal Leishmania infection and leishmaniosis. The findings emphasize the challenge posed by canine and feline leishmanioses in non-endemic areas and propose diagnostic and management algorithms for veterinary clinical decision support. Increased surveillance of non-autochthonous cases could mitigate the health risks associated with introducing Leishmania species into new areas.
Review
Parasitology
Ricardo Guillermo Maggi, Vicky Halls, Friederike Kramer, Michael Lappin, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Andrew S. Peregrine, Xavier Roura, Bettina Schunack, Valeria Scorza, Severine Tasker, Gad Baneth, Patrick Bourdeau, Dwight D. Bowman, Edward B. Breitschwerdt, Gioia Capelli, Luis Cardoso, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Gerhard Dobler, Lluis Ferrer, Luigi Gradoni, Peter Irwin, Frans Jongejan, Volkhard A. J. Kempf, Barbara Kohn, Susan Little, Maxime Madder, Carla Maia, Mary Marcondes, Guadalupe Miro, Torsten Naucke, Gaetano Oliva, Domenico Otranto, Barend L. Penzhorn, Martin Pfeffer, Angel Sainz, SungShik Shin, Laia Solano-Gallego, Reinhard K. Straubinger, Rebecca Traub, Ian Wright
Summary: Large populations of unowned cats pose various issues worldwide, including animal welfare, ecology, society, and public health. Relocating and homing these cats is seen as a means to alleviate suffering and social problems, while also contributing to ethical population control. Understanding individual cats' lifestyle and disease status is crucial for veterinary professionals and those working with cat charities to minimize cat stress and the spread of pathogens, especially vector-borne ones.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Maria Almeida, Carla Maia, Jose M. Cristovao, Catia Morgado, Ines Barbosa, Ruben Foj Ibars, Lenea Campino, Luzia Goncalves, Sofia Cortes
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors of canine leishmaniosis in Portugal. The true seroprevalence was found to be 12.5%, and age over 2 years, residing in the interior regions of the country, and non-use of repellents were identified as potential risk factors. The key to controlling this disease lies in continuous implementation of prophylactic measures.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Denis Sereno
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Magdalena Jancarova, Nikola Polanska, Petr Volf, Vit Dvorak
Summary: Sand flies are vectors of various pathogens and can transmit parasitic protists and arboviruses, posing a threat to human and animal health. This review summarizes the published information on viruses detected in or isolated from sand flies, excluding Phenuiviridae with the genus Phlebovirus which have been well investigated.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ryuji Yanase, Flavia Moreira-Leite, Edward Rea, Lauren Wilburn, Jovana Sadlova, Barbora Vojtkova, Katerina Pruzinova, Atsushi Taniguchi, Shigenori Nonaka, Petr Volf, Jack D. Sunter
Summary: Attachment to a substrate is a common strategy among eukaryotic parasites for maintaining position in a specific ecological niche. In this study, the researchers used advanced electron microscopy techniques to investigate the adhesion of Leishmania parasites to the stomodeal valve in the sand fly vector. They found distinct structural elements in the attachment plaque and identified five stages of haptomonad-like cell differentiation. The study also demonstrated the importance of calcium for Leishmania adhesion in vitro. These findings provide important insights into the structural and regulatory aspects of Leishmania adhesion and contribute to a better understanding of its life cycle.
Article
Parasitology
Rafael Rocha, Claudia Conceicao, Luzia Goncalves, Carla Maia
Summary: This study aimed to characterize and compare the current knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding leishmaniasis among subgroups of students and health professionals in Portugal. The results showed that most health students and professionals have knowledge about the cause and transmission route of leishmaniasis, but recognition of the disease as autochthonous in humans is less common.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Rafael Rocha, Luzia Goncalves, Claudia Conceicao, Patricia Andrade, Jose Manuel Cristovao, Jorge Condeco, Beatriz Delgado, Cristina Caeiro, Tetyana Kuzmenko, Eugenia Vasconcelos, Maria Antonia Escoval, Carmen Rey, Madalina Guz, Claudia Norte, Carlos Aldeia, Diego Cruz, Carla Maia
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection in blood donors in mainland Portugal. The results showed that the national true seroprevalence was 4.8%, with significant differences between regions. Factors such as gender, age, and region were associated with seropositivity. The study also found that participants' knowledge about leishmaniasis was generally high, with certain demographic factors influencing knowledge levels.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Donnamae Klocek, Danyil Grybchuk, Lucie Ticha, Jan Votypka, Petr Volf, Alexei Yu. Kostygov, Vyacheslav Yurchenko
Summary: This work analyzed RNA viruses in Sauroleishmania spp. and found RNA viruses in three out of seven isolates, belonging to the families Narnaviridae and Totiviridae. Phylogenetic inferences showed that totiviruses from L. adleri and L. tarentolae clustered with LRV2s, while a narnavirus from L. gymnodactyli was related to narnaviruses of Blechomonas spp. This study expanded the understanding of RNA virus-host interactions in trypanosomatids and provided insights into their evolution and potential routes of viral transmission.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dahlia Chebbah, Omar Hamarsheh, Denis Sereno, Nohal Elissa, Sophie Brun, Julie Jan, Arezki Izri, Mohammad Akhoundi
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity of Wolbachia in field-caught bed bug species in Paris areas. The bed bug specimens were identified using morphological and molecular approaches, and the presence and diversity of Wolbachia were determined through PCR analysis of specific genes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arnaud Cannet, Camille Simon-Chane, Mohammad Akhoundi, Aymeric Histace, Olivier Romain, Marc Souchaud, Pierre Jacob, Darian Sereno, Karine Mouline, Christian Barnabe, Frederic Lardeux, Philippe Bousses, Denis Sereno
Summary: This study presents a new identification method using deep learning that can accurately classify and assign Anopheles species based on their wing interferential patterns. The method achieves high accuracy, including 100% accuracy for morphologically indistinguishable species within the Gambiae complex.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ahmed Karmaoui, Abdelkrim Ben Salem, Denis Sereno, Samir El Jaafari, Lhoussain Hajji
Summary: Rodents play a significant role in balancing terrestrial ecosystems and are prey for many predators. However, they pose a high risk to agriculture and health. Meriones shawi and Psammomys obesus are the primary reservoirs for Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Middle East and North Africa. This review explores the distribution and characteristics of these reservoirs, their association with climate variables, and the measures taken to protect and control them.
PARASITE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ahmed Karmaoui, Denis Sereno, Carla Maia, Lenea Campino, Samir El Jaafari, Abdelkhaleq Fouzi Taybi, Lhoussain Hajji
Summary: Leishmanioses, especially Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL), are a public health concern in Morocco due to their transmission dependence on eco-epidemiological and socio-economic conditions. The proposed BDRZCL model improves understanding of the cause-effect interactions between physical, human, and environmental factors, aiding decision-makers and stakeholders in responding appropriately.
PARASITE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL
(2022)
