Review
Parasitology
Astrid Christine Erber, Peter Julian Sandler, Daniel Moreira de Avelar, Ines Swoboda, Glaucia Cota, Julia Walochnik
Summary: In this study, the performance of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis was evaluated. The results showed high sensitivity and specificity for LAMP, making it a promising molecular near-point-of-care diagnostic method for visceral leishmaniasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Renata Rocha da Silva, Fernanda de Santana Fontes Vasconcelos, Debora dos Santos Tavares, Priscila Lima dos Santos
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between IL-10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the progression of leishmaniasis. The results showed that IL-10 SNPs were not significantly associated with leishmaniasis progression and were not considered a risk factor.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Debashis Ghosh, Abdul Alim, M. Mamun Huda, Christine M. Halleux, Md Almahmud, Piero L. Olliaro, Greg Matlashewski, Axel Kroeger, Dinesh Mondal
Summary: This pilot study compared the effects of different vector control tools on sandfly densities and mortality, and found varying effectiveness and acceptability of existing interventions at different time points. The results will guide the National Kala-azar Elimination Program in selecting appropriate control tools during the elimination process.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Polrat Wilairatana, Wetpisit Chanmol, Pongruj Rattaprasert, Frederick Ramirez Masangkay, Giovanni De Jesus Milanez, Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui, Manas Kotepui
Summary: The study systematically reviewed co-infection of malaria and visceral leishmaniasis, finding heterogeneous prevalence rates in different geographical areas. Age and anemia at admission were associated with co-infection status. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine the impact of malaria co-infection on the severity of visceral leishmaniasis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Mehdi Bamorovat, Iraj Sharifi, Setareh Agha Kuchak Afshari, Pooya Ghasemi Nejad Almani
Summary: Leishmaniasis, a neglected and old emerging/reemerging disease, has significantly increased and expanded in various geographical areas. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a global public health concern, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Africa, Latin America, and the Indian subcontinent. The disease poses challenges in its management and control due to its epidemiological and clinical characteristics. The study reviews the interactive role of patients and healthcare management in controlling CL and emphasizes the importance of improving socioeconomic conditions, strengthening healthcare systems, and implementing appropriate control programs. However, there are still major challenges and gaps in controlling the disease. Overall, the article highlights the need for sustained efforts and collaboration across different sectors. Rating: 7/10.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sadaf Sabzevari, Saeed Hosseini Teshnizi, Azar Shokri, Fariborz Bahrami, Fatemeh Kouhestani
Summary: This study aimed to assess the exact prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of 84 studies. The pooled prevalence of the disease was estimated at 45%, with the highest prevalence found in Isfahan, Golestan, and Fars provinces. The lowest prevalence was in Kermanshah, Hormozgan, Bushehr, and Kerman provinces. L. major was found to be the most prevalent species associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Valter Viana Andrade-Neto, Juliana da Silva Pacheco, Job Domingos Inacio, Elmo Eduardo Almeida-Amaral, Eduardo Caio Torres-Santos, Edezio Ferreira Cunha-Junior
Summary: Translation studies involving drug reuse and combination therapies can lead to higher success rates in drug development, as evidenced by the promising results of spironolactone in treating leishmaniasis. Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of combining spironolactone with meglumine antimoniate for improved parasite load control.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Megha Raj Banjara, Anand Ballabh Joshi, Vivek Kumar Singh, Murari Lal Das, Chitra Kumar Gurung, Piero Olliaro, Christine Halleux, Greg Matlashewski, Axel Kroeger
Summary: The visceral leishmaniasis elimination program in Nepal is progressing towards consolidation and maintenance phases. However, new VL foci are appearing, requiring the development and testing of innovative community-centered strategies. Early case detection combined with sandfly control through indoor residual spraying (IRS) or insecticidal wall painting (IWP) has shown efficacy and cost-effectiveness in new and low-endemic districts of Palpa and Surkhet.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Rajesh Garlapati, Eva Iniguez, Tiago D. Serafim, Prabhas K. Mishra, Basab Rooj, Bikas Sinha, Jesus G. Valenzuela, Sridhar Srikantiah, Caryn Bern, Shaden Kamhawi
Summary: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a potentially deadly parasitic disease prevalent in the northern part of the Indian sub-continent. India, Bangladesh, and Nepal are working together to eliminate VL as a public health problem by 2020 through early detection, prompt treatment, and vector control measures. Despite being close to the elimination target, important aspects of vector biology and sand fly transmission dynamics still need to be determined to ensure sustained elimination.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Joao Carlos Franca-Silva, Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti, Reysla Maria da Silveira Mariano, George Luiz Lins Machado-Coelho, Luciana de Almeida Silva Teixeira, Ricardo Andrade Barata, Erika Monteiro Michalsky, Marilia Fonseca Rocha, Consuelo Latorre Fortes-Dias, Edelberto Santos Dias
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of canine euthanasia on the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in humans and canines. The findings showed that screening and culling measures for canines can reduce the incidence of the disease in both humans and canines.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Caitlin M. Jones, Susan C. Welburn
Summary: Climate change has a significant impact on our environment and ecosystems, affecting public health, migration, food security, and land conflict. Activities such as forest clearance for land repurposing and urbanization are linked to the increase in emerging vector borne parasitic diseases. In East Africa, leishmaniasis remains a major health concern, with a lack of reporting and control interventions hindering progress toward elimination.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shomik Maruf, Soumik Kha Sagar, Md Utba Rashid, Md Rasel Uddin, Debashis Ghosh, Prakash Ghosh, Rupen Nath, Abu Nayeem Mohammad Sohel, M. M. Aktaruzzaman, Md. Nazmul Islam, Megha Raj Banjara, Axel Kroeger, Abraham Aseffa, Dinesh Mondal
Summary: COVID-19 has impacted the management of Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Bangladesh, resulting in extended treatment and reporting times for VL patients, as well as hindrances in indoor residual spraying activities. The study emphasizes the importance of long-term follow-up, effective vector control measures, and capacity development in sustaining the elimination goal in VL endemic regions.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hamdan AlMohammed, Amal Khudair Khalaf, Aishah E. Albalawi, Abdullah D. Alanazi, Parastoo Baharvand, Ali Moghaddam, Hossein Mahmoudvand
Summary: This study reviewed the preclinical studies on the anti-leishmanial activity of chitosan and chitosan-based particles against various Leishmania species. The findings suggest that chitosan and its derivatives show promising in vitro and in vivo anti-leishmanial activity, indicating their potential as alternatives for treating leishmaniasis. Further research, especially in clinical settings, is necessary to confirm these results.
Review
Microbiology
Claudia Colomba, Cristoforo Guccione, Raffaella Rubino, Michela Scalisi, Anna Condemi, Sara Bagarello, Salvatore Giordano, Antonio Cascio
Summary: The coinfection of Leishmaniasis and COVID-19 presents a challenge to clinicians due to the similarity in symptoms. Through a systematic review of the literature, this paper draws attention to this issue and analyzes the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2/Leishmania coinfection.
Review
Dermatology
Henry J. C. de Vries, Henk D. Schallig
Summary: This article is an update of a previous review on the clinical management of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), covering diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control. CL is a global problem, affecting 12 million cases with 2 million new cases annually. Local experience and species determination are crucial for effective management. However, there is a lack of large and well-conducted studies on treatment options, especially for children. Improved vector control, diagnostics, and safe vaccines are urgently needed, but limited investment from biotechnical companies hinders progress.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL DERMATOLOGY
(2022)