Venegas J, Rojas T, Díaz F
… +8 more, Miranda S, Jercic MI, González C, Coñoepán W, Pichuantes S, Rodríguez J, Gajardo M, Sánchez G
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22325822
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In order to obtain more information about the population structure of Chilean Trypanosoma cruzi, and their genetic relationship with other Latino American counterparts, we performed the study of T. cruzi samples detected...In order to obtain more information about the population structure of Chilean Trypanosoma cruzi, and their genetic relationship with other Latino American counterparts, we performed the study of T. cruzi samples detected in the midgut content of Triatoma infestans insects from three endemic regions of Chile. The genetic characteristics of these samples were analysed using microsatellite markers and PCR conditions that allow the detection of predominant T. cruzi clones directly in triatomine midgut content. Population genetic analyses using the Fisher's exact method, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and the determination of F(ST) showed that the northern T. cruzi population sample was genetically differentiated from the two southern population counterparts. Further analysis showed that the cause of this genetic differentiation was the asymmetrical distribution of TcIII T. cruzi predominant clones. Considering all triatomines from the three regions, the most frequent predominant lineages were TcIII (38%), followed by TcI (34%) and hybrid (8%). No TcII lineage was observed along the predominant T. cruzi clones. The best phylogenetic reconstruction using the shared allelic genetic distance was concordant with the population genetic analysis and tree topology previously described studying foreign samples. The correlation studies showed that the lineage TcIII from the III region was genetically differentiated from the other two, and this differentiation was correlated with geographical distance including Chilean and mainly Brazilian samples. It will be interesting to investigate whether this geographical structure may be related with different clinical manifestation of Chagas disease.
Mascarello M, Gobbi F, Angheben A
… +7 more, Gobbo M, Gaiera G, Pegoraro M, Lanzafame M, Buonfrate D, Concia E, Bisoffi Z
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22325821
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In patients with Strongyloides stercoralis infection, a dysregulation of host immunity can lead to hyperinfection syndrome (HS) and disseminated strongyloidiasis (DS), characterized by high fatality rate. HS has been rep...In patients with Strongyloides stercoralis infection, a dysregulation of host immunity can lead to hyperinfection syndrome (HS) and disseminated strongyloidiasis (DS), characterized by high fatality rate. HS has been reported in HIV-positive patients following use of corticosteroids or during immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). A retrospective study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of S. stercoralis infection among HIV-positive immigrants, attending two Italian hospitals. From January 2000 to August 2009, 138 HIV-positive immigrants were systematically screened for strongyloidiasis, as a part of their routine care, with an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) developed at the Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital of Negrar, Verona. The majority were also submitted to stool examination. Fifteen (11%) resulted infected by S. stercoralis, of whom four (27%) had a negative serology (diagnosis made with stool examination). A higher eosinophil count (0·94 versus 0·24×10(9)/l, P<0·01) and more frequent gastrointestinal and cutaneous symptoms (odds ratio: 4·8 and 5·8, respectively) were found in patients with strongyloidiasis compared with controls. The IFAT is more sensitive than direct parasitological methods. The proportion of false negative results was higher than expected based on the theoretical test sensitivity. Considering the high prevalence detected and the apparent, lower sensitivity of serology, we propose a systematic screening for Strongyloides infection, with both serology and stool culture, for all HIV-positive immigrants coming from endemic areas.
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22325820
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A total of 70 water samples, including tap, river, fountain and well water were collected in the Ordu province, Middle Black Sea, Turkey and investigated for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts. The samples were dir...A total of 70 water samples, including tap, river, fountain and well water were collected in the Ordu province, Middle Black Sea, Turkey and investigated for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts. The samples were directly screened microscopically for Cryptosporidium oocysts' detection by immunofluorescence test and subsequently DNA was extracted for the molecular detection by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eighteen out of the 70 (25·7%) water samples were found positive for Cryptosporidium spp. by immunofluorescence test and 19 (27·1%) were found positive by LAMP. Nested PCR products were not generated in any of the investigated water samples. A total of 16 randomly selected pellets were spiked with 10 Cryptosporidium oocysts to test the efficiency of the applied method. All the samples were found positive by LAMP for the presence of Cryptosporidium DNA, while the nested PCR assay was positive in only seven (43·75%) out of the 16 examined spiked samples. This is the first report on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium species in environmental and drinking water supplies in the Black Sea area.
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22325819
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Controlling malaria in pregnancy has been an important component of the millennium development goal and intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) is considered an important tool in controlling malaria among pregnant women....Controlling malaria in pregnancy has been an important component of the millennium development goal and intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) is considered an important tool in controlling malaria among pregnant women. In this study, we evaluated the level of compliance to IPT use as well as its effect on malaria infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in south eastern Nigeria. Peripheral blood smears and placental histology were used as diagnostic tools to determine infection rate. Our data show that compliance to IPT use was poor (33%) when compared with non-compliance (67%). Infection rate was significantly lower among IPT users (39%) than in non-users (71%) (X(2) = 39·95; P<0·05). Maternal anaemia was also lower in IPT users (4%) than in non-users (18%). Taken together, IPT use appears to be important in reducing infection rate and maternal anaemia. Therefore, its adoption is highly recommended and this could be improved through public enlightenment campaign and adequate funding.
Saravu K, Docherla M, Vasudev A
… +1 more, Shastry BA
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22325818
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BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia has been reported in the majority of malaria studies. Some but not all studies suggest the possible role of platelets in the pathology of severe malaria. We assess the association of admissio...BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia has been reported in the majority of malaria studies. Some but not all studies suggest the possible role of platelets in the pathology of severe malaria. We assess the association of admission platelet count with malaria complications and mortality in vivax and falciparum malaria. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study of patients aged 18 years and above admitted in a tertiary care teaching hospital from August 2004 to July 2006 in Manipal, India. Malaria was diagnosed based on clinical features along with positive Quantitative Buffy Coat method (QBC MP) or thin blood smear examination (Giemsa stain). Platelet counts were measured using Coulter LH 756 Analyser. Thrombocytopenia was defined as a platelet count <150×10(9)/l. RESULTS: A total of 131 consecutive patients were included. Sixty patients (46%) were infected with Plasmodium vivax and the rest with Plasmodium falciparum. Forty-six (35%) patients had non-severe and 24 (18%) had severe falciparum infection. The prevalence of thrombocytopenia was similar in vivax and falciparum malaria. Patients with severe falciparum malaria had a statistically significant lower platelet count (P = 0·01) compared to non-severe falciparum malaria. Severe malaria patients with renal failure (P = 0·02) or hyperparasitaemia (P = 0·03) had a statistically significant lower mean platelet count compared to non-severe falciparum malaria. Patients with involvement of more than one organ system had a lower mean platelet count compared to those with single organ involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of thrombocytopenia was similar in vivax and falciparum malaria. The admission platelet count is significantly lower in patients who have hyperparasitaemia and acute renal failure compared to patients without complications.
Hussain MM, Sohail M, Kumar R
… +3 more, Branch OH, Adak T, Raziuddin M
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22325817
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INTRODUCTION: The genetic make-up of malaria parasite is potent for understanding the parasite virulence, designing antimalarial vaccine and evaluating the impact of malaria control measures. There is a paucity of inform...INTRODUCTION: The genetic make-up of malaria parasite is potent for understanding the parasite virulence, designing antimalarial vaccine and evaluating the impact of malaria control measures. There is a paucity of information on genetic structure of Plasmodium falciparum in Jharkhand, India where malaria is rampant and this study aimed to establish molecular characterization of P. falciparum field isolates from Jharkhand measured with two highly polymorphic genetic markers, i.e. the merozoite surface proteins (MSPs) 1 and 2. METHODS: The genetic diversity of P. falciparum population from low transmission area, Ranchi, Bokaro and Hazaribagh and highly malarious area, Latehar and Palamau districts of Jharkhand were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction-sequencing analyzing msp-1 and msp-2 genes to explore the genetic structure of parasite from this understudied region. RESULTS: A total of 134 P. falciparum isolates were analyzed by polymorphic regions of msp-1 and msp-2 and classified according to prevalence of allelic families. The majority of patients from all the five sites had mean monoclonal infections of 67·1 and 60·4% of P. falciparum for msp-1 and msp-2, respectively, whereas, mean multiple genotypes of 32·8 and 39·5% for msp-1 and msp-2, respectively. Interestingly, we observed higher multiclonal infection in low transmission area as compared to highly malarious area in the case of msp-1 genotypes, whereas in msp-2 higher multiclonal infection was observed in highly malarious area compared to low transmission area. The overall multiplicities of infection of msp-1 and msp-2 were 1·38 and 1·39, respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on molecular characterization of P. falciparum field isolates from Jharkhand. The genetic diversity and allelic distribution found in this study is somewhat similar to other reports from India and Southeast Asian countries. However, P. falciparum infection can be highly complex and diverse in these disease-endemic regions of Jharkhand, suggesting continual genetic mixing that could have significant implications for the use of antimalarial drugs and vaccines.
Joseph H, Maiava F, Naseri T
… +3 more, Silva U, Lammie P, Melrose W
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22325816
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Ongoing transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF) was assessed in five Samoan villages by measuring microfilaraemia (Mf), circulating filarial antigen (CFA) and antibody prevalence. Compared to the other villages, Fasito...Ongoing transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF) was assessed in five Samoan villages by measuring microfilaraemia (Mf), circulating filarial antigen (CFA) and antibody prevalence. Compared to the other villages, Fasitoo-Tai had a significantly higher Mf prevalence (3·2%), CFA prevalence (14·6%) and antibody prevalence in children (62·0%) (P<0·05). Puapua had a significantly lower CFA prevalence (2·5%), no detectable Mf-positive individuals and significantly low antibody prevalence in children (7·9%) (P<0·05). Siufaga, previously believed to be LF-free, recorded >1% CFA prevalence and a high antibody prevalence in children (46·6%). Overall, antibody prevalence in children appeared to reflect the transmission dynamics in the villages and, in Siufaga, identified an area of ongoing transmission. The Filariasis Cellabs Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (CELISA), based on recombinant antigen Bm14, to detect antibodies, could potentially be a promising diagnostic tool for inclusion in future surveillance in the South Pacific.
Khademvatan S, Neisi N, Maraghi S
… +1 more, Saki J
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22325815
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BACKGROUND: The aim of present study was describing a real-time PCR assay for the diagnosis and direct identification of Leishmania species on Giemsa-stained slides in south-west of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Altogethe...BACKGROUND: The aim of present study was describing a real-time PCR assay for the diagnosis and direct identification of Leishmania species on Giemsa-stained slides in south-west of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Altogether, 102 Giemsa-stained slides were collected from different part of south-west of Iran between 2008 and 2011. All the Giemsa-stained slides were examined under light microscope. After DNA extraction, real-time PCR amplification and detection were conducted with fluorescent SYBR Green I. For identification, PCR products were analysed with melting curve analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and two archived slides from suspected lesion examined by microscopy and real-time PCR. The sensitivity of the real-time PCR on Giemsa-stained slid was 98% (96/102). The melting curve analysis (T(m)) were 88·3±0·2°C for L. tropica (MHOM/IR/02/Mash10), 86·5±0·2°C for L. major (MHOM/IR/75/ER) and 89·4±0·3°C for L. infantum (MCAN/IR/97/LON 49), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study is first report in use of real-time PCR for diagnosis and identification of Leishmania spp. in Iran. Up to now, in Iran, the majority of identification of Leishmania species is restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of ITS1 and kinetoplast DNA. Our data showed that Giemsa-stained slides that were stored more than 3 years, can be use for Leishmania DNA extraction and amplification by real-time PCR. Compared to conventional PCR-based methods, the real-time PCR is extremely rapid with results and more samples can be processed at one time.
Pedroso RB, Tonin LT, Ueda-Nakamura T
… +3 more, Dias Filho BP, Sarragiotto MH, Nakamura CV
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22325814
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Leishmaniasis has an overwhelming impact on global public health especially in tropical and subtropical countries and the currently available antileishmanial drugs have serious side effects and low efficacy. Natural and...Leishmaniasis has an overwhelming impact on global public health especially in tropical and subtropical countries and the currently available antileishmanial drugs have serious side effects and low efficacy. Natural and synthetic compounds have been tested in the past few years against Leishmania and the beta-carboline class of compounds have shown great results in antiparasitic chemotherapy. In the present study, three 1-substituted beta-carboline-3-carboxamides (3-5) and 1-substituted beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (2) were synthesized and screened for in vitro activity against L. amazonensis. Compound 5 (N-benzyl 1-(4-methoxy)phenyl-9H-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide) had the best activity against promastigote and axenic amastigote forms with IC(50) of 2·6 and 1·0 μM, respectively. Its CC(50) on macrophages cell line was higher than 2457·0 μM with an SI ratio of 930·2. Against intracellular amastigote forms, it had a dose-dependent relationship with a 50% growth inhibitory concentration of 1·0 μM. Through morphological and ultrastructure analysis of promastigote forms treated with compound 5, alterations on cell shape and number of flagella and nuclear membrane damage were observed. For this, compound 5 supports the idea for more in vitro and in vivo studies.
Evans D, McFarland D, Adamani W
… +7 more, Eigege A, Miri E, Schulz J, Pede E, Umbugadu C, Ogbu-Pearse P, Richards FO
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22325813
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Onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF), schistosomiasis and soil transmitted, helminthiasis (STH) are all co-endemic in Nigeria. Annual mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin (for onchocerciasis), albendazole...Onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF), schistosomiasis and soil transmitted, helminthiasis (STH) are all co-endemic in Nigeria. Annual mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin (for onchocerciasis), albendazole (for STH and with ivermectin for LF) and praziquantel (for schistosomiasis) is the WHO-recommended treatment strategy for preventive chemotherapy. Separate delivery rounds for distribution of these drugs have been the usual approach to MDA. All three drugs, however, have now been shown to be clinically and programmatically safe for co-administration with what has come to be known as triple drug administration (TDA). We examined the cost savings of converting from separate delivery rounds to TDA in two states in Nigeria. In 2008, eight local government areas received a single round of ivermectin with albendazole followed at least 1 week later by a single round of praziquantel to school-aged children. The following year, a single round was administered with TDA. The number of treated individuals was essentially unchanged during both years (1,301,864 in 2008 and 1,297,509 in 2009) and no change in adverse events was reported. The total programmatic costs for the MDA, not including drug and overhead costs, reduced by 41% from $123,624 to $72,870. Cost savings were limited in larger populations due to economies of scale. TDA is recommended for mature MDA.
Nonaka N, Nakamura S, Inoue T
… +6 more, Oku Y, Katakura K, Matsumoto J, Mathis A, Chembesofu M, Phiri IG
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Oct · PMID 22185947
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Faecal samples were collected from the rectum of 540 domestic dogs from four districts (Lusaka, Katete, Petauke and Luangwa) in Zambia between 2005 and 2006 and prevalences of canine alimentary tract parasites were deter...Faecal samples were collected from the rectum of 540 domestic dogs from four districts (Lusaka, Katete, Petauke and Luangwa) in Zambia between 2005 and 2006 and prevalences of canine alimentary tract parasites were determined by coprological examination. Thirteen different ova and parasites including strongyle (43.3%), Spirocerca lupi (18.7%), taeniid (13.1%), Toxocara canis (7.6%), Sarcocystis sp.* (7.5%), Isospora sp.* (5.7%), Physaloptera sp.* (4.6%), Capillaria sp.* (2.8%), Dipylidium caninum (2.2%), Mesocestoides sp.* (2.0%), Ascaris sp.* (1.7%), Trichuris vulpis* (0.4%) and Schistosoma mansoni* (0.4%) were detected, Ascaris and Schistosoma probably originating from coprophagy. The species with asterisks and later-described Taenia multiceps are for the first time reported from dogs in Zambia. A coproantigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CoproAg-ELISA) developed for Echinococcus spp. revealed 43 positive dogs and 37 of these harboured taeniid eggs. From 63 of the 71 taeniid egg-positive samples, eggs and DNA thereof were isolated and subjected to a multiplex polymerase chain reaction for differentiating E. granulosus sensu lato, E. multilocularis and Taenia spp. Amplicons indicative for Taenia spp. were obtained from 60 samples. Sequencing of amplicons spanning part of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene, which was possible with 38 samples, revealed 35 infections with T. hydatigena and 3 with T. multiceps. Therefore, the CoproAg-ELISA showed some positives, but concrete evidence for the existence of canine E. granulosus infection could not be established. Comparison of the results of the CoproAg-ELISA and Taenia species identification indicated that the CoproAg-ELISA cross-reacts with patent infections of T. hydatigena (57%) and T. multiceps (33%).
Chang'a JS, Robertson LJ, Mtambo MM
… +3 more, Mdegela RH, Løken T, Reksen O
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Oct · PMID 22185946
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A study was undertaken to investigate Cryptosporidium infection in crossbreed dairy calves in two districts in Tanzania. A total of 943 fecal samples from 601 dairy calves were included in the study, with calves from bot...A study was undertaken to investigate Cryptosporidium infection in crossbreed dairy calves in two districts in Tanzania. A total of 943 fecal samples from 601 dairy calves were included in the study, with calves from both smallholder dairy farms and from large-scale and medium-scale dairy farms. The modified Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) technique was used to examine 710 samples, and 13 of these were considered to be positive for Cryptosporidium. These 13 samples considered positive by mZN, along with the remaining 233 samples, were analysed by immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Of these 246 samples examined by IFAT, 15 samples, 10 of which were considered positive by mZN, were also examined by the auramine phenol technique, and 5 samples, all of which were considered positive by mZN, were analysed by PCR. The results from the IFAT, auramine phenol and PCR analyses demonstrated that none of the samples contained Cryptosporidium oocysts, indicating that, cryptosporidiosis is currently not a problem in dairy calves in these regions of Tanzania. These unexpected results are discussed with respect to other reports on cryptosporidiosis in calves that suggest that this parasite is a serious calf disease globally, and particularly in relation to studies from Tanzania. We suggest that results from studies of cattle in Tanzania, in which mZN has been used as the sole analytical method, should be treated with caution.
Ashtiani MT, Monajemzadeh M, Saghi B
… +6 more, Shams S, Mortazavi SH, Khaki S, Mohseni N, Kashi L, Nikmanesh B
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Oct · PMID 22185945
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Epidemiological studies show that parasitic inections are among the most common infections and one of the biggest health problems of the society worldwide. Children at school age have the highest morbidity compared with...Epidemiological studies show that parasitic inections are among the most common infections and one of the biggest health problems of the society worldwide. Children at school age have the highest morbidity compared with other ages. Therefore, by treating these children, the disease burden in the total population is reduced. In this study, prevalence of parasitic infection in children referred to Children's Medical Center was compared in different years. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the subjects were children under 13 years who were referred to Children's Medical Center Laboratory during 18 years (1991-2008) and underwent stool exam by any reason. The specimens were evaluated by different common methods of stool parasitology. In suspected cases, parasites was cultured in specific medium and stained as needed. Required data were obtained from the laboratory files and analysed according to study's purpose. Subjects were 124 366 children. Among them, 0.78% of cases had parasitic infections and 60.54% cases were male. Parasitic infections were related to protozoa in 95.33% cases and intestinal worms in 4.87%. Of them, 50.352% were pathogenic protozoa. The most parasitic infection was Giardia lamblia. Among intestinal worms, the highest prevalence was related to Hymenolepis nana (40.7%). A comparison between the first 10 years and the next 8 years of the study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasites were 8% and 1% (P < 0.001) and the rate for protozoal infection were 14.9% and 4.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was reduced during recent years; however, more attempts should be performed to make it lower.
Rizvi M, Azam M, Ajmal MR
… +2 more, Shukla I, Malik A
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Oct · PMID 22185944
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To study the prevalence of leptospira in acute hepatitis syndrome and to assess interleukin (IL)-8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels in the pathogenesis of hepatitis due to leptospiral infection. Two hundred...To study the prevalence of leptospira in acute hepatitis syndrome and to assess interleukin (IL)-8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels in the pathogenesis of hepatitis due to leptospiral infection. Two hundred and forty-seven consecutive cases with symptoms of acute hepatitis and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study and detailed clinical history was elicited from them. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for HAV, HBV, HCV and HEV were performed to rule out common viral aetiology of hepatitis. IgM antibodies to leptospira were detected by ELISA. IL-8 and TNF-alpha levels were estimated in leptospira-positive cases and healthy controls by ELISA. Out of 247 cases of acute hepatitis, 46 (18.62%) were observed to be positive for IgM antibodies for leptospira. The mean age of these patients was 31.99 ± 0.28 years (25 males and 21 females; M/F ratio: 1.19:1). The mean ALT, AST and ASP were raised in the majority of patients. IL-8 was found to be elevated (130.81 pg/ml) in a large majority of cases 41/46, 89.1% (P < 0.001). Patients with more severe symptoms were associated with higher levels of IL-8. One mortality was observed due to leptospira. Unpredictably, TNF-alpha level was largely suppressed (45.63 pg/ml) in most of the leptospira-positive patients in comparison with healthy controls. Leptospira-induced hepatitis should be actively looked for in patients negative for A-E viral hepatitis. IL-8 appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of leptospiral hepatitis. High TNF-alpha should alert clinicians for aggressive in hospital management of patients.
Boudebouch N, Sarih M, Beaucournu JC
… +4 more, Amarouch H, Hassar M, Raoult D, Parola P
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Oct · PMID 22185943
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A total of 554 fleas were collected in the Moroccan Casablanca and Tiznit regions from domesticated animals and ruminants between August 2007 and October 2008 and were tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. and Barto...A total of 554 fleas were collected in the Moroccan Casablanca and Tiznit regions from domesticated animals and ruminants between August 2007 and October 2008 and were tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. using molecular methods. For the first time in Morocco, we found Rickettsia felis, the agent of flea-borne spotted fever in Ctenocephalides felis; B. henselae, an agent of cat scratch disease; and Bartonella clarridgeiae, a cat pathogen and potentially a human pathogen.
Davami MH, Motazedian MH, Kalantari M
… +3 more, Asgari Q, Badzohre A, Mohammadpour I
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Oct · PMID 22185942
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Zoonotoc cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in several parts of Iran. Jahrom district is one of the most important endemic foci of leishmaniasis located in Fars province, southern Iran. To identify the vectors of leishma...Zoonotoc cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in several parts of Iran. Jahrom district is one of the most important endemic foci of leishmaniasis located in Fars province, southern Iran. To identify the vectors of leishmaniasis in this area, a total of 349 sandflies were collected during May to August 2009. They were caught from outdoors in five regions of Jahrom district including villages of Mousavieh, Ghotb-Abad, Heydar-Abad, Fath-Abad and Jahrom County. Eleven species of Phlebotomine (three Phlebotomus spp. and eight Sergentomyia spp.) were detected. To determine the sandflies naturally infected by Leishmania spp., 122 female sandflies were dissected and evaluated microscopically using Giemsa-stained slides. Natural infection of 2 out of 38 (5.26%) P. papatasi and 1 out of 8 (12.5%) P. salehi to Leishmania major was confirmed in the region. Sequencing and nested polymerase chain reaction-based detection of Leishmania were carried out to confirm the microscopic findings. Five (13.16%) P. papatasi and two (25%) P. salehi were positive in nested polymerase chain reaction assay. All positive samples were shown 72-76% similarity with L. major Friedlin. On the basis of our knowledge, this is the first molecular detection of L. major within naturally infected P. salehi in this region in southern Iran.
Bertol CD, Oliveira PR, Kuminek G
… +3 more, Rauber GS, Stulzer HK, Silva MA
Ann Trop Med Parasitol
· 2011 Oct · PMID 22185941
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Primaquine (PQ) is used for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria and can cause serious side effects in some individuals. The development of an extended-release dosage with poly(ethylene oxide) as a hydrophilic po...Primaquine (PQ) is used for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria and can cause serious side effects in some individuals. The development of an extended-release dosage with poly(ethylene oxide) as a hydrophilic polymer has been investigated to improve drug efficacy and tolerability. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo a new extended-release formulation of PQ (60 mg). The formulation was administered to beagle dogs and plasma PQ concentrations were compared to a conventional immediate-release formulation of PQ (60 mg). The evaluation was carried out using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method using solid-phase extraction. Total PQ exposure in beagle dogs was 2.2 times higher (area under curve of 12 193 versus 5678 ng h/ml) and the elimination half-life of PQ was a 19-fold greater (12.95 hours versus 0.68 hours) with the extended-release tablets compared with the immediate-release tablets. These findings suggest that the extended-release formulation of PQ merits further evaluation for the treatment of P. vivax malaria and/or chemoprophylaxis.