Molecular tools are used increasingly for descriptive epidemiological studies in different Mediterranean foci of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases. Several molecular markers with different resolution levels have been developed to address key epidemiological questions related to the (re-)emergence and spread of leishmaniases, as well as its risk factors: environmental changes, immunosuppression and treatment failure. Typing and analytical tools are improving but are not yet addressing all epidemiological issues satisfactorily. There is an urgent need for better cooperation between laboratory scientists and epidemiologists and for regional epidemiological surveillance of these infectious diseases that affect all Mediterranean countries.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2007.12.006 | DOI Listing |
Turkiye Parazitol Derg
January 2025
Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Türkiye.
Objective: Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is an important veterinary and public health problem in Mediterranean countries. Although CanL and vector sandflies are widespread in the study area, there are no standardized diagnostic and treatment methods followed by private clinics. This study aimed to survey (i) the treatment, diagnosis, and control measures preferred by veterinarians, (ii) compare the differences in the first-step diagnostic tests applied, and (iii) identify differences in the guidance for CanL.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVet Res Commun
January 2025
René Rachou Institute - Osvaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Feline leishmaniasis is increasingly recognized as a disease affecting cats worldwide, with notable prevalence in regions surrounding the Mediterranean Basin and in Brazil. An approximately one-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with small papules and nodules (2 mm) on the nasal planum. Physical examination and routine blood analyses were normal.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS Negl Trop Dis
December 2024
Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious parasitic disease caused by the species Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, Central Asia, South America, and Central America, and Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani in Asia and Africa. VL represents the most severe and systemic form of the disease and is fatal if left untreated. Vaccines based on chimeric or multiepitope antigens hold significant potential to induce a highly effective and long-lasting immune response against infections by these parasites.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFParasit Vectors
December 2024
College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Background: Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is the most severe form of human leishmaniosis, with an estimated 95% case fatality if left untreated. Dogs act as peridomestic reservoir hosts for the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, a causative agent for human leishmaniosis, endemic throughout the Mediterranean basin. To assure consistent and accurate surveillance of canine infection and prevent transmission to people, consistent diagnosis of canine L.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS Negl Trop Dis
December 2024
Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology and Experimental Pathology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
Background: Cutaneous Leishmaniases (CL), highly endemic in Africa and Mediterranean region, are caused by different Leishmania parasite species. Accurate species identification is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and control of these diseases, but traditionally relies on DNA-based methods. High Resolution Melting analysis PCR (HRM PCR) provides rapid results and precise differentiation based on nucleotide variations.
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