Human cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Santiago del Estero, Argentina: identification of parasites by monoclonal antibodies and isoenzymes

Abstract

Diagnostic and parasite characterization and identification studies were carried out in human patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions in Santiago del Estero, Northern Province of Argentina. Diagnostic procedures were biopsies of lesions for smears and inoculations in hamster, needle aspirations of material from ulcers for "in vitro" cultures. Immunodiagnostic techniques applied were IFAT-IgG and Montenegro skin test. Primary isolation of eight stocks of leishmanial parasites was achieved from patients with active lesions. All stocks were biologically characterized by their behaviour in hamster, measurements of amastigote and promastigotes and growth "in vitro". Eight stocks were characterized and identified at species level by their reactivity to a cross-panel of sub-genus and species-specific Monoclonal Antibodies through an Indirect Immunofluorescence technique and a Dot-ELISA. We conclude from the serodeme analysis of Argentina stocks that: stocks MHOM/AR/92/SE-1; SE-2; SE-4; SE-8; SE-8-I; SE-30; SE-34 and SE-36 are Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Three Leishmania stocks (SE-1; SE-2 and SE-30) did not react with one highly species-specific Monoclonal Antibody (Clone: B-18, Leishmania-(Viannia) braziliensis marker) disclosing two serodeme group patterns. Five out of eight soluble extracts of leishmanial promastigotes were electrophoresed on thin-layer starch gels and examined for the enzyme MPI, Mannose Phosphate Isomerase; MDH, Malate Dehydrogenase; 6PGD, 6 Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase; NH, Nucleoside Hydrolase, 2-deoxyinosine as substrate; SOD, Superoxide Dismutase; GPI, Glucose Phosphate Isomerase and ES, Esterase. From the isoenzyme studies we concluded that stocks: MHOM/AR/92/SE-1; SE-2; SE-4; SE-8 and SE-8-I are isoenzymatically Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. We need to analyze more enzymes before assigning them to a braziliensis zymodeme.

Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psycodidae) fauna in the Chaco region and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis transmission patterns in Argentina

“…This parasite was isolated from human ACL cases during ACL outbreaks in Argentina, from ACL cases in Santiago del Estero, and from Lu. neivai caught in Tucumán (Cuba-Cuba et al 1996, Segura et al 2000, Cordoba-Lanus et al 2005. Lu.…”

Characterization of human infection by Leishmania spp. in the Northwest of Argentina: immune response, double infection with Trypanosoma cruzi and species of Leishmania involved

“…There are a few studies that showed the presence of L. braziliensis in Argentina (Grimaldi, Tesh & McMahon-Pratt, 1989 ;Cuba Cuba et al 1996 ;Segura, Juan & Piquin, 2000) and Orán (Salta) was recorded as an endemic area for cutaneous leishmaniasis with an epidemic outbreak in 1985 (Salomon, Travi & Segura, 1995), but until now there are no extensive taxonomic studies of the implicated species in the area. Here we report the identification, by isoenzyme electrophoresis, of 20 Leishmania strains isolated from patients with cutaneous and mucocutaneous lesions, who sought medical attention in the province of Salta, in Northwest Argentina.…”

Assessment of Leishmaniasis notification system in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, 1990-1993.

“…Leishmania isolates from eight patients with CL ulcer from Santiago del Estero studied by biological and molecular methods were classified Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. 6 Leishmaniasis surveillance system. The leishmaniasis surveillance system is one of the activities of the Leishmaniasis Control Program, and has been in existence since 1987.…”