Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Ethiopia

Aklilu, Esayas; Yared, Solomon; Gebresilassie, Araya; Legesse, Behailu; Hailu, Asrat

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14344

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 62 publications

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“…There are areas in the mid-highlands in northwest Ethiopia from where both CL and VL patients present in the treatment centers (previous unpublished study records). Phlebotomus orientalis , the vector for L. donovani in the lowlands, also occurs at altitudes up to 2000 m [ 33 – 35 ]. In such areas, coexistence of the two Leishmania species and the presence of the P. orientalis could lead to inter-species hybridization in the gut of the vector [ 36 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First report of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in Ethiopia

Amare,

Mekonnen,

Kassa

et al. 2023

Parasites Vectors

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Background Leishmaniasis is a common neglected tropical disease in Ethiopia. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania donovani presents in the lowlands, while cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) affects people living in the highlands. Although CL is described as being caused by Leishmania aethiopica, there is also evidence of L. tropica and L. major isolated from a patient, sand flies and potential reservoirs. Information on species causing CL in Ethiopia is patchy, and no nation-wide study has ever been done. Understanding which species are causing CL in Ethiopia can have important implications for patient management and disease prevention. Methods We analyzed stored routine samples and biobanked DNA isolates from previously conducted studies of CL patients from different centers in the north, center and south of Ethiopia. Species typing was performed using ITS-1 PCR with high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis, followed by HSP70 amplicon sequencing on a selection of the samples. Additionally, sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data of patients were analyzed. Results Of the 226 CL samples collected, the Leishmania species could be determined for 105 (45.5%). Leishmania aethiopica was identified in 101 (96.2%) samples from across the country. In four samples originating from Amhara region, northwestern Ethiopia, L. donovani was identified by ITS-1 HRM PCR, of which two were confirmed with HSP70 sequences. While none of these four patients had symptoms of VL, two originated from known VL endemic areas. Conclusions The majority of CL was caused by L. aethiopica, but CL due to L. tropica and L. major cannot be ruled out. Our study is the first to our knowledge to demonstrate CL patients caused by L. donovani in Ethiopia. This should spark future research to investigate where, how and to which extent such transmission takes place, how it differs genetically from L. donovani causing VL and whether such patients can be diagnosed and treated successfully with the currently available tools and drugs. Graphical Abstract

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First report of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in Ethiopia

Amare,

Mekonnen,

Kassa

et al. 2023

Parasites Vectors

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“…There are areas in the mid-highlands in northwest Ethiopia from where both CL and VL patients present in the treatment centers (previous unpublished study records). Phlebotomus orientalis, the vector for L. donovani in the lowlands, also occurs at altitudes up to 2000 m [33][34][35]. In such areas, coexistence of the two Leishmania species and the presence of the P. orientalis could lead to inter-species hybridization in the gut of the vector [36].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First report of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in Ethiopia

Amare,

Mekonnen,

Kassa

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background Leishmaniasis is a common neglected tropical disease in Ethiopia. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania donovani presents in the lowlands, while cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) affects people living in the highlands. Although CL is described to be caused by L. aethiopica, there is also evidence of L. tropica and L. major isolated from a patient, sand flies and potential reservoirs. Information on species causing CL in Ethiopia is patchy and no nation-wide study has ever been done. Understanding which species are causing CL in Ethiopia can have important implications for patient management and disease prevention. Methods We analyzed stored routine samples and biobanked DNA isolates from previously conducted studies of CL patients from different centers in the north, center and south of Ethiopia. Species typing was performed using ITS-1 PCR with high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis, followed by HSP70 amplicon sequencing on a selection of the samples. Additionally, socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data of patients were analyzed. Results Of the 226 CL samples collected, the Leishmania species could be determined for 105 (45.5%). Leishmania aethiopica was identified in 101 (96.2%) samples from across the country. In four samples originating from Amhara region, northwestern Ethiopia, L. donovani was identified by ITS-1 HRM PCR, of which two were confirmed with HSP70 sequences. While none of these four patients had symptoms of VL, two originated from known VL endemic areas. Conclusions The majority of CL was caused by L. aethiopica, but CL due to L. tropica and L. major cannot be ruled out. Our study is the first to demonstrate CL patients caused by L. donovani in Ethiopia. This should spark future research to investigate where, how and to which extent such transmission takes place, how it differs genetically from L. donovani causing VL and whether such patients can be diagnosed and treated successfully with the currently available tools and drugs.

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“…So far, 65 species of sand fly belonging to the genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia have been identified in Ethiopia [ 15 ]. Of these, the incriminated vectors of VL from which parasites were detected include P. martini , P. celiae , and P. orientalis for L. donovani from the south, south-west, and northern foci [ 16 – 18 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sero-prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis and its associated factors among asymptomatic individuals visiting Denan health center, southeastern Ethiopia

Ahmed

Yared

Dugassa

et al. 2023

Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines

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Background In the Somali region of Ethiopia, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health concern. However, VL epidemiology and sand fly vectors have not been well studied in various areas of the regional state, including Denan district. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the sero-prevalence, associated factors, and distribution of sand fly vectors of VL in Denan district, south-eastern Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September 2021 among VL patients with classic signs and symptoms visiting Denan Health Center in south-eastern Ethiopia. Using a convenience sampling method, 187 blood samples were collected from individuals who visited Denan Health Center during the study period. Blood samples were subjected to Direct Agglutination Test for the detection of antibodies to VL. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was also used to gather information on risk factors and other characteristics of knowledge and attitude assessment. Sand flies were also collected from indoor, peri-domestic, mixed forest, and termite mounds using light and sticky traps to determine the fauna and abundance. Results The overall sero-prevalence rate was 9.63% (18/187). The sero-prevalence was significantly associated with outdoor sleeping (OR = 2.82), the presence of damp floors (OR = 7.76), and sleeping outdoor near animals (OR = 3.22). Around 53.48% of the study participants had previously heard about VL. Study participants practiced different VL control methods, including bed nets (42%), insecticide spraying (32%), smoking plant parts (14%), and environmental cleaning (8%). In total, 823 sand fly specimens, comprising 12 species in two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia), were trapped and identified. The most abundant species was Sergentomyia clydei (50.18%), followed by Phlebotomus orientalis (11.42%). Also, a higher proportion of P. orientalis was found in termite mounds (65.43%), followed by mixed forest (37.8%) and peri-domestic (20.83%) habitats. Conclusion The study demonstrated a 9.63% sero-positivity of VL and a remarkable gap in knowledge, attitude, and practices towards VL. P. orientalis was also detected, which could be a probable vector in this area. Thus, public education should be prioritized to improve the community’s awareness of VL and its public health impact. In addition, detailed epidemiological and entomological studies are recommended.

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Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Ethiopia

Cited by 4 publications

References 62 publications

First report of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in Ethiopia

First report of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in Ethiopia

First report of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in Ethiopia

Sero-prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis and its associated factors among asymptomatic individuals visiting Denan health center, southeastern Ethiopia

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