Detection of Leishmania spp. (Trypanosomatidae) and bloodmeal identification in sandflies from a new focus of leishmaniasis in the Colombian Caribbean
Description
Background: Although the visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic disease in the Colombian Caribbean, an increase in its distribution area has been observed in the last years, including reports of cases in new locations. Objetives: In this study, we characterized sandflies, parasites from the Leishmania genus, and some domestic vertebrates associated with the first case of VL in the rural settlement of Toro, San Juan Nepomuceno, Bolívar, Colombia. Methodology: The sandflies were subjected to DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing for detection of Leishmania spp. infection, and identification of bloodmeals. Additionally, we determined anti-Leishmania antibody titres in canines by the indirect immunofluorescence assay technique. Results: A total of 2178 sandflies were collected, of which 99.6% were identified as Lutzomyia evansi. Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis were the parasites detected in this sandfly species, with a minimum infection rate of 0.003% (3/1070), and 0.0009% (1/1070), respectively. Regarding bloodmeals, 16.73% of the Lu. evansi females had fed on Homo sapiens sapiens, 16,32% on Capra hircus, 12.45% on Sus scrofa domesticus, 11.63% on Bos indicus, and 9.79% on Canis familiaris. One of the serologically assessed canines was positive for canine leishmaniasis. Conclusion: The detection of mixed bloodmeals from humans and canines in Lu. evansi evidences the epidemiological link among sandflies infected with the parasite, potential reservoirs, and human population. This would explain the appearance of the first VL case in this locality of the Colombian Caribbean
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The sandflies were subjected to DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing for detection of Leishmania spp. infection, and identification of bloodmeals. Additionally, we determined anti-Leishmania antibody titres in canines by the indirect immunofluorescence assay technique