A conceptual model for understanding the zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission risk in the Moroccan pre-Saharan area

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The AuthorsLeishmanioses are of public health concern in Morocco, mainly the Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) endemic in the Moroccan pre-Saharian area. Transmission of this disease depends on eco-epidemiological and socio-economic conditions. Therefore, a multivariable approach is required to delineate the risk and intensity of transmission. This will help outline main disease risk factors and understand interactions between all underlying factors acting on disease transmission at a local and regional scale. In this context, we propose a new conceptual model, the Biophysical-Drivers-Response-Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (BDRZCL), adapted to the Pre-Saharian area. The proposed model highlights how the physical and human drivers affect the environment and human health. The incidence of ZCL is linked to human activity and biophysical changes or by their interactions. The human response added to risk drivers are the main components that influence the biophysical part. This model improves our understanding of the cause-effect interactions and helps decision-makers and stakeholders react appropriately.publishersversionpublishe

A systematic review and global analysis of the seasonal activity of Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) sergenti, the primary vectors of L. tropica.

BackgroundPhlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) sergenti is a widespread proven vector of Leishmania pathogens causing anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), due to L. tropica, in the old world. The activity of P. (Par.) sergenti is seasonal and sensitive to general variations in climate. Phenological data sets can thus provide a baseline for continuing investigations on P. (Par.) sergenti population dynamics that may impact future leishmaniasis transmission and control scenarios.Methods/principal findingA systematic review of the seasonality of P. (Par.) sergenti was undertaken globally. Six hundred eight scientific papers were identified, and data were extracted from 35 ones, with informative data on sand fly seasonal dynamics on trapping performed from 1992 to December 2021 on 63 sites from 12 countries. Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus, and Georgia. The data extracted from the literature survey were further normalized. Our analysis recorded that the highest P.(Par.) sergenti activity occurs during the hot and dry seasons, primarily in July and August, whatever the location studied. We noticed a relationship between the latitude of sites and sand fly presence (from early April to June) and the type of density trend, varying from a single peak to multiple peaks. On a geographical scale, P. (Par.) sergenti concentrates between 32-37° in latitude in a large interval following the longitude and the highest number of sites with high P. (Par.) sergenti activity is located at the latitude 32°. We also quoted a similar seasonal dynamic and geographic distribution with Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi, a proven vector of L. major that causes cutaneous infection. No apparent risk for ACL occurred from December to March, at least in the years and geographic areas considered in this survey. Altogether, knowing that high P. (Par.) sergenti activity would be linked with an increased risk of leishmaniasis transmission, and our study provides information that can be used for control programs on ACL transmission.ConclusionsDespite variations, we found a relatively homogeneous pattern of P. (Par.) sergenti potential behavior in sites whose data are published. A higher risk for L. tropica transmission was identified in the June-October period. Still, such risk was not equally distributed throughout the area since density waves of adults occurred earlier and were more frequent in some territories, like Saudi Arabia

Seasonal Patterns of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by L. major and Transmitted by Phlebotomus papatasi in the North Africa Region, a Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

Background: In North African countries, zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is a seasonal disease linked to Phlebotomus papatasi, Scopoli, 1786, the primary proven vector of L. major dynamics. Even if the disease is of public health importance, studies of P. papatasi seasonal dynamics are often local and dispersed in space and time. Therefore, a detailed picture of the biology and behavior of the vector linked with climatic factors and the framework of ZCL outbreaks is still lacking at the North African countries’ level. Our study aims to fill this gap via a systematic review and meta-analysis of the seasonal incidence of ZCL and the activity of P. papatasi in North African countries. We address the relationship between the seasonal number of declared ZCL cases, the seasonal dynamic of P. papatasi, and climatic variables at the North African region scale. Methods: We selected 585 publications, dissertations, and archives data published from 1990 to July 2022. The monthly incidence data of ZCL were extracted from 15 documents and those on the seasonal dynamic of P. papatasi from 11 publications from four North African countries. Results: Our analysis disclosed that for most studied sites, the highest ZCL incidence is recorded from October to February (the hibernal season of the vector), while the P. papatasi density peaks primarily during the hot season of June to September. Overall, at the North African region scale, two to four months laps are present before the apparition of the scars reminiscent of infection by L. major. Conclusions: Such analysis is of interest to regional decision-makers for planning control of ZCL in North African countries. They can also be a rationale on which future field studies combining ZCL disease incidence, vector activity, and climatic data can be built

HPLC-ESI-MS and GC-EI-MS Identification and Quantitation of Polyphenolics and Alkaloids in Moroccan Jujube Honeys

The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical content of Moroccan Jujube Honey and to establish the principal components of this staple Moroccan food, which contributes health benefit for the local population. Total phytochemical compounds as determined by analytical HPLC-ESI-MS in the honey extracts were 29.39±5.21 mg/kg (range 16.64–42.16) wet weight. The individual phytochemical compounds definitively identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS in the Jujube honeys were the alkaloids: (I) 4-hydroxyquinoline glucoside, (II) 4-hydroxyquinoline and (V) kynurenic acid (17.66±0.87 mg/kg), and the phenolic compounds: (III) p-hydroxybenzoic acid, (IV) caffeic acid and (VI) methyl syringate (11.73±0.50 mg/kg). The structures were confirmed by GC-EI-MS apart from 4-hydroxyquinoline-glucoside. The major components were methyl syringate (8.34±2.49 mg/kg), 4-hydroxyquinoline (6.61±3.23 mg/kg) and kynurenic acid (6.56±0.97 mg/kg). The mean content of polyphenolic compounds (11.73±0.50 mg/kg) of Moroccan Jujube honeys compared favorably with those described for six Chinese Jujube honeys (2.49 mg/kg), five commercial Jujube honeys from different countries (0.92 mg/kg) and twelve Jujube honeys from Yemen (25.71 mg/kg). Reference studies did not identify alkaloids as components of Jujube honey, and therefore the phytochemical profile of Moroccan Jujube honey appears to be unique

The seasonal density of <i>P</i>. <i>(Par</i>.<i>) sergenti</i> (normalized values) was extracted from data collected for Iran.

The seasonal density of P. (Par.) sergenti (normalized values) was extracted from data collected for Iran.</p

<i>P</i>. <i>(Par</i>.<i>) sergenti</i> seasonal activity according to (a) Altitude- Latitude and (b), Altitude-Longitude.

P. (Par.) sergenti seasonal activity according to (a) Altitude- Latitude and (b), Altitude-Longitude.</p

Summary of the information gathered on the spatiotemporal distribution of <i>P</i>. <i>(Par</i>.<i>) sergenti</i> in Morocco, Turkey, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Georgia, and Cyprus.

Summary of the information gathered on the spatiotemporal distribution of P. (Par.) sergenti in Morocco, Turkey, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Georgia, and Cyprus.</p

Cumulative normalized seasonal density of <i>P</i>. <i>(Par</i>.<i>) sergenti</i> in the 12 countries included in the study.

Normalized densities were pooled from the 63 locations in 12 countries collected in various habitats (indoor-outdoor) using a panel of trapping methods (Light, sticky, or CO2 traps, aspirator…) (A) Normalized densities were pooled from 10 locations in countries (Morocco, Pakistan, Iran, and Georgia) indoor habitat and 9 locations in 3 countries (Morocco, Pakistan, Iran) for outdoor habitat; (B) Mixed data (Indoor and outdoor) of the 63 locations.</p