Spread of Vector-borne Diseases and Neglect of Leishmaniasis, Europe

Exotic vector-borne diseases are gaining attention at the expense of leishmaniasis

Harmonized clinical trial methodologies for localized cutaneous leishmaniasis and potential for extensive network with capacities for clinical evaluation

International audienceINTRODUCTION: Progress with the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been hampered by inconsistent methodologies used to assess treatment effects. A sizable number of trials conducted over the years has generated only weak evidence backing current treatment recommendations, as shown by systematic reviews on old-world and new-world CL (OWCL and NWCL).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a previously published guidance paper on CL treatment trial methodology as the reference, consensus was sought on key parameters including core eligibility and outcome measures, among OWCL (7 countries, 10 trial sites) and NWCL (7 countries, 11 trial sites) during two separate meetings.RESULTS: Findings and level of consensus within and between OWCL and NWCL sites are presented and discussed. In addition, CL trial site characteristics and capacities are summarized.CONCLUSIONS: The consensus reached allows standardization of future clinical research across OWCL and NWCL sites. We encourage CL researchers to adopt and adapt as required the proposed parameters and outcomes in their future trials and provide feedback on their experience. The expertise afforded between the two sets of clinical sites provides the basis for a powerful consortium with potential for extensive, standardized assessment of interventions for CL and faster approval of candidate treatments

The infections transmitted by Sand flies in Turkey

WOS: 000334986400013Vector-borne diseases are a group of infections transmitted by the bite of arthropod species such as mosquitoes, ticks and sand flies infected with a pathological agent. Certain species of Phlebotomine sand flies can transmit protozoon parasite Leishmania, a bacteria Bartonella and a group of viruses called phleboviruses worldwide. Two clinical forms of leishmaniasis in human, visceral and cutaneous, and canine leishmaniasis are seen in Turkey. Several phleboviruses and a particular Turkish strain are circulating in certain endemic areas of Turkey. Among 22 species of sand flies recorded in Turkey, 7 are proven or suspected vectors of human leishmaniases and phlebovirus infections. Here, sand fly-borne infections are seen in Turkey, leishmaniases and sand fly fever were briefly reviewed

Insecticide Susceptibility Status of Wild-Caught Sand Fly Populations Collected from Two Leishmaniasis Endemic Areas in Western Turkey

WOS: 000399725900010PubMed ID: 29026855Background: In Turkey, vector control programs are mainly based on indoor residual spraying with pyrethroids against mosquitoes. No special control program is available for sand flies. Most insecticide susceptibility tests were done for mosquitoes but not for sand flies. We therefore aimed to determine the insecticide susceptibility against two commonly used insecticides; deltamethrin and permethrin, on wild-caught sand fly populations collected in two geographically separated leishmaniasis endemic areas. Methods: Insecticide susceptibility of wild-caught sand flies to deltamethrin (0.05%) and permethrin (0.75%) using ready-to use impregnated insecticide papers of WHO was investigated in 2010 based on knockdown time using standard WHO tube-test kit and procedures. Sand flies used in this study were collected from villages of Aydin (Bascayir) and Mugla (Tepecik). Results: The resistance and early resistance were detected on the sand fly population from Mugla province against deltamethrin and permethrin, respectively. However, populations from Aydin Province were sensitive to both insecticides. Conclusion: The resistance against deltamethrin and permethrin was detected on sand fly population in Mugla Province where both insecticides have been applied for long time while no resistance was found in the insecticide free area, Aydin Province. These findings can be an indicator for showing the ability for developing the insecticide resistance in sand flies. Because of the presence and dominancy of vector sand fly species of Leishmania infantum (Phlebotomus neglectus, P. tobbi) in both study areas, the systematic monitoring for resistance of sand fly populations and more attention are needed by the authorities involved in control programs for sand fly-borne diseases

Faunistic Study of Sand Flies in Northern Cyprus

WOS: 000286358100001A faunistic study of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) sand flies was carried out in northern Cyprus. A total of 12,517 sand flies (3,285 males and 9,232 females) was collected from 20 different localities in July and September 2004. Nine species belonging to genus Phlebotomus and 3 species of genus Sergentomyia were identified. Of these, the presence of the species Phlebotomus neglectus Tonnoir was reported for the first time in Cyprus, while P. jacusieli Theodor, P. kyreniae Theodor and P. economidesi Leger, Depaquit & Ferte were reported from the island for only the second time. However, P. mascitlii Grassi which was previously reported from southern Cyprus was not found in this study. The most abundant species for the overall northern Cyprus were P. galilaeus Theodor (60.88%), P. papatasi Scopoli (15.67%) and P. tobbi Adler & Theodor (12.47%). These three species account for 89.02% of all sand flies collected in this survey. Because of the previously reported parasitic diseases such as human and canine visceral leishmaniasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis and viral diseases such as sand fly fever, the distribution of the sand fly species belonging to genus Phlebotomus found in northern Cyprus and their vectorial status were discussed and the results were compared with previous reports