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Sat Feb 18 11:22:33 BRST 2006

observed in young soldiers at Niamey, Niger. All the patients had spent 
some time at Tin-Galene, in AÃ¯r mountains, Northern Niger where they 
had been apparently contaminated. One patient was also infected with 
Salmonella and an other with Mycobacterium, but none of the six was 
positive for HIV. The 6 cases have been confirmed by the presence of 
Leishmania in the sternum bone-marrow. Four patients recovered after a 
treatment with Glucantime; two died because the treatment was too late. 
In Niger, Kala-azar prevalence is probably much higher than estimated 
previously. So far all the cases described or suspected were in the 
Saharan mountains of AÃ¯r. The strains have not been typed and it is not
 possible to state if it is L. infantum or L. donovani. The vector of 
the two species Ph. orientalis and Ph. alexandri are known to occur in 
the area.

PMID: 9264754

TITLE: [Description of Phlebotomus (Synphlebotomus) saltiae n. sp.
(Diptera-Psychodidae) of Lebanon]

AUTHORS: N LÃ©ger, N Haddad, A Chaker

AFFILIATION: FacultÃ© de pharmacie de Reims.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1997  90(1):55-8

Description of the male holotype and of the female of phlebotomus (
Synphlebotomus) saltiae n. sp.. Morphological comparison with other 
Synphlebotomus previously described. Hypothesis on the origin of the 
species and its vectorial status in leishmaniasis.

PMID: 9053047

TITLE: [Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases in the north. Retrospective study
of cases diagnosed in the Rabta Hospital of Tunis]

AUTHORS: S Belhadj, Z Djaiet-Baraket, B Jemli, A Benosman, E Chaker

AFFILIATION: Laboratoire de parasitologie, hÃ´pital La Rabta, Tunis.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1996  89(4):269-73

The authors report a retrospective study of 50 cases of infantile 
visceral Leishmaniasis (April 1994-April 1995), and 53 cases of sporadic
 cutaneous Leishmaniasis of north-Tunisia (August 1990-July 1994), 
diagnosed in parasitology laboratory of Rabta hospital. They insist on 
the recrudescence and the extension of the distribution geographical 
area of these two clinical forms of human leishmaniasis observed in 
Tunisia.

PMID: 9053048

TITLE: [Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the urban area of Sanliurfa (Turkey)]

AUTHORS: P F Le Pont, Y Bayazit, M Konyar, H Demirhindi

AFFILIATION: DÃ©partment SantÃ©, ORSTOM, Paris.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1996  89(4):274-5

In the leishmaniasis focus of Sanliurfa, south-east Turquey, 
phlebotomine sandflies catches in houses and stables seem to confirm the
 parasitological data with an urban cycle due to Leishmania tropica 
transmitted by Phlebotomus sergenti. The incidence could be reduce 
drastically by intradomiciliar and stables insecticide pulverisations.

PMID: 9053049

TITLE: [A simple media for isolation and culture of leishmania]

AUTHORS: P M Belkaid, Z Harrat, B Hamrioui, M Thellier, A Datry, M Danis

AFFILIATION: Institut Pasteur d'AlgÃ©rie, Alger.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1996  89(4):276-7

PMID: 9053051

TITLE: [Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
in a Senegalese patient]

AUTHORS: P B Ndiaye, M Develoux, M T Dieng, M Huerre

AFFILIATION: Clinique dermatologique, CHU Le Dantee, Dakar, SÃ©nÃ©gal.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1996  89(4):282-6

Tegumentary leishmaniasis cases associated with HIV infections were 
rarely reported. We present a case of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis in
 a senegalese patient with HIV 1 infection. The diagnosis was supported 
by a cutaneous biopsy but no Leishmania strain could be isolated by 
cultures from cutaneous specimens.

PMID: 9264733

TITLE: [Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Vianna, 1911 in French Guiana.
Clinical, therapeutic and epidemiological considerations in the ninth human
diagnosed case]

AUTHORS: C P Raccurt, R Pradinaud, P Couppie, B Moreau, F Pratlong, J P Dedet, P
Cotellon, B Juminer, D Sainte-Marie

AFFILIATION: Laboratoire de biologie polyvalerite, l'universitÃ© des Antilles,
Cayenne.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1996  89(5):341-4

The authors report the ninth case of cutaneous Leishmaniasis without 
mucosal involvement due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (
isoenzymatic profile related to zymodeme MON-44) diagnosed in a 
legionnaire who recently arrived in French Guiana. The skin lesion as a 
single ulcerated nodule of the dorsum of the left ringfinger was cured 
after two courses of four intramuscular injections of pentamidine 
isothionate (total posology of pentamidine-base: 16.6 mg/kg). The 
transmission occurred during nocturnal trekking in forest and swamps 
just behind the coastal belt at Degrad Saramaka (7 km South of Kourou). 
In French Guiana, the good level of medical care and the early treatment
 of the majority of the cases of Leishmaniasis may explain the rarity of
 mucosal lesions. Since the clinical aspect of the lesion is not 
sufficient to prejudge the identity of the causative species, it is 
necessary to perform cultivation of Leishmania for iso-enzymatic 
identification. The adaptation of pentamidine doses and long term follow
 up of patients infected by L. (V.) braziliensis could be defined more 
precisely.

PMID: 8765953

TITLE: [Apropos of leishmaniasis epidemiology in Algeria]

AUTHORS: P Doury

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1996  89(1):30

PMID: 8640081

TITLE: [Current point of leishmaniasis epidemiology in Algeria]

AUTHORS: Z Harrat, B Hamrioui, M Belkaid, O Tabet-Derraz

AFFILIATION: Service de Parasitologie, Institut Pasteur d'AlgÃ©rie, El Hamma,
Alger.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1995 Mar 88(4):180-4

The authors describe in this study the current situation of cutaneous 
and visceral leishmaniasis in Algeria. After a review of the clinical 
forms and the epidemiological profile of the diseases in this country, 
the authors mention a resurgence of the number of cases, and the 
appearance of numerous new foci for both forms of the disease.

PMID: 7787453

TITLE: [Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis to the north of Isfahan. Human
infection in 1991]

AUTHORS: M R Yaghoobi-Ershadi, E Javadian

AFFILIATION: Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of
Public Health, Teheran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1995  88(1):42-5

An epidemiological investigation was carried out in 1991 at four 
villages in Borkhar rural district, north of Isfahan, Iran, to obtain 
baseline data for studying the candidate vaccines of zoonotic cutaneous 
leishmaniasis (ZCL). A study of prevalence among 6,284 inhabitants 
showed a rate of 61.95% for scars and 2.9% for active lesions. The under
 10 years old showed a rate of 42.9% for scars and 7.5% for active 
lesions. The above 10 years old showed a rate of 71.06% for scars and 0.
7% for active lesions. The highest prevalence of the disease is in the 
seasons of autumn and winter. The incidence of the disease was 68.4 per 
thousand in 1991. Comparing the results of this study with those from 
the years 1963-1965 showed that the disease incidence has increased 
after 28 years and ZCL has remained as an important health problem in 
this area.

PMID: 8061526

TITLE: [Childhood visceral leishmaniasis in the Alpes-Maritimes from 1985 to
1992]

AUTHORS: P Marty, I LÃ©ger, M Albertini, M Gari-Toussaint, C Tommasi, J
Manassero, Y Le Fichoux, R Mariani

AFFILIATION: Clinique MÃ©dicale Infantile, HÃ´pital de Cimiez, Nice.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1994  87(2):105-9

Here, we present an analysis of clinical and biological data from 15 
infantile visceral leishmaniasis recorded between 1985 and 1992 in the 
French department of Alpes-Maritimes. The association of fever, 
splenomegalia, tricytopenia remains the most constant and predictive of 
diagnosis (90% of cases). Bone marrow smear affirms diagnosis in 93% of 
cases. Leishmania infantum MON-1 is the causative agent. Except for one 
case of advanced stade with severe hepatic lesions and one case of 
clinical resistance to Glucantime, prognosis is favourable under 
treatment with antimony derivatives. The long term results for children 
considered cured after initial treatment is satisfactory. In the 
department, the number of cases of combined ages has increased regularly
 since 1985. The number of infantile forms has increased but now 
represents nevertheless no more than 28% of total cases. On the other 
hand, cases are increasing in adults and 40% of those adult cases are in
 HIV positive patients.

PMID: 8353466

TITLE: [Cutaneous parasitism by Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi during South
American visceral leishmaniasis]

AUTHORS: I de A Vasconcelos, A de Q Sousa, A W Vasconcelos, M J DiÃ³genes, H
Momen, G Grimaldi JÃºnior, D B Menezes, A C Sleigh

AFFILIATION: NÃºcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do CearÃ¡,
Fortaleza, Brasil.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1993  86(2):101-5

Eighteen patients from the northeastern Brazilian State of Ceara with 
proven kala-azar were studied for evidence of skin parasitism: two had 
ulcerative or papular skin lesions and 16 had clinically normal skin. 
Punch biopsies (3 mm) of intact paraspinal subscapular skin were 
performed on all patients; in those with papular or ulcerative lesions 
biopsies also were taken from an active site. One of each of the 
subscapsular biopsies and half of each biopsy from an active lesion were
 studied; the other specimens were seeded on NNN Difco Blood Agar Base 
Medium for parasite culture. The biopsies revealed a discrete to intense
 mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly perivascular in 
nature. No amastigotes were observed in any tissue sections but 7 of the
 18 patients yielded promastigotes on skin culture identified by 
monoclonal antibodies and by enzyme electrophoresis as Leishmania (
Leishmania) chagasi [L. (L.) chagasi]. The isolation of Leishmania (
Leishmania) chagasi, the recognized aetiologic agent of visceral 
leishmaniasis in the New World, from the skin of nearly 40% of 18 AVL 
patients proves dermatotropism of L. (L.) chagasi occurs and may be 
frequent in neotropical human visceral leishmaniasis (AVL.). Infected 
persons with skin parasites could act as a reservoir of infection and 
allow human to human transmission.

PMID: 8353467

TITLE: [Epidemiological, clinical and biological features of mucocutaneous
leishmaniasis in Bolivia after a 221 patient sample]

AUTHORS: L Dimier-David, C David, M MuÃ±oz, F Vargas, R Bustillos, L Valda, J P
Dedet

AFFILIATION: Institut Bolivien de Biologie d'Altitude, La Paz, Bolivie.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1993  86(2):106-11

The authors present a clinical, biological and epidemiological study of 
221 cases of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis observed in Bolivia between 
January 1990 and April 1991. The patients exhibited cutaneous lesions in
 136 cases and mucous involvement in 85 cases. It is stressed on the 
severity of the disease in Bolivia.

PMID: 1327353

TITLE: [Visceral leishmaniasis in Cameroon. Report of various cases and clinical
study in the region of Kousseri, far-north of Cameroon]

AUTHORS: L Kaptue, L Zekeng, E Fomekong, A Nsangou, J P Tagu, J Tchuela

AFFILIATION: CHU YaoundÃ©, Cameroun.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1992  85(2):156-8

The far-North province of Cameroon is highly infested with cutaneous 
leishmaniasis. From October 1987 to January 1988, a prospective study 
was done in this region (specifically in Kousseri) to diagnose cases of 
visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Out of 120 patients examined, 46 presenting
 symptoms related to VL were retained. Diagnosis of VL was confirmed 
serologically and/or through the presence of leishmanias on bone marrow 
slides from 9 patients. A retrospective study was also carried out in 
the pediatric and internal medicine units of the university teaching 
hospital and the Central Hospital in YaoundÃ©; 3 pediatric cases of VL 
were found. No significant difference as regards age and sex of these 
patients was recorded.

PMID: 1327355

TITLE: [Characterization and evolution of blood cryoglobulin in visceral
leishmaniasis]

AUTHORS: S Makni, F Zouiten, S Yalaoui, Y Gorgi, N Ben Salem, A Zribi, K Ayed

AFFILIATION: Service d'Immunologie, HÃ´pital Charles-Nicolle, Tunis, Tunisie.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1992  85(2):164-6

The evolution of immunological parameters in mediterranean visceral 
leishmaniasis reveal a type III mixed cryoglobulin with rhumatoid factor
 activity and antileishmania antibodies. This cryoglobulin follows the 
clinical signs of the disease and disappear under treatment. The authors
 insist on the transitory character of this cryoglobulin which is in 
relation with polyclonal stimulation of the immune system by parasitical
 infection.

PMID: 1446179

TITLE: [Visceral leishmaniasis in Algeria. Cases reported of visceral
leishmaniasis (1985-1990)]

AUTHORS: Z Harrat, K Addadi, M Belkaid, O Tabet-Derraz

AFFILIATION: Service de Parasitologie, Institut Pasteur d'AlgÃ©rie.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1992  85(4):296-301

Following their epidemiological studies of visceral leishmaniasis in 
Algeria, the authors report in this survey 1122 cases diagnosed in 
different hospitals of the country from 1985 to 1990. The authors 
mention that after a temporary decline observed during the last decade, 
they take part to a disquieting course of this disease.

PMID: 1446180

TITLE: [Seroepidemiological study of visceral leishmaniasis in school children
in the Iferouane oasis (Niger)]

AUTHORS: M Develoux, V Robert, A Djibo, L Monjour

AFFILIATION: Laboratoire de Parasitologie, FacultÃ© des Sciences de la SantÃ©,
Niamey, Niger.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1992  85(4):302-3

PMID: 1596960

TITLE: [2 infectious granulomatous diseases (leprosy and cutaneous and mucous
leishmaniasis) by scintigraphic methods]

AUTHORS: F J Braga, C M Abreu, P R Abreu, E E Camargo, M C Rivitti, L C
Tedesco-Marchesi, D J Gambini, L Barritault

AFFILIATION: DÃ©partement de Radiologie, Hospital das ClÃnicas, FacultÃ© de
MÃ©decine, UniversitÃ© de SÃ£o Paulo, BrÃ©sil.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1992  85(1):53-6

Leprosy is a multiform chronic infectious granulomatous disease caused 
by Mycobacterium leprae, that affects over 12 million people in the 
world. Cutaneous and mucous leishmaniasis (CML) is also a chronic 
granulomatous infectious disease, caused by Leishmania brasiliensis and 
transmitted to man by the mosquitoes of the Phlebotominae family. It is 
a worldwide spread disease. We studied one case of Borderline-wirchowian
 leprosy and 2 cases of CML with Gallium-67 (GA-67) scintigraphy. Ga-67 
is a radiopharmaceutical known for its property of concentrating in 
inflammatory sites. In the leprosy patient, Ga-67 accumulated in the 
skin in a moderate, homogeneous and disseminated way (outlined skin); in
 the area of the face, the uptake was important and homogeneous (image 
in beard). Several internal organs accumulated Ga-67. As for the 2 CML 
patients, Ga-67 accumulated focally, in different degrees, in the 
affected anatomical areas. The leprosy patient was not under treatment 
and the 2 CML were under treatment (20 and 40 days, respectively). In 
the 3 cases, all affected areas accumulated Ga-67. Intensity differences
 of uptake may be explained both by different degrees of inflammatory 
processes (between leprosy and CML) and by treatment lasting. It is 
possible that Ga-67 scintigraphy may be useful for the evaluation of 
these 2 diseases extent and also for the therapy follow-up.

PMID: 1327354

TITLE: [Canine leishmaniasis in the region of Enfidha (Central Tunisia).
Assessment of seroprevalence with direct agglutination (DAT) and indirect
immunofluorescence (IFAT)]

AUTHORS: M Ben Said, A Jaiem, M Smoorenburg, S J Semiao-Santos, M S Ben Rachid,
A el Harith

AFFILIATION: Laboratoire de Parasitologie, FacultÃ© de MÃ©decine, Sousse,
Tunisie.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1992  85(2):159-63

In order to assess canine leishmaniasis prevalence rate in Enfidha area
, considered to be the most important kala-azar focus in Sousse 
Governorate, a serological survey was carried out in 6 localities. 265 
sera were examined by DAT and IFAT. 16 (6.03%) showed positive results 
for anti-leishmania antibodies with significant variations according to 
the locality. A fairly DAT-IFAT good correlation was observed.

PMID: 1807849

TITLE: [Human cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania Major MON-26 in the
region of Damascus (Syria)]

AUTHORS: A Khiami, J Dereure, F Pratlong, A Martini, J A Rioux

AFFILIATION: HÃ´pital Mouassat, Laboratoire Central, UniversitÃ© de Damas,
Syrie.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1991  84(4):340-4

In response to an epidemic of oriental sore around Damascus, an 
ecological and epidemiological survey was carried out in the village of 
Dmeir, 40 km NE of Damascus. Parasites isolated from six cases from 
Dmeir, and two other cases from Syria were identified as Leishmania 
major, zymodeme MON-26. This zymodeme is known as the agent of zoonotic 
cutaneous leishmaniasis from the Sub-Saharian Sahel to the Near and 
Middle East. This is the first report of L. major in Syria. In a group 
of 234 school children aged 5-11 years, the leishmanin skin test was 
positive in 37%, indicating a high transmission rate. The epidemic seems
 to be the result of agricultural and industrial development projects in
 the area: numbers of both the gerbil reservoir host and sandfly vector 
appear to be increased by the land improvement.

PMID: 2065404

TITLE: [The extension of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Algeria. Apropos of 25 cases
observed in Wilaya de Tlemcen (West Algeria)]

AUTHORS: O Boudghene-Stambouli, A Merad-Boudia

AFFILIATION: Service de Dermato-VÃ©nÃ©rÃ©ologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire,
Tlemcen, AlgÃ©rie.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1991  84(1):63-9

Following 25 observations, 19 of which are autochtonous, the authors 
bring to attention the problem of the cutaneous leishmaniasis in Algeria
. Actually, this affection touches all the regions. The west part, 
supposed sofar untouched, has seen the hatching of a foyer in Tlemcen.

PMID: 1819438

TITLE: [Future vaccines in parasitology]

AUTHORS: B LagardÃ¨re

AFFILIATION: Service de PÃ©diatrie, HÃ´pital Ambroise-ParÃ©, Boulogne.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1991  84(5 Pt 5):926-34

The major public health problems posed by endemic parasitic diseases and
 the difficulty of treating these diseases have lead to a concerted 
effort towards the development of efficient vaccines. Associated 
immunological phenomena are extremely complex. It is in this area that 
recent progress has been the most impressive. Despite the failure of 
antisporozoite vaccine, which had seemed to offer much promise, the role
 of T-lymphocytes has been clarified. An antimerozoite vaccine utilizing
 several recombinant surface antigens has produced interesting 
experimental results. The concepts of an "antidisease" vaccine
 opens up a number of perspectives. Although immunodepression with 
respect to visceral leishmaniasis is better understood, there appears 
little hope for a vaccine, unlike cutaneous leishmaniasis. Immune 
mechanisms brought into play during schistosomiasis are particular to 
the disease and offer the potential for useful animal vaccines.

PMID: 1807852

TITLE: [Visceral leishmaniasis caused by a dermotropic strain of Leishmania
infantum in an AIDS patient]

AUTHORS: P Marty, J G Fuzibet, F Pratlong, D Quinsat, M Gari-Toussaint, J F Dor,
Y Le Fichoux, J A Rioux

AFFILIATION: Parasitologie-Mycologie, HÃ´pital de Cimiez, Nice.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1991  84(4):365-7

A case of fatal visceral leishmaniasis due to a dermotropic strain of 
Leishmania infantum (Zymodeme MON-24) is related in an AIDS patient in 
spite of a specific treatment.

PMID: 2208469

TITLE: [Agriculture-health interface in the field of epidemiology of
vector-borne diseases and the control of vectors]

AUTHORS: J Mouchet, J Brengues

AFFILIATION: DÃ©partement SantÃ© Ã  l'Orstom, Paris.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1990  83(3):376-93

This paper is a review of the interactions between agriculture and 
vector borne diseases. Rain forest clearing makes possible the 
development of heliophilous species of anophelines and snails leading to
 an increase of malaria and schistosomiasis in Africa. But in Asia, 
clearing is a control method against Anopheles balabacensis, an 
important malaria vector. Clearing of forest galleries is followed by 
the disappearance of shore-dwelling tsetse flies. Woodcutters and 
pioneer farmers are contaminated with arbovirus and leishmaniasis when 
entering in natural sylvatic foci of these diseases. Management of 
drinking water reduces guinea worm as well as cholera and other 
diarrhoeal diseases. More over when piped water becomes available people
 are no more obliged to store drinking water in containers where vectors
 use to breed. Reservoirs of dams offer large possibilities for the 
development of mosquitoes including anophelines vectors of malaria and 
filariasis and of snails hosts of schistosomiasis. The medical 
importance of these man-made breeding sites depends of the local 
epidemiological features of the diseases. Dam spillways provide breeding
 for blackflies and man-made foci of onchocerciasis have been described 
in West Africa. Irrigation channels mainly when non cleared of 
vegetation are good breeding places for anophelines and snails. 
Irrigated surfaces like rice fields are highly productive in anophelines
 and other dangerous species of Culicinae. Insecticides used in 
agriculture, mainly to control cotton and rice pests, have been at the 
origin of insecticide resistance of several anopheline species. On an 
other hand, sometimes rice pests control lead to the control of rice 
field mosquitoes until they become resistant, e.g. for Culex 
tritaeniorhynchus the vector of Japanese encephalitis in South Korea. 
Many international organizations have emphasized the role of 
intersectorial collaboration to control man-made vector borne diseases 
foci. Good planning of the infrastructures (e.g. twin spillways) and 
adequate maintenance are essential. Vector control in rice field is a 
puzzling question. Wet irrigation was a hope but it cannot be done 
everywhere. Biological control methods have not been proven to be very 
efficient. Even Bacillus thuringiensis H14 and B. sphaericus have severe
 limitation. New tools for intersectorial activities should be a goal 
for scientists imagination.

PMID: 2208468

TITLE: [Trypanocidal activity and plasma kinetics of cis-Pt(II) pentamidine in
the parasitized sheep]

AUTHORS: G Dreyfuss, B Penicaut, E Parrondo-Iglesias, D Craciunescu, G Dubost, J
A Nicolas

AFFILIATION: Laboratoire de Parasitologie, FacultÃ© de Pharmacie, Limoges.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1990  83(3):367-75

The trypanocidal activity of cis-Pt(II) pentamidine had been 
demonstrated during the first phase of Trypanosoma brucei brucei sheep 
experimental trypanosomiasis. But a subcutaneous treatment with 5 mg.kg-
1 (+2 x 12 mg.kg-1) was not effective during the brain phase of 
trypanosomiasis. The blood pharmacokinetics of this compound had a 
plasmatic peak between 45 and 60 min, followed by a low decreasing phase
 along several days. The curve shape allowed an important interval 
before the following injection, and showed a compound storage in 
internal organs and extravascular sites. A model of cis-Pt(II) 
pentamidine metabolism had been studied: this product could be used as a
 chemoprophylactic medicine against African trypanosomiasis and American
 leishmaniasis.

REQUEST: [ leishmania ]

(49 articles match this request. 35 articles matching other requests removed)

PMID: 16112905

TITLE: Signalling the genome: the Ras-like small GTPase family of
trypanosomatids.

AUTHORS: Mark C Field

AFFILIATION: The Molteno Building, Department of Pathology, University of
Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK, CB2 1QP.

REFERENCE: Trends Parasitol 2005 Oct 21(10):447-50

The genomes of the three principle experimental-model species of 
Kinetoplastida -Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and 
Leishmania major - are now complete, providing both a milestone for 
trypanosome biology and an opportunity to consider a multitude of 
questions at the genome level. Of the >40 members of the Ras-like GTPase
 family in T. brucei, at least 30 are involved in intracellular 
transport, whereas fewer than eight are likely to have a classical role 
in signal transduction. There are no true members of the Ras or Rho 
subfamilies but divergent Ras- or Rho-like GTPases are present, 
suggesting that signalling mechanisms in trypanosomatids are highly 
unusual. Comparisons of T. brucei with T. cruzi and L. major indicate a 
high degree of conservation among the species. These analyses provide a 
framework for the functional investigation of small-GTPase-mediated 
signalling processes in trypanosomes.

PMID: 16099722

TITLE: Plant active components - a resource for antiparasitic agents?

AUTHORS: Jean-Paul Anthony, Lorna Fyfe, Huw Smith

AFFILIATION: Department of Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences, Queen
Margaret University College, Clerwood Terrace, Edinburgh, UK, EH12 8TS.

REFERENCE: Trends Parasitol 2005 Oct 21(10):462-8

Plant essential oils (and/or active components) can be used as 
alternatives or adjuncts to current antiparasitic therapies. Garlic oil 
has broad-spectrum activity against Trypanosoma, Plasmodium, Giardia and
 Leishmania, and Cochlospermum planchonii and Croton cajucara oils 
specifically inhibit Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania amazonensis, 
respectively. Some plant oils have immunomodulatory effects that could 
modify host-parasite immunobiology, and the lipid solubility of plant 
oils might offer alternative, transcutaneous delivery routes. The 
emergence of parasites resistant to current chemotherapies highlights 
the importance of plant essential oils as novel antiparasitic agents.

PMID: 16156970

TITLE: Microculture for the isolation of Leishmania parasites from cutaneous
lesions - Sri Lankan experience.

AUTHORS: R L Ihalamulla, U S Rajapaksa, N D Karunaweera

AFFILIATION: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Colombo, Kynsey Road, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka.

REFERENCE: Ann Trop Med Parasitol 2005 Sep 99(6):571-5

Novy, McNeal and Nicolle (NNN) medium and Evans' modified Tobie's medium
 are two conventional media for the isolation of Leishmania parasites in
 in-vitro cultures. Both are biphasic, with a solid layer of blood agar
, and are normally prepared in glass test-tubes. In Sri Lanka at least, 
a monophasic microcapillary culture, based solely on RPMI 1640 medium 
supplemented with foetal calf serum, has been found simpler, more 
economical and more sensitive, for the isolation of L. donovani from 
skin lesions, than the use of Evans' modified Tobie's medium.

PMID: 16156976

TITLE: Removal of bacterial and yeast contamination from Leishmania promastigote
cultures, by agar plating.

AUTHORS: M Muniaraj, A K Gupta, S Narayan, S Kumar, P K Sinha, K Kishore, P Das

AFFILIATION: Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, (Indian
Council of Medical Research), Agam Kuan, Patna - 800 007, India.

REFERENCE: Ann Trop Med Parasitol 2005 Sep 99(6):617-21

PMID: 16099608

TITLE: Functional complementation of yeast ribosomal P0 protein with Plasmodium
falciparum P0.

AUTHORS: K Aruna, Tirtha Chakraborty, Pavitra N Rao, Cruz Santos, Juan P G
Ballesta, Shobhona Sharma

AFFILIATION: Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental
Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Mumbai 400 005, India.

REFERENCE: Gene 2005 Aug 357(1):9-17

A complex of three phosphoproteins (P0, P1 and P2) constitutes the stalk
 region at the GTPase center of the eukaryotic large ribosomal subunit, 
amongst which the protein P0 plays the most crucial role. Earlier 
studies have shown the functional complementation of the conditional P0-
null mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (W303dGP0) with orthologous P0 
genes from fungal and mammalian organisms, but not the protozoan 
parasite Leishmania infantum. In this paper we show that the PfP0 gene 
from the protozoan malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum can 
functionally complement the conditional P0-null W303dGP0 mutant of S. 
cerevisiae. Unlike the above orthologous genes, PfP0 gene could also 
rescue the D67dGP0 strain, which in addition to being a conditional null
 for ScP0 gene, is a null-mutant for both ScP1alpha and beta genes. 
However, under stress conditions such as high temperature, salt and 
osmolarity, PfP0 gene could not rescue D67dGP0 strain. Ribosomes 
purified from W303dGP0 carrying PfP0 gene did not contain ScP1 protein, 
indicating a lack of binding of ScP1 to PfP0 protein. Yeast 2-hybrid 
analysis further confirmed the lack of binding of ScP1 to PfP0 protein. 
The polymerizing activities of ribosomes with ScP0 or PfP0 protein, in 
the absence of ScP1 protein, were found to be about 40-45% that of 
ribosomes with all the yeast P-proteins. In its sensitivity to the 
inhibitor sordarin, PfP0 was similar to the P0 protein from the fungus 
Aspergillus fumigatus. These results indicate a closer functional 
relationship of P. falciparum P0 gene to fungal P0 genes.

PMID: 15808423

TITLE: Therapeutic use of quercetin in the control of infection and anemia
associated with visceral leishmaniasis.

AUTHORS: Gargi Sen, Suparna Mandal, Sudipa Saha Roy, Sibabrata Mukhopadhyay,
Tuli Biswas

AFFILIATION: Department of Physiology, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4
Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India.

REFERENCE: Free Radic Biol Med 2005 May 38(9):1257-64

Flavonoids are a broad class of plant phenolics that are known to 
possess a well-established protective effect against membrane 
lipoperoxidative damages. Oxidative damage of erythrocytes has been 
implicated in the reduced survival of erythrocytes during leishmanial 
infection. This study reveals the efficacy of five naturally occurring 
flavonoids in arresting the development of anemia during the 
postinfection period. Among the compounds studied, quercetin was most 
successful in inhibiting the oxidation of proteins and lipids on the red
 cell membranes of infected animals. Apart from its antianemic property
, quercetin also seemed to be highly potent in lowering the parasite 
load in the spleen. Combination therapy of quercetin with the 
antileishmanial drug stibanate produced a better decay of .OH in the 
erythrocytes of the infected animals compared to that induced by 
quercetin or drug treatment alone. Similar results were obtained in 
successful prevention of proteolytic degradation resulting in an 
aversion to early lysis of red cells after simultaneous treatment with 
quercetin and stibanate. Subsequent studies demonstrated the therapeutic
 efficacy of the combination treatment in the abatement of both anemia 
and parasitemia under the diseased condition.

PMID: 16036304

TITLE: Targeted delivery of arjunglucoside I using surface hydrophilic and
hydrophobic nanocarriers to combat experimental leishmaniasis.

AUTHORS: Richa Tyagi, Sanchaita Lala, Anita K Verma, A K Nandy, Shashi Bhushan
Mahato, Amarnath Maitra, Mukul Kumar Basu

AFFILIATION: Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 007,
India.

REFERENCE: J Drug Target 2005 Apr 13(3):161-71

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic 
efficacy of the indigenous drug arjunglucoside I (AG) against in vivo 
models of experimental leishmaniasis by incorporating it in surface 
hydrophilic co-polymeric nanogel particles of size less than 100 nm 
diameter and to compare its efficacy with that of the free drug as well 
as the drug encapsulated in hydrophobic poly-dl-lactide (PLA) 
nanoparticles. The drug AG, having glucose at the terminal end of the 
glycosidic chain, was isolated from an indigenous source. Drug-
incorporated ultra-low-sized nanogels (approximately 90 nm in diameter) 
composed of cross-linked random co-polymer of N-isopropylacrylamide (
NIPAAM) and N-vinyl pyrrolidone(VP) were prepared, characterized and 
used as delivery vehicles to combat experimental leishmaniasis in 
hamster models. For comparison, drug-encapsulated hydrophobic 
nanoparticles (approximately 250 nm in diameter) made from PLA were used
 as a control. The drug AG was incorporated in these nanocarriers and 
these drug-nanocarrier complexes were physically characterized. The 
efficacy of lowering spleen parasite load by the free drug, as well as 
that incorporated in nanogels and PLA nanoparticles were examined in 
vivo in equimolar concentration against hamsters undergoing experimental
 leishmaniasis. The reduction of drug toxicity by the nanogels and PLA 
nanoparticles was also assessed. The efficacy in the lowering of spleen 
parasite load with the free drug was found to be only 38% but was much 
higher when the drug was incorporated in co-polymeric nanogels (79%) or 
in polymeric nanoparticles (75%). Both the nanocarriers were found to be
 effective in reducing hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity nearly to the 
same extent. It was apparent that in addition to a smaller size and 
better drug release profile, the contribution of other parameters, e.g. 
overall surface hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity of the vehicles, also 
play an important role in the macrophage uptake of the drug. However, 
whatever be the exact mechanism, being highly efficient, non-hepatotoxic
 and non-nephrotoxic, AG in either of the two nanoparticulate forms may 
have useful application in humans

PMID: 16040429

TITLE: Symmetrical cutaneous leishmaniasis.

AUTHORS: Claudio Guarneri, Fabrizio Guarneri

REFERENCE: Acta Derm Venereol 2005  85(3):281-2

PMID: 16167742

TITLE: Vaccination of BALB/c mice with Leishmania donovani derived
lipophosphoglycan does not conver cross-protection to L. major infections.

AUTHORS: W K Tonui

AFFILIATION: Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical
Research Institute, PO Box 54840, Nairobi, Kenya.

REFERENCE: East Afr Med J 2003 May 80(5):260-3

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Leishmania donovani-derived 
lipophosphoglycan (LPG) can confer cross-protection to L. major in 
susceptible BALB/c mice model. METHODS: BALB/c mice were immunised with 
a total dose of 30 microg of LPG plus 150 microl of mycobacterium bovis 
Bacille Calmette guerin (BCG) and later challenged with virulent L. 
Major parasites. RESULTS: This study demonstrated an activation of both 
the humoral as well as cell-mediated response to LPG mixed with BCG 
which correlated with resistance against the disease. However, immunised
 mice were not protected compared to their PBS controls. CONCLUSION: 
Though L. donovani infections have been shown to confer cross-protection
 to L. major this may not be true for purified antigens.

********************************************************************************************************************

 The following references are revised files and are brought to you in accordance
to license agreement with the NLM.

********************************************************************************************************************

PMID: 11346978

TITLE: [In vitro evaluation of antileishmania activity of Artemisia herba alba
Asso]

AUTHORS: S Hatimi, M Boudouma, M Bichichi, N Chaib, N G Idrissi

AFFILIATION: Laboratoire de microbiologie et de biologie molÃ©culaire,
dÃ©partement de biologie, FacultÃ© des sciences Ben M'sik, UniversitÃ© Hassan
II-Mohamedia, BP: 7955, Ben M'sik, Casablanca, Maroc. saida.hatimi at aventis.com

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 2001 Mar 94(1):29-31

Aqueous extract and essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba Asso were 
tested for their antileshmanial activity again Leishmania tropica and 
Leishmania major. The strongest leishmanicidal activity was observed 
with the essential oil at 2 micrograms/ml as versus the other two 
strains tested. The aqueous extract showed an antileshmanial activity at
 4 micrograms/ml.

PMID: 10722661

TITLE: Isolation of Trypanosoma brucei CYC2 and CYC3 cyclin genes by rescue of a
yeast G(1) cyclin mutant. Functional characterization of CYC2.

AUTHORS: J J Van Hellemond, P Neuville, R T Schwarz, K R Matthews, J C Mottram

AFFILIATION: Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow,
Anderson College, Glasgow G11 6NU, Scotland, United Kingdom.

REFERENCE: J Biol Chem 2000 Mar 275(12):8315-23

Two Trypanosoma brucei cyclin genes, CYC2 and CYC3, have been isolated 
by rescue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant DL1, which is deficient
 in CLN G(1) cyclin function. CYC2 encodes a 24-kDa protein that has 
sequence identity to the Neurospora crassa PREG1 and the S. cerevisiae 
PHO80 cyclin. CYC3 has the most sequence identity to mitotic B-type 
cyclins from a variety of organisms. Both CYC2 and CYC3 are single-copy 
genes and expressed in all life cycle stages of the parasite. To 
determine if CYC2 is found in a complex with previously identified 
trypanosome cdc2-related kinases (CRKs), the CYC2 gene was fused to the 
TY epitope tag, integrated into the trypanosome genome, and expressed 
under inducible control. CYC2ty was found to associate with an active 
trypanosome CRK complex since CYC2ty bound to leishmanial p12(cks1), and
 histone H1 kinase activity was detected in CYC2ty immune-precipitated 
fractions. Gene knockout experiments provide evidence that CYC2 is an 
essential gene, and co-immune precipitations together with a two-hybrid 
interaction assay demonstrated that CYC2 interacts with CRK3. The CRK3 x
 CYC2ty complex, the first cyclin-dependent kinase complex identified in
 trypanosomes, was localized by immune fluorescence to the cytoplasm 
throughout the cell cycle.

PMID: 9846232

TITLE: [The taxonomic status of Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot, 1917, vector of
Leishmania tropica (Wright, 1903) and Phlebotomus similis Perfiliev, 1963
(Diptera - Psychodidae). Morphologic and morphometric approaches.
Biogeographical and epidemiological corollaries]

AUTHORS: J Depaquit, N LÃ©ger, H FertÃ©

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1998  91(4):346-52

A morphological and morphometrical study of the closely related taxa 
Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) sergenti et P. (Paraphlebotomus) similis 
confirms their specific taxonomic status. Differential characters 
between these two species are discussed. Males differ by the aspect of 
the basal process of the coxite which is curved and narrow in the first 
species whereas straight and thick for the latter. The P. similis 
process is bigger and tuffer and its style is longer than those of P. 
sergenti. Females differ by the morphology of the armature of the 
pharynx and by the number of rings of the spermatheca. Distribution 
areas of these species are described. P. similis is a North-Eastern 
Mediterranean species (from Yugoslavia to western Turkey and AzerbaÃ¯
djan). P. sergenti is present from Canary Islands (Spain) to India. From
 these data, the settlement of Paraphlebotomus in the Mediterranean 
basin may have occurred during the Miocene age. From an Asiatic common 
ancestor, two migration routes are proposed. One, north of the 
Paratethys Sea, may be responsible for the isolation of P. similis. The 
other, south of the Paratethys and Tethys Seas, may have contributed to 
the individualisation of P. sergenti. The authors consider P. similis as
 a suspected vector of Leishmania tropica.

PMID: 1292799

TITLE: [Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead, 1911 naturally infected by
promastigotes in the region of Nice (France)]

AUTHORS: M A Izri, P Marty, A Rahal, A LeliÃ¨vre, C Ozon, G Baldelli, J
Presiozo, P Haas, Y Le Fichoux

AFFILIATION: Parasitologie-Mycologie, HÃ´pital Avicenne, Biobigny, France.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1992  85(5):385-7

The authors report the results of investigations in Nice from July, 16 
to August, 3, 1991. The 2,098 phlebotomes captured represent three 
species: Phlebotomus perniciosus, Phlebotomus ariasi and Sergentomyia 
minuta. Two species: P. perniciosus and P. ariasi are infected with 
promastigotes. About 4% of dissected females are parasited. This is the 
first description in France of P. perniciosus infected.

PMID: 2085914

TITLE: [Attraction of the armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus, L.) and guinea pigs
for phlebotomines in French Guiana]

AUTHORS: F Le Pont

AFFILIATION: ORSTOM, Bondy.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1990  83(5):671-6

During 60 night-catches of sand-flies using armadillo baited Disney-
traps, 7 Psychodopygus species were recorded. They account for 84% of 
the whole catches; eight times more flies were recorded from "terra
 firme" forest than in the marshy shallows. P. ayrozai (Barretto 
and Coutinho) is the main species all the year long (45% to 85% of the 
catches); it is followed by P. squamiventris maripaensis (Ready et al
.). In Brazil, P. ayrozai is the presumptive vector of the Leishmania (V
.) naiffi Lainson and Shaw of armadillo, and P. s. maripaensis has been 
found infected by parasites of the subgenus Viannia. Lutzomyia (
Nyssomyia) flaviscutellata (Mangabeira), a forest-floor vector of Le. (
Le.) amazonensis Lainson and Shaw is also attracted by the armadillo. In
 guinea-pig baited traps (44 night trappings), L. (N.) flaviscutellata 
and P. claustrei Abonnenc et al. were the dominant species.

REQUEST: [ sand fly ]

(1 article matches this request. 1 article matching other requests removed)

REQUEST: [ sandfly ]

(3 articles match this request. 2 articles matching other requests removed)

********************************************************************************************************************

 The following references are revised files and are brought to you in accordance
to license agreement with the NLM.

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PMID: 8292922

TITLE: [Notes on the phlebotomus of AÃ¯r (Niger)]

AUTHORS: F Le Pont, V Robert, G Vattier-Bernard, P Rispail, D Jarry

AFFILIATION: ORSTOM, Bondy.

REFERENCE: Bull Soc Pathol Exot 1993  86(4):286-9

238 phlebotomine sandfly belonging to seven species have been collected 
in four localities of Niger, in the AÃ¯r mountain range. Phlebotomus 
bergeroti was the dominant species in animal bait and in collections 
inside dwellings. Some attention has to be paid to P. alexandri, a 
recognized vector of kala-azar elsewhere.

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