Browsing by Author "Töz, S"

Now showing 1 - 19 of 19
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Importance of the Contribution of Rapid Test, Serological and Molecular Methods in the Diagnosis of Two Imported Malaria Cases with Atypical Microscopy
    Zorbozan, O; Pullukçu, H; Sahar, EA; Karakavuk, M; Can, H; Tunali, V; Döskaya, M; Turgay, N; Töz, S; Özbilgin, A
    Malaria is a widespread and life-threatening disease in tropical and subtropical regions. In patients with typical clinical symptoms, malaria is considered as a preliminary diagnosis if there is a travel history to malaria-endemic areas. The basis of the laboratory diagnosis of malaria is the microscopic examination of Giemsa stained smears. On the other hand, the diagnosis and differentiation of Plasmodium species with microscopic examination may have some difficulties. In the first case, adifferent appearance from the classical Plasmodium vivax erythrocytic forms in infected erythrocytes were detected in 1% of all erythrocytes in thin smear blood preparations of a 26-year-old male with complaints of fever and chills and a story of travel to Nigeria. It was observed that parasitic nuclei were not prominent, and were located in the cytoplasm irregularly as chromatin or dye particles, nucleus fragments similar to Schuffner's granules in the form of scattered and granular spots were present in some erythrocytes, the cytoplasm of some Plasmodium erythrocytic forms were irregular and nuclei were not seen. There were no Schuffner's granules in any of the infected erythrocytes. P. vivax was detected by the rapid diagnostic test (OptiMAL, DiaMed GmbH, Switzerland), which searches for the antigens of Plasmodium species, in the peripheral blood sample of the patients. The P. vivax 18S rRNA gene was also detected by the multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Antibodies against Plasmodium species were searched by using the Pan Malaria Antibody CELISA (CeLLabs Pty Ltd, Brookvale, Australia) kit in the patient's serum sample and the optical density (OD) value of the patient sample was measured five times the OD value of the positive control. In the second case, adifferent appearance from the classical P. falciparum erythrocytic forms in infected erythrocytes were detected in 12% of all erythrocytes in thin smear blood preparations of a 31-year-old male who has been suffering from persistent fever, severe headache, pain in the eyes and was known to be working in Nigeria. It was observed that some Plasmodium trophozoites have 1/3 of the size of erythrocytes such as P. vivax and have non-granular cytoplasm, some erythrocytic forms were round and the nucleus and cytoplasm were hardly distinguished, some of them were seen as crescent and close to the nucleus of the cytoplasm and some erythrocytic forms had characteristically a single nucleus and a scattered cytoplasm, similar to mature trophozoites of P. vivax. Although the Plasmodium young trophozoites were similar to P. vivax in means of magnitude, the forms in which the nuclei adhered to the erythrocyte wall were common. There were no P. falciparum gametocyte forms. P. falciparum like young trophozoite was observedonly in one of the four smears. P. falciparum was detected by the commercial rapid diagnostic test and P. falciparum 18S rRNA gene was also detected by the multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Antibody formation against Plasmodium species was not detected in the ELISA test. In these case reports, the importance of the support of rapid diagnostic tests, serological and molecular methods to microscopic diagnosis and species determination of two imported malaria cases were demonstrated.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Detection of Leishmania RNA virus 2 in Leishmania species from Turkey
    Nalçaci, M; Karakus, M; Yilmaz, B; Demir, S; Özbilgin, A; Özbel, Y; Töz, S
    Background: Leishmania RNA virus (LRV) is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus infecting some Leishmania strains and triggering a destructive hyperinflammatory response in mammalian hosts in the New World. There is limited knowledge of the presence of this virus in Old World Leishmania species and its role in the outcome of the disease. We aimed to investigate the presence of LRV in Leishmania species/strains from Turkey. Methods: Twenty-nine previously identified Leishmania isolates (24 L. tropica, 2 L. infantum, 3 L. major) were examined for LRV positivity using dsRNA visualization in agarose gel after total nucleic acid extraction and RQ-deoxyribonuclease treatment and amplification of a 526 bp fragment of the LRV2-specific RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Ten (7 L. tropica [24.13%], 3 L. major [10.34%]) of the 29 Leishmania strains gave positive results for LRV. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis showed that all these viruses are LRV2-1. LRV2 was detected for the first time in L. tropica strains in the present study. Conclusions: The clinical manifestation and resistance status of the disease can be different depending on the host and parasite species/strains. The presence of LRV2 may be one of the factors contributing the course of disease. Further studies are needed to elucidate the specific role of LRV2, as it may be a potential target for effective treatment strategies.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    In vitro anti-leishmanial activity of Sarcopoterium spinosum against Leishmania tropica
    Can, H; Kayalar, H; Bozkurt, B; Can, S; Döskaya, M; Töz, S
    Complex clinical symptoms such as ulcerative skin lesions, destructive mucosal inflammation, and disseminated visceral infection can reveal in leishmaniasis. The conventional drugs are toxic and expensive. In addition, patients receive a long treatment with these drugs which have adverse effects and unfortunately there are some limitations during the treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the in vitro anti-leishmanial activities of four different extracts of Sarcopoterium spinosum against Leishmania tropica. Initially, different concentrations of ethanol, methanol, n-hexane, and water extracts of S. spinosum were incubated with L. tropica promastigotes. After 72 hours of incubation, the growth of L. tropica promastigotes was significantly inhibited and the percentage of inhibition ranged between 42.8 and 100 %. Among these extracts, the most efficient growth inhibition (100 %) was obtained with methanol extract (at a dose of 50 mu g/ml). In conclusion, S. spinosum may be a potential source for the development of novel therapeutic agents to treat L. tropica infection.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    sandflyDST: a dynamic web-based decision support tool for the morphological identification of sandflies present in Anatolia and mainland Europe, and user study
    Karakülah, G; Karakus, M; Suner, A; Demir, S; Arserim, SK; Töz, S; Özbel, Y
    Species identification of sandflies is mainly performed according to morphological characters using classical written identification keys. This study introduces a new web-based decision support tool (sandflyDST) for guiding the morphological identification of sandfly species present in Anatolia and mainland Europe and classified in the Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia genera (both: Diptera: Psychodidae). The current version of the tool consists of 111 questions and 36 drawings obtained from classical written keys, and 107 photographs for the quick and easy identification of 26 species of the genus Phlebotomus and four species of the genus Sergentomyia. The tool guides users through a decision tree using yes/no questions about the morphological characters of the specimen. The tool was applied by 30 individuals, who then completed study questionnaires. The results of subsequent analyses indicated that the usability ((x) over bar (SUS Score) = 75.4) and users' level of appreciation (86.6%) of the tool were quite high; almost all of the participants considered recommending the tool to others. The tool may also be useful in training new entomologists and maintaining their level of expertise. This is a dynamic tool and can be improved or upgraded according to feedback. The tool is now available online at http://parasitology.ege.edu.tr/sandflyDST/index.php.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Host-Parasite Interactions: Regulation of Leishmania Infection in Sand Fly
    Omondi, ZN; Arserim, SK; Töz, S; Özbel, Y
    Purpose Sand flies are the only proven vectors of leishmaniases, a tropical neglected disease endemic in at least 92 countries. Vector-parasite interactions play a significant role in vector-borne disease transmission. There are various bottlenecks to Leishmania colonization of the sand fly midgut. Such bottlenecks include the production of innate immune-related molecules, digestive proteases, parasite impermeable peritrophic membrane, and resident gut microbiota. These barriers determine the parasite load transmitted and, consequently, the disease outcome in mammalian host. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular responses of both sand fly and Leishmania during infection. Method Here, we reviewed the published literature on sand fly-Leishmania interactions bringing together earlier and current findings to highlight new developments and research gaps in the field. Conclusion Recent research studies on sand fly-Leishmania interaction have revealed contrasting observations to past studies. However, how Leishmania parasites evade the sand fly immune response still needs further research. Sand fly response to Leishmania infection can be best understood by analyzing its tissue transcriptome. Better characterization of the role of midgut components could be a game changer in development of transmission-blocking strategies for leishmaniasis.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Evaluation of conjunctival swab sampling in the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis: A two-year follow-up study in Cukurova Plain, Turkey
    Karakus, M; Töz, S; Ertabaklar, H; Pasa, S; Atasoy, A; Arserim, SK; Ölgen, MK; Alkan, MZ; Durrant, C; Özbel, Y
    The diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs is a very important and problematic public health issue in Turkey. A longitudinal study was carried out on dogs in selected villages in the Cukurova Plain in Turkey, from July 2011 to June 2013, where cutaneous (CL) and visceral (VL) leishmaniasis is endemic. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of CanL and to evaluate the early diagnostic performance of the non-invasive conjunctival swab nested PCR (CS n-PCR) test in comparison with the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT). The consecutive blood and CS samples from a representative number of dogs (80-100 dogs/each survey) were collected in a cohort of 6 villages located in the area. Clinical symptoms, demographic and physical features about each dog were noted and lymph node aspiration samples were obtained from selected dogs with lymphadenopathy. In four surveys during the period, a total of 338 sets (blood and CS) of samples from 206 dogs were obtained, such that 83 dogs were sampled more than once. In the cross-sectional analysis, the CanL prevalence was found to be 27.18% (between 7.14% and 39.13%) by IFAT and 41.74% (between 29.03% and 46.66%) by CS n-PCR. The isolated strains were identified as Leishmania infantum MON-1 (n = 9) and MON-98 (n = 2) by MLEE analysis. Genetic studies targeting the Hsp70 and ITS1 regions performed on 11 dog isolates also showed two clear separate groups. According to IFAT results, 24 of the 83 dogs sampled more than once showed seroconversion (n = 19) or a four-fold increase in Ab titers (n = 5), while 17 were positive in the initial screening. Forty-two dogs stayed negative during the whole period. The natural Leishmania exposure rate was detected as 31.14% in the study area. CS n-PCR only detected Leishmania infection earlier than IFAT in 8 dogs. No statistical difference was found after the analysis of demographical and physical data. The results indicated that (i) circulation of the dog population is very common in settlements in the Cukurova Plain, but the disease prevalence is high and stable, (ii) the performance of CS n-PCR for detecting Leishmania-dog contact is higher than IFAT, (iii) and some of the parasites isolated from dogs have different zymodemes and/or genotypes from previous human and sand fly isolates; suggesting the probability of two different cycles of leishmaniasis in this particular area. This hypothesis should be supported by future studies targeting vectors and-reservoirs. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in Turkey: reports of two cases diagnosed with genotyping and protein fingerprinting
    Culha, G; Akyar, I; Zeyrek, FY; Gündüz, C; Kurt, Ö; Ostan, I; Töz, S; Kocagoz, T; Ozbel, Y; Ozbilgin, A
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Vector and reservoir surveillance study in a canine and human leishmaniasis endemic area in most western part of Turkey, Karaburun
    Karakus, M; Arserim, SK; Kasap, ÖE; Pekagirbas, M; Aküzüm, D; Alten, B; Töz, S; Özbel, Y
    Leishmaniasis is an arthropod borne disease that is endemic in 102 countries and one and half million new cases are reported each year. Sand flies are the one and only proven vectors of the disease and dogs are the main reservoirs in urban areas. Karaburun peninsula is located in most western part of Turkey and is reported to be an endemic area for human and canine leishmaniasis. The most recent study was undertaken more than 15 years ago in The peninsula and no clear data available for vectors or reservoirs. Thus, we aimed to update the information regarding sand fly diversity, infection status of reservoirs and vectors in the study area. Sand flies were collected using CDC light traps at 13 different sites of Karaburun and species identification was made using previously published keys. Monospecific pools were generated using midguts with blood retention and were screened for the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA by molecular techniques. A non-invasive conjunctival swab sampling was performed to identify the infection status among reservoirs and species typing of the causative agent was also undertaken using ITS1 PCR. Three out of 30 pools were found positive for Leishmania infantum that were generated using guts of Phlebotomus tobbi (n:36). Among all sampled dogs (44) and cats (19), 11 and one of them were found positive for L. infantum, respectively. There was a decrease in the number of P. papatasi during the study period, while increase was observed in the number of P. tobbi. The presence of proven vectors and reservoirs as well as Leishmania DNA in cats was shown in the present study. Sand fly fauna is updated and Leishmania DNA presence in cats was reported in the study area for the first time.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Entomological Survey for the Detection of Sand Fly Fauna and Vector Species in the Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Endemic Area in East Mediterranean Region of Turkey, Mersin Province
    Limoncu, ME; Balcioglu, IC; Töz, S; Demir, S; Kavur, H; Karakus, M; Vardarli, AT; Özbel, Y
    Cutaneous (CL) and visceral (VL) forms of leishmaniasis, transmitted by sand flies, are seen in all countries located in Mediterranean Basin including Turkey. In this study, we aimed to conduct an entomological survey for the detection of sand fly fauna and vector species in Mersin province, one of the important endemic areas for CL in Turkey. In total, 912 sand fly specimens were collected in 2010 and 2011 using CDC light traps. Nine Phlebotomus (Diptera: Psychodidae) and three Sergentomyia (Diptera: Psychodidae) species were detected. Of the collected Phlebotomus sand flies, P. sergenti Parrot, 1917 (30.1%) was the most dominant followed by P. alexandri Sinton, 1928 (18.2%), P. neglectus/syriacusTonnoir Adler (12.0%), P. tobbi Adler & Theodor, 1930 (11.7%), and P. papatasi Scopoli, 1786 (10.2%), while S. minuta Rondani, 1843 (11.3%) was the dominant species among Sergentomyia. During the field work in 2011, female specimens (n = 81) were screened for the presence of Leishmania promastigotes by midgut dissection, and all were found negative.The rest of the collected female specimens (n = 334) were pooled according to species (P. alexandri, P. neglectus/syriacus, P. papatasi, P. sergenti, P. simici, and P. tobbi) and location (Mut, Silifke, and Anamur). In total, 29 pools were generated and real-time ITS1 PCR assay was performed to detect and identify natural Leishmania Ross, 1903 (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatida) infection.Two pools, both from Mut town, containing P. sergenti specimens were found positive and Leishmania tropics Ross, 1903 was identified as an infectious agent for both pools. In conclusion, the sand fly fauna was determined in an endemic area for CL. The detection of L. tropica DNA in P. sergenti specimens showed the possible vectorial role of this species in Mersin province.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Detection of Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica in domestic cats in the Ege Region of Turkey
    Pasa, S; Vardarli, AT; Erol, N; Karakus, M; Töz, S; Atasoy, A; Balcioglu, IC; Tuna, GE; Ermis, ÖV; Ertabaklar, H; Özbel, Y
    Leishmaniosis is a group of diseases caused by different species of Leishmania parasites in mammalian species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in cats using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays targeting internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) and heat-shock protein 70 gene (Hsp70) regions with Leishmania species-specific primers and probes. Blood samples were collected from 147 cats (73 female; 74 male) in the endemic regions for zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in the western provinces of Turkey and analyzed using two RT-PCR assays. Additionally, Hsp70 RT-PCR products were sequenced. ELISA assays for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) were also carried out for 145 of the 147 samples. Overall, 13/147(8.84%) cats were positive for Leishmania by RT-PCR (4 L. major and 9 L. tropica). FIV and FeLV antibody and/or antigen was detected in 4 and 5 cats among Leishmania DNA positives, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate and report the presence of L. major and L. tropica infections in a large group of domestic cats in Turkey. The results obtained indicate that species identification of Leishmania is essential for epidemiological understanding and that clinical signs alone are not indicative for leishmaniosis in cats, as it is in dogs. This study suggests that extensive research should be carried out in cat populations in order to fully understand the role of cats in the epidemiology of the disease. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The current clinical and geographical situation of cutaneous leishmaniasis based on species identification in Turkey
    Özbilgin, A; Töz, S; Harman, M; Topal, SG; Uzun, S; Okudan, F; Güngör, D; Erat, A; Ertabaklar, H; Ertug, S; Gündüz, C; Çavus, I; Karakus, M; Ural, IÖ; Ölgen, MK; Kayabasi, Ç; Kurt, Ö; Özbel, Y
    Leishmaniases are a group of vector-borne diseases caused by the members of Leishrnania genus, and there are three main clinical forms of the infection as visceral, cutaneous, and mucocutaneous. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a growing public health problem in Turkey due to increasing detection of autochthonous cases caused by L. major and L. donovani in some regions in addition to Syrian imported cases. For this reason, we aimed to evaluate the current epidemiological situation of CL in the view of causative agents and their geographical distribution throughout Turkey. The samples were collected from 356 CL patients admitted to different centers in 18 provinces between January 2013 and December 2016. Direct microscopy, culture (regular and enriched NNN) and molecular techniques (real-time ITS1 PCR and hsp70 PCR/sequencing) were performed. By molecular techniques, 299, 28, 19 and 10 isolates/clinical samples were identified as L. tropica, L. major, L. infant= and L. donovani, respectively. Most of the patients (65.73%) had one lesion usually on their face/head. Dry-nodular type lesions (n = 291) were mainly associated with L. tropica while L. major was mainly found related to wet-ulcerative ones. Leishmaniasis recidivans was also detected in 2.52% among 356 patients. L. tropica was detected as most widespread species causing CL in Turkey. L. infantum and L. major was also found in one third of the provinces. Enriched NNN culture was worked well for isolating the parasite and 346 isolates were successfully grown and stored in liquid nitrogen. The comparison of all diagnostic techniques showed that the parasitological positivity rate could increase if the combination of direct microscopy and real-time ITS1 PCR is used. Besides well-known anthroponotic L. tropica cases, the increasing detection of CL cases caused by zoonotic species, L. infantum and L. major, is one of the most important findings in the present study. In our opinion to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, proper treatment and countrywide effective control of CL in Turkey a systematic approach is needed on the base of information about characteristics of lesions and patients and epidemiological features of the disease.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Leishmaniasis in Turkey: first clinical isolation of Leishmania major from 18 autochthonous cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in four geographical regions
    Özbilgin, A; Çulha, G; Uzun, S; Harman, M; Topal, SG; Okudan, F; Zeyrek, F; Gündüz, C; Östan, I; Karakus, M; Töz, S; Kurt, Ö; Akyar, I; Erat, A; Güngör, D; Kayabasi, Ç; Çavus, I; Bastien, P; Pratlong, F; Kocagöz, T; Özbel, Y
    ObjectiveTo report isolation of Leishmaniamajor strains obtained from 18 Turkish autochthonous cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients infected with L.major between 2011 and 2014. MethodsInitial diagnosis relied on microscopy and culture in enriched medium, prepared by adding specific amounts of liver extract, protein and lipid sources to NNN medium. Promastigotes were then transferred to RPMI medium including 10% of foetal calf serum for mass culture. Species-specific real-time PCR targeting ITS1 region of Leishmania spp. was performed using both lesion aspiration samples and cultured promastigotes. Two of 18 isolates were identified by isoenzyme analysis in the Leishmaniasis Reference Center in Montpellier, France. Each isolate was inoculated into the footpads of six mice to observe the pathogenicity of L.major. Developing lesions were observed, and the thickening of footpads was measured weekly. ResultsMelting curve analyses of 18 isolates showed a peak concordant with L.major, and two of them were confirmed by isoenzyme analyses as L.major zymodeme MON103. In the mouse model, acute lesions seen on day 21 were accepted as an indication of heavy infection. Severe impairments were observed on all mouse footpads over 3weeks, which even progressed to extremity amputation. ConclusionCutaneous leishmaniasis-causing L.major was recently identified in Adana province in southern Turkey, with PCR. Our study shows that such CL cases are not limited to Adana but currently present from western to Southeastern Anatolia, and along the Mediterranean coast. The role of small mammals, the main reservoirs of L.major in Anatolia, needs to be elucidated, as do the underlying factors that cause severe clinical manifestations in L.major infections in Turkey, contrary to the infections in neighbouring countries. ObjectifRapporter sur l'isolement de souches de Leishmania major obtenues a partir de 18 cas de leishmaniose cutanee (LC) de patients turcs autochtones infectes par L. major entre 2011 et 2014. MethodesLe diagnostic initial a porte sur la microscopie et la culture sur un milieu enrichi, prepare en ajoutant des quantites specifiques d'extrait de foie, de proteines et de sources de lipides au milieu NNN. Les promastigotes ont ensuite ete transferes dans le milieu RPMI contenant 10% de serum fOEtal de veau pour la culture de masse. La PCR en temps reel specifique de l'espece et ciblant la region ITS1 de Leishmania spp. a ete realisee en utilisant a la fois les echantillons d'aspiration de la lesion et de promastigotes cultives. Deux des 18 isolats ont ete identifies par analyse des isoenzymes dans le Centre de reference de la leishmaniose a Montpellier, en France. Chaque isolat a ete inocule dans les coussinets plantaires de six souris pour observer la pathogenicite de L. major. Les lesions en developpement ont ete observees et l'epaississement des coussinets plantaires ont ete mesures chaque semaine. ResultatsLes analyses de courbe de fusion des 18 isolats ont montre un pic concordant avec L. major et deux d'entre eux ont ete confirmes par des analyses d'isoenzyme comme L. major de zymodeme MON103. Dans le modele murin, des lesions aigues observees au jour 21 ont ete acceptees comme une indication de forte infection. Des deficiences severes ont ete observees sur tous les coussinets plantaires des souris pendant plus de trois semaines, qui ont meme progresse jusqu'a l'amputation de l'extremite. ConclusionL. major causant la LC a ete recemment identifie dans la province d'Adana dans le sud de la Turquie par la PCR. Notre etude montre que de tels cas de LC ne sont pas limites a Adana, mais sont actuellement presents dans l'ouest et dans le sud-est de l'Anatolie, et le long de la cote mediterraneenne. Le role des petits mammiferes, principaux reservoirs de L. major en Anatolie, devrait etre elucide, de meme que les facteurs sous-jacents qui causent les manifestations cliniques severes dans les infections a L. major en Turquie, contrairement aux infections dans les pays voisins. ObjetivoReportar el aislamiento de cepas de L. major obtenidas de 18 pacientes turcos con leishmaniosis cutanea (LC) autoctona, infectados con Leishmania major entre 2011 y 2014. MetodosEl diagnostico inicial se realizo mediante microscopia y cultivo en medio enriquecido, preparado mediante la adicion de cantidades especificas de extracto de higado, proteina y fuentes de lipido al medio NNN. Los promastigotes fueron transferidos al medio RPMI con un 10% de suero fetal para su cultivo masivo. Se realizo PCR en tiempo real, especie-especifica, que detecta la region ITS1 de Leishmania spp., utilizando tanto muestras aspiradas de las lesiones como promastigotes de cultivo. Dos de los 18 aislados se identificaron mediante analisis isoenzimatico en el Centro de Referencia de la Leishmaniosis en Montpellier, Francia. Cada aislado fue inoculado en las almohadillas de las patas de seis ratones para observar la patogenicidad de L. major. Se observo el desarrollo de las lesiones y se midio semanalmente el engrosamiento de las almohadillas. ResultadosEl analisis de la curva de fusion de los 18 aislados mostro un pico de concordancia con Leishmania major, y dos de ellos fueron confirmados mediante un analisis isoenzimatico como L. major zymodeme MON103. En el modelo de raton, las lesiones agudas observadas en el dia 21 se aceptaron como indicativas de una infeccion masiva. Se observaron danos graves en todas las almohadillas de los ratones a lo largo de tres semanas, que progresaron hasta la amputacion de las extremidades. ConclusionRecientemente se ha identificado, mediante PCR, LC causada por L. major en la provincia de Adana al sur de Turquia. Nuestro estudio muestra que estos casos de LC no estan limitados a Adana y que actualmente existen desde el oeste al sudeste de Anatolia y a lo largo de la costa Mediterranea. Es necesario aclarar el papel que en Anatolia juegan los pequenos mamiferos, principales reservorios de L. major, al igual que el de los factores que hay detras de las manifestaciones clinicas severas en infecciones por L. major en Turquia, al contrario del de las infecciones presentes en paises vecinos.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Epidemiological analysis of Leishmania tropica strains and giemsa-stained smears from Syrian and Turkish leishmaniasis patients using multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT)
    Karakus, M; Nasereddin, A; Onay, H; Karaca, E; Özkeklikçi, A; Jaffe, CL; Kuhls, K; Özbilgin, A; Ertabaklar, H; Demir, S; Özbel, Y; Töz, S
    Turkey is located in an important geographical location, in terms of the epidemiology of vector- borne diseases, linking Asia and Europe. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the endemic diseases in a Turkey and according to the Ministry Health of Turkey, 45% of CL patients originate from Sanliurfa province located in southeastern Turkey. Herein, the epidemiological status of CL, caused by L. tropica, in Turkey was examined using multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) of strains obtained from Turkish and Syrian patients. A total of 38 cryopreserved strains and 20 Giemsa-stained smears were included in the present study. MLMT was performed using 12 highly specific microsatellite markers. Delta K (Delta K) calculation and Bayesian statistics were used to determine the population structure. Three main populations (POP A, B and C) were identified and further examination revealed the presence of three subpopulations for POP B and C. Combined analysis was performed using the data of previously typed L. tropica strains and Mediterranean and Sanliurfa populations were identified. This finding suggests that the epidemiological status of L. tropica is more complicated than expected when compared to previous studies. A new population, comprised of Syrian L. tropica samples, was reported for the first time in Turkey, and the data presented here will provide new epidemiological information for further studies.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Determination of sand fly fauna and molecular detection of Leishmania in sand flies in Antalya Province, Southern Turkey
    Arserim, SK; Çetin, H; Karakus, M; Demir, S; Ser, Ö; Töz, S; Balcioglu, IC; Ölgen, MK; Yilmaz, B; Özbel, Y
    Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are diseases transmitted by infected female sand flies. Since the eradication of malaria in Turkey, CL is the main vector-borne disease in the country, with more than 2000 cases per year, making it a significant public health problem. The aims of this study were to carry out an entomological survey in Antalya Province, an endemic area for CL in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey, to identify sand fly fauna and to screen female specimens for the presence of Leishmania parasites (Leishmania infantum, L. tropica, L. major, and L. donovani) using molecular analysis. Sand flies were collected in 42 localities of seven districts in Antalya Province using CDC miniature light traps in two different periods, June 2012 and September 2013. The specimens were kept in 96% ethanol until the dissection was done. The head and genitalia of the specimens were cut for preparing individual slides for species identification. The rest of the body of female specimens was kept separately. The specimens were identified at the species level, and 27 pools were generated according to the locations and species for screening the presence of Leishmania. A commercial kit was used for DNA extractions. Real-time and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1) were then performed. In total, 1306 specimens comprising nine species belonging to the Phlebotomus genus were collected in the study region, with Phlebotomus neglectus/syriacus (38.82%) the most abundant, followed by P. alexandri (21.67%) and P. tobbi (20.44%). In the 27 pools, Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in four pools containing P. neglectus/syriacus and one pool containing P. tobbi. In conclusion, the sand fly fauna in the Antalya Province is diverse. The probable vector sand fly species are P. neglectus/syriacus and P. tobbi with high dominance (59.26%), which indicates a high risk of CL transmission. The data presented here may help to shed more light on the transmission cycles of the Leishmania parasite in this CL endemic area.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Diversity of Leishmania Strains Isolated from Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients in Turkey and its Reflection to Clinics in Mice Model
    Özbilgin, A; Çulha, G; Güray, MZ; Zeyrek, FY; Akyar, I; Töz, S; Ural, IÖ; Kurt, O; Kocagöz, T; Çavus, I; Gündüz, C
    Although asexual reproduction has been attributed to Leishmania species, genetic exchange has recently been demonstrated, which helped emerging of hybrid isolates. Situated on the crossroads between three continents, Leishmania hybrids may be present in Turkey. In Turkey, visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is less common, while cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania tropica and L.infantum could reach 2500 reported cases a year. Our aim was to investigate genetic variability of local Leishmania species and presence of hybrid Leishmania strains in Turkey. Twenty CL patients from Sanliurfa and Hatay, where only L.tropica and both L.tropica and L.infantum cause CL, respectively, were registered equally. All isolates were assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (Rt-PCR), isoenzyme analysis, gene sequencing, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS followed by in vivo analyses on mouse model. Identification of differentially expressed proteins was performed. These proteins were confirmed by sequence analysis. All isolates from Sanliurfa were found to be L.tropica which caused cutaneous infection in mice. However, one of 10 isolates from Hatay was found as Leishmania major which caused cutaneous infection. Five isolates were found as L.tropica with Rt-PCR and gene sequencing, one of which had one different protein from the reference L.tropica strain and caused cutaneous infection. Four of the five isolates had five different proteins compared to reference strain and caused both cutaneous and visceral infections. Remaining four isolates showed double melting curves in Rt-PCR, which were concordant with L.tropica and L.infantum. Their sequencing and isoenzyme analyses indicated them as L.infantum. They had six different proteins compared to reference L.infantum strain and caused cutaneous and visceral infections. It is concluded that the isolates with different proteins were hybrid Leishmania species. In the present study, outcomes of the proteomics, genomics, clinical manifestations and tissue tropism on animal models were evaluated together for the first time. In addition to L. tropica and L.infantum, L.major was identified as a causative agent for CL and hybrids of Linfantum/tropica were also shown to be present.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The initial detection of Toscana virus in phlebotomine sandflies from Turkey
    Özbel, Y; Oguz, G; Arserim, SK; Kasap, ÖE; Karaoglu, B; Yilmaz, A; Emanet, N; Günay, F; Hacioglu, S; Demirok, MC; Töz, S; Alten, B; Nalçaci, M; Özkul, A; Ergünay, K
    Toscana virus (TOSV) is a prominent arthropod-borne viral agent of human central nervous system infections occurring in the Mediterranean region. The main transmission route to susceptible individuals involves sandflies as vectors. Despite several reports revealing widespread TOSV activity in Turkey, vectors remained unidentified. A sandfly field survey was carried out in five provinces in Central, Southeast and Mediterranean Anatolia in 2017 to identify TOSV and related sandfly-borne phleboviruses and Leishmania parasites, with evidence for circulation in the region. A total of 7136 sandfly specimens, collected via standard methods, were evaluated in 163 pools. TOSV was detected in 11 pools (6.7%), comprising Phlebotomus major sensu lato, Sergentomyia dentata and Phlebotomus papatasi species. TOSV partial L and S segment sequences were characterized, that phylogenetically clustered with local and global genotype A strains. An amino acid substitution outside the conserved motifs of the viral polymerase, also present in previous TOSV sequences in endemic regions, was observed. Leishmania tropica was detected in a single pool of Ph. sergentii (0.6%). This is the first report of TOSV in sandflies from Turkey, and this study further provides evidence for additional sandfly species with the potential to transmit TOSV.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Leishmaniasis in Turkey: Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in Turkey
    Özbilgin, A; Harman, M; Karakus, M; Bart, A; Töz, S; Kurt, Ö; Çavus, I; Polat, E; Gündüz, C; Van Gool, T; Özbel, Y
    In Turkey, the main causative agents are Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) and Leishmania infantum (L. infant:tun) for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and L. infantum for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In this study, we investigated leishmaniasis cases caused by L. donovani and established animal models for understanding its tropism in in vivo conditions. Clinical samples (lesion aspirations and bone marrow) obtained from CL/VL patients were investigated using parasitological (smear/NNN) and DNA-based techniques. For species identification, a real time ITS1-PCR was performed using isolates and results were confirmed by hsp70 PCR-N/sequencing and cpb gene PCR/sequencing in order to reveal Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum discrimination. Clinical materials from CL and VL patients were also inoculated into two experimental groups (Group CL and Group VL) of Balb/C mice intraperitoneally for creating clinical picture of Turkish L. donovani strains. After 45 days, the samples from visible sores of the skin were taken, and spleens and livers were removed. Measurements of the internal organs were done and touch preparations were prepared for checking the presence of amastigotes. The strains were isolated from all patients and amastigotes were seen in all smears of the patients, and then isolates were immediately stored in liquid nitrogen. In real time ITS1-PCR, the melting temperatures of all samples were out of range of L. infcrnuttn, L. tropica and L. major. Sequencing of hsp70 PCR-N showed that all isolates highly identical to previously submitted L. donovani sequences in GenBank, and cpb gene sequencing showed five isolates had longer cpbF allele, whereas one isolate contained a mixed sequence of both cpbF and cpbE. All mice in both experimental groups became infected. Compared to controls, the length and width of both liver and spleen were significantly elevated (p < 0.001) in both groups of mice. However, the weight of the liver increased significantly in all mice whereas the weight of spleen increased only in VL group. Amastigotes were also seen in all touch preparations prepared from skin sores, spleen and liver. L. donovani strain was isolated from autocutaneous a VL patient first time in Turkey. Animal models using clinical samples were successfully established and important clinical differences of the isolated strains were observed.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Molecular detection and identification of Leishmania spp. in naturally infected Phlebotomus tobbi and Sergentomyia dentata in a focus of human and canine leishmaniasis in western Turkey
    Özbel, Y; Karakus, M; Arserim, SK; Kalkan, SO; Töz, S
    Human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is reported from 38 provinces of Turkey and dogs are accepted as main reservoir hosts. Kusadasi town, belonging to Aydin province and located in western part of Turkey, is endemic for human and canine visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum MON1 and MON98. In this study, phlebotomine survey was conducted to determine the vector sand fly species and to identify sand fly blood meal sources. In August and September 2012, 1027 sand fly specimens were caught using CDC light traps. Eight Phlebotomus and two Sergentomyia species with the dominancy ofPhlebotomus tobbi (61.34%) were detected. A total of 622 female sand flies (571 Phlebotomus; 51 Sergentomyia) were checked for Leishmania infection by direct dissection of the midgut. The half of the midgut content was inoculated into NNN culture for isolation of the parasite. Leishmania species-specific ITS1 real time PCR, conventional PCR assays of ITS1 and hsp70 genes and subsequent sequencing were performed from extracted DNAs. A region of cytochrome b (cyt-b) gene of vertebrates based PCR was used to determine the source of blood meal of sand flies. In microscopical examinations, two female specimens (0.32%) were found naturally infected with high number and different stages of promastigotes. No growth was observed in NNN culture but Leishmania DNA was obtained from both specimens. First positive specimen was identified as P. tobbi and L. infantum DNA was detected. Second specimen was Sergentomyia dentata, but Leishmania DNA could not be identified on species level. A total of 16 blood-fed female P. tobbi specimens were used for blood meal analysis and eight, three and one specimens were positive for human, dog and mouse, respectively. This is the first detection of Leishmania promastigotes using microscopical examination in P. tobbi and S. dentata in human and canine visceral leishmaniasis endemic area in western part of Turkey. Our results indicate that, (i) P. tobbi is the principal vector species and (ii) human and dogs are main blood sources. The detection of Leishmania sp. in Sergentomyia species may be an evidence for natural cycle of Sauro-leishmania agents in the area. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.