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Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dorsal Skin of Hamsters: a Useful Model for the Screening of Antileishmanial Drugs
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Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dorsal Skin of Hamsters: a Useful Model for the Screening of Antileishmanial Drugs

Published on: April 21, 2012

[The activization of an Ashkhabad focus of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis]

R S Dobrzhanskaia, Kh Kh Khuseĭinova, V M Saf'ianova

    Meditsinskaia Parazitologiia I Parazitarnye Bolezni
    |September 1, 1989
    PubMed

    Insights

    Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) has reactivated in Ashkhabad, identified by Leishmania tropica strains and the vector Phlebotomus sergenti. This indicates a resurgence of a previously controlled disease focus.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Parasitology
    • Vector-borne Diseases
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a significant public health concern.
    • Previous control efforts had aimed to sanitize foci of ACL in Ashkhabad.
    • The re-emergence of ACL necessitates updated surveillance and control strategies.

    Observation:

    • Six patients presenting with characteristic ACL symptoms were identified in Ashkhabad between 1987 and 1988.
    • Isoenzymatic analysis of three Leishmania strains (MHOM/SU/87/392, MHOM/SU/87/393, MHOM/SU/87/410) confirmed them as Leishmania tropica.
    • Entomological surveys in Ashkhabad revealed the presence of the specific ACL vector, Phlebotomus sergenti, with an abundance index of 0.64-0.70.

    Findings:

    • Isoenzymatic analysis confirmed the isolated Leishmania strains as Leishmania tropica, the causative agent of ACL.
    • The presence of the vector Phlebotomus sergenti, alongside clinical cases, establishes the transmission cycle.
    • The study identified 12 enzymes (G-6-PDH, PGM, 6-PGDH, ACP, ALP, PGI, GOT, ME, LDH, ALD, HK, FK) through electrophoresis for strain identification.

    Implications:

    • The findings suggest a reactivation of a previously controlled ACL focus in Ashkhabad.
    • This highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and integrated vector management in endemic areas.
    • Re-emergence of ACL poses a renewed threat to public health, requiring prompt intervention.

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