Browsing by Autor "Lineth García"

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Association of the Endobiont Double-Stranded RNA Virus LRV1 With Treatment Failure for Human Leishmaniasis Caused byLeishmania braziliensisin Peru and Bolivia
(Oxford University Press, 2015) Vanessa Adaui; Lon‐Fye Lye; Natalia S. Akopyants; Mirko Zimic; Alejandro Llanos‐Cuentas; Lineth García; Ilse Maes; Simonne De Doncker; Deborah E. Dobson; Jorge Arévalo
Cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis, caused in South America by Leishmania braziliensis, is difficult to cure by chemotherapy (primarily pentavalent antimonials [Sb(V)]). Treatment failure does not correlate well with resistance in vitro, and the factors responsible for treatment failure in patients are not well understood. Many isolates of L. braziliensis (>25%) contain a double-stranded RNA virus named Leishmaniavirus 1 (LRV1), which has also been reported in Leishmania guyanensis, for which an association with increased pathology, metastasis, and parasite replication was found in murine models. Here we probed the relationship of LRV1 to drug treatment success and disease in 97 L. braziliensis-infected patients from Peru and Bolivia. In vitro cultures were established, parasites were typed as L. braziliensis, and the presence of LRV1 was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, followed by sequence analysis. LRV1 was associated significantly with an increased risk of treatment failure (odds ratio, 3.99; P = .04). There was no significant association with intrinsic Sb(V) resistance among parasites, suggesting that treatment failure arises from LRV1-mediated effects on host metabolism and/or parasite survival. The association of LRV1 with clinical drug treatment failure could serve to guide more-effective treatment of tegumentary disease caused by L. braziliensis.
Deep Sequencing of the Trypanosoma cruzi GP63 Surface Proteases Reveals Diversity and Diversifying Selection among Chronic and Congenital Chagas Disease Patients
(Public Library of Science, 2015) Martin Llewellyn; Louisa A. Messenger; Alejandro O. Luquetti; Lineth García; Faustino Torrico; Suelene B. N. Tavares; Bachar Cheaib; Nicolas Derôme; Marc Délepine; Céline Baulard
Our results shed light on the diversity of parasite DTUs within each patient, as well as the extent to which parasite strains pass between mother and foetus in congenital cases. Although we were unable to find any evidence that parasite diversity accumulates with age in our study cohorts, putative diversifying selection within members of the TcGP63I gene family suggests a link between genetic diversity within this gene family and survival in the mammalian host.
Diversity and dissemination of viruses in pathogenic protozoa
(Nature Portfolio, 2023) Senne Heeren; Ilse Maes; Mandy Sanders; Lon‐Fye Lye; Vanessa Adaui; Jorge Arévalo; Alejandro Llanos‐Cuentas; Lineth García; Philippe Lemey; Stephen M. Beverley
Ecological host fitting of <scp>T</scp>rypanosoma cruzi <scp>T</scp>c<scp>I</scp> in <scp>B</scp>olivia: mosaic population structure, hybridization and a role for humans in <scp>A</scp>ndean parasite dispersal
(Wiley, 2015) Louisa A. Messenger; Lineth García; Mathieu Vanhove; Carlos Huaranca; Marinely Bustamante; Mary‐Cruz Torrico; Faustino Torrico; Michael A. Miles; Martin Llewellyn
An improved understanding of how a parasite species exploits its genetic repertoire to colonize novel hosts and environmental niches is crucial to establish the epidemiological risk associated with emergent pathogenic genotypes. Trypanosoma cruzi, a genetically heterogeneous, multi-host zoonosis, provides an ideal system to examine the sylvatic diversification of parasitic protozoa. In Bolivia, T. cruzi I, the oldest and most widespread genetic lineage, is pervasive across a range of ecological clines. High-resolution nuclear (26 loci) and mitochondrial (10 loci) genotyping of 199 contemporaneous sylvatic TcI clones was undertaken to provide insights into the biogeographical basis of T. cruzi evolution. Three distinct sylvatic parasite transmission cycles were identified: one highland population among terrestrial rodent and triatomine species, composed of genetically homogenous strains (Ar = 2.95; PA/L = 0.61; DAS = 0.151), and two highly diverse, parasite assemblages circulating among predominantly arboreal mammals and vectors in the lowlands (Ar = 3.40 and 3.93; PA/L = 1.12 and 0.60; DAS = 0.425 and 0.311, respectively). Very limited gene flow between neighbouring terrestrial highland and arboreal lowland areas (distance ~220 km; FST = 0.42 and 0.35) but strong connectivity between ecologically similar but geographically disparate terrestrial highland ecotopes (distance >465 km; FST = 0.016-0.084) strongly supports ecological host fitting as the predominant mechanism of parasite diversification. Dissimilar heterozygosity estimates (excess in highlands, deficit in lowlands) and mitochondrial introgression among lowland strains may indicate fundamental differences in mating strategies between populations. Finally, accelerated parasite dissemination between densely populated, highland areas, compared to uninhabited lowland foci, likely reflects passive, long-range anthroponotic dispersal. The impact of humans on the risk of epizootic Chagas disease transmission in Bolivia is discussed.
First concrete documentation for presence of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus in Bolivia: Dispelling previous anecdotes
(2024) Frédéric Lardeux; Philippe Boussès; Rosenka Tejerina; Audric Berger; Christian Barnabé; Lineth García
Abstract Background The presence of Aedes albopictus in Bolivia has been a subject of controversy, lacking concrete documentation until now. Objectives This study aimed to furnish evidence of Ae. albopictus presence in Bolivia. Methods Larval breeding sites were sampled in two northern Bolivian localities, Rosario del Yata and San Agustin, both situated in the Beni department within the Vaca Diez province and Guayaramerin Municipio, approximately 10 km apart. Mosquito larvae collected underwent rearing to L4 and adult stages for morphological identification, with some specimens sequenced for confirmation. Findings Ae. albopictus was identified in multiple breeding sites in both localities, confirming its establishment in the area. This marks the first concrete documentation of the species in Bolivia. The collections (larvae and adults) have been deposited in the Medical Entomology Laboratory of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and the Laboratory of Entomology of the Instituto Nacional de Laboratorios de Salud of the Ministry of Health in La Paz, Bolivia. Main conclusion Acknowledging its role as a vector for arboviruses like dengue and Chikungunya, Ae. albopictus should be incorporated into the Bolivian National Program of Vector Control for monitoring.
First concrete documentation for presence of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus in Bolivia: dispelling previous anecdotes
(Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, 2024) Frédéric Lardeux; Philippe Boussès; Rosenka Tejerina; Audric Berger; Christian Barnabé; Lineth García
Given its role as a vector for arboviruses such as dengue and Chikungunya, Ae. albopictus should be incorporated into the Bolivian National Programme of Vector Control for monitoring.
Generic sodium stibogluconate is as safe and effective as branded meglumine antimoniate, for the treatment of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Isiboro Secure Park, Bolivia
(Maney Publishing, 2006) Harry Bermudez; E. Rojas; Lineth García; P. Desjeux; J.-C. Dujardin; Marleen Boelaert; François Chappuis
Human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucous leishmaniasis (ML) are highly endemic in Isiboro Secure Park, which lies in the Bolivian department of Cochabamba--an area where branded meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) is expensive and poorly distributed. The safety and efficacy of generic sodium stibogluconate (SSG), from Albert David Ltd, was therefore explored, in CL and ML cases from the park, who were treated with 20 mg/kg.day for 20 and 30 days, respectively. A questionnaire recording adverse effects was completed by a physician in each treatment centre. Efficacy of treatment was assessed at the end of treatment and at follow-ups 1 month and 3, 6 and 12 months later. Overall, 146 patients completed treatment with SSG in 2003-2004. No fatalities or severe adverse effects were reported but mild to moderate adverse effects were noted in 41 (28%) of the patients. The incidence of adverse effects was significantly higher among the cases of ML than among the cases of CL. Of the 86 patients with CL who completed 6 months of follow-up, 81 (94.2%) were considered to have been clinically cured; a comparable cohort of 69 CL cases who had been treated with Glucantime in 2001-2002 showed a similar frequency of clinical cure (90%). Generic SSG was shown to be safe and efficacious for the treatment of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Bolivia. Being several times cheaper than Glucantime, it could contribute to improving the access of CL and ML patients to treatment, not only in Bolivia but also in other countries of Latin America.
Genetic diversification of Panstrongylus geniculatus (Reduviidae: Triatominae) in northern South America
(Public Library of Science, 2019) Valentina Caicedo-Garzón; Fabian C. Salgado‐Roa; Melissa Sánchez Herrera; Carolina Hernández; Luisa M. Arias-Giraldo; Lineth García; Gustavo Adolfo Vallejo; Omar Cantillo‐Barraza; Catalina Tovar; João Aristeu da Rosa
Triatomines are the vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Although Triatoma and Rhodnius are the most-studied vector genera, other triatomines, such as Panstrongylus, also transmit T. cruzi, creating new epidemiological scenarios. Panstrongylus has at least 13 reported species but there is limited information about its intraspecific genetic variation and patterns of diversification. Here, we begin to fill this gap by studying populations of P. geniculatus from Colombia and Venezuela and including other epidemiologically important species from the region. We examined the pattern of diversification of P. geniculatus in Colombia using mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal data. Genetic diversity and differentiation were calculated within and among populations of P. geniculatus. Moreover, we constructed maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenies and haplotype networks using P. geniculatus and other species from the genus (P. megistus, P. lignarius, P. lutzi, P. tupynambai, P. chinai, P. rufotuberculatus and P. howardi). Using a coalescence framework, we also dated the P. geniculatus lineages. The total evidence tree showed that P. geniculatus is a monophyletic species, with four clades that are concordant with its geographic distribution and are partly explained by the Andes orogeny. However, other factors, including anthropogenic and eco-epidemiological effects must be investigated to explain the existence of recent geographic P. geniculatus lineages. The epidemiological dynamics in structured vector populations, such as those found here, warrant further investigation. Extending our knowledge of P. geniculatus is necessary for the accurate development of effective strategies for the control of Chagas disease vectors.
Genetic polymorphism of Trypanosoma cruzi bloodstream populations in adult chronic indeterminate Chagas disease patients from the E1224 clinical trial
(Oxford University Press, 2021) Juan Carlos Ramı́rez; Gonzalo R. Acevedo; Carolina Torres; Rudy Parrado; Anabelle de la Barra; Sandro Villarroel; Lineth García; Joaquím Gascón; Lourdes Ortiz; Faustino Torrico
Genetic variability of T. cruzi bloodstream populations during post-treatment follow-up did not differ from that observed during chronic infection in the absence of treatment, suggesting that there were no selection events of E1224-resistant parasite populations. This is the first report documenting the genetic polymorphism of natural T. cruzi populations in chronic patients in the context of clinical trials with trypanocidal drugs.
Geographic distribution of human Blastocystis subtypes in South America
(Elsevier BV, 2016) Juan David Ramírez; Angie Sánchez; Carolina Hernández; Carolina Flórez; María Consuelo Bernal; Julio César Giraldo Forero; Patricia Reyes; Myriam Consuelo López; Lineth García; Philip J. Cooper
Molecular markers for species identification in the Leishmania subgenus Viannia
(Oxford University Press, 2002) Alexis Mendoza-León; Luís Luís; Octávio Fernandes; Elisa Cupolillo; Lineth García
We have previously identified a novel genomic sequence of 500 bp, the beta 500-DNA sequence, in the subgenus Leishmania (Viannia). This sequence was localized upstream of the beta-tubulin gene. Restriction fragment length polymorphism and hybridization analysis has shown that the beta 500-DNA sequence is specific to this subgenus. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay confirmed this specificity. The beta 500-DNA sequence was apparently absent from the genomic deoxyribonucleic acid of L. colombiensis and L. equatoriensis. These results indicate that a PCR assay based on the beta 500-DNA sequence is likely to be of use to detect and identify Leishmania parasites of this subgenus in clinical samples with high sensitivity, specificity and reliability. The beta 500-DNA sequence can be considered a molecular marker for the subgenus Viannia.
Multilocus analysis uncovers the evolution of the Rhodniini tribe, vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Carolina Hernández; Fabian C. Salgado‐Roa; Carolina Pardo‐Díaz; João Aristeu da Rosa; Jader de Oliveira; Cléber Galvão; Simone Patrícia Carneiro Freitas; José E. Calzada; Lineth García; Mario J. Grijalva
In this study, we investigate the origin and diversification of Trypanosoma cruzi vectors within the Rhodniini tribe (Triatominae subfamily) through phylogenetic analyses based on eight genes from 17 species and 497 specimens-the largest sampling of this tribe to date. Our results predominantly support the paraphyly of the genus Rhodnius, with the three Psammolestes species forming a well-supported monophyletic clade nested within it. In two reconstructions, however, Psammolestes and Rhodnius are recovered as reciprocally monophyletic, each with strong support. In Rhodnius, we find monophyletic pallescens and pictipes groups, but a paraphyletic prolixus group, with persistent phylogenetic discordances underscoring uncertainties in species placements. Divergence estimates suggest Rhodniini originated around 5.26 million years ago, notably more recent than previously thought. Evolution within the tribe appears shaped by geography, gene flow, and incomplete lineage sorting rather than traditional taxonomy. Only four species-P. arthuri, R. ecuadoriensis, R. neivai, and R. neglectus-are consistently supported across analyses, likely diversifying during Pleistocene climate changes. Other Rhodniini species may represent a panmictic population with minor structuring influenced by the Andes uplift. This study underscores the need for integrative research combining genetic, ecological, and biogeographical data to fully understand Rhodniini speciation and diversification.
Multiprimer PCR System Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Cochabamba, Bolivia
(American Society for Microbiology, 2007) Rudy Parrado; Daniel Lozano; Lineth García; Mary Cruz Torrico; Raúl Delgado; Faustino Torrico; Monica Laserna; Richard Reithinger
Bolivia has one of the highest incidence rates of tuberculosis (TB) in the Americas. An estimated 15,000 new cases per year are detected ([1][1]), which corresponds to an incidence rate of 112 cases per 100,000 population; 1,600 deaths due to TB are reported to occur annually ([10][2]). The actual
Parasite hybridization promotes spreading of endosymbiotic viruses
(2023) Senne Heeren; Ilse Maes; Mandy Sanders; Lon‐Fye Lye; Jorge Arévalo; Alejandro Llanos‐Cuentas; Lineth García; Philippe Lemey; Stephen M. Beverley; James A. Cotton
Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth and play a significant role in the evolution of many organisms and ecosystems. In pathogenic protozoa, the presence of endosymbiotic viruses has been linked to an increased risk of treatment failure and severe clinical outcome. Here, we studied the molecular epidemiology of the zoonotic disease cutaneous leishmaniasis in Peru and Bolivia through a joint evolutionary analysis of Leishmania braziliensis parasites and their endosymbiotic Leishmania RNA virus. We show that parasite populations circulate in isolated pockets of suitable habitat and are associated with single viral lineages that appear in low prevalence. In contrast, groups of hybrid parasites were geographically and ecologically dispersed, and commonly infected from a pool of genetically diverse viruses. Our results suggest that parasite hybridization, likely due to increased human migration and ecological perturbations, increased the frequency of endosymbiotic interactions known to play a key role in disease severity.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Bolivian Bat Trypanosomes of the Subgenus Schizotrypanum Based on Cytochrome b Sequence and Minicircle Analyses
(Public Library of Science, 2012) Lineth García; Sylvia Ortiz; Gonzalo Osorío; Mary Cruz Torrico; Faustino Torrico; Aldo Solari
The aim of this study was to establish the phylogenetic relationships of trypanosomes present in blood samples of Bolivian Carollia bats. Eighteen cloned stocks were isolated from 115 bats belonging to Carollia perspicillata (Phyllostomidae) from three Amazonian areas of the Chapare Province of Bolivia and studied by xenodiagnosis using the vectors Rhodnius robustus and Triatoma infestans (Trypanosoma cruzi marenkellei) or haemoculture (Trypanosoma dionisii). The PCR DNA amplified was analyzed by nucleotide sequences of maxicircles encoding cytochrome b and by means of the molecular size of hyper variable regions of minicircles. Ten samples were classified as Trypanosoma cruzi marinkellei and 8 samples as Trypanosoma dionisii. The two species have a different molecular size profile with respect to the amplified regions of minicircles and also with respect to Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli used for comparative purpose. We conclude the presence of two species of bat trypanosomes in these samples, which can clearly be identified by the methods used in this study. The presence of these trypanosomes in Amazonian bats is discussed.
Presence of Triatoma breyeri (Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Bolivia
(2024) Frédéric Lardeux; Alberto Llanos; Roberto Rodríguez; Luc Abate; Philippe Boussès; Rosenka Tejerina; Christian Barnabé; Lineth García
The study focuses on identifying and understanding the ecological dynamics of Triatoma breyeri in Bolivia. Morphological identification and molecular analysis using gene fragments (COI, CytB and 16S) confirms T. breyeri 's presence and its relation to other species. The species has been consistently found in the Estancia-Mataral – La Palma region since 2010 but has not spread to other regions in Bolivia. The region of occurrence is a small characteristic dry inter-Andean valley. A MaxEnt model suggests part of the Bolivian Montane Dry Forest ecoregion serves as a unique habitat within its range. The infrequent presence in Bolivia and the distance from its main range in Argentina suggest recent accidental introduction, possibly through human transport. Further research is needed to comprehend its persistence in this small area of Bolivia.
Presence of Triatoma breyeri (Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Bolivia
(Public Library of Science, 2024) Frédéric Lardeux; Alberto Llanos; Roberto Rodríguez; Luc Abate; Philippe Boussès; Rosenka Lardeux; Christian Barnabé; Lineth García
The study focuses on identifying and understanding the ecological dynamics of Triatoma breyeri in Bolivia. Morphological identification and molecular analysis using gene fragments (COI, CytB and 16S) confirms T. breyeri's presence and its relation to other species. The species has been consistently found in the Estancia-Mataral-La Palma region since 2010 but has not spread to other regions in Bolivia. The region of occurrence is a small characteristic dry inter-Andean valley. A MaxEnt model suggests part of the Bolivian Montane Dry Forest ecoregion serves as a unique habitat within its range. The infrequent presence in Bolivia and the distance from its main range in Argentina suggest recent accidental introduction, possibly through human transport. Further research is needed to comprehend its persistence in this small area of Bolivia.
Research Priorities for Neglected Infectious Diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean Region
(Public Library of Science, 2010) Jean‐Claude Dujardin; Sócrates Herrera; Virgilio do Rosario; Jorge Arévalo; Marleen Boelaert; H. Carrasco; Rodrigo Corrêa‐Oliveira; Lineth García; Eduardo Gotuzzo; Theresa W. Gyorkos
Americanae nace como un proyecto conjunto que surge dentro de la Red Europea de Información y Documentación sobre América Latina (REDIAL), y que ha afrontado la Biblioteca de la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID). Esta nueva biblioteca virtual hace más accesibles los libros digitales de tema americanista a los investigadores y usuarios interesados de cualquier parte del mundo.
Sequence analysis of the 3’-untranslated region of HSP70 (type I) genes in the genus Leishmania: its usefulness as a molecular marker for species identification
(BioMed Central, 2012) José M. Requena; Carmen Chicharro; Lineth García; Rudy Parrado; Concepción J. Puerta; Carmen Cañavate
Seroprevalence of Triatoma virus (Dicistroviridae: Cripaviridae) antibodies in Chagas disease patients
(BioMed Central, 2015) Jailson Brito Querido; María Gabriela Echeverría; Gerardo A. Martí; Rita Medina Costa; María Laura Susevich; Jorge Rabinovich; Aydee Copa; Nair A. Montaño; Lineth García; Marisol Córdova