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A Comprehensive Review of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka and Identification of Existing Knowledge Gaps

Acta Parasitologica volume 65, pages 300–309 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

Sri Lanka is endemic to cutaneous leishmaniasis and reported as the latest focus of leishmaniasis in the Asian subcontinent. Annually, the number of leishmaniasis cases is increasing; therefore, more efficient diagnostic tools, treatment methods and effective prevention measures are indispensable. For this reason, many studies were conducted regarding leishmaniasis infections in Sri Lanka; however, some areas need more attention. Thus, in this review, we comprehensively discussed the studies on leishmaniasis carried out in Sri Lanka.

Methods

Published articles on leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka were searched on PubMed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate databases. Inclusion criteria for the articles were based on keyword searches including ‘Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka’, ‘Leishmaniasis vector in Sri Lanka’, ‘Sandfly species in Sri Lanka’, ‘Leishmaniasis epidemiology in Sri Lanka’ which are publicly accessible as of 15th July 2019.

Results

In this study, we evaluated and summarized the leishmaniasis reports in Sri Lanka and mainly focused on clinical presentation of leishmaniasis infection, genetic characteristics of Leishmania donovani Sri Lankan strain, geographical distribution and associated environmental factors, immunological aspects of the infection, vector, reservoir host, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment, and prevention and control. Furthermore, we identified the areas where further research is needed to fill the essential knowledge gaps.

Conclusions

Leishmaniasis has become a critically important parasitic infection in Sri Lanka, whereas the significant clinical form is cutaneous leishmaniasis. Prevalence of the leishmaniasis infections is reported from all the districts of the country. Therefore, more studies are essential to be carried out to fill the existing knowledge gaps emphasized in this review.

Introduction

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection with significant clinical and epidemiological diversity. This disease caused by the protozoa in the genus Leishmania, and transmitted by the bite of an infected female sandfly. There are three main categories of leishmaniasis clinical manifestation viz. cutaneous (CL), visceral (VL), and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). Typically, CL is caused by Old World Leishmania species such as Leishmania major, L. tropica, and L. aethiopica. The VL is caused by Leishmania donovani and L. infantum. The New World Leishmania species, L. braziliensis cause MCL [1]. However, L. donovani is responsible for both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka.

Leishmaniasis represents a significant world health problem. It is endemic to Asia, Africa, parts of South America, Central America, the Mediterranean, and affects nearly 89 countries [2]. Worldwide 12–15 million people are infected; with 1–2 million new cases. Annually, infections cause about 70,000 deaths [3]. About 350 million worldwide are at risk of acquiring leishmaniasis. World Health Organization (WHO) pronounced leishmaniasis as one of the seven most important tropical diseases in the world [2].

Sri Lanka is endemic to CL and reported as the latest focus of leishmaniasis in the Asian subcontinent [4]. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the dominant clinical form found in Sri Lanka [5]. Leishmaniasis was pronounced as a notified disease in 2008 by the Ministry of Health. Annually, a considerably high number of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases were reported from many districts in Sri Lanka. In the year 2018, The Epidemiology Unit reported 3271 leishmaniasis cases (Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, 2019) [6]. Annually, the number of leishmaniasis patients is getting increased; therefore, more efficient diagnostic tools, treatment methods and effective prevention measures are indispensable. For this reason, many studies were conducted regarding leishmaniasis infections in Sri Lanka; however, some areas need more attention. Thus, in this review, we comprehensively discussed the studies carried out in Sri Lanka concerning leishmaniasis, which are publicly accessible as of 15th July 2019, and the knowledge gaps are highlighted where applicable.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is endemic for CL and it is the primary clinical form found [4, 5]. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by L. donovani zymodeme MON-37; the same species that cause VL, which is a fatal condition in South-East Asia, Latin America and Eastern Africa [5, 7]. In Sri Lanka, L. donovani seems to be the only species that cause CL [8]. However, there are multiple strains within the group of local L. donovani and currently it is not possible to predict the diversity complications that could occur in the future [9].

The first case of locally acquired CL in Sri Lanka was reported from the Southern Province in 1992 [10]. The CL was identified as a spectral disease similar to leprosy [11]. The histological groups of CL are ranging from I to IV [11]. A recent study identified a separate clinical entity within the profile of CL as atypical skin manifestations (ACL) [12]. Clinical and geographical distribution patterns of ACL and its response to the treatments were different from those of classical CL [12]. Therefore, ACL requires careful attention to prevent its silent and excessive transmission.

Visceral and Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka

Based on histopathological and haematological findings, the first locally acquired VL case in Sri Lanka was reported from the Anuradhapura district [13]. Since then, only a few cases of confirmed VL were reported from the country [14]. First isolation and identification of autochthonous VL strain from Sri Lanka were in 2010 [15]. At least a part of locally identified strains of L. donovani possesses the ability to cause visceral infections [16]. Also, there is evidence to believe that the prevalence of VL will increase in Sri Lanka [17, 18].

The first report of mucosal tissue localization of leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka was in 2005 [19]. Co-infection of MCL in a patient with tuberculosis lymphadenitis and inherent immune deficiency was then reported in 2010 [20]. Clinical features of this case were similar to MCL caused by L. donovani in India [21]. These atypical MCL cases did not show a primary skin lesion. Therefore, they were different from the true MCL caused by L. braziliensis [19].

Genetic Uniqueness of L. donovani in Sri Lanka that Cause CL and VL

The multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) revealed that L. donovani zymodeme MON-37 is responsible for both cutanaous and visceral leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka [15]. Also, MLEE identified that the 6PGDH gene sequence of these L. donovani zymodeme MON-37 strains that cause VL and CL are the same [15, 17]. Furthermore, a study conducted using BALB/c mice identified the L. donovani in Sri Lanka that cause CL was severely attenuated for survival in visceral organs compared to L. donovani that cause VL in the country [22]. However, it acquired the ability to cause CL in humans. Furthermore, this study reports SNPs and protein level variations as the most likely factors for this disease tropism and pathology differences. The same study identified the expression of Rag C and A2 genes may contribute to the different pathologies caused by the L. donovani in Sri Lanka [22].

The dermotropic nature of L. donovani in Sri Lanka was confirmed by a long-term patient follow-up study [23]. This study reports the absence of signs and symptoms of visceralization in these patients. Intra-dermal infection of mice with live L. donovani Sri Lankan isolates did not lead to visceralization or systemic spread of infection [23]. A study conducted on BALB/c mice has identified the subcutaneous immunization with the live L. donovani isolate causing CL in Sri Lanka was associated with significantly decreased liver parasite burden following challenge with the virulent Sri Lankan VL isolate [24]. This could indicate protective immunity against VL among humans in Sri Lanka since the resolution of cutaneous lesions is more common. This may be the reason for the low levels of VL observed in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, this study indicates this method of immunization can be useful in vaccine development efforts for visceral leishmaniasis worldwide [24].

However, the complete genetic characteristics of the L. donovani zymodeme MON-37 that cause VL and CL in Sri Lanka is not yet fully resolved. Therefore, it is unknown whether the same or different sub-strains of L. donovani MON-37 are responsible for VL and CL in Sri Lanka. Also, it is required to identify the immune factors in the host to understand the aspects responsible for different tropism shown by the same L. donovani strain. Research can be further developed to compare and contrast the genetic characteristics of the L. infantum (syn. L. chagasi) species that cause VL in the new world and L. donovani zymodeme MON-37 strain that causes VL in Sri Lanka.

Geographical Distribution

The first detailed survey conducted regarding leishmaniasis indicated a high prevalence in southern and northern regions of the island [25]. A study carried out to analyze epidemiological data showed that almost 90% of the leishmaniasis cases reported between 2009 and 2016 were from Anuradhapura, Hambantota, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, and Matara as endemic districts (Fig. 1). They have identified a correlation between several climatic factors and increased infections [26]. The same study identified that the highest incidence was from the Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts (Fig. 1). These districts indicate an endemic hotspot affecting the North Central and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka as its epicenter [26]. In Polonnaruwa district, cases of CL reported from 2008 to 2012 showed apparent spatial and temporal clustering [27]. Also, a study identified increased transmission of CL from endemic to non-endemic areas [28].

Fig. 1
figure 1

Total number of leishmaniasis cases reported from each district in Sri Lanka from January 2009 to May 2019 (Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka)

Full size image

Over the last decade, many cases of CL were reported from the endemic areas (North Western, North Central, and Southern provinces) [10, 27, 28]. CL was identified as an emerging public health problem in the Matara district in the Southern Province (Fig. 1) [29]. A recent study identified first evidence for two independent and different leishmaniasis transmission foci in Sri Lanka; north and south as two preexisting foci [9]. In the northern provinces of the country, the transmission of the parasite is mostly outdoors, and in the south, it seems to be peridomestic [25]. Leishmania infections are increasing in epidemic proportions in Mulathivu, Monaragala and Kurunegala (Fig. 2) [26, 30]. Also, a considerably high number of patients were reported from Matale and Kandy (Intermediate and wet zones in the Central Province) (Fig. 2) [28].

Fig. 2
figure 2

Number of leishmaniasis case reported in each year from 2009 to May 2019 referring to each district (Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka). Districts are given in the X-axis, and the number of cases is given in the Y-axis

Full size image

Association with Climate and Weather Conditions

According to a comprehensive epidemiological study conducted by Galgamuwa et al. [26], maximum temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind gust are the significantly associated climatic variables with leishmaniasis in endemic regions. Rainfall is negatively correlated with leishmaniasis infections in endemic regions [26]. The highest incidence of leishmaniasis patients were found in less than 100 m above sea level. The incidence of leishmaniasis at high altitudes is very low compared to the cases identified from areas situated at low altitudes. The environmental conditions in high altitude regions such as low temperature and low humidity are unfavourable for the breeding of sandflies. In contrast, breeding sites with favourable conditions are abundant in low altitude areas [8, 26, 31].

The incidence of leishmaniasis in Hambantota and Matara districts has shown a significant positive correlation with monthly average and maximum temperatures [26]. A study identified that L. infantum and L. brazilliensis develop well between 20 and 26 °C in sandflies [32]. This study can extend to identify the optimum temperatures required for the development of L. donovani in sandfly species in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the population dynamics of sandfly species in Sri Lanka concerning climatic variables can be investigated to identify the factors that would increase the sandfly population.

Leishmaniasis has a seasonal pattern with an increased number of infections in dry seasons [26, 27]. During droughts, people in rural areas tend to cluster around natural water supplies and by that, their exposure towards sandfly bites increases. Also, increasing movements of humans in cultivated and forest areas during dry seasons might contribute to an increase in the exposure to sandfly bites [26].

Immunological and Genetic Significances of CL in Sri Lanka

Studies have revealed altered immunological responses in CL patients. Higher levels of expression of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-11 and IL-12p40 were identified in CL patients compared to healthy volunteers. Th1 type cellular immune responses (IFN-γ and IL-12p40) had higher expression levels compared to Th2 (IL-4) and IL-11 in CL patients. The expression of IFN-γ showed a significant association with the duration of the lesion. Wet CL lesions (moist ulcers with purulent exudates) showed significantly higher expression of IL-4, IL-11 and IL-12p40 compared to dry lesions (crusted scabs). Papulonodular lesions showed significantly higher expression of IFN-γ [33, 34]. Significantly elevated tissue expression of IFN-γ and tumour necrosis factor TNF-α was seen in lesions that presented later than 6 months from the time of infection [33]. Also, a case–control study conducted by Samaranayake et al. [35] suggested particular human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes may have a role in determining the predisposition to localized CL.

A study identified enhanced susceptibility to CL among the Sinhalese and/or specific individuals. This higher susceptibility than other ethnic groups may determine by genetic factors [36]. Further work is required to completely identify important genetic characteristics in humans that are associated with increased susceptibility to CL infection [35, 37].

Vector

Several different species of sandflies transmit leishmaniasis. Presence of all three sandfly species in the Argentipes complex, viz. Phlebotomus annandalei, Phlebotomus argentipes sensu stricto, and Phlebotomus glaucus were recorded from the country [38, 39]. In 2011, a study provided the first evidence to establish P. argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae) as the transmitting agent of leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka [40].

Phlebotomus argentipes is the primary vector of VL in India [41] and the same species act as the vector to transmit CL in Sri Lanka. P. argentipes is a widely prevalent insect in almost all parts of the island [4, 38, 42]. Another species identified is P. stantoni, a jungle species feeding on wild rodents. However, it is not suspected as a vector of Leishmania [10, 31, 43]. Presence of P. salehi (mesghali): a potential CL vector from the subgenus Phlebotomus was reported from the dry zone [44]. The other two species reported in the subgenus, P. papatasi (Scopoli), and P. bergeroti (Parrot) have not yet been reported from Sri Lanka [44].

Except for a few minor dissimilarities, the morphology of the sandflies in Sri Lanka is similar to the sandflies found in Pakistan [44]. Furthermore, species identity confirmed with the DNA barcoding is compatible with the current morphology-based identification [45]. A study reported two morphospecies; A and B of P. argentipes sensu lato (s.l.) [46]. Also, after reassessing the taxonomy of the Sri Lankan Argentipes complex, two sibling species were proposed. Sibling species A was incriminated as a vector for CL and possibly for VL [47]. Furthermore, a new sibling population of the P. argentipes s.l. species complex in central Sri Lanka was identified [48]. Due to this complex species diversity, their evolutionary differences, relative vector capacities, and their disease transmission potentials should be investigated.

In 2011, Gajapathy and Surendran [49] identified the rich diversity of Sergentomia species in Sri Lanka that may have a possible role in the transmission of leishmaniasis. Sergentomia zeylanica is suspected as the primary vector for CL in Dikwella region in southern Sri Lanka [50]. Presence of this species in other districts in Sri Lanka should be investigated to identify it as a possible vector for CL.

Reservoir Hosts

Definite reservoir host for leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka has not yet been identified [51]. However, CL patients with active lesions can be considered as possible reservoir hosts [17, 28]. Serological findings attest there is a possibility that dogs may act as reservoir hosts [52, 53]. Likelihood of rodents being reservoir hosts was also considered; however, no evidence was found [52]. In addition, a study identified evidence in favour of zoonotic transmission of the local species [54]. With such indications, the initial view of anthroponotic L. donovani transmission is being questioned. However, whether the transmission is anthroponotic, zoonotic or both are not confirmed thus far and, therefore, further studies are needed to confirm. Also, it is required to identify and confirm the possible reservoir hosts for leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka.

Risk Factors and High-Risk Groups

Several demographic characteristics are associated with high risk. Adults are at high risk than children due to their outdoor occupations and infections are common among young adults [9, 51]. Males are more affected than females [9, 27, 28]. These demographic characteristics of the patients are only studied in some areas of the country, mainly focusing on the endemic regions [9, 30, 51]. However, the infections are reported in all the districts in Sri Lanka. Therefore, a broad study can be carried out as a national program concerning all the districts to identify the demographic characteristics associated with leishmaniasis infections.

Certain occupations are associated with increased CL infections. Unmonitored cattle breeding and living near paddy fields are associated with increased transmission of CL [29, 31, 55]. People in the dry and the intermediate climatic zones in Sri Lanka are mainly paddy farmers and are involved with the Chena cultivation during the daytime. These agricultural activities are, in many cases associated with irrigation systems and moisture-rich soil. These conditions facilitate favourable resting and breeding habitats for sand flies, thus increasing the risk of infection [56]. Uncovered areas in the body are more prone to sandfly bites [8]. Infected areas of the patients’ body show a clear association with the clothing habits in the Sri Lankan society. Most of the farmers in the endemic areas wear clothes to cover only the lower part of the body [8]. Therefore, the exposure of sandfly bites to the upper part of the body is higher compared to the lower parts [57]. Underprivileged living conditions and house clustering also increase the risk of infection. Low usage of protective measures against insect bites is associated with increased infections [58].

In addition, employees in the armed forces have been identified as a high-risk group to leishmaniasis [51]. Relocation of the armed forces into previously uninhabited areas in the North and North Central provinces during the civil war increased risk of acquiring leishmaniasis infection [25, 30].

Diagnosis

Direct microscopic examination is the primary technique used to diagnose leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Giemsa-stained smears are being microscopically examined under oil immersion (× 1000) to identify Leishmania amastigotes [59]. Some CL patients have promastigote-like structures in their skin smears. Therefore, during the microscopic examinations, identification of the different morphometric features of amastigotes may be useful for the diagnosis of CL in clinically suspected patients [60]. Furthermore, it is essential to consider scaly skin lesions with erythema and lack of pruritus along with other features in the clinical diagnosis of CL [28].

The level of accuracy obtained with smears performed locally is sufficient for the diagnosis of CL in endemic areas [61]. However, the sensitivity of the direct microscopic method is only 60–70% [62]. Also, this method requires professional skills and training. Therefore, a program is required to increase the expertise of healthcare professionals on how to use direct microscopy method to diagnose leishmaniasis. They should be knowledgeable about the morphological features of the amastigotes and promastigotes. In addition, they should know how to observe a smear using the correct methods.

Molecular methods are used to diagnose leishmaniasis due to high sensitivity and efficiency. Sri Lankan CL can be diagnosed and identified accurately up to species level by Leishmania PCR assays. PCR is essential for epidemiological studies in areas where skin tuberculosis and leprosy coexist with leishmaniasis [47, 63]. Also, the diagnosis of the patients suspected for VL and MCL should be confirmed by PCR and culture [61]. Negative skin slit smears are recommended to combine with PCR for confirmation [64]. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay optimized under the local conditions can also be used as a diagnostic tool. However, due to its low sensitivity, confirmation with nested PCR is required [65]. Nevertheless, the cost of LAMP assay is less than that of PCR. Moreover, the LAMP assay requires basic laboratory facilities while molecular diagnostic methods including PCR require well-established laboratories [65].

Furthermore, a recent study has developed a 100% sensitive, Leishmania spp. specific modified version of a nested PCR (Mo-STNPCR). This method can be used to confirm the diagnosis of microscopy and in vitro culture-negative clinically suggestive cases [66]. However, the cost of the Mo-STNPCR is higher than that of light microscopy and in vitro culture [66].

Culture techniques are also being applied to the diagnosis of leishmaniasis. The first successful isolation of the local Leishmania sp. by in vitro culture was reported in 2002 [59]. The first successful in vitro culture of Leishmania spp. causing autochthonous VL in Sri Lanka was in 2011 [14]. Microcapillary culture can be used for the diagnosis and initial isolation of the Leishmania under minimum facilities [67, 68]. However, the Sri Lankan Leishmania strain has a prolonged growth rate and low multiplication rates. Therefore, the use of culture techniques for isolation and identification is not recommended [18].

Sri Lankan L. donovani strain shows low expression of peroxidoxin antigen in amastigotes and low parasite counts in skin lesions. Therefore, a currently available commercial kit; the rapid diagnostic immunochromatographic strip (CL- Detect™ IC-RDT) is not successful in the diagnosis of CL in Sri Lankan patients [64]. Thus, the development of a rapid diagnostic tool to detect L. donovani strain in Sri Lanka is an essential requirement to diagnose CL more efficiently.

Treatments

Sodium stibogluconate and liquid Nitrogen cryotherapy are being used to treat CL in Sri Lanka [17, 69]. Cryotherapy is shown to be effective because all Leishmania spp. are thermosensitive. Treatment with liquid Nitrogen does not cause any systemic side effects. This treatment method is simple and comparatively inexpensive [17, 69]. Intralesional hypertonic sodium chloride (HS) is also effective against CL, and safe concentration of HS for this treatment has been identified. Further studies are recommended to identify more safe HS concentrations to treat CL [70, 71].

Although cryotherapy is the primary CL treatment used in Sri Lanka, it is not recommended to apply to face due to scarring. Also, cryotherapy cannot be used to the patients that tend to develop keloids [69]. Furthermore, some patients have shown low compliance with cryotherapy and smear positivity for a prolonged period after the treatment [55]. Atypical lesions seem to demonstrate a delayed response to the first line anti-leishmanial treatment [12].

Furthermore, the local L. donovani variants may undergo genetic changes which could result in unfavourable clinical and epidemiological results [9]. Therefore, persistence in work to identify genetic variances and any resistance to treatments shown by local L. donovani species is necessary to develop appropriate treatments.

Prevention and Control

Control measures that are currently employed include early identification and treatments [17, 70]. Some sandfly control programs are only conducted in endemic areas when there is an outbreak. However, Leishmania infections have been reported in all the districts in Sri Lanka (Fig. 1). Therefore, a holistic approach is required to control the sandfly species more effectively.

Sandfly control measures should be carefully launched because biochemical assays revealed acetylcholinesterase and esterase-based insecticide resistance mechanisms in sandflies [72]. Consequently, insect control by organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides may have already been compromised [72]. Additionally, antimalarial campaigns in Sri Lanka used many insecticide sprays until 1960s. After elimination of malaria infections in the country, insecticide spraying activities were discontinued. This may also be a reason for the increased sandfly population and thus the gradual and silent increment in the infection [9]. Also, it could have triggered resistance mechanisms against insecticides. Therefore, a broad study concerning all the sandfly species that have a possible role in transmitting leishmaniasis and their resistance mechanisms is required before applying any sandfly control measures.

Still, the reservoir hosts, and whether the L. donovani transmission is anthroponotic, zoonotic or both are not identified in Sri Lanka. Inadequacy of research in these fields has made it challenging to launch more effective leishmaniasis disease control campaigns.

It is essential to increase public awareness about Leishmania infection based on health education and surveillance [17, 27, 73]. The majority of healthcare workers have adequate knowledge of Leishmania infections [74]. Increasing the public awareness to change the clothing habits as well as to be aware of the insect bites will lower the leishmaniasis prevalence. A broad study should be carried out to identify the demographic characteristics and behaviours that would increase the risk of acquiring leishmaniasis. This information, in return, would facilitate the awareness programs that must be conducted island wide and mainly target the high-risk demographic groups. Also, developing the housing and sanitary conditions of the people who live in affected areas will reduce the infection.

Conclusions

Leishmaniasis has become a critically important parasitic infection in Sri Lanka, whereas the significant clinical form is cutaneous leishmaniasis. There is plausible evidence to believe that the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis would increase. Prevalence of the leishmaniasis infections is reported from all the districts of the country, including the endemic areas: north-central, north-western and southern regions of Sri Lanka. Complex genetic and the population diversity of both the parasites and vectors make the control of this disease very difficult. Therefore, more studies are essential to be carried out to fill up the existing knowledge gaps emphasized in this review. Information obtained from these work will facilitate the development of effective diagnostic tools, treatment methods, successful disease prevention, and control programs.

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  1. Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, New Galaha Road, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka

    Anjalie Amarasinghe & Susiji Wickramasinghe

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Amarasinghe, A., Wickramasinghe, S. A Comprehensive Review of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka and Identification of Existing Knowledge Gaps. Acta Parasit. 65, 300–309 (2020). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11686-020-00174-6

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Keywords

  • Cutanaous leishmaniasis
  • Sri Lanka
  • Leishmania donovani
  • Phlebotomus spp.
  • Sergentomia spp.