Link Between Toscana Virus and Leishmania in Marseille
Author Information
Author(s): Bichaud Laurence, Souris Marc, Mary Charles, Ninove Laëtitia, Thirion Laurence, Piarroux Raphaël P., Piarroux Renaud, De Lamballerie Xavier, Charrel Rémi N.
Primary Institution: UMR 190, IRD-Université de la Méditerranée Aix-Marseille 2, Marseille, France
Hypothesis
There is an epidemiological link between human leishmaniosis and phleboviral infections.
Conclusion
The study provides robust evidence for an epidemiological relationship between Leishmania infantum and Toscana virus infections.
Supporting Evidence
- Seropositivity for one pathogen was significantly associated with seropositivity to the other pathogen.
- 28% of sera were positive for Leishmania and 21.4% for TOSV.
- 40.2% of Leishmania positive sera were also positive for TOSV.
Takeaway
This study looked at blood samples from people in Marseille to see if those who had one infection were more likely to have the other, and it found a connection.
Methodology
The study analyzed 500 serum samples for antibodies against Leishmania and Toscana virus using Western Blotting and indirect immunofluorescence.
Potential Biases
The study's sample selection may have led to higher observed seropositivity rates than in the general population.
Limitations
The sample was not representative of the general population and was biased towards individuals tested for leishmaniasis.
Participant Demographics
472 individuals were included, with a median age of 47 and a male-to-female ratio of 1.30.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
[2.03 – 3.98]
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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