Toward an elucidation of transmission mechanisms and pathological conditions of leishmaniasis

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25257501
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 海外学術
• Research Field: Parasitology (including sanitary zoology)
• Research Institution: Jichi Medical University (2016-2017); Hokkaido University (2013-2015)
• Principal Investigator: KATO Hirotomo 自治医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (00346579)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 三森 龍之 熊本大学, 大学院生命科学研究部(保), 教授 (00117384) ; 久保 誠 北里大学, 医療衛生学部, 講師 (40464804) ; 上里 博 琉球大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (10137721) ; 片倉 賢 北海道大学, (連合)獣医学研究科, 教授 (10130155)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): HASHIGUCHI Yoshihisa 高知大学, 医学部, 名誉教授 (10037385) ; YAMAMOTO Yuichi 琉球大学, 医学研究科, 講師 (00363672)
• Research Collaborator: GOMEZ Eduardo A. ; VELEZ Lenin ; MARTINI-ROBLES Luiggi ; CALVOPINA Manuel ; CACERES Abraham G. ; TIWANANTHAGORN Saruda ; LEELAYOOVA Saovanee
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: リーシュマニア症 / リーシュマニア原虫 / ベクター / サシチョウバエ / リザーバー / 分子疫学 / 血清診断

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Countrywide epidemiological study on leishmaniasis was performed using FTA cards as a sample collection tool, and causative parasite species as well as its relation to pathogenesis were identified. In addition, a LAMP-based molecular diagnosis for leishmaniasis was established. Distributing sand flies and their infection by Leishmania spp. were examined by dissection and molecular mass-screening, and sand fly species responsible for transmission of Leishmania were successfully identified in several endemic areas. In addition, population genetics analysis of sand flies suggested that intraspecific genetic variation is associated with vector competency. On the study of emerging leishmaniasis in Thailand, parasite antigens for serodiagnosis were identified, and vector research methods using PCR and LAMP was established.

Free Research Field

寄生虫学・衛生動物学