Network


Latest external collaboration on country level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots.

Hotspot


Dive into the research topics where Carmen Chicharro is active.

Publication


Featured researches published by Carmen Chicharro.


Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 2006

Comparison of New Diagnostic Tools for Management of Pediatric Mediterranean Visceral Leishmaniasis

Israel Cruz; Carmen Chicharro; Javier Nieto; Begofia Bailo; Carmen Cañavate; Maria-Concepcion Figueras; Jorge Alvar

ABSTRACT New techniques are available for diagnosing leishmaniasis, but their efficacy in the identification of pediatric visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has not been compared with that of traditional methods. Blood, bone marrow, and urine samples were taken from 25 children with VL during their first clinical episode, 22 days after the start of treatment with liposomal amphotericin B (3 mg/kg/day on 6 days over a 10-day period), and when a relapse was suspected during follow-up. The results obtained suggest that antibody detection techniques, the antigen detection in urine (KAtex kit), and Leishmania nested PCR (LnPCR) analysis of the blood could be used for diagnosis of the first clinical episode. After treatment, clinical improvement was associated with negativization of Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle culture and microscopy of bone marrow aspirate, KAtex test, and LnPCR blood analysis results. Interestingly, LnPCR analysis of the bone marrow aspirate showed that sterile cure was not achieved in eight patients, two of which suffered a relapse within 10 to 20 weeks. All of the new noninvasive techniques tested showed high diagnostic sensitivity. However, LnPCR analysis of the bone marrow was the most sensitive; this test was able to detect the persistence of parasites and predict potential relapses.


PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 2008

Differentiation and Gene Flow among European Populations of Leishmania infantum MON-1

Katrin Kuhls; Carmen Chicharro; Carmen Cañavate; Sofia Cortes; Lenea Campino; Christos Haralambous; Ketty Soteriadou; Francine Pratlong; Jean-Pierre Dedet; Isabel L. Mauricio; Michael A. Miles; Matthias Schaar; Sebastian Ochsenreither; Oliver A. Radtke; Gabriele Schönian

Background Leishmania infantum is the causative agent of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean region, South America, and China. MON-1 L. infantum is the predominating zymodeme in all endemic regions, both in humans and dogs, the reservoir host. In order to answer important epidemiological questions it is essential to discriminate strains of MON-1. Methodology/Principal Findings We have used a set of 14 microsatellite markers to analyse 141 strains of L. infantum mainly from Spain, Portugal, and Greece of which 107 strains were typed by MLEE as MON-1. The highly variable microsatellites have the potential to discriminate MON-1 strains from other L. infantum zymodemes and even within MON-1 strains. Model- and distance-based analysis detected a considerable amount of structure within European L. infantum. Two major monophyletic groups—MON-1 and non-MON-1—could be distinguished, with non-MON-1 being more polymorphic. Strains of MON-98, 77, and 108 were always part of the MON-1 group. Among MON-1, three geographically determined and genetically differentiated populations could be identified: (1) Greece; (2) Spain islands–Majorca/Ibiza; (3) mainland Portugal/Spain. All four populations showed a predominantly clonal structure; however, there are indications of occasional recombination events and gene flow even between MON-1 and non-MON-1. Sand fly vectors seem to play an important role in sustaining genetic diversity. No correlation was observed between Leishmania genotypes, host specificity, and clinical manifestation. In the case of relapse/re-infection, only re-infections by a strain with a different MLMT profile can be unequivocally identified, since not all strains have individual MLMT profiles. Conclusion In the present study for the first time several key epidemiological questions could be addressed for the MON-1 zymodeme, because of the high discriminatory power of microsatellite markers, thus creating a basis for further epidemiological investigations.


Vaccine | 2008

Immunogenicity of HSP-70, KMP-11 and PFR-2 leishmanial antigens in the experimental model of canine visceral leishmaniasis

Eugenia Carrillo; Martín Crusat; Javier Nieto; Carmen Chicharro; María del Carmen Thomas; Enrique Martínez; Basilio Valladares; Carmen Cañavate; Jose M. Requena; Manuel Carlos López; J. Alvar; Javier Moreno

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania infantum/L. chagasi that is emerging as an important medical and veterinary problem. Dogs are the domestic reservoir for this parasite and, therefore, the main target for controlling the transmission to humans. In the present work, we have evaluated the immunogenicity of the Leishmania infantum heat shock protein (HSP)-70, paraflagellar rod protein (PFR)-2 and kinetoplastida membrane protein (KMP)-11 recombinant proteins in dogs experimentally infected with the parasite. We have shown that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from experimentally infected dogs proliferated in response to these recombinant antigens and against the soluble leishmanial antigen (SLA). We have also quantified the mRNA expression level of the cytokines induced in PBMC upon stimulation with the HSP-70, PFR-2 and KMP-11 proteins. These recombinant proteins induced an up-regulation of IFN-gamma. HSP-70 and PFR-2 also produced an increase of the TNF-alpha transcripts abundance. No measurable induction of IL-10 was observed and low levels of IL-4 mRNA were produced in response to the three mentioned recombinant antigens. Serum levels of specific antibodies against HSP-70, PFR-2 and KMP-11 recombinant proteins were also determined in these animals. Our study showed that HSP-70, KMP-11 and PFR-2 proteins are recognized by infected canines. Furthermore, these antigens produce a Th1-type immune response, suggesting that they may be involved in protection. The identification as vaccine candidates of Leishmania antigens that elicit appropriate immune responses in the canine model is a key step in the rational approach to generate a vaccine for canine visceral leishmaniasis.


PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 2014

A Randomised, Double-Blind, Controlled Efficacy Trial of the LiESP/QA-21 Vaccine in Naive Dogs Exposed to Two Leishmania infantum Transmission Seasons

Gaetano Oliva; Javier Nieto; Valentina Foglia Manzillo; Silvia Cappiello; Eleonora Fiorentino; Trentina Di Muccio; Aldo Scalone; Javier Moreno; Carmen Chicharro; Eugenia Carrillo; Therese Butaud; Laurie Guegand; Virginie Martin; Anne-Marie Cuisinier; David McGahie; Sylvie Gueguen; Carmen Cañavate; Luigi Gradoni

Canine leishmaniasis is an important zoonosis caused by uncontrolled infection with Leishmania infantum, where an inappropriate immune response is not only responsible for permitting this intracellular parasite to multiply, but is also responsible for several of the pathological processes seen in this disease. Effective canine vaccines are therefore a highly desirable prevention tool. In this randomised, double-blinded, controlled trial, the efficacy of the LiESP/QA-21 vaccine (CaniLeish, Virbac, France) was assessed by exposing 90 naïve dogs to natural L. infantum infection during 2 consecutive transmission seasons, in two highly endemic areas of the Mediterranean basin. Regular PCR, culture, serological and clinical examinations were performed, and the infection/disease status of the dogs was classified at each examination. The vaccine was well-tolerated, and provided a significant reduction in the risk of progressing to uncontrolled active infection (p = 0.025) or symptomatic disease (p = 0.046), with an efficacy of 68.4% and a protection rate of 92.7%. The probability of becoming PCR positive was similar between groups, but the probability of returning to a PCR negative condition was higher in the vaccinated group (p = 0.04). In conclusion, we confirmed the interest of using this vaccine as part of a comprehensive control program for canine leishmaniasis, and validated the use of a protocol based on regular in-depth assessments over time to assess the efficacy of a canine leishmaniasis vaccine.


Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology | 2003

Iso-enzymatic variability of Leishmania infantum in Spain

Carmen Chicharro; M. I. Jiménez; J. Alvar

Abstract In many areas of the Mediterranean basin, leishmaniasis can now be found in HIV-positive individuals. Such cases of Leishmania/HIV co-infection are relatively common in southern Europe, Spain being the country that has reported the greatest number. Since 1984, 359 Spanish isolates of Leishmania infantum have been characterized at the Instituto de Salud Carlos III in Madrid. Most (94.6%) of the isolates came from HIV-positive patients. The results of iso-enzymatic analysis indicated a high level of variability among the isolates, the visceralization in HIV-positive individuals of variants considered to be dermotropic in the immunocompetent, and the appearance of new zymodemes among the HIV-positive human population.


American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 2011

Evaluation of Two rK39 Dipstick Tests, Direct Agglutination Test, and Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test for Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis in a New Epidemic Site in Highland Ethiopia

Carmen Cañavate; Mercè Herrero; Javier Nieto; Israel Cruz; Carmen Chicharro; Pilar Aparicio; Abate Mulugeta; Daniel Argaw; Anna J. Blackstock; Jorge Alvar; Caryn Bern

We assessed the performance characteristics of two rK39 immunochromatographic tests, a direct agglutination test (DAT), and an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in the site of a new epidemic of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in northwestern Ethiopia. The study population was composed of 179 patients with suspected VL and 67 controls. The sensitivities of Kalazar Detect(®), DiaMed-IT Leish(®), DAT, and IFAT in 35 polymerase chain reaction-confirmed VL cases were 94.3%, 91.4%, 91.4%, and 100%, respectively, and the specificities were 98.5%, 94%, 98.5%, and 98.5%, respectively. In a Bayesian latent class analysis of all 246 specimens, the estimated sensitivities were 90.5%, 89%, 88.8%, and 96% for Kalazar Detect(®), DiaMed-IT Leish(®), DAT, and IFAT, respectively; DAT showed the highest estimated specificity (97.4%). Both rK39 immunochromatographic tests perform as well as DAT, and are suitable for VL diagnosis in first-level health centers in this area of Ethiopia.


Parasitology | 2007

Genomic organization and expression of the HSP70 locus in New and Old World Leishmania species

Cristina Folgueira; Carmen Cañavate; Carmen Chicharro; Jose M. Requena

Heat shock is believed to be a developmental inductor of differentiation in Leishmania. Furthermore, heat shock genes are extensively studied as gene models to decipher mechanisms of gene regulation in kinetoplastids. Here, we describe the organization and expression of the HSP70 loci in representative Leishmania species (L. infantum, L. major, L. tropica, L. mexicana, L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis). With the exception of L. braziliensis, the organization of the HSP70 loci was found to be well conserved among the other Leishmania species. Two types of genes, HSP70-I and HSP70-II, were found to be present in these Leishmania species except for L. braziliensis that lacks HSP70-II gene. Polymorphisms in the HSP70 locus allow the differentiation of the Old and New World species within the subgenus Leishmania. A notable discrepancy between our data and those of the L. major genome database in relation to the gene copy number composing the L. major HSP70 locus was revealed. The temperature-dependent accumulation of the HSP70-I mRNAs is also conserved among the different Leishmania species with the exception of L. braziliensis. In spite of these differences, analysis of the HSP70 synthesis indicated that the HSP70 mRNAs are also preferentially translated during heat shock in L. braziliensis.


American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 2012

Usefulness of the rK39-Immunochromatographic Test, Direct Agglutination Test, and Leishmanin Skin Test for Detecting Asymptomatic Leishmania Infection in Children in a New Visceral Leishmaniasis Focus in Amhara State, Ethiopia

Endalamaw Gadisa; Estefanía Custodio; Carmen Cañavate; Luis Sordo; Zelalem Abebe; Javier Nieto; Carmen Chicharro; Abraham Aseffa; Lawrence Yamuah; Howard Engers; Javier Moreno; Israel Cruz

In areas where visceral leishmaniasis is anthroponotic, asymptomatically infected patients may play a role in transmission. Additionally, the number of asymptomatic patients in a disease-endemic area will also provide information on transmission dynamics. Libo Kemkem and Fogera districts (Amhara State, Ethiopia) are now considered newly established areas to which visceral leishmaniasis is endemic. In selected villages in these districts, we conducted a study to assess the usefulness of different approaches to estimate the asymptomatic infection rate. Of 605 participants, the rK39 immunochromatographic test was able to detect asymptomatic infection in 1.5% (9 of 605), direct agglutination test in 5.3% (32 of 605), and leishmanin skin test in 5.6% (33 of 589); the combined use of serologic methods and leishmanin skin test enabled detecting asymptomatic infection in 10.1% (61 of 605). We conclude that the best option to detect asymptomatic infection in this new visceral leishmaniasis-endemic focus is the combined use of the direct agglutination test and the leishmanin skin test.


PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 2012

Factors Associated with Leishmania Asymptomatic Infection: Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey in Highland Northern Ethiopia

Estefanía Custodio; Endalamaw Gadisa; Luis Sordo; Israel Cruz; Javier Moreno; F Javier Nieto; Carmen Chicharro; Abraham Aseffa; Zelalem Abraham; Tsegaye Hailu; Carmen Cañavate

Background In northern Ethiopia the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis is steadily rising posing an increasing public health concern. In order to develop effective control strategies on the transmission of the disease it is important to generate knowledge on the epidemiological determinants of the infection. Methodology/Principal Findings We conducted a cross-sectional survey on children 4–15 years of age using a multi staged stratified cluster sampling on high incidence sub-districts of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. The survey included a socio-demographic, health and dietary questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements. We performed rK39-ICT and DAT serological tests in order to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies and carried out Leishmanin Skin Test (LST) using L.major antigen. Logistic regression models were used. Of the 565 children surveyed 56 children were positive to infection (9.9%). The individual variables that showed a positive association with infection were increasing age, being male and sleeping outside [adjusted odds ratios (95% CI): 1.15 (1.03, 1.29), 2.56 (1.19, 5.48) and 2.21 (1.03, 4.71) respectively] and in relation to the household: past history of VL in the family, living in a straw roofed house and if the family owned sheep [adjusted OR (95% CI): 2.92 (1.25, 6.81), 2.71 (1.21, 6.07) and 4.16 (1.41, 12.31) respectively]. Conclusions/Significance A behavioural pattern like sleeping outside is determinant in the transmission of the infection in this area. Protective measures should be implemented against this identified risk activity. Results also suggest a geographical clustering and a household focalization of the infection. The behaviour of the vector in the area needs to be clarified in order to establish the role of domestic animals and house materials in the transmission of the infection.


Parasites & Vectors | 2014

Papular dermatitis due to Leishmania infantum infection in seventeen dogs: diagnostic features, extent of the infection and treatment outcome

Gabriella Lombardo; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Tiziana Lupo; Carmen Chicharro; Laia Solano-Gallego

BackgroundThis study describes immunological responses, diagnostic features, follow up and treatment outcomes from seventeen dogs with papular dermatitis due to Leishmania infection diagnosed by cytology or real time-PCR.MethodsSpecific Leishmania humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated by means of an immunofluorescence antibody test in all cases and a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to leishmanin in eight cases. The extent of infection was studied in several tissues including blood, lymph node, conjunctival and oral swabs, by means of PCR, at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up. Culture was performed on nine dogs from cutaneous lesions and lymph node aspirates and molecular typing was carried out on isolates based on ITS-1, ITS-2 and Haspb gene sequencing analysis.ResultsCytological and molecular results from fine needle aspirates of papules were diagnostic in 8 out of 13 (61.5%) cases and in 14 out of 15 dogs (93.3%), respectively. In all dogs, specific anti-Leishmania antibody levels were low or absent. Blood and lymph node PCRs and lymph node culture were negative in all dogs. Three out of the nine dogs (33%) were positive by culture from cutaneous lesions. The three isolates were identified as ITS type A, however, polymorphism was observed in the Haspb gene (PCR products of 626 bp, 962 bp and 371 bp). DTH response was positive in all tested dogs at the time of diagnosis. The majority of dogs were successfully treated with only N-methylglucamine antimoniate, after which cutaneous lesions disappeared or were reduced to depigmented, flattened scars. All dogs remained seronegative and the majority of dogs were negative by PCR in several tissues during follow-up.ConclusionsThis study points out that papular dermatitis due to L. infantum is probably an underestimated benign cutaneous problem, associated with a parasite specific cell mediated immunity and a poor humoral immune response. Papular dermatitis is seen in young dogs, and appears to be a mild disease with restricted parasite dissemination and a good prognosis. PCR can be used as a non-invasive method to routinely evaluate papules if Leishmania infection is suspected in cases in which parasites are not visualized by cytology.

Collaboration


Dive into the Carmen Chicharro's collaboration.

Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Carmen Cañavate

Instituto de Salud Carlos III

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Javier Nieto

Instituto de Salud Carlos III

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Israel Cruz

Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Javier Moreno

Instituto de Salud Carlos III

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Eugenia Carrillo

Instituto de Salud Carlos III

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Luis Sordo

Complutense University of Madrid

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Estefanía Custodio

Instituto de Salud Carlos III

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

J. Alvar

Instituto de Salud Carlos III

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Jose M. Requena

Spanish National Research Council

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Researchain Logo
Decentralizing Knowledge