Utilising a novel surveillance system to enhance field screening activities for the leishmaniases

Elina Panahi; Martin Shivas; Sonja Hall-Mendelin; Nina Kurucz; Penny A Rudd; Rachel De Araujo; Eloise B Skinner; Lorna Melville; Lara J Herrero

doi:10.1016/j.mex.2020.101156

Utilising a novel surveillance system to enhance field screening activities for the leishmaniases

MethodsX. 2020 Nov 27:7:101156. doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2020.101156. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Elina Panahi¹, Martin Shivas², Sonja Hall-Mendelin³, Nina Kurucz⁴, Penny A Rudd¹, Rachel De Araujo⁵, Eloise B Skinner⁶, Lorna Melville⁵, Lara J Herrero^{1

7}

Affiliations

¹ Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia.
² Mosquito Management, Brisbane City Council, Eagle Farm, QLD 4009, Australia.
³ Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
⁴ Medical Entomology, Centre for Disease Control, Top End Health Service, Casuarina NT 0811, Australia.
⁵ Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Primary Industry and Resources, Berrimah, NT 0828, Australia.
⁶ Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia.
⁷ Redland Hospital, Metro South, Queensland Health, Cleveland, QLD 4163, Australia.

Abstract

Over the last decade, an arbovirus surveillance system based on the preservation of nucleic acids (RNA/DNA) has been developed using Flinders Technology Associates (FTA^Ⓡ) cards. Soaked in honey, FTA^Ⓡ cards are applied in the field to detect arboviruses expectorated during mosquito sugar feeding. This technique has been shown to be inexpensive and efficient, and the implementation of this system for detecting parasites could be of international importance. As Leishmania parasites are highly prevalent in developing countries, FTA^Ⓡ cards may offer an alternative inexpensive tool to enhance field surveillance activities for leishmaniasis. The simple approach of applying the cards in programs can substitute the necessary extensive training of personnel. In our hands, Leishmania macropodum DNA was shown to be stable on FTA^Ⓡ cards during a 10-week time course, supporting their suitability for projects where direct access to laboratories is unobtainable and samples require storage prior to processing. This method may benefit programs in remote areas where accessibility to laboratory facilities are limited and samples need to be stored long-term.•This study found that FTA cards could be a valuable tool in the surveillance of leishmaniasis.•The method is based on the long-term preservation and detection of Leishmania DNA expectorated during insect sugar feeding.•The application of FTA cards can preclude the need to screen large samples and analysis of insect populations to provide evidence of disease transmission.

Keywords: Biting insects; FTAⓇ cards; Leishmania; Surveillance; Transmission.