AUTHOR=Brodskyn Claudia I. , Kamhawi Shaden 

TITLE=Biomarkers for Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis in Latin America

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2018

YEAR=2018

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2018.00245

DOI=10.3389/fcimb.2018.00245

ISSN=2235-2988

ABSTRACT=In Latin America, zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) caused by L. infantum is primarily transmitted by Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies. Dogs are chronic reservoirs of L. infantum and are considered a major risk factor for acquisition of ZVL due to their close proximity to humans. In addition, as a vector-borne disease the intensity of exposure to vector sand flies can also enhance the risk of developing ZVL. 
Traditionally, IFN-γ and IL-10 are considered as the two main cytokines whole balance determines the outcome of visceral leishmaniasis. However, more recent literature demonstrated that different mediators, such as lipid mediators (PGE-2, PGF-2 alfa, LTB-4, resolvins) and other important inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines also play an important role in pathogenicity of ZVL. Analysis of a greater number of mediators allows for a more complete view of disease immunopathogenesis. Additionally, our knowledge has expanded to encompass different biomarkers associated to disease severity and healing after specific treatments. These parameters can also be used to better define new potential targets for vaccines and chemotherapy for ZVL.
Here, we will provide an overview of ZVL biomarkers identified for both humans and dogs and discuss their merits and shortcomings. We will also discuss biomarkers of vector exposure as an additional tool in our arsenal to combat ZVL.