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Project Description

Please note that we are a research service provider, not a pharmacy or clinic, so we are unable to see patients and do not offer diagnostic and treatment services for individuals.

Ocular Leishmaniasis (OL)

Ocular Leishmaniasis (OL) pertains to the lesions of the eyelids, orbit, and intraocular structures in leishmaniasis, which is caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania. Protheragen also provides complete services for the diagnostics and therapeutics development of Ocular Leishmaniasis.

Overview of Ocular Leishmaniasis (OL)

Ocular Leishmaniasis (OL), a protozoan ocular infection caused by the Leishmania genus, is uncommon but can be extremely threatening. This disease presents with distinctive clinical features, which may include the eyelids, orbit, retina, uvea, cornea, and more. Even though ocular leishmaniasis is uncommon, it can still be considerably challenging because it can cause major sight problems if treatment is not administered. The worldwide prevalence of Leishmaniasis is about one million cases per year, especially in some endemic areas, due to significant illness and death caused by this infection.

Retinal atrophy in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum.

Fig. 1 Retinal atrophy in a dog naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. (El Goulli A. F., et al., 2023)

Diagnostics Development for Ocular Leishmaniasis

Microbiological Confirmation

The diagnosis of ocular leishmaniasis begins with its microbiological confirmation. The methods for identification include PCR and Giemsa staining on ocular specimens like corneal scrapings, as well as aqueous or vitreous aspirates These procedures aim to identify Leishmania parasites. For instance, the parasite's identification through PCR performed on vitreous samples underscores the utility of ocular sampling in therapeutic cases, irrespective of negative systemic samples.

Imaging Studies

Imaging techniques are essential for diagnosing any ocular manifestation associated with the disease. Both retinal photography and fluorescein angiography demonstrate the existence of retinal hemorrhages, vascular sheathing, as well as other notable diagnostic features of Ocular leishmaniasis. These techniques are effective in diagnosing the often self-resolving but untreated complicated cases of the retinal manifestations.

Therapeutics Development for Ocular Leishmaniasis

Systemic Antileishmanial Therapy
Ocular Leishmaniasis is primarily treated with systemic antileishmanial agents, the most common of which are pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, and miltefosine. These medications are useful in managing active infections and avoiding dire complications. For example, systemic administration of meglumine antimoniate will often result in the swift resolution of uveal inflammatory changes.

Topical and Intraocular Therapy
Topical corticosteroids are invaluable in managing the inflammation, especially with regard to uveal involvement. Corticosteroids or antileishmanial agents such as amphotericin B can be intraocularly injected for uvealomas or other more localized infection foci, too. For instance, the use of intraocular amphotericin B has been demonstrated to resolve corneal abscesses in ulcerative keratitis cases.

Our Services

Protheragen offers a comprehensive suite of services to support the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for ocular leishmaniasis. Leveraging our extensive expertise in parasitology, immunology, and drug discovery, we provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Diagnostics Development

Therapeutic Development

Disease Models

Leishmania Genus Infection Mouse Models
Leishmania Genus Infection Syrian Golden Hamster Models
Leishmania Genus Infection Non-Human Primate Models

Protheragen specializes in preclinical research services for ocular leishmaniasis, with a focus on developing robust and relevant animal models. We have experience working with various Leishmania species and different animal models, including mice, hamsters, and rabbits, to mimic the different manifestations of Ocular Leishmaniasis (OL). If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

El Goulli, Amel F., et al. "Study of ocular manifestations and humoral immune response in eyes of dogs with leishmaniasis." Veterinary Medicine and Science 9.2 (2023): 625-637.
Mignot, Guillaume, Yagnaseni Bhattacharya, and Aravind Reddy. "Ocular Leishmaniasis-A systematic review." Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 69.5 (2021): 1052-1060.