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Ibañez-Escribano A, Gomez-Muñoz MT, Mateo M, Fonseca-Berzal C, Gomez-Lucia E, Perez RG, Alunda JM, Carrion J. Microbial Matryoshka: Addressing the Relationship between Pathogenic Flagellated Protozoans and Their RNA Viral Endosymbionts (Family Totiviridae). Vet Sci 2024; 11:321. [PMID: 39058005 PMCID: PMC11281412 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11070321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Three genera of viruses of the family Totiviridae establish endosymbiotic associations with flagellated protozoa responsible for parasitic diseases of great impact in the context of One Health. Giardiavirus, Trichomonasvirus, and Leishmaniavirus infect the protozoa Giardia sp., Trichomonas vaginalis, and Leishmania sp., respectively. In the present work, we review the characteristics of the endosymbiotic relationships established, the advantages, and the consequences caused in mammalian hosts. Among the common characteristics of these double-stranded RNA viruses are that they do not integrate into the host genome, do not follow a lytic cycle, and do not cause cytopathic effects. However, in cases of endosymbiosis between Leishmaniavirus and Leishmania species from the Americas, and between Trichomonasvirus and Trichomonas vaginalis, it seems that it can alter their virulence (degree of pathogenicity). In a mammalian host, due to TLR3 activation of immune cells upon the recognition of viral RNA, uncontrolled inflammatory signaling responses are triggered, increasing pathological damage and the risk of failure of conventional standard treatment. Endosymbiosis with Giardiavirus can cause the loss of intestinal adherence of the protozoan, resulting in a benign disease. The current knowledge about viruses infecting flagellated protozoans is still fragmentary, and more research is required to unravel the intricacies of this three-way relationship. We need to develop early and effective diagnostic methods for further development in the field of translational medicine. Taking advantage of promising biotechnological advances, the aim is to develop ad hoc therapeutic strategies that focus not only on the disease-causing protozoan but also on the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ibañez-Escribano
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.-E.); (M.M.); (C.F.-B.)
| | - Maria Teresa Gomez-Muñoz
- ICPVet Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.G.-M.); (R.G.P.); (J.M.A.)
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.-E.); (M.M.); (C.F.-B.)
- ICPVet Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.G.-M.); (R.G.P.); (J.M.A.)
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Fonseca-Berzal
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.-E.); (M.M.); (C.F.-B.)
| | - Esperanza Gomez-Lucia
- Animal Viruses Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Raquel Garcia Perez
- ICPVet Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.G.-M.); (R.G.P.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Jose M. Alunda
- ICPVet Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.G.-M.); (R.G.P.); (J.M.A.)
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Carrion
- ICPVet Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.G.-M.); (R.G.P.); (J.M.A.)
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
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Multiple Regulations of Parasitic Protozoan Viruses: A Double-Edged Sword for Protozoa. mBio 2023; 14:e0264222. [PMID: 36633419 PMCID: PMC9973342 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02642-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasite infections affect human and animal health significantly and contribute to a major burden on the global economy. Parasitic protozoan viruses (PPVs) affect the protozoan parasites' morphology, phenotypes, pathogenicity, and growth rates. This discovery provides an opportunity to develop a novel preventive and therapeutic strategy for parasitic protozoan diseases (PPDs). Currently, there is greater awareness regarding PPVs; however, knowledge of viruses and their associations with host diseases remains limited. Parasite-host interactions become more complex owing to PPVs; however, few studies have investigated underlying viral regulatory mechanisms in parasites. In this study, we reviewed relevant studies to identify studies that investigated PPV development and life cycles, the triangular association between viruses, parasites, and hosts, and the effects of viruses on protozoan pathogenicity. This study highlights that viruses can alter parasite biology, and viral infection of parasites may exacerbate the adverse effects of virus-containing parasites on hosts or reduce parasite virulence. PPVs should be considered in the prevention of parasitic epidemics and outbreaks, although their effects on the host and the complexity of the triangular association between PPVs, protozoans, and hosts remain unclear. IMPORTANCE PPVs-based regulation of parasitic protozoa can provide a theoretical basis and direction for PPD prevention and control, although PPVs and PPV regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. In this review, we investigated the differences between PPVs and the unique properties of each virus regarding virus discovery, structures, and life cycles, focused on the Trichomonas vaginalis virus, Giardia lamblia virus, Leishmania RNA virus, and the Cryptosporidium parvum virus 1. The triangular association between PPVs, parasitic protozoa, and hosts reveals the "double-edged sword" property of PPVs, which maintains a balance between parasitic protozoa and hosts in both positive and negative respects. These studies discuss the complexity of parasitic protozoa and their co-existence with hosts and suggest novel pathways for using PPVs as tools to gain a deeper understanding of protozoal infection and treatment.
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Zhu X, Liu L, Yixi L, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Yang Z, Chen H, Dong J, Yang S. The prevalence and risk factors of Trichomonas vaginalis in Wuhan and the Tibetan area, China: a two-center study. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:265-273. [PMID: 36434317 PMCID: PMC9816191 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07726-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide and is associated with several complications. However, the paucity of research regarding the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area limits control efforts. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area by a comparison with the prevalence of T. vaginalis in Wuhan city and to unveil the potential risk factors in the Tibetan area. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult women attending gynecology outpatient clinics in two public hospitals (one in Shannan city of Tibet and one in Wuhan city) in China in 2020. Data were retrieved from the medical record system and laboratory information management system, including T. vaginalis infection, bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis by wet mount microscopy or nucleic acid hybridization of vaginal secretions from patients. The associations of variables associated with T. vaginalis prevalence were quantified by odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The overall prevalence rates of T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area and Wuhan city were 20.94% and 2.84%, respectively. The statistically significant factors for the higher prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area included tertiary educational status (AOR: 0.36 [95% CI: 0.16-0.81]), yearly family income > ¥100,000 (AOR: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.26-0.91]), clinical symptoms (AOR: 4.58[95% CI: 2.32-9.04]), and III-IV grade vaginal cleanliness (AOR: 29.71 [95% CI: 3.95-223.56]) in the multivariate logistic analysis. Interventions targeting improved living standards as well as women's educational level and promoting reproductive hygiene habits are recommended to contribute to the reduction in T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowu Zhu
- grid.412839.50000 0004 1771 3250Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Union Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Linlin Liu
- grid.412839.50000 0004 1771 3250Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Union Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Lamu Yixi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shannan, Tibet, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shannan, Tibet, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shannan, Tibet, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shannan, Tibet, China
| | - Huali Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Yingcheng, Hubei China
| | - Jinfeng Dong
- grid.411634.50000 0004 0632 4559Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third People’s Hospital, Jianli, Hubei China
| | - Shouhua Yang
- grid.412839.50000 0004 1771 3250Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Union Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei China
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Lesiak-Markowicz I, Walochnik J, Stary A, Fürnkranz U. Characterisation of Trichomonas vaginalis Isolates Collected from Patients in Vienna between 2019 and 2021. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12422. [PMID: 36293276 PMCID: PMC9604477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, the most common nonviral sexually transmitted disease. TV can carry symbionts such as Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV) or Mycoplasma hominis. Four distinct strains of TV are known: TVV1, TVV2, TVV3, and TVV4. The aim of the current study was to characterise TV isolates from Austrian patients for the presence of symbionts, and to determine their effect on metronidazole susceptibility and cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. We collected 82 TV isolates and detected presence of TVV (TVV1, TVV2, or TVV3) in 29 of them (35%); no TVV4 was detected. M. hominis was detected in vaginal/urethral swabs by culture in 37% of the TV-positive patients; M. hominis DNA was found in 28% of the TV isolates by PCR. In 15% of the patients, M. hominis was detected in the clinical samples as well as within the respective TV isolates. In 22% of the patients, M. hominis was detected by culture only. In 11 patients, M. hominis was detected only within the respective cultured TV isolates (13%), while the swab samples were negative for M. hominis. Our results provide a first insight into the distribution of symbionts in TV isolates from Austrian patients. We did not observe significant effects of the symbionts on metronidazole susceptibility, cytotoxicity, or severity of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Lesiak-Markowicz
- Intitute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine (ISPTM), Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Intitute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine (ISPTM), Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Stary
- Pilzambulatorium Schloesselgasse, Oupatients Centre for Diagnosis of Venero-Dermatological Diseases, 1080 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Fürnkranz
- Pilzambulatorium Schloesselgasse, Oupatients Centre for Diagnosis of Venero-Dermatological Diseases, 1080 Vienna, Austria
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Margarita V, Cao LC, Bailey NP, Ngoc THT, Ngo TMC, Nu PAT, Diaz N, Dessì D, Hirt RP, Fiori PL, Rappelli P. Effect of the Symbiosis with Mycoplasma hominis and Candidatus Mycoplasma Girerdii on Trichomonas vaginalis Metronidazole Susceptibility. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060812. [PMID: 35740218 PMCID: PMC9220282 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide, is caused by the protozoon Trichomonas vaginalis. The 5- nitroimidazole drugs, of which metronidazole is the most prescribed, are the only effective drugs to treat trichomoniasis. Resistance against metronidazole is increasingly reported among T. vaginalis isolates. T. vaginalis can establish an endosymbiosis with two Mycoplasma species, Mycoplasma hominis and Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii, whose presence has been demonstrated to influence several aspects of the protozoan pathobiology. The role of M. hominis in T. vaginalis resistance to metronidazole is controversial, while the influence of Ca. M. girerdii has never been investigated. In this work, we investigate the possible correlation between the presence of Ca. M. girerdii and/or M. hominis and the in vitro drug susceptibility in a large group of T. vaginalis isolated in Italy and in Vietnam. We also evaluated, via RNA-seq analysis, the expression of protozoan genes involved in metronidazole resistance in a set of syngenic T. vaginalis strains, differing only for the presence/absence of the two Mycoplasmas. Our results show that the presence of M. hominis significantly increases the sensitivity to metronidazole in T. vaginalis and affects gene expression. On the contrary, the symbiosis with Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii seems to have no effect on metronidazole resistance in T. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Margarita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Le Chi Cao
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Nicholas P. Bailey
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.P.B.); (R.P.H.)
| | - Thuy Ha Thi Ngoc
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Thi Minh Chau Ngo
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Phuong Anh Ton Nu
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Daniele Dessì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
| | - Robert P. Hirt
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.P.B.); (R.P.H.)
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Ong SC, Cheng WH, Ku FM, Tsai CY, Huang PJ, Lee CC, Yeh YM, Rada P, Hrdý I, Narayanasamy RK, Smutná T, Lin R, Luo HW, Chiu CH, Tachezy J, Tang P. Identification of Endosymbiotic Virus in Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Trichomonas vaginalis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030531. [PMID: 35328084 PMCID: PMC8951798 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulated evidence suggests that the endosymbiotic Trichomonasvirus (TVV) may play a role in the pathogenesis and drug susceptibility of Trichomonas vaginalis. Several reports have shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from TVV-positive (TVV+) trichomonads can modulate the immune response in human vaginal epithelial cells and animal models. These results prompted us to examine whether EVs released from TVV+ isolates contained TVV. We isolated small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from six T. vaginalis isolates that were either TVV free (ATCC 50143), harbored a single (ATCC 30236, ATCC 30238, T1), two (ATCC PRA-98), or three TVV subspecies (ATCC 50148). The presence of TVV subspecies in the six isolates was observed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of cup-shaped sEVs with a size range from 30–150 nm. Trichomonas vaginalis tetraspanin (TvTSP1; TVAG_019180), the classical exosome marker, was identified in all the sEV preparations. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed that all the sEVs isolated from TVV+ isolates contain viral capsid proteins derived from the same TVV subspecies in that isolate as demonstrated by RT-PCR. To provide more comprehensive information on the TVV subspecies population in other T. vaginalis isolates, we investigated the distribution of TVV subspecies in twenty-four isolates by mining the New-Generation Sequencing (NGS) RNAseq datasets. Our results should be beneficial for future studies investigating the role of TVV on the pathogenicity of T. vaginalis and the possible transmission of virus subspecies among different isolates via sEVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seow-Chin Ong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (S.-C.O.); (F.-M.K.); (C.-Y.T.); (R.L.); (H.-W.L.)
| | - Wei-Hung Cheng
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan;
| | - Fu-Man Ku
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (S.-C.O.); (F.-M.K.); (C.-Y.T.); (R.L.); (H.-W.L.)
| | - Chih-Yu Tsai
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (S.-C.O.); (F.-M.K.); (C.-Y.T.); (R.L.); (H.-W.L.)
| | - Po-Jung Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan District, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (Y.-M.Y.)
| | - Chi-Ching Lee
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (Y.-M.Y.)
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, College of Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ming Yeh
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (Y.-M.Y.)
| | - Petr Rada
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Průmyslová 595, 252 42 Vestec, Czech Republic; (P.R.); (I.H.); (R.K.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Ivan Hrdý
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Průmyslová 595, 252 42 Vestec, Czech Republic; (P.R.); (I.H.); (R.K.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Ravi Kumar Narayanasamy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Průmyslová 595, 252 42 Vestec, Czech Republic; (P.R.); (I.H.); (R.K.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Tamara Smutná
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Průmyslová 595, 252 42 Vestec, Czech Republic; (P.R.); (I.H.); (R.K.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Rose Lin
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (S.-C.O.); (F.-M.K.); (C.-Y.T.); (R.L.); (H.-W.L.)
| | - Hong-Wei Luo
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (S.-C.O.); (F.-M.K.); (C.-Y.T.); (R.L.); (H.-W.L.)
| | - Cheng-Hsun Chiu
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Jan Tachezy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Průmyslová 595, 252 42 Vestec, Czech Republic; (P.R.); (I.H.); (R.K.N.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (P.T.)
| | - Petrus Tang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (S.-C.O.); (F.-M.K.); (C.-Y.T.); (R.L.); (H.-W.L.)
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (P.T.)
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Narayanasamy RK, Rada P, Zdrha A, van Ranst M, Neyts J, Tachezy J. Cytidine nucleoside analog is an effective antiviral drug against Trichomonasvirus. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2021; 55:191-198. [PMID: 34479802 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of a sexually transmitted disease in humans. The virulence of the parasite depends on multiple factors, including the presence of endosymbiotic dsRNA viruses. The presence of Trichomonasviruses (TVV) was associated with more severe genital symptoms, increased proinflammatory host reactions, and modulated parasite sensitivity to metronidazole. However, no efficient antiviral drugs are available against TVV to derive isogenic TVV-positive and TVV-negative cell lines that are essential for investigations of the TVV impact on T. vaginalis biology. METHODS 7-Deaza-2'-C-methyladenosine (7d2CMA) and 2'-C-methylcytidine (2CMC) were used for TVV inhibitory assay. TVV replication was monitored using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT qPCR) and western blotting. Modeling of TVV1 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) was performed to visualize the inhibitor-RdRp interaction. Susceptibility to metronidazole was performed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. RESULTS We demonstrated that 2CMC but not 7d2CMA is a potent inhibitor of TVV replication. Molecular modeling suggested that the RdRp active site can accommodate 2CMC in the active triphosphate nucleotide form. The effect of 2CMC was shown on strains infected with a single and multiple TVV species. The optimal 2CMC concentration (10 μM) demonstrated strong selectivity for TVVs over trichomonad growth. The presence of TVV has no effect on T. vaginalis metronidazole susceptibility in derived isogenic cell lines. CONCLUSIONS 2CMC acts against TVVs and represents a new inhibitor against Totiviridae viruses. Our isogenic clones are now available for further studies of various aspects of T. vaginalis biology related to TVV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Kumar Narayanasamy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 25242, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Rada
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 25242, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Alois Zdrha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 25242, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Marc van Ranst
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Johan Neyts
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jan Tachezy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 25242, Vestec, Czech Republic.
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Bahadory S, Aminizadeh S, Taghipour A, Bokharaei-Salim F, Khanaliha K, Razizadeh MH, Soleimani A, Beikzadeh L, Khatami A. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the global status of Trichomonas vaginalis virus in Trichomonas vaginalis. Microb Pathog 2021; 158:105058. [PMID: 34153418 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The small (4.5-5kbp), double-stranded Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV) that inhabits in the T. vaginalis parasite has been potentially associated to parasite virulence or its drug resistance. The aim of present study was to estimate the global and regional status of TVV in T. vaginalis. METHODS A systematic search was conducted for published articles between January 1990 and December 2020 by using five major databases include PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science as well as Google scholar search engine. The random-effect model was applied for pooled prevalence of TVV, geographical distribution, and heterogeneity by comprehensive meta-analysis (V2.2, Bio stat) software. FINDINGS A total of 28 studies were included for final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of TVV was estimated at 47% (95% CI, 39.3-54.8%). With respect to WHO regions, the lowest and highest prevalence rates were reported from South-East Asia 23% (95% CI, 12-41%) and African 66% (95% CI, 25-92%), respectively. Considering the countries, the prevalence was highest in the Brazil 90% (95% CI, 73-97%) and lowest in the South Korea 14% (95% CI, 4-35%). CONCLUSION The high prevalence of the parasitic virus emphasizes the need to pay attention to the behavior of the parasite, both in terms of clinical symptoms and drug resistance. Moreover, it is suggested that more studies (i.e. in vitro, in vivo, and case-control studies) should be conducted for deep understanding of this coexistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Bahadory
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Selva Aminizadeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farah Bokharaei-Salim
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Khanaliha
- Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Soleimani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj Iran
| | - Leila Beikzadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Alireza Khatami
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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Carvalho GC, Araujo VHS, Fonseca-Santos B, de Araújo JTC, de Souza MPC, Duarte JL, Chorilli M. Highlights in poloxamer-based drug delivery systems as strategy at local application for vaginal infections. Int J Pharm 2021; 602:120635. [PMID: 33895295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases related to the vagina include diseases caused by the imbalance of the vaginal flora and by sexually transmitted infections. Some of these present themselves as a public health problem due to the lack of efficient treatment that leads to their complete cure, and others due to the growing resistance to drugs used in therapy. In this sense, new treatment strategies are desirable, with vaginal administration rout being a great choice since can bypass first-pass metabolism and decrease drug interactions and adverse effects. However, it is worth highlighting limitations related to patient's discomfort at application time. Thereby, the use of poloxamer-based drug delivery systems is desirable due its stimuli-sensitive characteristic. Therefore, the present review reports a brief overview of poloxamer properties, biological behavior and advances in poloxamer applications in controlled drug release systems for infectious diseases related to the vagina treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Corrêa Carvalho
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903 Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Sousa Araujo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903 Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Bruno Fonseca-Santos
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-871 Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jonatas Lobato Duarte
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903 Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903 Araraquara, Brazil.
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10
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Identification of Trichomonas Vaginalis Genotypes Using by Actin Gene and Molecular Based Methods in Southwest of Iran. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 10:135-143. [PMID: 34277877 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.10.1.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a sexually transmitted protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis. The genetic characterization of T. vaginalis isolates shows notable genetic variation in this parasite. In the present study, we aimed to identify the T. vaginalis genotypes based on analyzing of actin gene in women specimens referred to health centers of Ilam city, southwest Iran. Methods A total of 1765 female samples were collected from gynecology clinics in the city of Ilam. DNA was extracted from positive samples and nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested PCR) was used to amplify the actin gene. Then, partial sequencing and genotyping of the actin gene was performed. A phylogenetic tree was drawn using the detected genotypes of T. vaginalis and reference sequences. Results Twenty-one of the 1765 urine and vaginal samples were positive for T. vaginalis. All infected individuals were married and their age in years was between 25 to 34. Further, the majority of infected women had cervical lesions, patchy erythema, and white color discharge. According to sequencing analysis, the isolates were identified as genotype G (n= 8) and genotype E (n= 2). Conclusion From the collected samples, we were able to distinguish at least two genotypes (G and E) of T. vaginalis. However, lesser is known about these genotypes in the city of Ilam. Further studies with a higher number of isolates should be performed in order to understand the implications of these results in this region.
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Mabaso N, Tinarwo P, Abbai N. Lack of association between Mycoplasma hominis and Trichomonas vaginalis symbiosis in relation to metronidazole resistance. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:4197-4204. [PMID: 33068149 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06930-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Resistance mechanisms of Trichomonas vaginalis to metronidazole are still not well understood. It has been shown that Mycoplasma hominis has the ability to establish an endosymbiotic relationship with T. vaginalis. This study investigated the association between T. vaginalis and M. hominis symbiosis in relation to metronidazole resistance. This study included 362 pregnant women from the King Edward VIII hospital in South Africa. The women provided self-collected vaginal swabs for the diagnosis of T. vaginalis by culture. Metronidazole susceptibility using the broth-microdilution assay was performed. Detection of the 16S rRNA from M. hominis using T. vaginalis genomic DNA as the template was performed. All statistical analysis was conducted in R statistical computing software. A total of 21 culture positive isolates were obtained resulting in a prevalence of 5.8% for T. vaginalis in the study population. Under anaerobic incubation, 52.4% (11/21) of the isolates were susceptible to metronidazole (MIC ≤ 1 μg/ml). Intermediate resistance (MIC of 2 μg/ml) and full resistance (4 μg/ml) was observed in 38.1% (8/21) and 9.5% (2/21) of the isolates, respectively. The majority of the isolates 95% (19/20) were susceptible to metronidazole under aerobic conditions. Only one isolate had a MIC of 50 μg/ml. M. hominis was shown to be present in 85.7% (18/21) of the T. vaginalis isolates. However, there was no significant association between metronidazole susceptibility and T. vaginalis-M. hominis symbiosis. This study provides evidence of emerging metronidazole resistance in T. vaginalis. However, these resistance profiles were not associated with M. hominis symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonkululeko Mabaso
- School of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Partson Tinarwo
- Department of Biostatistics, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nathlee Abbai
- School of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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12
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Barrow P, Dujardin JC, Fasel N, Greenwood AD, Osterrieder K, Lomonossoff G, Fiori PL, Atterbury R, Rossi M, Lalle M. Viruses of protozoan parasites and viral therapy: Is the time now right? Virol J 2020; 17:142. [PMID: 32993724 PMCID: PMC7522927 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01410-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by protozoan parasites burden the world with huge costs in terms of human and animal health. Most parasitic diseases caused by protozoans are neglected, particularly those associated with poverty and tropical countries, but the paucity of drug treatments and vaccines combined with increasing problems of drug resistance are becoming major concerns for their control and eradication. In this climate, the discovery/repurposing of new drugs and increasing effort in vaccine development should be supplemented with an exploration of new alternative/synergic treatment strategies. Viruses, either native or engineered, have been employed successfully as highly effective and selective therapeutic approaches to treat cancer (oncolytic viruses) and antibiotic-resistant bacterial diseases (phage therapy). Increasing evidence is accumulating that many protozoan, but also helminth, parasites harbour a range of different classes of viruses that are mostly absent from humans. Although some of these viruses appear to have no effect on their parasite hosts, others either have a clear direct negative impact on the parasite or may, in fact, contribute to the virulence of parasites for humans. This review will focus mainly on the viruses identified in protozoan parasites that are of medical importance. Inspired and informed by the experience gained from the application of oncolytic virus- and phage-therapy, rationally-driven strategies to employ these viruses successfully against parasitic diseases will be presented and discussed in the light of the current knowledge of the virus biology and the complex interplay between the viruses, the parasite hosts and the human host. We also highlight knowledge gaps that should be addressed to advance the potential of virotherapy against parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Barrow
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Jean Claude Dujardin
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, 155, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Fasel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Alex D Greenwood
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institut für Virologie, Robert Von Ostertag-Haus - Zentrum Fuer Infektionsmedizin, Robert von Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Osterrieder
- Institut für Virologie, Robert Von Ostertag-Haus - Zentrum Fuer Infektionsmedizin, Robert von Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - George Lomonossoff
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomedice, Universita Degli Studi Di Sassari, Sardinia, Italy
| | - Robert Atterbury
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Matteo Rossi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Marco Lalle
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00186, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Recent advances in hydrogels as strategy for drug delivery intended to vaginal infections. Int J Pharm 2020; 590:119867. [PMID: 32919001 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Vaginal infections represent a clear women health problem due to the several issues as high recurrence rate, drug resistence and emergence of persistent strains. However, achieving improvements in therapeutic efficacy by using conventional formulations intended to vaginal drug delivery remains as a challenge due to anatomy and physiology of the vagina, since the secretion and renewal of vaginal fluids contribute to the removal of the dosage form. Hydrogels have been widely exploited aiming to achieve drug delivery directly into vaginal mucosa for local therapy due to their attractive features as increased residence time of the drug at the action site and control of drug release rates. Some polymers can aggregate specific properties to hydrogels as mucoadhesive, stimuli-responsive and antimicrobial, improving their interaction with the biological interface and therapeutic response. In this review, we highlight the advances, advantages and challenges of the hydrogels as drug and/or nanocarrier vehicles intended to the treatment of vaginal infections, emphasizing also the polymers and their properties more explored on the design these systems to improve the therapeutic effect on the vaginal tissue. In addition, this review can contribute for better exploitation these systems in search of new local treatments for bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and trichomoniasis.
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Margarita V, Fiori PL, Rappelli P. Impact of Symbiosis Between Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis on Vaginal Dysbiosis: A Mini Review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:179. [PMID: 32457847 PMCID: PMC7226223 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoon Trichomonas vaginalis is responsible for trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection associated with an increased risk of HIV infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The protozoon has the surprising ability to establish a symbiotic relationship with other microorganisms. In fact, most T.vaginalis isolates intracellularly host the vaginal bacterium Mycoplasma hominis and can harbor up to four dsRNA viruses. Moreover, a novel Mycoplasma species named Ca. Mycoplasma girerdii has been recently described as associated with trichomonad cells. Trichomonas vaginalis colonizes the human vagina and its presence causes profound alterations of the resident microbiota, leading to dysbiosis. In healthy women, vaginal microbiota is characterized by the presence of a complex population of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms living in a physiologically dynamic system dominated by bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus. The most common microbial vaginal imbalance is bacterial vaginosis, a polymicrobial disease associated with several adverse reproductive outcomes and increased risk of HIV infection. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the interactions between both T.vaginalis and M.hominis and the vaginal microbiota, and we discuss the possibility of a cooperation between T.vaginalis and its symbionts in the development of vaginal dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterranean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterranean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
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