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Baz-González E, Martin-Carrillo N, García-Livia K, Abreu-Acosta N, Foronda P. Molecular Detection of Microsporidia in Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121796. [PMID: 36552305 PMCID: PMC9775083 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are microsporidia with zoonotic potential that have been identified in humans, as well as in a large group of wild and domestic animals. Several wildlife species have been studied as reservoirs of zoonotic microsporidia in mainland Spain, including the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Due to a lack of data on microsporidia infection in wildlife on the Canary Islands, the aim of this work was to analyze the prevalence and identify the species of microsporidia in rabbits in Tenerife. Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 50 fecal samples were collected from rabbits in eight municipalities of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Seven of the fifty samples (14%) were amplified using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the partial sequence of the 5.8S rRNA gene. Sanger sequencing reveals the presence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in two samples (4%), and undescribed microsporidia species in five samples (10%). This study constitutes the first molecular detection and genotyping of E. cuniculi in rabbits in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Baz-González
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Natalia Martin-Carrillo
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Katherine García-Livia
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Néstor Abreu-Acosta
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Nertalab S.L., 38008 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Doboși AA, Bel LV, Paștiu AI, Pusta DL. A Review of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus)-Biology, Clinical Signs, Diagnostic Techniques, Treatment, and Prevention. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121486. [PMID: 36558820 PMCID: PMC9785705 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121486] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a eukaryote, unicellular, spore-forming, obligate intracellular microorganism of the phylum Microsporidia, with domestic rabbits as its main host. Another important species in which this pathogen has been identified are humans, the infection being therefore called a "zoonosis". The transmission takes place via the horizontal route or the vertical route, and cell-mediated immunity plays the biggest role in the infected hosts' protection. Encephalitozoonosis can manifest itself as an acute infection, with neurological signs, renal signs, and ocular lesions, or as a chronic or subclinical infection, which is usually the case for asymptomatic carriers. The diagnostic techniques usually carried out are histological examination, serological tests, and molecular genetic techniques. The treatment of encephalitozoonosis is usually symptomatic, with unrewarding results, and prevention methods include periodical serological screening, prophylactic administration of fenbendazole, and maintenance of a clean environment. The purpose of this article is to review the current data regarding the pathogenesis, host immunity, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prevention methods of encephalitozoonosis in the domestic rabbit, as well as to analyze the prevalence of this disease in different countries of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Alexandra Doboși
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucia-Victoria Bel
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anamaria Ioana Paștiu
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Dana Liana Pusta
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Magalhães TR, Pinto FF, Queiroga FL. A multidisciplinary review about Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2463-2479. [PMID: 35840730 PMCID: PMC9286959 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07562-z] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite mostly associated with its natural host, the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). However, other animals can be infected, like other mammals, birds, and even humans. Although it usually causes subclinical infection, it can also lead to encephalitozoonosis, a clinical disease characterized by neurological, ocular, and/or renal signs that can be even fatal, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, this multidisciplinary review contributes with updated information about the E. cuniculi, deepening in its molecular and genetic characterization, its mechanisms of infection and transmission, and its prevalence among different species and geographic locations, in a One Health perspective. Recent information about the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the main host species and the prophylaxis and infection control measures currently suggested are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Rodrigues Magalhães
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Filipe Fontes Pinto
- HIPRA, Malveira, Portugal
- Cytology Diagnostic Services, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Felisbina Luisa Queiroga
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Sciences, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Mäkitaipale J, Järvenpää E, Bruce A, Sankari S, Virtala AM, Näreaho A. Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and risk-factor assessment for Encephalitozoon cuniculi seroprevalence in Finnish pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Acta Vet Scand 2022; 64:2. [PMID: 35109904 PMCID: PMC8812214 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-022-00622-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurological signs, such as head tilt, torticollis, paralysis, and seizures, are common in rabbits. Differential diagnoses include two zoonotic infections caused by the microsporidial fungi Encephalitozoon cuniculi and the apicomplexan protozoa Toxoplasma gondii. Both infections are mainly latent in rabbits but may cause severe or even fatal disease. Although several international studies have reported the seroprevalence of these pathogens in different commercial rabbit populations, similar prevalence studies and risk-factor analyses among family-owned pet rabbits are uncommon and lacking in Scandinavia. We sought to estimate the seroprevalence and possible risk factors for E. cuniculi and T. gondii among Finnish pet rabbits. We used ELISA to measure E. cuniculi IgG seroprevalence of 247 rabbits and modified direct agglutination test for T. gondii seroprevalence of 270 rabbits. Samples were collected as part of the Finnish Pet Rabbit Health Research project. Internet-based questionnaires (n = 231) completed by the rabbit owners were used for risk-factor analysis. Results The apparent seroprevalence of E. cuniculi was 29.2% and true seroprevalence of T. gondii 3.9%. Risk factors were analysed only for E. cuniculi due to the low T. gondii seroprevalence. The final multivariable logistic regression model revealed that rabbits spending the whole summer outdoors had a higher risk of being E. cuniculi seropositive than rabbits with limited outdoor access. Additionally, rabbits living in households with only one or two rabbits had higher risk of being E. cuniculi seropositive than those in multi-rabbit households. Conclusions Nearly one third of Finnish pet rabbits participating in this study had E. cuniculi IgG antibodies, indicating previous exposure to this pathogen. The prevalence is similar to that reported previously in clinically healthy rabbit populations in UK and Korea. While the seroprevalence of T. gondii was low (3.9%), antibodies were detected. Therefore, these zoonotic parasitic infections should be considered as differential diagnoses when treating rabbits.
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Abstract
Microsporidia are pathogenic organism related to fungi. They cause infections in a wide variety of mammals as well as in avian, amphibian, and reptilian hosts. Many microsporidia species play an important role in the development of serious diseases that have significant implications in human and veterinary medicine. While microsporidia were originally considered to be opportunistic pathogens in humans, it is now understood that infections also occur in immune competent humans. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are primarily mammalian pathogens. However, many other species of microsporidia that have some other primary host that is not a mammal have been reported to cause sporadic mammalian infections. Experimental models and observations in natural infections have demonstrated that microsporidia can cause a latent infection in mammalian hosts. This chapter reviews the published studies on mammalian microsporidiosis and the data on chronic infections due to these enigmatic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Santaniello A, Cimmino I, Dipineto L, Agognon AL, Beguinot F, Formisano P, Fioretti A, Menna LF, Oriente F. Zoonotic Risk of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Animal-Assisted Interventions: Laboratory Strategies for the Diagnosis of Infections in Humans and Animals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179333. [PMID: 34501921 PMCID: PMC8430659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of animals for therapeutic purposes has very ancient roots. To date, it is clear that animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), in addition to ensuring the replacement of missing or deficient affects, improves psychophysiological parameters connected to human health. However, AAI could potentially present risks related to the transmission of infectious agents from animals to humans. Among these microorganisms, E. cuniculi is a microspore which induces pathological effects (fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathlessness, respiratory symptoms, and weakness) in both humans and animals. Consequently, an accurate and fast diagnosis of E. cuniculi infection, as well as the identification of new diagnostic approaches, is of fundamental importance. This literature review was carried out to provide an extensive and comprehensive analysis of the most recent diagnostic techniques to prevent and care for E. cuniculi-associated risks in the AAI field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Santaniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (L.F.M.); Tel.: +39-081-253-6134 (A.S.)
| | - Ilaria Cimmino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Ayewa Lawoe Agognon
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Francesco Beguinot
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Lucia Francesca Menna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (L.F.M.); Tel.: +39-081-253-6134 (A.S.)
| | - Francesco Oriente
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
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Soto-Domínguez A, Dávila-Martínez C, Castillo-Velázquez U, Nevárez-Garza A, Rodríguez-Rocha H, Saucedo-Cárdenas O, Arce Mendoza A, Zarate-Ramos J, Rodríguez-Tovar L. Variation of the CD4, CD8, and MHC II cell population in granulomas of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed rabbits in Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 68:101387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Sadeghi-Dehkordi Z, Norouzi E, Rezaeian H, Nourian A, Noaman V, Sazmand A. First insight into Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in laboratory and pet rabbits in Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 65:37-40. [PMID: 31300123 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.04.005] [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: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi infects a wide variety of domestic and wild mammalian species including humans. Although the infection status has been studied in laboratory and pet rabbits worldwide, there is shortage of information regarding the disease in Iran. In the present study, the occurrence of infection in brains of 117 asymptomatic rabbits from six breeding and experimental units with highest population of rabbit colonies in the country (n = 60) as well as pet rabbits of pet stores in two cities (n = 57) were examined by nested-PCR. Histological sections of brains and kidneys were also studied by light microscopy. PCR results revealed that 3.3% of laboratory rabbits (2/60) and 59.6% of pet rabbits (34/57) harboured E. cuniculi in their brains. Histopathology on the other hand showed spores of the parasite in kidney and brain of one and kidney of another pet rabbit. As encephalitozoonosis may interfere with results of experiments performed on laboratory rabbits, routine screenings for identification and culling of infected animals is recommended. Furthermore, infected companion rabbits can transmit E. cuniculi to people in close contact with them, therefore, improving public knowledge of this zoonotic infection is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Sadeghi-Dehkordi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Ebrahim Norouzi
- Department of Laboratory Animal Breeding, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Hessarak, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | - Hidokht Rezaeian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Vahid Noaman
- Group of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Sciences Research Department, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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Li W, Xiao L. Multilocus Sequence Typing and Population Genetic Analysis of Enterocytozoon bieneusi: Host Specificity and Its Impacts on Public Health. Front Genet 2019; 10:307. [PMID: 31001333 PMCID: PMC6454070 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia comprise a large class of unicellular eukaryotic pathogens that are medically and agriculturally important, but poorly understood. There have been nearly 1,500 microsporidian species described thus far, which are variable in biology, genetics, genomics, and host specificity. Among those, Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the well-known species responsible for the most recorded cases of human microsporidian affections. The pathogen can colonize a broad range of mammals and birds and most of the animals surveyed share some genotypes with humans, posing a threat to public health. Based on DNA sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and phylogenetic analysis, several hundreds of E. bieneusi genotypes have been defined and clustered into different genetic groups with varied levels of host specificity. However, single locus-based typing using ITS might have insufficient resolution to discriminate among E. bieneusi isolates with complex genetic or hereditary characteristics and to assess the elusive reproduction or transmission modes of the organism, highlighting the need for exploration and application of multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and population genetic tools. The present review begins with a primer on microsporidia and major microsporidian species, briefly introduces the recent advances on E. bieneusi ITS genotyping and phylogeny, summarizes recent MLST and population genetic data, analyzes the inter- and intragroup host specificity at the MLST level, and interprets the public health implications of host specificity in zoonotic or cross-species transmission of this ubiquitous fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Ozkan O, Karagoz A, Kocak N. First molecular evidence of ocular transmission of Encephalitozoonosis during the intrauterine period in rabbits. Parasitol Int 2019; 71:1-4. [PMID: 30853450 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Many reports have been published on the suspected vertical transmission of Encephalitozoon cuniculi; however, prior to 2003, these reports were based on circumstantial evidence, such as histopathological, immunohistochemical, or serological diagnosis of the infection. In 2003, vertical transmission of the parasite was confirmed by detection of E. cuniculi DNA in fetuses with the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. However, the passage of the parasite to eyes of fetus during the intrauterine stage still requires verification. In the current study, natively infected with parasite spores female rabbits were mated with non-infected males. All resulting offspring that died before ten postpartum days were investigated using molecular techniques to confirm the intrauterine transmission of the parasite to the offspring' eyes. In total, 119 DNA samples from rabbit offspring tissues were collected from blood, kidney, brain, eye (both eyes were used as single samples), lung, placenta, liver and heart were used for PCR. Parasitic DNA in the eyes of offspring was detected (54%) 6 of 11 naturally seropositive mother rabbits. PCR results were found to be positive for the eyes of 63% (19/30) of the offsprings from seropositive rabbits. Therefore, mother rabbits naturally infected with E. cuniculi showed the molecular presence of the parasite in their offspring' eyes. Sequence analysis confirmed the partial DNA sequence data of E. cuniculi and blast analysis identified the agent as genotype I. These results confirm transmission of E. cuniculi to rabbit offspring' eyes in the intrauterine period. This is the first molecular evidence to show ocular transmission of the infection via an intrauterine route in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozcan Ozkan
- Çankırı Karatekin University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, 18100 Çankırı, Turkey.
| | - Alper Karagoz
- Usak University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic, 64000 Usak, Turkey
| | - Nadir Kocak
- Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetic, 42130 Konya, Turkey
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Wang S, Yao Z, Li L, Pan Y, Li P, Nan X, Xie Q, Zhang Z. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Encephalitozoon cuniculi among domestic rabbits in central China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [PMID: 29521259 PMCID: PMC5844235 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2018010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are frequently reared for meat production in China. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and risk factors of infection in domestic rabbits raised in Henan province, central China. 1,213 serum samples of domestic rabbits were collected and tested for anti-T. gondii and anti-E. cuniculi antibodies using a modified agglutination test (MAT) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The serum positive rates of T. gondii and E. cuniculi were 128/1,213 (10.55%) and 235/1,213 (19.37%), respectively. Co-infection of T. gondii and E. cuniculi was demonstrated in 84 specimens; 44 rabbits were seropositive for T. gondii alone, while 151 rabbits were seropositive for E. cuniculi alone. The main risk factors simultaneously associated with T. gondii and E. cuniculi infection were the age of the rabbit, the type of food, and the rabbit rearing system. Serum positive rates of T. gondii and E. cuniculi among domestic rabbits were high, indicating the possibility of public health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Zhijun Yao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Lingjuan Li
- Henan Muxiang Veterinary Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, PR China
| | - Yaoqian Pan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Pengju Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xiaoxu Nan
- School of Stomatology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Qing Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
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Desoubeaux G, Piqueras MDC, Pantin A, Bhattacharya SK, Peschke R, Joachim A, Cray C. Application of mass spectrometry to elucidate the pathophysiology of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177961. [PMID: 28723944 PMCID: PMC5516978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian species which can induce subclinical to serious disease in mammals including rabbits, a definitive natural host. The pathophysiology of infection has not been comprehensively elucidated. In this exploratory study, we utilized two mass spectrometry approaches: first, the analysis of the humoral response by profiling the microsporidian antigens as revealed by Western blot screening, and second, implementing the iTRAQ®-labeling protocol to focus on the changes within the host proteome during infection. Seven E. cuniculi proteins were identified at one-dimensional gel regions where specific seropositive reaction was observed by Western blot, including polar tube protein 3, polar tube protein 2, and for the first time reported: heat shock related 70kDa protein, polysaccharide deacetylase domain-containing protein, zinc finger protein, spore wall and anchoring disk complex protein EnP1, and translation elongation factor 1 alpha. In addition, there was a significant increase of nine host proteins in blood samples from E. cuniculi-diseased rabbits in comparison with non-diseased control subjects undergoing various inflammatory processes. This included serum paraoxonase, alpha-1-antiproteinase F precursor and alpha-1-antiproteinase S-1 which have presumptive catalytic activity likely related to infection control, and cystatin fetuin-B-type, an enzyme regulator that has been poorly studied to date. Notably, 11 proteins were found to be statistically increased in rabbits with neurological versus renal clinical presentation of E. cuniculi infection. Overall, this novel analysis based on mass spectrometry has provided new insights on the inflammatory and humoral responses during E. cuniculi infection in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Desoubeaux
- University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- CHU de Tours, Service de Parasitologie – Mycologie – Médecine tropicale, Tours, France
- Université François-Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine, CEPR - INSERM U1100 / Équipe 3, Tours, France
| | - Maria del Carmen Piqueras
- University of Miami, Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Miller School of Medicin–, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ana Pantin
- University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sanjoy K. Bhattacharya
- University of Miami, Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Miller School of Medicin–, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Roman Peschke
- University of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- University of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carolyn Cray
- University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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