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Abdoli A, Ghaffarifar F, Sharifi Z, Taghipour A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and testosterone alteration: A systematic review and meta-analyses. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297362. [PMID: 38568993 PMCID: PMC10990213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a worldwide distributed protozoan parasite which has infected a wide range of warm-blooded animals and humans. The most common form of T. gondii infection is asymptomatic (latent); nevertheless, latent toxoplasmosis can induce various alterations of sex hormones, especially testosterone, in infected humans and animals. On the other hand, testosterone is involved in behavioral traits and reproductive functions in both sexes. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the available evidence regarding the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration. METHODS In the setting of a systematic review, an electronic search (any date to 10 January 2023) without language restrictions was performed using Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Following the initial search, a total of 12,306 titles and abstracts were screened initially; 12,281 were excluded due to the lack of eligibility criteria or duplication. Finally, 24 articles met the included criteria. A mean±standard deviation (SD) was calculated to assess the difference of testosterone between T. gondii positive and T. gondii negative humans. The possibility of publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS This systematic review identified 24 articles (18 studies in humans and six studies in animals). Most human studies (13 out of 19) reported an increased level of testosterone following latent toxoplasmosis in males, while three studies reported decreased levels and two studies reported an insignificant change. Eleven articles (seven datasets in males and seven datasets in females) were eligible to be included in the data synthesis. Based on the random-effects model, the pooled mean± SD of testosterone in T. gondii positive than T. gondii negative was increased by 0.73 and 0.55 units in males and females, respectively. The Egger's regression did not detect a statistically significant publication bias in males and females (p = value = 0.95 and 0.71), respectively. Three studies in male animals (rats, mice, and spotted hyenas) and two studies in female animals (mice and spotted hyenas) reported a decline in testosterone in infected compared with non-infected animals. While, one study in female rats reported no significant changes of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals. Moreover, two studies in male rats reported an increased level of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights about the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration and identifies relevant data gaps that can inform and encourage further studies. The consequence of increased testosterone levels following T. gondii infection could partly be associated with increased sexual behavior and sexual transmission of the parasite. On the other hand, declining testosterone levels following T. gondii infection may be associated with male reproductive impairments, which were observed in T. gondii-infected humans and animals. Furthermore, these findings suggest the great need for more epidemiological and experimental investigations in depth to understand the relationship between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration alongside with future consequences of testosterone alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Sharifi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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Fontbonne A. Causes of pregnancy arrest in the canine species. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:72-83. [PMID: 37312645 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the canine species, early pregnancy arrest before 30-40 days of pregnancy will induce intra-uterine embryonic or foetal resorption, with very few clinical signs. If no genital examination by ultrasound is performed at that time, it will often remain unnoticed and the bitch will be qualified as infertile. It is only when pregnancy stops at a later stage, mostly after 40 days, that clinical signs will be seen. Expulsion of aborted foetuses or placentas may be observed, although the dam frequently eats the expelled tissues. Intra-uterine mummification may also occur. This article reviews the causes of pregnancy termination in the bitch, both at the embryonic and the foetal stages, reported in the literature. Canine brucellosis is by far the most important disease concerned in this aspect. There is an important current concern about this disease, due to the fact that several outbreaks have been observed recently in Europe, and that it is a very contagious disease; it may be an underestimated zoonosis. Other bacterial causes of pregnancy arrest are sporadic. There is, however, a growing attention towards the microbiological content of raw food diets which are more and more popular among dog breeders and may-if badly prepared-contain abortifacient bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni or Listeria monocytogenes. The abortifacient role of endogenous vaginal bacteria and mycoplasms remains unclear and may be related to an imbalanced vaginal flora with subsequent ascending bacterial contamination of the uterus. The role of Canine Herpesvirus on abortion is controversial and probably not frequent. Other viruses have been shown experimentally to induce abortion but their natural occurrence in this respect remains unknown. The same applies to the parasite Neospora caninum which is suspected, but not proven, potentially to induce pregnancy arrest in bitches. Among non-infectious causes, uterine pathology such as cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) or sub-clinical post-mating endometritis which can cause infertility and may also induce embryonic resorption. The role of luteal insufficiency in pregnancy arrest is probably overestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Fontbonne
- Unité de Médecine de l'Elevage et du Sport (UMES), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Chen A, Boulay M, Chong S, Ho K, Chan A, Ong J, Fernandez CJ, Chang SF, Yap HH. Suspected clinical toxoplasmosis in a 12-week-old puppy in Singapore. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:110. [PMID: 37542292 PMCID: PMC10401807 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03674-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is traditionally known as a parasite of felids, with possible infection in intermediate hosts such as dogs and humans, and thus a disease of public health significance. Published data on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in dogs and cats in Singapore is scanty, and this paper documents a suspect clinical case of toxoplasmosis in a free-roaming puppy trapped from an offshore island of Singapore. CASE PRESENTATION A 12-week-old puppy presented with hindlimb weakness and sarcopenia, with rapidly progressing ascending paralysis and respiratory distress, one week after trapping. Toxoplasmosis was suspected after indirect fluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) revealed anti-T. gondii antibodies. The puppy responded quickly to clindamycin treatment and was discharged from hospital after 10 days. CONCLUSION While rare and undocumented, veterinary clinicians in Singapore are advised to also include toxoplasmosis infection as a differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with similar clinical signs. This is especially so for dogs which have access to the outdoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Chen
- Centre for Animal Rehabilitation, Animal & Veterinary Service, Animal Management Centre, National Parks Board, 57 Sungei Tengah Road, 699013, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Max Boulay
- Westside Emergency, 41 Eng Kong Terrace, 599013, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stacy Chong
- Centre for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Animal & Plant Health Centre, Animal & Veterinary Service, National Parks Board, 6 Perahu Road, 718827, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kelvin Ho
- Biorisk and Biosurveillance, Animal & Veterinary Service, National Parks Board, JEM Office Tower, 52 Jurong Gateway Road, 608550, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amy Chan
- Centre for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Animal & Plant Health Centre, Animal & Veterinary Service, National Parks Board, 6 Perahu Road, 718827, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jasmine Ong
- Centre for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Animal & Plant Health Centre, Animal & Veterinary Service, National Parks Board, 6 Perahu Road, 718827, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charlene Judith Fernandez
- Centre for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Animal & Plant Health Centre, Animal & Veterinary Service, National Parks Board, 6 Perahu Road, 718827, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Foong Chang
- Professional & Scientific Services, Animal & Veterinary Service, National Parks Board, JEM Office Tower, 52 Jurong Gateway Road, 608550, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Him Hoo Yap
- Animal & Veterinary Service, National Parks Board, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, 259569, Singapore, Singapore
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Hegazy M, Elghanam W, Aboulfotouh N, Sheta H, El-Tantawy N. Impact of latent toxoplasmosis on the fertility indices of male rats. Exp Parasitol 2023:108571. [PMID: 37380122 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108571] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a prevalent condition affecting approximately 70 million people worldwide and male factor contributes to about fifty percent of the issues. Studies on infectious agents as a possible cause of infertility has become prominent in the past decade. Toxoplasma gondii has emerged as a prime candidate as it has been found in the reproductive organs and semen of males of many animal species and humans. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of latent toxoplasmosis on experimental rat fertility. Ninety Toxoplasma infected rat were used as the experimental group besides, thirty control naïve ones. Both groups were observed clinically. Weekly assessment of fertility indices starting from the 7th week post infection till the 12th week were done by recording rat body weight, weight of testes, semen analysis and histo-morphometric analysis of the testes. Toxoplasma infected rats exhibited significant gradual loss of body weight and the absolute weight of the testes. The sperm characteristic parameters including percentage of motile sperm, percentage of viable sperm and sperm concentration in Toxoplasma infected rats showed highly significant decrease throughout the observation period in comparison to the control group with recording highly significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm forms. Pathological insults in tests of the infected rat group were denoted. Our findings demonstrated that Toxoplasma gondii is accused for affecting male rat main reproductive parameters and is implicated in the male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamdouh Hegazy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Walaa Elghanam
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nora Aboulfotouh
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Heba Sheta
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nora El-Tantawy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Bazmjoo A, Bagherzadeh MA, Raoofi R, Taghipour A, Mazaherifar S, Sotoodeh H, Ostadi Z, Shadmand E, Jahromi MAM, Abdoli A. Toxoplasma gondii, HBV, and HCV co-infection and their correlation with CD4 cells among Iranian HIV-positive patients. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e794. [PMID: 36840494 PMCID: PMC9947625 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.794] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) infected patients have a higher risk of opportunistic infections (OIs) depending on their immunological status, especially CD4 + cell count. Toxoplasma gondii, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are important OIs among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients. However, little is known about co-infection of these pathogens among HIV-infected individuals and their correlation with the patient's CD4 + cell count. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the serological and molecular status of T. gondii infection among HIV-infected individuals who had co-infection with HBV and HCV infections. METHODS A total of 100 HIV/AIDS patients in two cities in the southwest of Iran was tested for T. gondii Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies as well as DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the RE gene. HBV and HCV were detected by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test, hepatitis C antibody (HCV Ab) test, and Real-Time PCR. The number of CD4 + cell counts was determined by Flow cytometry. RESULTS Anti-T. gondii IgG was positive in 22% of the patients, but anti-T. gondii IgM and PCR were negative in all samples. HBV and HCV were positive in 8% and 33% of the patients, respectively. Co-infections were as followed: HIV + HCV (16%), HIV + HCV + T. gondii (11%), HIV + T. gondii (5%), HIV + HBV (1%), HIV + HBV + T. gondii (1%), HIV + HBV + HCV (1%), and HIV + HBV + HCV + T. gondii (5%). A significant decline in CD4 + cell counts was found in such co-infection groups (HIV + T. gondii, HIV + HCV + T. gondii, and HIV + HBV + HCV + T. gondii) compared with the HIV mono-infection group. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that co-infections of T. gondii, HCV, and HBV were common among HIV-infected patients and co-infections had a negative correlation with CD4 + cell counts of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadreza Bazmjoo
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Student Research CommitteeJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Mohammad Aref Bagherzadeh
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Student Research CommitteeJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Rahim Raoofi
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Infectious DiseasesJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Parasitology and MycologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Samaneh Mazaherifar
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Parasitology and MycologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | | | - Zahra Ostadi
- Department of Disease ControlFasa University of Medical SciencesFasaIran
| | - Enayat Shadmand
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Parasitology and MycologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Mirza A. M. Jahromi
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of ImmunologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Advanced Medical Sciences & TechnologiesJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Parasitology and MycologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
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Overview of Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Inflammatory Processes in Toxoplasma gondii Infected Cells. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020253. [PMID: 36839525 PMCID: PMC9966443 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite. During the parasitic invasion, T. gondii creates a parasitophorous vacuole, which enables the modulation of cell functions, allowing its replication and host infection. It has effective strategies to escape the immune response and reach privileged immune sites and remain inactive in a controlled environment in tissue cysts. This current review presents the factors that affect host cells and the parasite, as well as changes in the immune system during host cell infection. The secretory organelles of T. gondii (dense granules, micronemes, and rhoptries) are responsible for these processes. They are involved with proteins secreted by micronemes and rhoptries (MIC, AMA, and RONs) that mediate the recognition and entry into host cells. Effector proteins (ROP and GRA) that modify the STAT signal or GTPases in immune cells determine their toxicity. Interference byhost autonomous cells during parasitic infection, gene expression, and production of microbicidal molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), result in the regulation of cell death. The high level of complexity in host cell mechanisms prevents cell death in its various pathways. Many of these abilities play an important role in escaping host immune responses, particularly by manipulating the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Here we present recent works that define the mechanisms by which T. gondii interacts with these processes in infected host cells.
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Presence of Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts in human semen: Toxoplasmosis as a potential sexually transmissible infection. J Infect 2023; 86:60-65. [PMID: 36347427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent protozoan parasite in human populations. This parasite is thought to be primarily transmitted through undercooked meat and contamination by cat feces. Here, we seek to determine if Toxoplasma gondii cysts can be found within human semen. METHODS We used a mixture of histological and immunofluorescence stains to visualize Toxoplasma gondii cysts in thin smears of human semen. Further, we probed for presence of bradyzoite-specific mRNA transcription using in-situ hybridization. RESULTS We visualized Toxoplasma gondii cysts in ejaculates of immune-competent and latently infected human volunteers. We confirmed the encystment by probing transcription of a bradyzoite-specific gene in these structures. These observations extend previous observations of the parasite in semen of several non-human host species, including rats, dogs, and sheep. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasma gondii infection is a clinically significant infection, in view of its high prevalence, its purported role in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, as well as in the more serious form of congenital toxoplasmosis. Our demonstration of intact Toxoplasma gondii cysts in the ejaculate supports the possibility of sexual transmission of the parasite and provides an impetus for further investigations.
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Meyer CJ, Cassidy KA, Stahler EE, Brandell EE, Anton CB, Stahler DR, Smith DW. Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1180. [PMID: 36424436 PMCID: PMC9691632 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04122-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite capable of infecting any warm-blooded species and can increase risk-taking in intermediate hosts. Despite extensive laboratory research on the effects of T. gondii infection on behaviour, little is understood about the effects of toxoplasmosis on wild intermediate host behavior. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, has a diverse carnivore community including gray wolves (Canis lupus) and cougars (Puma concolor), intermediate and definitive hosts of T. gondii, respectively. Here, we used 26 years of wolf behavioural, spatial, and serological data to show that wolf territory overlap with areas of high cougar density was an important predictor of infection. In addition, seropositive wolves were more likely to make high-risk decisions such as dispersing and becoming a pack leader, both factors critical to individual fitness and wolf vital rates. Due to the social hierarchy within a wolf pack, we hypothesize that the behavioural effects of toxoplasmosis may create a feedback loop that increases spatial overlap and disease transmission between wolves and cougars. These findings demonstrate that parasites have important implications for intermediate hosts, beyond acute infections, through behavioural impacts. Particularly in a social species, these impacts can surge beyond individuals to affect groups, populations, and even ecosystem processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor J. Meyer
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA ,grid.253613.00000 0001 2192 5772Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W. A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812 USA
| | - Kira A. Cassidy
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
| | - Erin E. Stahler
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
| | - Ellen E. Brandell
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
| | - Colby B. Anton
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
| | - Daniel R. Stahler
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
| | - Douglas W. Smith
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
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Couto LFM, Heller LM, Zapa DMB, de Moura MI, Costa GL, de Assis Cavalcante AS, Ribeiro NB, Bastos TSA, Ferreira LL, Soares VE, Lino de Souza GR, Cadioli FA, Lopes WDZ. Presence of Trypanosoma vivax DNA in cattle semen and reproductive tissues and related changes in sperm parameters. Vet Parasitol 2022; 309:109761. [PMID: 35843131 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The present work investigated the presence of Trypanosoma vivax in semen and reproductive tissues of experimentally infected cattle and evaluated changes in seminal parameters. Two groups of cattle were established: T01 - experimentally infected with T. vivax (n = 8) and T02 - not experimentally infected with T. vivax (n = 8). After infection, blood (every seven days until 182 days post-infection - DPI), semen (7, 14, 35, 56, 70, 120 and 182 DPI) and reproductive tissue (after euthanasia, 182 DPI) were collected to search for T. vivax using different techniques, including PCR, Woo and Brener. Seminal parameters, including turbulence, motility, concentration, and vigor, were also analyzed. Packed cell volume (PCV) of the animals was determined weekly and weight gain was calculated. The PCR revealed T. vivax DNA in 7/56 semen samples of post-infection T01 cattle. Trypanosoma vivax DNA was detected in the semen of 5/8 animals at 7, 14, 56, 70 and 120 DPI, in the testis of four, and in the epididymis and fat located around the testis of two others. Trypomastigote forms of T. vivax were not found in any semen sample. Sperm of T01 cattle had lower turbulence (p ≤ 0.05) at 7, 14, 35, 56, 120 and 182 DPI, lower vigor (p ≤ 0.05) at 120 DPI and more sperm abnormalities (p ≤ 0.05) than T02. Digital dermatitis was observed among T01 cattle. Animals of T01 had lower PCV values than did those of T02 for most of the evaluations performed and T02 animals gained more weight during the experiment. The results highlight the presence of T. vivax DNA in semen of infected cattle and the importance of this disease for male breeding cattle. Further research is needed to determine whether T. vivax can be sexually transmitted in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luciana Maffini Heller
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Ivete de Moura
- Professor Assistente. Pontifícia Universidade Católica Universidade Católica de Goiás Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Lage Costa
- Professor Assistente. Pontifícia Universidade Católica Universidade Católica de Goiás Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Nathalia Braz Ribeiro
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Lorena Lopes Ferreira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fabiano Antônio Cadioli
- Departamento de Clínica, Cirurgia e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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Borráz-León JI, Rantala MJ, Krams IA, Cerda-Molina AL, Contreras-Garduño J. Are Toxoplasma-infected subjects more attractive, symmetrical, or healthier than non-infected ones? Evidence from subjective and objective measurements. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13122. [PMID: 35356475 PMCID: PMC8958965 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parasites are among the main factors that negatively impact the health and reproductive success of organisms. However, if parasites diminish a host's health and attractiveness to such an extent that finding a mate becomes almost impossible, the parasite would decrease its odds of reproducing and passing to the next generation. There is evidence that Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) manipulates phenotypic characteristics of its intermediate hosts to increase its spread. However, whether T. gondii manipulates phenotypic characteristics in humans remains poorly studied. Therefore, the present research had two main aims: (1) To compare traits associated with health and parasite resistance in Toxoplasma-infected and non-infected subjects. (2) To investigate whether other people perceive differences in attractiveness and health between Toxoplasma-infected and non-infected subjects of both sexes. Methods For the first aim, Toxoplasma-infected (n = 35) and non-infected subjects (n = 178) were compared for self-perceived attractiveness, number of sexual partners, number of minor ailments, body mass index, mate value, handgrip strength, facial fluctuating asymmetry, and facial width-to-height ratio. For the second aim, an independent group of 205 raters (59 men and 146 women) evaluated the attractiveness and perceived health of facial pictures of Toxoplasma-infected and non-infected subjects. Results First, we found that infected men had lower facial fluctuating asymmetry whereas infected women had lower body mass, lower body mass index, a tendency for lower facial fluctuating asymmetry, higher self-perceived attractiveness, and a higher number of sexual partners than non-infected ones. Then, we found that infected men and women were rated as more attractive and healthier than non-infected ones. Conclusions Our results suggest that some sexually transmitted parasites, such as T. gondii, may produce changes in the appearance and behavior of the human host, either as a by-product of the infection or as the result of the manipulation of the parasite to increase its spread to new hosts. Taken together, these results lay the foundation for future research on the manipulation of the human host by sexually transmitted pathogens and parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Indrikis A. Krams
- Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia,Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia,Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ana Lilia Cerda-Molina
- Department of Ethology, National Institute of Psychiatry “Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz”, Mexico City, Mexico
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Effects of Toxoplasma gondii on Sperm Parameters and Histomorphometry of Testis in Experimentally Infected Rats. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid.99855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, can be involved in the infection of the male reproductive system. Objectives: Since more than a third of the human population and an increasing number of couples with idiopathic infertility are affected by toxoplasmosis, there is a necessity to evaluate the effects of T. gondii on the reproductive system. Methods: In this experimental study, detailed description of sperm parameters, hormone levels (testosterone, follicular stimulating factor [FSH], and luteinizing hormone [LH]), and histomorphometric analysis were gathered every 10 days on T. gondii infected Wistar male rats until day 80. Data on testis and body weight were also collected. Results: Sperm parameters (motility, viability, count, and normal sperms) as well as LH level were significantly lower in infected rats. No significant decrease was observed in FSH and testosterone levels. The number of Leydig cells significantly decreased on day 20. Significant reduction of Sertoli cells was also detected on day 60. Bodyweight reduced significantly on days 20 and 60, but the testis weight was elevated. Conclusions: T. gondii infection can lead to diminished fertility parameters, but not sterility in rats. The parasite could temporarily interfere with the male reproductive system.
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12
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Hlaváčová J, Flegr J, Řežábek K, Calda P, Kaňková Š. Association between latent toxoplasmosis and fertility parameters of men. Andrology 2021; 9:854-862. [PMID: 33420759 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND About a third of people in the world are infected with Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite has been found in the reproductive organs and semen of males of many animal species as well as humans. The effects of toxoplasmosis on sperm count, motility and morphology were confirmed in rats. A higher prevalence of toxoplasmosis has been observed in infertile men. On the other hand, no significant effect of infection on semen parameters in men was found in one already published study. OBJECTIVES To compare the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in men with and without semen pathology and to examine in detail the possible impact of infection on semen volume, sperm count, motility and morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS The pre-registered cross-sectional study included 669 men who visited the Centre for Assisted Reproduction in Prague from June 2016 until June 2018. RESULTS The incidence of fertility problems was significantly higher in the 163 Toxoplasma-infected men (48.47%) than in the 506 Toxoplasma-free men (42.29%), τ = 0.049, P = 0.029. After correction for multiple tests, we found significantly lower sperm concentration, concentration of progressively motile sperm, and concentration of non-progressively motile sperm in Toxoplasma-positive men than in Toxoplasma-negative men using partial Kendall correlation with age controlled. In addition, toxoplasmosis correlated with sperm quality in smokers but not in non-smokers. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our results suggest that latent toxoplasmosis affects certain semen parameters (sperm count and motility), but does not seem to affect sperm morphology and semen volume. Impairment of semen parameters may be either a side effect of the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in male reproductive organs or a product of manipulation activity of the parasite aimed to increase the efficiency of the sexual route of its transmission. Tobacco smoking also appears to exacerbate the negative impact of toxoplasmosis on semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Hlaváčová
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Řežábek
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Calda
- Fetal Medicine Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Kaňková
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Hlaváčová J, Flegr J, Řežábek K, Calda P, Kaňková Š. Male-to-Female Presumed Transmission of Toxoplasmosis Between Sexual Partners. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:386-392. [PMID: 32929444 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most widespread human parasitoses in developed countries. Sexual transmission has been confirmed in several animal species, and indirect evidence suggests it may occur in humans. We compared the seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii in couples who visited the Center for Assisted Reproduction in Prague from June 2016 to June 2018 and analyzed various risk factors including the serological status of sexual partner. By comparing the risk factors in men and women, we tested the hypothesis of male-to-female sexual transmission of toxoplasmosis. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in women with infected male partners (25.6%; n = 156) was higher than in women with uninfected male partners (18.2%; n = 477; P = 0.045). Therefore, a partner's seropositivity seems to be a risk factor for infection in women (n = 593; prevalence ratio = 1.418; P = 0.045) but not in men (n = 573; prevalence ratio = 1.058; P = 0.816). Our results support the hypothesis of the sexual transmission of T. gondii from men to women. The risk may seem relatively low, but transmission can occur during unprotected sexual intercourse, which may be at the time of conception. Because of the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis, a lower risk of infection than that observed in our study can represent a serious health problem.
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14
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Liempi A, Castillo C, Medina L, Rojas-Pirela M, Araneda S, Maya JD, Parraguez VH, Kemmerling U. Ex vivo infection of canine and ovine placental explants with Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii: differential activation of NF kappa B signaling pathways. Acta Trop 2021; 214:105766. [PMID: 33245906 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease and toxoplasmosis, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii, respectively, are important zoonotic diseases affecting humans, companion animals, and livestock, responsible for major health and economic burden. Both parasites can be transmitted vertically in different mammalian species through the placenta. Of note, the transmission rate of T. cruzi is low in dogs, whereas that of T. gondii is high in sheep. The probability of congenital infection depends on complex parasite-host interactions; parasite factors, maternal and fetal immune responses and placental responses all have a role in infection establishment. Since the innate immune response is regulated, at least partially, by NF-κB signaling pathways, our main objective was to determine the effect of ex vivo infection of canine (CPE) and ovine (OPE) placental explants with both parasites, on the activation of canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways and its relation to infection. Here, we show that T. cruzi activates both the NF-κB canonical and non-canonical pathways in CPE and OPE, unlike T. gondii, that activates only the canonical pathway in CPE and has no effect on the non-canonical pathway in both explants. Moreover, the inhibition of either or both NF-κB pathways increases the DNA load of T. cruzi in both explants, modulates, on the other hand, T. gondii infection in a differential fashion. Overall, we conclude that the differential modulation of the NF-κB pathways by both pathogens in placental explants might explain, at least partially, the differences in transmission rates of T. cruzi and T. gondii in different mammalian species.
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Tong WH, Pavey C, O'Handley R, Vyas A. Behavioral biology of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:77. [PMID: 33494777 PMCID: PMC7831251 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with a complex life cycle and a cosmopolitan host range. The asexual part of its life cycle can be perpetually sustained in a variety of intermediate hosts through a combination of carnivory and vertical transmission. However, T. gondii produces gametes only in felids after the predation of infected intermediate hosts. The parasite changes the behavior of its intermediate hosts by reducing their innate fear to cat odors and thereby plausibly increasing the probability that the definitive host will devour the infected host. Here, we provide a short description of such parasitic behavioral manipulation in laboratory rodents infected with T. gondii, along with a bird's eye view of underpinning biological changes in the host. We also summarize critical gaps and opportunities for future research in this exciting research area with broad implications in the transdisciplinary study of host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Chris Pavey
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Land and Water, Darwin, Australia
| | - Ryan O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, Australia
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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Borráz-León JI, Rantala MJ, Luoto S, Krams I, Contreras-Garduño J, Cerda-Molina AL, Krama T. Toxoplasma gondii and Psychopathology: Latent Infection Is Associated with Interpersonal Sensitivity, Psychoticism, and Higher Testosterone Levels in Men, but Not in Women. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-020-00160-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The ability of parasites to hijack the nervous system, manipulating the host’s physiology and behavior in ways that enhance the parasite’s fitness while damaging host fitness, is a topic of ongoing research interest in evolutionary biology, but is largely overlooked in mental health research. Nevertheless, recent evidence has shown that Toxoplasma gondii infection can change host testosterone levels and influence the development of some psychiatric disorders. Here, we tested this hypothesis in a mixed sample of 213 non-clinical subjects.
Methods
Participants (nmales = 108, nfemales = 105) provided 5 ml of blood to quantify testosterone levels and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised was used to assess psychopathological symptoms.
Results
The results showed that Toxoplasma-infected men had higher testosterone levels and scored higher in Interpersonal Sensitivity and Psychoticism symptoms than non-infected men. Toxoplasma-infected women did not differ from control women.
Conclusions
Framed in an evolutionary framework, the findings suggest that the elevated testosterone levels and the expression of psychopathological symptoms can be seen as the result of the manipulation exerted by Toxoplasma gondii either to reach its definitive host or to increase its spread. Future research can benefit from integrating insights from evolutionary biology and parasite-host interactions with physiology, immunology, and mental health to develop a better understanding of mental health etiology.
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Detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii among owned dogs in Cambodia. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2020; 22:e00103. [PMID: 33376815 PMCID: PMC7758511 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2020.e00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, which has a two-host life cycle and an extensive global distribution. The presence of antibodies to T. gondii was examined in owned dogs in Cambodia. In total, 103 dog serum samples from 37 households in northern Cambodia were collected and examined for evidence of T. gondii infection using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. In total, 52 of 103 (50.5%) samples were serologically positive for T. gondii in this study. No significant risk factor associated with T. gondii infection was found. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the seroprevalence of T. gondii in dogs from Cambodia, which revealed a considerable risk of infection for humans. Therefore, consuming undercooked dog meat or contacting feces with contaminated cat feces should be restricted to avoid the possibility of zoonosis. Further studies are needed to determine the epidemiology of T. gondii in populations of larger dogs and other animals to improve our understanding of the situation of the pathogen in this country. First report of T. gondii infection in dogs from Cambodia Adult dogs are more likely to be infected with the pathogen (T. gondii) at higher antibody concentration. Consumption of undercooked dog meat or contact with cat feces maybe potential risks for human T. gondii infection in Cambodia.
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18
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Fais T, Giadinis N, Papadopoulos E, Brellou G, Theodoridis A, Blaga R, Roux DL, Bitchava D, Ntemka A, Boscos C, Tsakmakidis I. Effect of Toxoplasma gondii on Ram Sperm Quality After Experimental Infection. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121004. [PMID: 33266056 PMCID: PMC7760549 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of experimental Toxoplasma gondii infection on ram sperm quality. Five months old, pre-pubertal, rams were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group). Group A was the control group; the remaining animals received per os (p.o.) 5000 oocysts per ram. Group B did not receive treatment post-infection (p.i.). Group C received sulphadimidine (intermuscular injection (i.m.) 33 mg/kg for eight days; every 48 hrs) two months p.i. and Group D received the same drug twice (24 hours p.i. and two months later). Blood samples were collected every 15 days to detect serum immunoglobulin G (IgG). Epididymal sperm samples were analyzed for concentration, kinetics, morphology/viability, functional membrane integrity, DNA integrity, and the presence of parasite DNA. Histopathological examination was performed on the testes. The IgG titres in infected groups raised two weeks p.i. and remained high for four months. Higher values were noticed in viability and functional membrane integrity in positive spermatozoa in the control group compared to other groups, level of significance p < 0.05. Abnormal sperm was higher in groups C and D vs. A and C vs. B (p < 0.05). T. gondii DNA was detected in three sperm samples of the infected rams (12.5%). Histopathology revealed similar findings with little variation among all infected groups, characterized mostly by increased interstitial connective tissue, non-purulent inflammation, and presence of seminiferous tubules with spermatogenic cell depletion, which increased gradually from D to C and B groups. In conclusion Toxoplasmosis in pre-pubertal age negatively affected mature ram sperm quality, while sulphadimidine administration failed to alter this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theofanis Fais
- Unit of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Farm Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.F.); (A.N.); (C.B.)
| | - Nektarios Giadinis
- Farm Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Georgia Brellou
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Alexandros Theodoridis
- Laboratory of Animal Production Economics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Radu Blaga
- UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, ANSES, Animal Health Laboratory, National Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Parasites, Université Paris-Est, INRA, Paris, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.B.); (D.L.R.)
| | - Delphine Le Roux
- UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, ANSES, Animal Health Laboratory, National Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Parasites, Université Paris-Est, INRA, Paris, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.B.); (D.L.R.)
| | - Dimitra Bitchava
- Veterinary Laboratories Vet in Progress plus, 2 Kritis and Agias Theklas, 15343 Athens, Greece;
| | - Aikaterini Ntemka
- Unit of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Farm Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.F.); (A.N.); (C.B.)
| | - Constantin Boscos
- Unit of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Farm Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.F.); (A.N.); (C.B.)
| | - Ioannis Tsakmakidis
- Unit of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Farm Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.F.); (A.N.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-231-099-4467
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Johnson SK, Johnson PTJ. Toxoplasmosis: Recent Advances in Understanding the Link Between Infection and Host Behavior. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2020; 9:249-264. [PMID: 33138620 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-081720-111125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Humans, wildlife, and domestic animals are intimately linked through shared infections. Many parasites and pathogens use multiple host species, either opportunistically or sequentially, such that managing disease risk frequently requires a broader understanding of the ecological community. The coccidian protozoan Toxoplasma gondii infects more than one hundred species of vertebrates, ranging from bats to beluga whales. In humans, acute toxoplasmosis can have serious health consequences for immunocompromised individuals. Even amongst asymptomatic patients, however, toxoplasmosis has been linked to a range of behavioral alterations and conditions, such as changes in risk tolerance, neuroticism, mental illness, suicide, and accident proneness. Whether such links are causal or simply correlational has been the subject of intense study and debate; from an evolutionary standpoint, selection may favor parasite-induced alterations in host behavior that increase the likelihood a host is consumed by the definitive host-in this case a domestic or wild felid. Here, we examine current evidence for parasite-induced manipulations of host behavior, in both humans and other animals. We critically evaluate proposed mechanisms through which infection might influence host behavior, which range from inflammation in the brain to changes in hormones or neurotransmitters. Considering estimates that T. gondii may infect up to one-third of the global human population, we conclude by examining the implications of these changes for human behavior, individual fitness, and emergent cultural properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie K Johnson
- Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA;
| | - Pieter T J Johnson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
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20
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Yang Y, Su C. Toxoplasma gondii infections in dogs: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 287:109223. [PMID: 33160144 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in dogs (Canis familiaris) from 2009-2020. Seroprevalence estimates of T. gondii worldwide were tabulated. Reports of high seroprevalence in canine population and high congenital transmission of T. gondii in dogs in Brazil are reviewed. Most reports from China were published in Chinese, and these reports are now summarized here. Dogs have an additional importance in some countries such as China, Vietnam, and Nigeria; whereas in many cities dog meat is sold commercially for human consumption and given to felids, and transmission of T. gondii could occur if meat is not cooked properly. Dogs can ingest T. gondii-infected cat feces and these oocysts remain viable after passage through the digestive tract of the dog; T. gondii DNA was found in feces of dogs from New York City parks in USA. Most clinical canine cases of toxoplasmosis were in immunosuppressed dogs, and ulcerative dermatitis was one of the main presentations. Genetic diversity based on PCR-RFLP markers using DNA derived from 133 viable T. gondii isolates from dogs from several countries is discussed. T. gondii strains from Asia and Americas were more genetically diverse than those from Africa. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Fernando H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Camila K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Oliver C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Yurong Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
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21
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Oral sex: A new, and possibly the most dangerous, route of toxoplasmosis transmission. Med Hypotheses 2020; 141:109725. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Quartuccio M, Biondi V, Liotta L, Passantino A. Legislative and ethical aspects on use of canine artificial insemination in the 21st century. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2020.1775503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Quartuccio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vito Biondi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Liotta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Liempi A, Castillo C, Medina L, Galanti N, Maya JD, Parraguez VH, Kemmerling U. Comparative ex vivo infection with Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii of human, canine and ovine placenta: Analysis of tissue damage and infection efficiency. Parasitol Int 2020; 76:102065. [PMID: 32001348 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, and Toxoplasma gondii, which is responsible for Toxoplasmosis, are two parasites that cause significant protozoan zoonoses and consequently important economic losses in human, companion animals and livestock. For the congenital transmission to occur, both parasites must cross the barrier present in the mammalian placenta, which differs between species. Particularly, hemochorial, endotheliochorial and epitheliochorial placental barriers are present, respectively, in human, dog and sheep. The type of placental barrier has been associated with the probability of transmission of pathogens. In this study, we used experimental placental ex vivo infection models of T. cruzi and T. gondii in the above-mentioned mammals in order to study tissue alterations and to compare infection efficiency. Here, we infected placental term explants from human, dog and sheep and analyzed tissue damage by standard histological and histochemical methods. Comparative infection efficiency was determined by quantitative PCR. Both parasites are able to infect the different placental explants; however, more T. gondii parasites were detected, and T. gondii causes a more severe tissue damage in human and canine explants than T. cruzi. The histopathological changes observed in ovine placenta explants were similar in presence of both parasites. We conclude that the infection efficiency of T. gondii is higher, compared to T. cruzi, during the ex vivo infection of human, canine and ovine placental explants. In addition, the ex vivo infection of mammalian placental explants constitutes an interesting experimental approach to study part of the infection mechanisms as well as host responses during congenital infection of both parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Liempi
- Programa de Anatomía y Biología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Castillo
- Programa de Anatomía y Biología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lisvaneth Medina
- Programa de Anatomía y Biología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Norbel Galanti
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Diego Maya
- Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Victor Hugo Parraguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Programa de Anatomía y Biología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Rouatbi M, Amairia S, Lahmer M, Lassoued N, Rekik M, Wieland B, Mwacharo JM, Gharbi M. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in semen of rams used for natural mating in commercial sheep farms in Tunisia. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 18:100341. [PMID: 31796168 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection, disrupts sexual functions resulting in decline in reproductive and economic performance in sheep. Lacking discernible symptoms, toxoplasmosis is difficult to detect and diagnose in infected animals. Here, to estimate the prevalence of natural infection by Toxoplasma gondii, we used PCR to amplify and detect T. gondii DNA in semen from 92 rams of three breeds from four regions in Tunisia and seroprevalence was determined using a commercial ELISA kit. From the PCR amplifications, 51.09 ± 10.21% of the rams were tested positive for T. gondii with an overall seroprevalence of 39.13 ± 9.97%. Risk factors including ram location and number of accomplished mating seasons significantly (p < .05) affected the sero- and molecular prevalence of T. gondii in semen but, there was a fair concordance between sero- and molecular prevalence (Kappa = 0.33). Sequences of T. gondii from five positive samples were 100% identical (same haplotype). Comparison of these sequences with those archived at the GenBank showed a sequence similarity range between 95 and 100%. The haplotype defining the five Tunisian sequences was similar to the one observed in chicken, cats, European pole cat and humans from Brazil, St Kitts and Nevis, Great Britain and Tunisia, respectively. This indicates its wide geographic distribution and non-species specificity. Our findings suggest a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Tunisian matting rams; further studies concerning its venereal transmission capacity are needed prior to recommending a systematic screening of T. gondii DNA in rams' semen used for both natural breeding and artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem Rouatbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - Safa Amairia
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mustapha Lahmer
- Department of Animal Breeding, Office de l'Elevage et des Pâturages, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Narjess Lassoued
- Laboratory of Animal Production and Forages, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia (INRAT), Carthage University, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box, 950764, Amman 11195, Jordan
| | - Barbara Wieland
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Joram M Mwacharo
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Torrey EF, Yolken RH. Schizophrenia as a pseudogenetic disease: A call for more gene-environmental studies. Psychiatry Res 2019; 278:146-150. [PMID: 31200193 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In recent years schizophrenia has been assumed to be largely a genetic disease with heritability estimates, derived primarily from family and twin studies, of 80%-85%. However, the results of genetic research on schizophrenia have not yielded results consistent with that estimate of heritability. In particular, extensive genetic studies have not led to new methods for diagnosis and treatment. An examination of the twin studies on which heritability is based shows why such studies exaggerate the genetic component of schizophrenia. In addition, the effects of infectious agents such as Toxoplasma gondii and the composition of the microbiome can produce a clinical picture that would also appear to be largely genetic due to familial aggregation and a role for a partial genetic contribution to the immune system. It is concluded that the genetic component of schizophrenia may have been overestimated and an increased focus on gene-environmental interactions is likely to accelerate research progress on this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fuller Torrey
- Stanley Medical Research Institute, 301-571-2078, 10605 Concord St, Suite 206, Kensington, MD20895, USA.
| | - Robert H Yolken
- Stanley Laboratory of Developmental Neurovirology, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN ARCTIC FOXES (VULPES LAGOPUS): A LONG-TERM MARK-RECAPTURE SEROLOGIC STUDY AT KARRAK LAKE, NUNAVUT, CANADA. J Wildl Dis 2019; 55:619-626. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-06-144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Calero-Bernal R, Gennari SM. Clinical Toxoplasmosis in Dogs and Cats: An Update. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:54. [PMID: 30863754 PMCID: PMC6399377 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the globally distributed protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (phylum Apicomplexa); the disease can be clinically important for almost all homeothermic animals, including birds and humans. Toxoplasmosis course involves general clinical signs, such as fever, anorexia, or dyspnea, and more specific signs with neural, respiratory, cutaneous, or ocular involvement. Because of the wide range of clinical signs, the diagnosis in domestic and pet animals can be complicated. Hence, this review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of some scarcely discussed aspects of toxoplasmosis, such as ocular and cutaneous manifestations, congenital infections, influence of T. gondii genotype on clinical toxoplasmosis, and recent findings regarding differential diagnosis. This review could be of special interest to clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Calero-Bernal
- Saluvet Group, Department of Animal Health, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Solange M. Gennari
- Program of Master's in Animal Medicine and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abdulai-Saiku S, Tong WH, Vyas A. Sexual Transmission of Cyst-Forming Coccidian Parasites with Complex Life Cycles. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-017-0133-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important causes of foodborne illnesses and inflammatory complications, as well as congenital disorders. Promiscuous Toxoplasma is transmitted by contaminated food and animal produce, water, vegetations, fruits and sexually through semen. Toxoplasma infects nucleated cells with a unique tropism for muscles and central nervous system and a mind bugging malicious effect. Pregnant women with acute or reactivated toxoplasmosis can transmit Toxoplasma via transplacental to the fetus. The severity of congenital toxoplasmosis depends on the gestation period, as infection in early pregnancy causes more severe consequences. Congenital toxoplasmosis complications include miscarriage, encephalitis, neurological retardation, mental illnesses, auditory and visual inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular abnormalities, and pains. Current therapies are inefficient for congenital and chronic toxoplasmosis or have severe side effects with life threatening complications. There is an urgent need for effective and safe therapeutic modalities to treat complications of toxoplasmosis and effective vaccines to eliminate the infectious agent. This investigation will discuss pathogenesis of feto-maternal, congenital and pediatric toxoplasmosis, the current available therapies in practice, and explore those therapeutic modalities in experimental stages for promising future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helieh S. Oz
- Address for correspondence: Helieh S. Oz, DVM, PhD, AGAF, Department of Physiology and Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, KY, United States ()
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Antonovics J, Wilson AJ, Forbes MR, Hauffe HC, Kallio ER, Leggett HC, Longdon B, Okamura B, Sait SM, Webster JP. The evolution of transmission mode. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 372:rstb.2016.0083. [PMID: 28289251 PMCID: PMC5352810 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews research on the evolutionary mechanisms leading to different transmission modes. Such modes are often under genetic control of the host or the pathogen, and often in conflict with each other via trade-offs. Transmission modes may vary among pathogen strains and among host populations. Evolutionary changes in transmission mode have been inferred through experimental and phylogenetic studies, including changes in transmission associated with host shifts and with evolution of the unusually complex life cycles of many parasites. Understanding the forces that determine the evolution of particular transmission modes presents a fascinating medley of problems for which there is a lack of good data and often a lack of conceptual understanding or appropriate methodologies. Our best information comes from studies that have been focused on the vertical versus horizontal transmission dichotomy. With other kinds of transitions, theoretical approaches combining epidemiology and population genetics are providing guidelines for determining when and how rapidly new transmission modes may evolve, but these are still in need of empirical investigation and application to particular cases. Obtaining such knowledge is a matter of urgency in relation to extant disease threats.This article is part of the themed issue 'Opening the black box: re-examining the ecology and evolution of parasite transmission'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Antonovics
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Anthony J Wilson
- Integrative Entomology group, Vector-borne Viral Diseases programme, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Mark R Forbes
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B7
| | - Heidi C Hauffe
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach 1, 38010 S. Michele all'Adige, Trentino, Italy
| | - Eva R Kallio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyvaskyla, PO Box 35, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland.,Department of Ecology, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Helen C Leggett
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Ben Longdon
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Beth Okamura
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW5 7BD, UK
| | - Steven M Sait
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Joanne P Webster
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London AL9 7TA, UK
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Webster JP, Borlase A, Rudge JW. Who acquires infection from whom and how? Disentangling multi-host and multi-mode transmission dynamics in the 'elimination' era. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 372:20160091. [PMID: 28289259 PMCID: PMC5352818 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-host infectious agents challenge our abilities to understand, predict and manage disease dynamics. Within this, many infectious agents are also able to use, simultaneously or sequentially, multiple modes of transmission. Furthermore, the relative importance of different host species and modes can itself be dynamic, with potential for switches and shifts in host range and/or transmission mode in response to changing selective pressures, such as those imposed by disease control interventions. The epidemiology of such multi-host, multi-mode infectious agents thereby can involve a multi-faceted community of definitive and intermediate/secondary hosts or vectors, often together with infectious stages in the environment, all of which may represent potential targets, as well as specific challenges, particularly where disease elimination is proposed. Here, we explore, focusing on examples from both human and animal pathogen systems, why and how we should aim to disentangle and quantify the relative importance of multi-host multi-mode infectious agent transmission dynamics under contrasting conditions, and ultimately, how this can be used to help achieve efficient and effective disease control.This article is part of the themed issue 'Opening the black box: re-examining the ecology and evolution of parasite transmission'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne P Webster
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anna Borlase
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - James W Rudge
- Communicable Diseases Policy Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Rajavithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Teixeira WFP, Tozato MEG, Pierucci JC, Vital GP, Cruz AC, Lopes WDZ, Cursino MS, Joaquim SF, Soares VE, Langoni H, Bresciani KDS, Costa AJD. Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii in semen, testicle and epididymis tissues of primo-infected cats (Felis catus). Vet Parasitol 2017; 238:90-93. [PMID: 28404209 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in semen, testicle and epididymis tissues of cats experimentally infected by this coccidium. A total of 12 male felines without a definite breed that were of reproductive age and serologically negative for T. gondii were selected and distributed to the following three experimental groups: GI, inoculated with 600 tissue cysts of the P strain of T. gondii (isolate III); GII, inoculated with 2×105 tachyzoites of the RH strain (isolate I); and GIII, not inoculated (control group). Prior to inoculation (day -7 and 0) and on post inoculation days (PIDs) 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, and 70, all felines were subjected to assessments of anti-T. gondii IgG by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and assessments of parasitemia. Collection of semen (electroejaculation) was performed on the specified dates, followed by nested PCR and bioassays in mice to detect T. gondii. On PID 70, all 12 felines were orchiectomized, and the presence of the parasite in the testicles and epididymides was evaluated by nested PCR, murine bioassay, and histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. All felines inoculated with T. gondii (GI and GII) seroconverted to the toxoplasmic infection after PID 14; on PID 7, seroconversion of three felines (P4, RH2 and RH4) could observed, and all exhibited detectable titers by PID 64. The GII felines exhibited greater serological titers compared with GI felines. The maximum serological titer (IgG) was observed in feline RH3 (titer 1024), while in other experimental felines, a maximum titer of 256 was detected. Parasitemic peaks were diagnosed in all felines of groups I and II from PIDs 7-42. A total of five parasitemic peaks were diagnosed in GI and nine in GII. In none of the experimental time points was the presence of T. gondii diagnosed in seminal samples collected from the felines or in the testicle or epididymis tissues collected from these animals. Thus, sexual transmission in domestic cats does not appear to be a major route of T. gondii infection, possibly demonstrating the tendency of this protozoan to develop a response directed to the formation and excretion of oocysts in the feces of these definite hosts, which act as its main route of perpetuation in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weslen Fabricio Pires Teixeira
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Gonçalves Tozato
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia Cestari Pierucci
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovana Pavão Vital
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Cayeiro Cruz
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74605050, Brazil.
| | - Marina Suzuki Cursino
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samea Fernandes Joaquim
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vando Edésio Soares
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade Brasil - Campus Descalvado, Brazil
| | - Helio Langoni
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kátia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alvimar José da Costa
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
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Toxoplasma gondii transmission by artificial insemination in sheep with experimentally contaminated frozen semen. Theriogenology 2017; 90:169-174. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Campigotto G, Volpato A, Galli GM, Glombowsky P, Baldissera MD, Miletti LC, Jaguezeski AM, Stefani LM, Da Silva AS. Vertical transmission of Trypanosoma evansi in experimentally infected rats. Exp Parasitol 2017; 174:42-44. [PMID: 28161404 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Many reproductive problems has been described in male and female animals infected by Trypanosoma evansi. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of vertical (Experiment I) and venereal (Experiment II) transmission of T. evansi in rats experimentally infected. In the experiment I, eight female Wistar rats were used: three animals as negative controls, and five rats were infected by T. evansi on day ten of gestation. Out of these eight females, half puppies were used for molecular analysis (polymerase chain reaction - PCR) for T. evansi. Two infected females showed delivery problems, such as stillbirth, and fetal death that also led to female death. Three female rats infected had normal delivery of stunted offspring at term that died 2 days after birth. Rats from the control group had normal delivery of healthy offspring. T. evansi PCR was positive for 80% (12/15) of pups in the infected group. For the experiment II, five male rats were infected by T. evansi, and monitored by blood smears to check the parasitemia level. When the male rats showed parasitemia between 2 and 5 parasites per field, they were individually housed with one female adult rat. After approximately 21 days, the females delivered their offspring. Blood sample was collected from the females for blood smears and T. evansi PCR tests, which revealed negative results. Therefore, we were able to prove the occurrence of transplacental transmission of T. evansi and its negative effect on female rats and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Campigotto
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Andréia Volpato
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Gabriela M Galli
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Glombowsky
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Matheus D Baldissera
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lenita M Stefani
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Chapecó, SC, Brazil; Graduate Program of Animal Science, UDESC, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Aleksandro S Da Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Chapecó, SC, Brazil; Graduate Program of Animal Science, UDESC, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
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Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Chronically Infected and Subsequently Challenged Ewes. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165124. [PMID: 27788185 PMCID: PMC5082944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This experiment studied congenital transmission in sheep experimentally infected with oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii and reinfected at one of three stages of pregnancy. Twenty ewes were experimentally infected with T. gondii strain ME49 (day 0). After the T. gondii infection became chronic (IFAT≤512), the ewes were allocated with rams for coverage. After the diagnosis of pregnancy, these ewes were allocated into four experimental groups (n = 5): I-reinfected with T. gondii on the 40th day of gestation (DG); II-reinfected on DG 80; III-reinfected on DG 120; and IV-saline solution on DG 120 (not reinfected). Five ewes (IFAT<64) were kept as negative controls (uninfected, group V), therefore in groups I-III were infected prior to pregnancy and re-infected during pregnancy, group IV was only infected prior to pregnancy, and group V was not infected. Parasitism by T. gondii was investigated (histopathology, immunohistochemistry, mouse bioassay and PCR) in mothers and lambs tissue. All ewes produced lambs serologically positive for T. gondii. The results of the mouse bioassay, immunohistochemistry and PCR assays revealed the presence of T. gondii in all 20 sheep and their lambs. The congenital transmission of T. gondii was associated with fetal loss and abnormalities in persistently infected sheep and in ewes infected and subsequently reinfected by this protozoan. Therefore, congenital T. gondii infection was common when ewes were chronically infected prior to pregnancy, with or without reinfection during at various stages of gestation.
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Klauck V, Pazinato R, Radavelli WM, Custódio E, Bianchi AE, Camillo G, Cezar AS, Vogel FF, Tonin AA, Ferreira R, Stefani LM, Da Silva AS. Toxoplasma gondii infection in dairy ewes: Vertical transmission and influence on milk production and reproductive performance. Microb Pathog 2016; 99:101-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Taques IIGG, Barbosa TR, Martini ADC, Pitchenin LC, Braga ÍA, de Melo ALT, Nakazato L, Dutra V, de Aguiar DM. Molecular assessment of the transplacental transmission of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Brucella canis and Ehrlichia canis in dogs. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 49:47-50. [PMID: 27865263 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Given the fact that numerous microbial species can be detected in pregnant female dogs, the objective of this study was to assess the transplacental transmission of Brucella canis, Ehrlichia canis, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in stillborn puppies. This study involved 41 stillborn puppies, 78.6% of which were positive for T. gondii, 52.4% for N. caninum and 59.5% for B. canis. E. canis was not detected in any of the analyzed puppies. Pregnancy is an important physiological condition for the transmission of infectious agents to puppies and transplacental transmission may be epidemiologically relevant in the spread of these opportunistic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isis Indaiara Gonçalves Granjeiro Taques
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, MT, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Rodrigues Barbosa
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, MT, Brazil
| | - Andresa de Cássia Martini
- Small Animals Surgery Clinic, Veterinary Hospital, of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, MT, Brazil
| | - Letícia Camara Pitchenin
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Hospital, of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, MT, Brazil
| | - Ísis Assis Braga
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, MT, Brazil
| | - Andréia Lima Tomé de Melo
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, MT, Brazil
| | - Luciano Nakazato
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Veterinary Hospital, of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, MT, Brazil
| | - Valéria Dutra
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Hospital, of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, MT, Brazil
| | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, MT, Brazil.
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Flegr J, Kuba R. The Relation of Toxoplasma Infection and Sexual Attraction to Fear, Danger, Pain, and Submissiveness. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1474704916659746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral patterns, including sexual behavioral patterns, are usually understood as biological adaptations increasing the fitness of their carriers. Many parasites, so-called manipulators, are known to induce changes in the behavior of their hosts to increase their own fitness. Such changes are also induced by a parasite of cats, Toxoplasma gondii. The most remarkable change is the fatal attraction phenomenon, the switch of infected mice’s and rat’s native fear of the smell of cats toward an attraction to this smell. The stimuli that activate fear-related circuits in healthy rodents start to also activate sex-related circuits in the infected animals. An analogy of the fatal attraction phenomenon has also been observed in infected humans. Therefore, we tried to test a hypothesis that sexual arousal by fear-, violence-, and danger-related stimuli occurs more frequently in Toxoplasma-infected subjects. A cross-sectional cohort study performed on 36,564 subjects (5,087 Toxoplasma free and 741 Toxoplasma infected) showed that infected and noninfected subjects differ in their sexual behavior, fantasies, and preferences when age, health, and the size of the place where they spent childhood were controlled ( F(24, 3719) = 2.800, p < .0001). In agreement with our a priori hypothesis, infected subjects are more often aroused by their own fear, danger, and sexual submission although they practice more conventional sexual activities than Toxoplasma-free subjects. We suggest that the later changes can be related to a decrease in the personality trait of novelty seeking in infected subjects, which is potentially a side effect of increased concentration of dopamine in their brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Kuba
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
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Koch MO, Weiss RR, Cruz AA, Soccol VT, Gonçalves KA, Bertol MAF, Beltrame OC, Dittrich RL. Detection and isolation ofToxoplasma gondiifrom fresh semen of naturally infected dogs in Southern Brazil. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:550-4. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- MO Koch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - RR Weiss
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - AA Cruz
- Laboratório de Bioquímica; Faculdade de Ciências Veterinárias; Universidade de Camagüey; Camagüey Cuba
| | - VT Soccol
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - KA Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - MAF Bertol
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - OC Beltrame
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - RL Dittrich
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias; Universidade Federal do Paraná; Curitiba Paraná Brazil
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Identification of host proteins, Spata3 and Dkk2, interacting with Toxoplasma gondii micronemal protein MIC3. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2825-35. [PMID: 27053129 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5033-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
As an obligate intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii is a successful pathogen infecting a variety of animals, including humans. As an adhesin involving in host invasion, the micronemal protein MIC3 plays important roles in host cell attachment, as well as modulation of host EGFR signaling cascade. However, the specific host proteins that interact with MIC3 are unknown and the identification of such proteins will increase our understanding of how MIC3 exerts its functions. This study was designed to identify host proteins interacting with MIC3 by yeast two-hybrid screens. Using MIC3 as bait, a library expressing mouse proteins was screened, uncovering eight mouse proteins that showed positive interactions with MIC3. Two of which, spermatogenesis-associated protein 3 (Spata3) and dickkopf-related protein 2 (Dkk2), were further confirmed to interact with MIC3 by additional protein-protein interaction tests. The results also revealed that the tandem repeat EGF domains of MIC3 were critical in mediating the interactions with the identified host proteins. This is the first study to show that MIC3 interacts with host proteins that are involved in reproduction, growth, and development. The results will provide a clearer understanding of the functions of adhesion-associated micronemal proteins in T. gondii.
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Metabolomic Profiling of Mice Serum during Toxoplasmosis Progression Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19557. [PMID: 26785939 PMCID: PMC4726199 DOI: 10.1038/srep19557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Better understanding of the molecular changes associated with disease is essential for identifying new routes to improved therapeutics and diagnostic tests. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes in the metabolic profile of mouse sera during T. gondii infection. We carried out untargeted metabolomic analysis of sera collected from female BALB/c mice experimentally infected with the T. gondii Pru strain (Genotype II). Serum samples were collected at 7, 14 and 21 day post infection (DPI) from infected and control mice and were subjected to liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS)-based global metabolomics analysis. Multivariate statistical analysis identified 79 differentially expressed metabolites in ESI+ mode and 74 in ESI− mode in sera of T. gondii-infected mice compared to the control mice. Further principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) identified 19 dysregulated metabolites (5 in ESI+ mode and 14 in ESI− mode) related to the metabolism of amino acids and energy metabolism. The potential utility of these metabolites as diagnostic biomarkers was validated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. These findings provide putative metabolite biomarkers for future study and allow for hypothesis generation about the pathophysiology of toxoplasmosis.
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Sánchez-Anguiano LF, Hernández-Tinoco J, Arreola-Cháidez E, López J, Salcido-Meraz KI, Estrada-Martínez S, Navarrete-Flores JA, Pérez-Álamos AR, Hernández-Ochoa M, Rábago-Sánchez E, Liesenfeld O. High Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Female Sex Workers: A Case-Control Study. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2015; 5:285-92. [PMID: 26716017 PMCID: PMC4681356 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2015.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Through an age- and sex-matched case-control study, we sought to determine whether female sex workers have an increased risk of Toxoplasma gondii exposure and to determine the sociodemographic, work, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of these workers associated with T. gondii exposure. Female workers (n = 136) and controls (n = 272) were examined with enzyme-linked immunoassays (EIA) for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. IgM positive sera were additionally tested with enzyme linked-fluorescence immunoassay (ELFA). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 21 (15.44%) of 136 cases and in 10 (3.67%) of 272 controls (OR = 4.05; 95% CI: 1.84–8.89; P = 0.0001). Anti-T. gondii IgG levels higher than 150 IU/ml were found in 13 (9.6%) of 136 cases and in 8 (2.9%) of 272 controls (P = 0.007). Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in two cases and in six controls by EIA, but all were negative by ELFA. T. gondii seropositivity was associated with being born out of Durango State (OR = 10.47; 95% CI: 2.9–36.8; P < 0.01), injuries during sex work (OR = 6.30; 95% CI: 1.1–33.7; P = 0.03), and soil contact (OR = 4.11; 95% CI: 1.2–14.0; P = 0.02). This is the first report of an association of T. gondii infection and female sex workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Luis Francisco Sánchez-Anguiano
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Jesús Hernández-Tinoco
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Juan López
- Clinic for Sanitary Inspection , Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Sergio Estrada-Martínez
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - José Antonio Navarrete-Flores
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Alma Rosa Pérez-Álamos
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Elizabeth Rábago-Sánchez
- Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico ; General Hospital, Secretary of Health, Avenida 5 de febrero 220 , 34000 Durango, Mexico
| | - Oliver Liesenfeld
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Medical School , Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
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El-Ashram S, Yin Q, Barta JR, Khan J, Liu X, Suo X. Immunoproteomic technology offers an extraordinary diagnostic approach for Toxoplasma gondii infection. J Microbiol Methods 2015; 119:18-30. [PMID: 26415530 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunoproteomic technology offers an exceptional tool to fill the blanks that still exist in diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection despite its annotated sequence. The pitfalls of serological assays and current immunoproteomic approaches are accentuated, and new approaches are presented to improve the signal and to eliminate the noise produced by blocking-specific background. This review also highlights examples where immunoproteomic studies have contributed to broaden our understanding of toxoplasmosis diagnosis. Further promising solutions, which immunoproteomic technology can grant for toxoplasmosis diagnosis are part of an intense discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed El-Ashram
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Faculty of Science, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Qing Yin
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | | | - Jamal Khan
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xun Suo
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China.
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44
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Contopoulos-Ioannidis D, Wheeler KM, Ramirez R, Press C, Mui E, Zhou Y, Van Tubbergen C, Prasad S, Maldonado Y, Withers S, Boyer KM, Noble AG, Rabiah P, Swisher CN, Heydemann P, Wroblewski K, Karrison T, Grigg ME, Montoya JG, McLeod R. Clustering of Toxoplasma gondii Infections Within Families of Congenitally Infected Infants. Clin Infect Dis 2015; 61:1815-24. [PMID: 26405150 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family clusters and epidemics of toxoplasmosis in North, Central, and South America led us to determine whether fathers of congenitally infected infants in the National Collaborative Chicago-Based Congenital Toxoplasmosis Study (NCCCTS) have a high incidence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. METHODS We analyzed serum samples collected from NCCCTS families between 1981 and 2013. Paternal serum samples were tested for T. gondii antibodies with immunoglobulin (Ig) G dye test and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additional testing of paternal serum samples was performed with differential-agglutination and IgG avidity tests when T. gondii IgG and IgM results were positive and serum samples were collected by the 1-year visit of the congenitally infected child. Prevalence of paternal seropositivity and incidence of recent infection were calculated. We analyzed whether certain demographics, maternal parasite serotype, risk factors, or maternal/infant clinical manifestations were associated with paternal T. gondii infection status. RESULTS Serologic testing revealed a high prevalence (29 of 81; 36%) of T. gondii infection in fathers, relative to the average seropositivity rate of 9.8% for boys and men aged 12-49 years in the United States between 1994 and 2004 (P < .001). Moreover, there was a higher-than-expected incidence of recent infections among fathers with serum samples collected by the 1-year visit of their child (6 of 45; 13%; P < .001). No demographic patterns or clinical manifestations in mothers or infants were associated with paternal infections, except for sandbox exposure. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of chronic and incidence of recent T. gondii infections in fathers of congenitally infected children indicates that T. gondii infections cluster within families in North America. When a recently infected person is identified, family clustering and community risk factors should be investigated for appropriate clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Contopoulos-Ioannidis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory, California
| | - Kelsey M Wheeler
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago
| | - Raymund Ramirez
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory, California
| | - Cindy Press
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory, California
| | - Ernest Mui
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago
| | - Ying Zhou
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago
| | - Christine Van Tubbergen
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago
| | - Sheela Prasad
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago
| | | | - Shawn Withers
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago
| | - Kenneth M Boyer
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center
| | - A Gwendolyn Noble
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, Chicago
| | - Peter Rabiah
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago North Shore University Hospital, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Charles N Swisher
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, Chicago
| | - Peter Heydemann
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Kristen Wroblewski
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago
| | - Theodore Karrison
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jose G Montoya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory, California
| | - Rima McLeod
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Toxoplasmosis Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago
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Flegr J, Klapilová K, Kaňková Š. Toxoplasmosis can be a sexually transmitted infection with serious clinical consequences. Not all routes of infection are created equal. Med Hypotheses 2014; 83:286-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fancourt BA, Nicol SC, Hawkins CE, Jones ME, Johnson CN. Beyond the disease: Is Toxoplasma gondii infection causing population declines in the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus)? Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2014; 3:102-12. [PMID: 25161908 PMCID: PMC4142269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Disease is often considered a key threat to species of conservation significance. For some, it has resulted in localised extinctions and declines in range and abundance. However, for some species, the assertion that a disease poses a significant threat of extinction is based solely on correlative or anecdotal evidence, often inferred from individual clinical case reports. While a species' susceptibility to a disease may be demonstrated in a number of individuals, investigations rarely extend to measuring the impact of disease at the population level and its contribution, if any, to population declines. The eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized Australian marsupial carnivore that is undergoing severe and rapid decline in Tasmania, its last refuge. Reasons for the decline are currently not understood. Feral cats (Felis catus) may be undergoing competitive release following the ongoing decline of the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), with cats suppressing eastern quolls through increased predation, competition, exclusion or exposure to diseases such as toxoplasmosis. To investigate the effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection, eastern quoll populations at four sites were regularly screened for the seroprevalence of T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence was approximately five times higher at sites with declining quoll populations, and there was a negative association between seroprevalence and quoll abundance. However, T. gondii infection did not reduce quoll survival or reproduction. Despite a high susceptibility to T. gondii infection, eastern quoll populations do not appear to be limited by the parasite or its resultant disease. Significantly higher seroprevalence is a signal of greater exposure to feral cats at sites where eastern quolls are declining, suggesting that increased predation, competition or exclusion by feral cats may be precipitating population declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn A. Fancourt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
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Worth AR, Andrew Thompson RC, Lymbery AJ. Reevaluating the evidence for Toxoplasma gondii-induced behavioural changes in rodents. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2014; 85:109-42. [PMID: 24928181 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800182-0.00003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with behavioural changes in various hosts, including humans. In rodents, these behavioural changes are thought to represent adaptive manipulation by T. gondii to enhance transmission from intermediate hosts to the feline definitive host. In this review, we have tabulated evidence of changes in motor coordination, learning, memory, locomotion, anxiety, response to novelty and aversion to feline odour in rodents experimentally infected with T. gondii. In general, there was no consistent indication of the direction or magnitude of behavioural changes in response to infection. This may be due to the use, in these experimental studies, of different T. gondii strains, different host species and sexes and/or different methodologies to measure behaviour. A particular problem with studies of behavioural manipulation is likely to be the validity of behavioural tests, that is, whether they are actually measuring the traits that they were designed to measure. We suggest that future studies can be improved in three major ways. First, they should use multiple tests of behaviour, followed by multivariate data analysis to identify behavioural constructs such as aversion, anxiety and response to novelty. Second, they should incorporate longitudinal measurements on the behaviour of individual hosts before and after infection, so that within-individual and between-individual variances and covariances in behavioural traits can be estimated. Finally, they should investigate how variables such as parasite strain, host species and host sex interact with parasite infection to alter host behaviour, in order to provide a sound foundation for research concerning the proximate and ultimate mechanism(s) responsible for behavioural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Worth
- Parasitology, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- Parasitology, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alan J Lymbery
- Parasitology, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Freshwater Fish Group & Fish Health Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Abstract
Many animals use chemicals as pheromones to communicate between individuals of the same species, for example to influence mate choice or to assert dominance. Pheromonal communication is an open broadcast system that can be intercepted by unintended receivers such as predators and prey. We have recently reported that male rats infected by the protozoan parasite
Toxoplasma gondii become more attractive to female rats. This suggests a facilitatory effect of infection on rat pheromone production. In view of the open nature of pheromonal communication, we postulate that
Toxoplasma gondii infection collateraly enhances kairomonal valence of infected rats to their prey. We compared the strength of kairomonal interception by mice when using scent marks from rats infected with
Toxoplasma gondii vs. marks from uninfected control rats. Mice exhibited greater avoidance to both fresh urine and aged rat urine marks obtained from infected animals. These results indicate that, at least in some cases, parasitism can result in opportunity costs for hosts by making prey species more averse to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Vasudevan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
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Oz HS. Maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis, currently available and novel therapies in horizon. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:385. [PMID: 25104952 PMCID: PMC4109466 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Over one billion people worldwide are predicted to harbor Toxoplasma infection frequently with unknown lifelong health consequences. Toxoplasmosis is an important cause of foodborne, inflammatory illnesses, as well as congenital abnormalities. Ubiquitous Toxoplasma has a unique tropism for central nervous system with a mind-bugging effect and is transmitted sexually through semen. Currently available therapies are ineffective for persistent chronic disease and congenital toxoplasmosis or have severe side effects which may result in life-threatening complications. There is an urgent need for safe and effective therapies to eliminate or treat this cosmopolitan infectious and inflammatory disease. This investigation discusses pathogenesis of maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis, the currently available therapies in practice, and the experimental therapeutic modalities for promising future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helieh S Oz
- Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky Medical Center Lexington, KY, USA
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50
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Flegr J, Prandota J, Sovičková M, Israili ZH. Toxoplasmosis--a global threat. Correlation of latent toxoplasmosis with specific disease burden in a set of 88 countries. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90203. [PMID: 24662942 PMCID: PMC3963851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 371] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is becoming a global health hazard as it infects 30-50% of the world human population. Clinically, the life-long presence of the parasite in tissues of a majority of infected individuals is usually considered asymptomatic. However, a number of studies show that this 'asymptomatic infection' may also lead to development of other human pathologies. AIMS OF THE STUDY The purpose of the study was to collect available geoepidemiological data on seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and search for its relationship with mortality and disability rates in different countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS Prevalence data published between 1995-2008 for women in child-bearing age were collected for 88 countries (29 European). The association between prevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific disease burden estimated with age-standardized Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) or with mortality, was calculated using General Linear Method with Gross Domestic Product per capita (GDP), geolatitude and humidity as covariates, and also using nonparametric partial Kendall correlation test with GDP as a covariate. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with specific disease burden in particular countries explaining 23% of variability in disease burden in Europe. The analyses revealed that for example, DALY of 23 of 128 analyzed diseases and disease categories on the WHO list showed correlations (18 positive, 5 negative) with prevalence of toxoplasmosis and another 12 diseases showed positive trends (p<0.1). For several obtained significant correlations between the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific diseases/clinical entities, possible pathophysiological, biochemical and molecular explanations are presented. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with various disease burden. Statistical associations does not necessarily mean causality. The precautionary principle suggests however that possible role of toxoplasmosis as a triggering factor responsible for development of several clinical entities deserves much more attention and financial support both in everyday medical practice and future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph Prandota
- Department of Social Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michaela Sovičková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zafar H. Israili
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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