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Guerriaud M, Poupet C, Lakhrif Z, Kohli E, Moiré N. Are genetically modified protozoa eligible for ATMP status? Concerning the legal categorization of an oncolytic protozoan drug candidate. Gene Ther 2024; 31:295-303. [PMID: 38429432 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00445-1] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan that affects several animal species. It is not pathogenic for humans, and its ability to infect and lyse a variety of cells and stimulate the immune system makes it an interesting drug candidate in oncology. The intrinsic oncolytic properties of N. caninum have been confirmed in several preclinical models. Moreover, it can be modified to improve its safety and/or efficacy against cancer cells. In this study, we propose the legal categorization of this new biological drug candidate and the impact of modifications, notably the integration of a suicide gene, the deletion of a gene allowing its multiplication in healthy cells, and/or the insertion of a gene coding for a therapeutic protein into its genome. When unmodified, N. caninum can be categorized as a biological medicinal product, whereas modifications aimed at increasing its safety classify it as a Somatic Cell Therapy Medicinal Product, and modifications aiming to increase its efficacy or both safety and efficacy make it as a Gene Therapy Medicinal Product. This categorization is fundamental because it determines the guidelines applicable for preclinical development. These guidelines being numerous and complex, we have focused on the key requirements necessary for the development of the future medicinal product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Guerriaud
- Faculty of Health Sciences (Pharmacy), University of Burgundy, 7 bd Jeanne d'Arc, 21079, Dijon, Cedex, France.
- CREDIMI Laboratory EA 7532, 4 bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.
- Laboratory of Excellence LipSTIC ANR-11-LABX-0021, Dijon, France.
| | - Cyril Poupet
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, 37380, Tours, France
| | - Zineb Lakhrif
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, 37380, Tours, France
| | - Evelyne Kohli
- Faculty of Health Sciences (Pharmacy), University of Burgundy, 7 bd Jeanne d'Arc, 21079, Dijon, Cedex, France
- Laboratory of Excellence LipSTIC ANR-11-LABX-0021, Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM/uB/AGROSUP 1231, Team 3 HSP-Pathies, Labelled Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Dijon, France
| | - Nathalie Moiré
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, 37380, Nouzilly, France
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Imhof D, Hänggeli KPA, De Sousa MCF, Vigneswaran A, Hofmann L, Amdouni Y, Boubaker G, Müller J, Hemphill A. Working towards the development of vaccines and chemotherapeutics against neosporosis-With all of its ups and downs-Looking ahead. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2024; 124:91-154. [PMID: 38754928 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan and obligatory intracellular parasite, which is the leading cause of reproductive failure in cattle and affects other farm and domestic animals, but also induces neuromuscular disease in dogs of all ages. In cattle, neosporosis is an important health problem, and has a considerable economic impact. To date there is no protective vaccine or chemotherapeutic treatment on the market. Immuno-prophylaxis has long been considered as the best control measure. Proteins involved in host cell interaction and invasion, as well as antigens mediating inflammatory responses have been the most frequently assessed vaccine targets. However, despite considerable efforts no effective vaccine has been introduced to the market to date. The development of effective compounds to limit the effects of vertical transmission of N. caninum tachyzoites has emerged as an alternative or addition to vaccination, provided suitable targets and safe and efficacious drugs can be identified. Additionally, the combination of both treatment strategies might be interesting to further increase protectivity against N. caninum infections and to decrease the duration of treatment and the risk of potential drug resistance. Well-established and standardized animal infection models are key factors for the evaluation of promising vaccine and compound candidates. The vast majority of experimental animal experiments concerning neosporosis have been performed in mice, although in recent years the numbers of experimental studies in cattle and sheep have increased. In this review, we discuss the recent findings concerning the progress in drug and vaccine development against N. caninum infections in mice and ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Cristina Ferreira De Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Larissa Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Doyle M, Forsyth DM, Helbig KJ, Carvalho TG. Evidence of Australian wild deer exposure to N. caninum infection and potential implications for the maintenance of N. caninum sylvatic cycle. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:153. [PMID: 37705000 PMCID: PMC10498561 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with the coccidian parasite Neospora caninum affect domestic and wild animals worldwide. In Australia, N. caninum infections cause considerable losses to the cattle industry with seroprevalence of 8.7% in beef and 10.9% in dairy cattle. Conversely, the role of wild animals, in maintaining the parasite cycle is also unclear. It is possible that native or introduced herbivorous species could be reservoir hosts of N. caninum in Australia, but to date, this has not been investigated. We report here the first large-scale screening of N. caninum antibodies in Australian wild deer, spanning three species (fallow, red and sambar deer). Consequently, we also assessed two commercial cELISA tests validated for detecting N. caninum in cattle for their ability to detect N. caninum antibodies in serum samples of wild deer. N. caninum antibodies were detected in 3.7% (7/189, 95% CI 1.8 - 7.45) of the wild deer serum samples collected in south-eastern Australia (n = 189), including 97 fallow deer (Dama dama), 14 red deer (Cervus elaphus), and 78 sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Overall, our study provides the first detection of N. caninum antibodies in wild deer and quantifies deer's potential role in the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Huaman
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Doyle
- South East Local Land Services, Bega, NSW, Australia
| | - David M Forsyth
- Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW, Orange Agricultural Institute, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Karla J Helbig
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Teresa G Carvalho
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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4
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Hamed MI, Abushahba MFN, Gareh A, Abdelbaset AE. Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in dogs, cows, and humans in Assiut province, Egypt: a pilot study. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:677-682. [PMID: 37520188 PMCID: PMC10382431 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01612-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular coccidian parasite infecting a broad range of hosts globally. Despite the existence of several epidemiological studies on neosporosis, there is a limited knowledge regarding the prevalence of N. caninum infection among dogs, cows, and humans in Egypt. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted an epidemiological investigation in the Assiut province of Egypt to determine the seropositivity of N. caninum infection among cows, dogs, and pregnant women, as well as the associated risk factors. By employing an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, we found specific N. caninum IgG antibodies in 6% (6 of 100) and 2.33% (1 of 43) of cows and dogs' sera, respectively. However, we are unable to detect antibodies in the 48 tested human sera. Moreover, no statistical significance was observed among the analyzed risk factors associated with seropositive cows and dogs. Our study highlights the presence of N. caninum in cows and dogs in the Assiut province, Egypt. Further, it underscores the need for improved comprehensive surveillance of N. caninum infection in a large population of cattle across various locations to obtain a better understanding of the economic burden associated with the disease. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha I. Hamed
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyût, 71515 Egypt
| | - Mostafa F. N. Abushahba
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211-5130 USA
- Department of Zoonotic diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyût, 71526 Egypt
| | - Ahmed Gareh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswân, 24101 Egypt
| | - Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818 Japan
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyût, 71515 Egypt
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5
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Seroprevalence of Specific Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Brucella spp. in Sheep and Goats in Egypt. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233327. [PMID: 36496847 PMCID: PMC9735859 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, neosporosis, and brucellosis are devastating diseases causing infectious abortion and, therefore, substantial economic losses in farm animals. Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are caused by the intracellular protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Neospora caninum (N. caninum), respectively. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by numerous Brucella species in multiple hosts. Toxoplasmosis and brucellosis are also considered foodborne zoonotic diseases. In the current study, specific antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum, in addition to those to Brucella spp., were detected to gain a better understanding of the epidemiological situation for these three pathogens. Sheep and goat sera from Egypt (n = 360) of animals with and without a history of abortion were tested using commercial ELISAs. Seropositivity rates of 46.1%, 11.9%, and 8.6% for T. gondii, N. caninum, and Brucella spp., respectively, were revealed. Mixed infections with T. gondii and Brucella spp. (4.4%), T. gondii and N. caninum (4.2%), N. caninum and Brucella spp. (1.4%), and even some triple infections (0.6%) have been observed. Animals with a history of abortion had a significantly higher seroprevalence for Brucella spp. infection than those without abortion (12.6%; 28/222 vs. 2.2%; 3/138) (p = 0.0005; Odds ratio = 1.9-21.8), while none of the other pathogens showed a similar effect. This result suggests brucellosis as a possible cause of abortion in the study population. However, the high seroprevalence for T. gondii and N. caninum revealed in our study warrants further investigations.
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Zhao SS, Tao DL, Chen JM, Wu JP, Yang X, Song JK, Zhu XQ, Zhao GH. RNA sequencing reveals dynamic expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs in caprine endometrial epithelial cells induced by Neospora caninum infection. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:297. [PMID: 35999576 PMCID: PMC9398501 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05405-5] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effective transmission mode of Neospora caninum, with infection leading to reproductive failure in ruminants, is vertical transmission. The uterus is an important reproductive organ that forms the maternal–fetal interface. Neospora caninum can successfully invade and proliferate in the uterus, but the molecular mechanisms underlying epithelial-pathogen interactions remain unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that host long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in cellular molecular regulatory networks, with reports that these RNA molecules are closely related to the pathogenesis of apicomplexan parasites. However, the expression profiles of host lncRNAs during N. caninum infection has not been reported. Methods RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis was used to investigate the expression profiles of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and lncRNAs in caprine endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) infected with N. caninum for 24 h (TZ_24h) and 48 h (TZ_48 h), and the potential functions of differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were predicted by using Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of their mRNA targets. Results RNA-seq analysis identified 1280.15 M clean reads in 12 RNA samples, including six samples infected with N. caninum for 24 h (TZ1_24h-TZ3_24h) and 48 h (TZ1_48h-TZ3_48h), and six corresponding control samples (C1_24h-C3_24h and C1_48h-C3_48h). Within the categories TZ_24h-vs-C_24h, TZ_48h-vs-C_48h and TZ_48h-vs-TZ_24h, there were 934 (665 upregulated and 269 downregulated), 1238 (785 upregulated and 453 downregulated) and 489 (252 upregulated and 237 downregulated) DEmRNAs, respectively. GO enrichment and KEGG analysis revealed that these DEmRNAs were mainly involved in the regulation of host immune response (e.g. TNF signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway), signaling molecules and interaction (e.g. cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, cell adhesion molecules and ECM-receptor interaction). A total of 88 (59 upregulated and 29 downregulated), 129 (80 upregulated and 49 downregulated) and 32 (20 upregulated and 12 downregulated) DElncRNAs were found within the categories TZ_24h-vs-C_24h, TZ_48h-vs-C_48h and TZ_48h-vs-TZ_24h, respectively. Functional prediction indicated that these DElncRNAs would be involved in signal transduction (e.g. MAPK signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway), neural transmission (e.g. GABAergic synapse, serotonergic synapse, cholinergic synapse), metabolism processes (e.g. glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-lacto and neolacto series, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-heparan sulfate/heparin) and signaling molecules and interaction (e.g. cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, cell adhesion molecules and ECM-receptor interaction). Conclusions This is the first investigation of global gene expression profiles of lncRNAs during N. caninum infection. The results provide valuable information for further studies of the roles of lncRNAs during N. caninum infection. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05405-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - De-Liang Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin-Ming Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiang-Ping Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jun-Ke Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China. .,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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Role of dense granule antigen 7 in vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in C57BL/6 mice infected during early pregnancy. Parasitol Int 2022; 89:102576. [PMID: 35301119 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is a parasitic disease affecting the health of dogs and cattle worldwide. It is caused by Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite. Dogs are its definitive host, it mostly infects livestock animals, especially cattle that acts as intermediate host. It is necessary to have well-established models of abortion and vertical transmission in experimental animals, in order to determine basic control measures for the N. caninum infection. We evaluated the role of N. caninum dense granule antigen 7 (NcGRA7) in the vertical transmission of N. caninum using the C57BL/6 pregnant mouse model. We inoculated mice on day 3.5 of pregnancy with parental Nc-1 or NcGRA7-deficient parasites (NcGRA7KO). Post-mortem analyses were performed on day 30 after birth and the surviving pups were kept until day 30 postpartum. The number of parasites in the brain tissues of offspring from NcGRA7KO-infected dams was significantly lower than that of the Nc-1-infected dams under two infection doses (1 × 106 and 1 × 105 tachyzoites/mouse). The vertical transmission rates in the NcGRA7KO-infected group were significantly lower than those of the Nc1-infected group. To understand the mechanism by which the lack of NcGRA7 decreases the vertical transmission, pregnant mice were sacrificed on day 13.5 of pregnancy (10 days after infection), although parasite DNA was detected in the placentas, no significant difference was found between the two parasite lines. Histopathological analysis revealed a greater inflammatory response in the placentas from NcGRA7KO-infected dams than in those from the parental strain. This finding correlates with upregulated chemokine mRNA expression for CCL2, CCL8, and CXCL9 in the placentas from the NcGRA7KO-infected mice. In conclusion, these results suggest that loss of NcGRA7 triggers an inflammatory response in the placenta, resulting in decreased vertical transmission of N. caninum.
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Zhao SS, Tao DL, Chen JM, Chen X, Geng XL, Wang JW, Yang X, Song JK, Liu Q, Zhao GH. Neospora caninum infection activated autophagy of caprine endometrial epithelial cells via mTOR signaling. Vet Parasitol 2022; 304:109685. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Rojas-Pirela M, Medina L, Rojas MV, Liempi AI, Castillo C, Pérez-Pérez E, Guerrero-Muñoz J, Araneda S, Kemmerling U. Congenital Transmission of Apicomplexan Parasites: A Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:751648. [PMID: 34659187 PMCID: PMC8519608 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.751648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexans are a group of pathogenic protists that cause various diseases in humans and animals that cause economic losses worldwide. These unicellular eukaryotes are characterized by having a complex life cycle and the ability to evade the immune system of their host organism. Infections caused by some of these parasites affect millions of pregnant women worldwide, leading to various adverse maternal and fetal/placental effects. Unfortunately, the exact pathogenesis of congenital apicomplexan diseases is far from being understood, including the mechanisms of how they cross the placental barrier. In this review, we highlight important aspects of the diseases caused by species of Plasmodium, Babesia, Toxoplasma, and Neospora, their infection during pregnancy, emphasizing the possible role played by the placenta in the host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Rojas-Pirela
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Lisvaneth Medina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maria Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ana Isabel Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Jesús Guerrero-Muñoz
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastian Araneda
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Salud y Odontología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Abo-Shehada MN, Khalil R, Abu-Halaweh M, Sweis K, Amr Z, Billeh L. Seroprevalences of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in Jordanian women who had a recent spontaneous abortion. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e008821. [PMID: 34586175 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigates Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum among 445 recently spontaneously aborted (RSA) Jordanian women using ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody (at a cut-off value of 1/200) tests, respectively. The type of hospital, age, cat and dog contacts, raw and barbecued meat and wild plant consumption, number of abortions, and stillbirths were tested as independent variables using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The true seroprevalences were 22.1% for T. gondii-IgG, 22.7% for N. caninum-IgG, 2.6% for T. gondii-IgM, 10.6% for N. caninum-IgM, 0% for T. gondii-IgG and IgM, 6.7% for N. caninum-IgG and IgM, and 4.6% and 0% for both parasite IgG and IgM, respectively. T. gondii-IgM-seropositivity was associated with the number of abortions with odds ratios (OR) of 2.4 and eating barbecued meat (OR = 0.12). N. caninum-IgG-seropositivity was associated with having a dog in the house (OR = 2.6), and with stillbirth (OR = 0.1). N. caninum-IgM was associated with visiting a private-hospital (OR = 2.7). RSA Jordanian women are equally exposed to both parasites with significantly (p < 0.05) higher seroprevalence of N. caninum-IgM compared to T. gondii-IgM suggestive of active infections among RSA women in Jordan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud N Abo-Shehada
- Department of Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - Raida Khalil
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Philadelphia University, Jerash, Jordan
| | - Marwan Abu-Halaweh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Philadelphia University, Jerash, Jordan
| | - Kanar Sweis
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Zuhair Amr
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Lena Billeh
- Department of Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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11
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Lv QY, Zheng HL, Yang WH, Liu GH. Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Domestic Ducks in Hunan Province, China. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:649603. [PMID: 33937375 PMCID: PMC8082677 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.649603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are protozoan parasites that infect warm-blooded animals, and cause major economic losses in livestock industries worldwide. However, little is known about the genotypes of T. gondii and N. caninum in domestic ducks in China. Herein, brain samples from 588 domestic ducks from Hunan province in China were examined for the presence of T. gondii and N. caninum. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect T. gondii B1 gene and N. caninum NC-5 gene. Forty-five DNA samples (7.7%; 95% CI: 5.5–9.9) were positive for B1 gene, and two (0.3%; 95% CI: 0–0.7) were positive for NC-5 gene. The risk factors significantly associated with T. gondii infection were age and sex. The 45 samples positive for T. gondii were genotyped using multi-locus PCR-RFLP analysis and only one sample was fully genotyped as ToxoDB#9 (Chinese I). These results provide new information about the epidemiology of T. gondii and N. caninum in ducks in Hunan province in China. The data also highlight the importance of a “One Health” approach to dealing with toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yan Lv
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - He-Liang Zheng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-He Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha, China
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12
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Maia MO, Maia MO, Silva ARSD, Gomes AAD, Aguiar DMD, Pacheco RDC, Costa AJD, Santos-Doni TRD. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep intended for human consumption in the Rondônia state, Western Brazilian Amazon. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 74:101599. [PMID: 33260021 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to carry out a seroepidemiological study of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in serum samples from sheep intended for human consumption in the Rondônia state, in the Western Brazilian Amazon, and identify possible risk factors associated with seropositivity. The analysis of the 616 sheep serum samples revealed animal-level seroprevalence of T. gondii in the order of 52.4 % and of N. caninum of 60.6 %. Prevalence of co-infections was 33.4 %. The herd-level seroprevalence was 100 % for both the parasites. Applying of multivariate logistic regression analysis, test of the association between seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and the potential predictors showed that feed, fetal malformation, abortion, neurological problems (lambs), presence of rodents were the significant (P < 0.05) predictors. The variables presence of rodents, cats, wild animals and main activity showed statistical association (P < 0.05) with the seroprevalence of N. caninum. Due to the high prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum found in this study, the absence of specific slaughterhouses for sheep and raw or undercooked sheep meat for human consumption we concluded that sheep can represent an important source of infection for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maerle Oliveira Maia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGVET) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FAVET) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGVET) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FAVET) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Richard de Campos Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGVET) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FAVET) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | | | - Thaís Rabelo Dos Santos-Doni
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí, MG, Brazil.
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13
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Duarte PO, Csordas BG, Oshiro LM, Higa LDOS, Zimmermann NP, Martins KR, Barros JC, Andreotti R. Serological evaluation of Neospora caninum in pregnant women treated at referral center for prenatal screening in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e010820. [PMID: 33237190 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan with canids (Canis domesticus, Canis lupus dingo, Canis latrans, Canis lupus) as its definitive hosts. The objective of this study was to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies in pregnant women seen at referral center for prenatal screening in the state of state Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A total of 188 serum samples from pregnant women provided by the Instituto de Pesquisa, Ensino e Diagnósticos da APAE de Campo Grande (IPED/ APAE) were subjected to IFA test and western blot analysis. The samples were divided into three groups: 23/99 samples from the seropositive group for toxoplasmosis were positive for anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies, and 9/99 positive for IgM; in the HIV group, 7/33 were positive for IgG; and in the HIV+toxoplasmosis group, 13/56 were positive for IgG and two positive for IgM. The seropositivity for IgG was assessed by western blot by testing 43 IFA test positive samples using rNcSRS2 (Nc-p43) as antigen. The serological results of the present study suggest that exposure of these pregnant women to the parasite N. caninum and presence of IgM antibodies are indicative of recent infection. Further studies are needed to establish the possibility of active infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pâmella Oliveira Duarte
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul - UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Bárbara Guimarães Csordas
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular do Carrapato, Departamento de Sanidade Animal, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Leandra Marla Oshiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular do Carrapato, Departamento de Sanidade Animal, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Leandro de Oliveira Souza Higa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul - UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Namor Pinheiro Zimmermann
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular do Carrapato, Departamento de Sanidade Animal, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Kauê Rodriguez Martins
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul - UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Jacqueline Cavalcante Barros
- Departamento de Sanidade Animal, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Renato Andreotti
- Departamento de Sanidade Animal, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
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Lantier L, Poupée-Beaugé A, di Tommaso A, Ducournau C, Epardaud M, Lakhrif Z, Germon S, Debierre-Grockiego F, Mévélec MN, Battistoni A, Coënon L, Deluce-Kakwata-Nkor N, Velge-Roussel F, Beauvillain C, Baranek T, Lee GS, Kervarrec T, Touzé A, Moiré N, Dimier-Poisson I. Neospora caninum: a new class of biopharmaceuticals in the therapeutic arsenal against cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:e001242. [PMID: 33257408 PMCID: PMC7705568 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microorganisms that can be used for their lytic activity against tumor cells as well as inducing or reactivating antitumor immune responses are a relevant part of the available immunotherapy strategies. Viruses, bacteria and even protozoa have been largely explored with success as effective human antitumor agents. To date, only one oncolytic virus-T-VEC-has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in biological cancer therapy in clinical trials. The goal of our study is to evaluate the potential of a livestock pathogen, the protozoan Neospora caninum, non-pathogenic in humans, as an effective and safe antitumorous agent. METHODS/RESULTS We demonstrated that the treatment of murine thymoma EG7 by subcutaneous injection of N. caninum tachyzoites either in or remotely from the tumor strongly inhibits tumor development, and often causes their complete eradication. Analysis of immune responses showed that N. caninum had the ability to 1) lyze infected cancer cells, 2) reactivate the immunosuppressed immune cells and 3) activate the systemic immune system by generating a protective antitumor response dependent on natural killer cells, CD8-T cells and associated with a strong interferon (IFN)-γ secretion in the tumor microenvironment. Most importantly, we observed a total clearance of the injected agent in the treated animals: N. caninum exhibited strong anticancer effects without persisting in the organism of treated mice. We also established in vitro and an in vivo non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse model that N. caninum infected and induced a strong regression of human Merkel cell carcinoma. Finally, we engineered a N. caninum strain to secrete human interleukin (IL)-15, associated with the alpha-subunit of the IL-15 receptor thus strengthening the immuno-stimulatory properties of N. caninum. Indeed, this NC1-IL15hRec strain induced both proliferation of and IFN-γ secretion by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as well as improved efficacy in vivo in the EG7 tumor model. CONCLUSION These results highlight N. caninum as a potential, extremely effective and non-toxic anticancer agent, capable of being engineered to either express at its surface or to secrete biodrugs. Our work has identified the broad clinical possibilities of using N. caninum as an oncolytic protozoan in human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Lantier
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Tours, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Zineb Lakhrif
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Tours, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Loïs Coënon
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Tours, France
| | - Nora Deluce-Kakwata-Nkor
- EA 4245 Cellules Dendritiques, Immuno-Modulation et Greffes, F-37000, Universite de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Florence Velge-Roussel
- EA 4245 Cellules Dendritiques, Immuno-Modulation et Greffes, F-37000, Universite de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Céline Beauvillain
- Inserm U1232, Faculté des Sciences, CRCINA, CHU d'Angers, Université Angers, Angers, France
| | - Thomas Baranek
- INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), UMR, 1100, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Thibault Kervarrec
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Tours, France
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Antoine Touzé
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Tours, France
| | - Nathalie Moiré
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, F-37380, Nouzilly, France
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de Barros LD, Garcia JL, Bresciani KDS, Cardim ST, Storte VS, Headley SA. A Review of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Water Buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis). Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:455. [PMID: 32851033 PMCID: PMC7431459 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are diseases with worldwide distribution that are associated with reproductive problems in livestock and responsible for economic losses. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge relative to these diseases in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). In general, buffalo are considered resistant to clinical toxoplasmosis because there are studies only reporting serological evidence of natural infection in these animals. Studies have described age, poor hygienic status of the farm, and presence of cats as risk factors for the development of Toxoplasma gondii infection in buffalo. It must be highlighted that buffalo meat, which does not receive adequate freezing treatment, could be a potential source for toxoplasmic human infection as well as the importance of raw buffalo milk in the transmission of toxoplasmosis to human beings. Neospora caninum is considered one of the major causes of abortion and responsible for huge economic losses in cattle. Vertical transmission is the main route to infect calves, and is responsible for maintaining the parasite within a herd. In buffalo, vertical transmission is also described; moreover, although there are indications that N. caninum may be associated with abortion in dairy buffalo, the reproductive importance of neosporosis is apparently lower in buffalo relative to cattle. Most studies have identified a higher time of exposition to N. caninum oocysts relative to age. The household system was also described as a risk factor for infection, possibly due to persistent contact between the home-raised buffalo and canids. The fetal immune competence of buffalo is similar to bovine, and buffalo fetus are highly susceptible to infection during the first trimester of pregnancy, indicating that N. caninum may be an abortigenic agent in buffaloes. Alternatively, it is interesting to note there is evidence that the inflammatory response in pregnant buffalo infected with N. caninum is mild enough to avoid abortion in most cases. It is proposed that the possible transmission of toxoplasmosis through unprocessed milk and buffalo meat may occur, which is important in terms of public health. Additionally, there is strong evidence to suggest that N. caninum may be associated with abortion in buffalo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Sérgio Tosi Cardim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Norte Do Paraná, Arapongas, Brazil
| | - Victor Sesnik Storte
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Norte Do Paraná, Arapongas, Brazil
| | - Selwyn Arlington Headley
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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Duarte PO, Oshiro LM, Zimmermann NP, Csordas BG, Dourado DM, Barros JC, Andreotti R. Serological and molecular detection of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in human umbilical cord blood and placental tissue samples. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9043. [PMID: 32493968 PMCID: PMC7271125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65991-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neosporosis primarily affects cattle and dogs and is not currently considered a zoonotic disease. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution that is asymptomatic in most cases, but when acquired during pregnancy, it can have serious consequences. The seropositivity rates determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test for Neospora caninum (N. caninum) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) were 24.3% (49 samples) and 26.8% (54 samples), respectively. PCR positivity for N. caninum was observed in two samples of cord blood (1%) using the Nc5 and ITS1 gene, positivity for T. gondii was observed in 16 samples using the primer for the B1 gene (5.5% positivity in cord blood and 2.5% positivity in placental tissue). None of the samples showed structures characteristic of tissue cysts or inflammatory infiltrate on histopathology. Significant associations were observed only between N. caninum seropositivity and the presence of domestic animals (p = 0.039) and presence of dogs (p = 0.038) and between T. gondii seropositivity and basic sanitation (p = 0.04). This study obtained important findings regarding the seroprevalence and molecular detection of N. caninum and T. gondii in pregnant women; however, more studies are necessary to establish a correlation between risk factors and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pâmella Oliveira Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Leandra Marla Oshiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular do Carrapato, Departamento de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Namor Pinheiro Zimmermann
- Professor do Curso de Medicina Veterinária do Centro Universitário da Grande Dourados-UNIGRAN, Dourados, Brasil
| | - Bárbara Guimarães Csordas
- Bolsista de Pós-Doutorado- FUNDAPAM, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular do Carrapato, Departamento de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | | | | | - Renato Andreotti
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil.
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17
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Mohammed OB, Amor N, Omer SA, Alagaili AN. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Dromedary camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) from Saudi Arabia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e019119. [PMID: 32236334 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Serological screening of 199 serum samples from Dromedary camels-from different cities in Saudi Arabia-was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies against two cyst-forming coccidian parasites, namely Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 68 (34.2%) samples, while those against N. caninum were present in 33 (16.6%) samples. The highest seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was reported in samples from Taif (51.2%), while the lowest seroprevalence was reported in samples from Riyadh and Hofuf (15.1%). The highest seroprevalence of N. caninum antibodies was reported in samples from Jizan (35.9%) while the lowest was reported in samples from Taif (2.4%). A total of 47 male and 21 female camels exhibited antibodies against T. gondii , while 19 male and 14 female camels showed antibodies against N. caninum . Concurrent detection of both T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies was observed in 18 camels. It has been demonstrated that T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies are prevalent in camels from different cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Badri Mohammed
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil Amor
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sawsan Ali Omer
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, University Center for Women Students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Nasser Alagaili
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Didiano A, Monti P, Taeymans O, Cherubini GB. Canine central nervous system neosporosis: clinical, laboratory and diagnostic imaging findings in six dogs. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2019-000905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Monti
- Clinical PathologyDWR DiagnosticSix Mile BottomUK
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André MR, Santi MD, Luzzi MDC, Oliveira JPD, Fernandes SDJ, Machado RZ, Werther K. Serological evidence of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in free-ranging Orinoco goose (Neochen jubata) in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:816-820. [PMID: 31618304 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are Apicomplexan intracellular protozoan parasites that affect numerous animal species, thus leading to severe diseases and economic losses, depending on the vertebrate species involved. The role of the avian species in maintaining and transmission of these coccidia has been studied for several years as they tend to serve as a potential source of infection for mammals and humans. The present study aimed to assess the serological exposure of Orinoco goose (Neochen jubata) to T. gondii and N. caninum. Between 2010 and 2013, 41 free-ranging Orinoco geese were captured in the Araguaia River, Brazil. The presence and titration of IgY antibodies to both coccidia were assayed via indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). While IgY antibodies for N. caninum were present in 5 animals, with titers of 20, the antibodies for T. gondii were found in 35 animals, with titers ranging from 20 to 640. Considering that the Orinoco goose's meat is consumed by the local population in the studied area, it may represent an important source of T. gondii infection for humans. Due to its migratory behavior, this goose may play a pivotal role in the natural dispersion of both parasites. Furthermore, molecular studies are required for genotyping the isolates of T. gondii that occurs in this avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Mariele De Santi
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil.,Laboratório de Patologia de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Mayara de Cássia Luzzi
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Juliana Paula de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Patologia de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Simone de Jesus Fernandes
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Karin Werther
- Laboratório de Patologia de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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20
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Serological Survey of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii Co-Infection in Rodents in Northwestern Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 15:253-258. [PMID: 32595716 PMCID: PMC7311819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our knowledge of the epidemiology of rodents' parasitic agents in Iran is scarce, although some of these pathogens play an important role in human and veterinary medicine, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in rodents of northwestern Iran between Mar and Dec 2015. METHODS Overall, 157 serum samples from rodents (101 Meriones persicus, 41 Mus musculus, and 15 Cricetulus migratorius) were assayed by the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum. RESULTS We found a prevalence of 20.38% (32/157) for N. caninum, 35% (55/157) for T. gondii. Co-presence of antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii was found in 10 (6.36%) rodents. A significant association was found between the rodents species and seropositivity to N. caninum (P<0.05) but there was no association with rodents species for T. gondii. The overall prevalence of the aforementioned parasites was higher in male versus female rodents. CONCLUSION The high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in rodents in the study area has implications for translocation of these infections across wider geographical regions since these rodents are mostly preyed on by cats or dogs; hence, which can transfer the parasite to other hosts.
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Adesiyun AA, Knobel DL, Thompson PN, Wentzel J, Kolo FB, Kolo AO, Conan A, Simpson GJG. Sero-Epidemiological Study of Selected Zoonotic and Abortifacient Pathogens in Cattle at a Wildlife-Livestock Interface in South Africa. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 20:258-267. [PMID: 31841655 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross sectional sero-epidemiological study was conducted on cattle in a communal farming area adjacent to Kruger National Park at a wildlife-livestock interface in South Africa. A total of 184 cattle were screened for exposure to 5 abortifacient or zoonotic pathogens, namely Coxiella burnetii, Toxoplasma gondii, Chlamydophila abortus, Neospora caninum, and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, the virus neutralization test was used to confirm the presence of antibodies to RVFV. The seroprevalence of C. burnetii, T. gondii, C. abortus, N. caninum, and RVFV antibodies was 38.0%, 32.6%, 20.7%, 1.6%, and 0.5%, respectively, and varied between locations (p < 0.001). Seroprevalence of C. burnetii and T. gondii was highly clustered by location (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.57), and that of C. abortus moderately so (ICC = 0.11). Seroprevalence was not associated with sex or age for any pathogen, except for C. abortus, for which seroprevalence was positively associated with age (p = 0.01). The predominant mixed infections were C. burnetii and T. gondii (15.2%) and C. burnetii, T. gondii, and C. abortus (13.0%). The serological detection of the five abortifacient pathogens in cattle indicates the potential for economic losses to livestock farmers, health impacts to domestic animals, transmission across the livestock-wildlife interface, and the risk of zoonotic transmission. This is the first documentation of T. gondii infection in cattle in South Africa, while exposure to C. burnetii, C. abortus, and N. caninum infections is being reported for the first time in cattle in a wildlife-livestock interface in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun A Adesiyun
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Darryn L Knobel
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
| | - Peter N Thompson
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jeanette Wentzel
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Francis B Kolo
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Agatha O Kolo
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anne Conan
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
| | - Gregory J G Simpson
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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22
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Reiling SJ, Measures L, Feng S, Boone R, Merks H, Dixon BR. Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and Neospora caninum-like parasites in seals from northern and eastern Canada: potential risk to consumers. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 17:e00067. [PMID: 32095635 PMCID: PMC7033983 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic parasites of seals that are harvested for food may pose a health risk when seal meat or organ tissues of infected animals are eaten raw or undercooked. In this study, 124 tissue samples from 81 seals, comprising four species, were collected from northern and eastern Canada. Tissues from 23 ringed seals (Pusa hispida), 8 hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), 21 harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), and 29 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) were tested for parasites of the Sarcocystidae family including Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp., and Neospora spp. using nested PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was present in 26% of ringed seals, 63% of hooded seals, 57% of harp seals, and 31% of grey seals. Sarcocystis sp. DNA was found in 9% of ringed seals, 13% of hooded seals, 14% of harp seals, and 4% of grey seals, while N. caninum-like DNA was present in 26% of ringed seals. While it is unclear how pinnipeds may become infected with these protozoans, horizontal transmission is most likely. However, one harp seal pup (4 days old) was PCR-positive for T. gondii, suggesting vertical transmission may also occur. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S gene region indicates that Sarcocystis sp. in these seals belongs to a unique genotype. Furthermore, this study represents a new host report for T. gondii in harp seals, a new host and geographic report for N. caninum-like parasites in ringed seals, and four new hosts and geographic reports for Sarcocystis sp. These results demonstrate that parasites of the Sarcocystidae family are prevalent in northern and eastern Canadian seals. While the zoonotic potential of Sarcocystis sp. and the N. caninum-like parasite are unclear, consumption of raw or undercooked seal meat or organ tissues pose a risk of T. gondii infection to consumers. Tissues from ringed, hooded, harp and grey seals in Canada were PCR-positive for Toxoplasma, Sarcocystis and Neospora. Raw or undercooked seal meat may pose a risk for zoonotic transmission of T. gondii to consumers. The risk for zoonotic transmission of Sarcocystis sp. and the Neospora caninum-like parasite is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Reiling
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Lena Measures
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Mont-Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Sandy Feng
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Ryan Boone
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Harriet Merks
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Brent R. Dixon
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
- Corresponding author. Address: 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, A.L. 2204E, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
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Nardoni S, Poli A, Varvaro I, Rocchigiani G, Ceccherelli R, Mancianti F. Detection of Neospora Caninum DNA in Wild Birds from Italy. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8040202. [PMID: 31652735 PMCID: PMC6963562 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of avian species in the Neospora caninum life cycle has not been completely elucidated, and epidemiological data from Europe are scant. The aim of the present report was to evaluate the presence of N. caninum DNA in the tissues of 302 birds belonging to different avian species, along with IFAT titers. Forty-two out of the 302 birds (13.9%) showed low serological titers (1/50 and 1/100) against N. caninum. These data, positive for 31 animals (10.3%), were corroborated by PCR. Twenty-two hearts and eighteen brains scored positive, while nine subjects resulted had parasite DNA both in their hearts and brains. Serological data showed significantly higher results in waterfowl in respect to non-waterfowl avian species. This finding indicates a higher exposure of water birds to the parasite. These avian species, in fact, which feed directly from soil and/or water, are prone to ingest oocysts excreted by final canid hosts. The present study adds information to the state of art of N. caninum epidemiology in Italy, even if more investigations using bio-assays are needed to allow for a serological/parasitological follow-up to evaluate the real impact of the avian species in maintaining the parasite in main reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Nardoni
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Università di Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Università di Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Varvaro
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Università di Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Guido Rocchigiani
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Università di Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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24
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Gharekhani J, Yakhchali M. Neospora caninum infection in dairy farms with history of abortion in West of Iran. Vet Anim Sci 2019; 8:100071. [PMID: 32734088 PMCID: PMC7386725 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2019.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a major cause of abortion and economic losses among dairy farms in Iran and other countries. The main goal of current investigation was to evaluate the presence of antibodies against N. caninum and associated risk factors in dairy herds with history of abortion in Hamedan province of West Iran. A total numbers of 476 and 185 blood samples of pregnant cattle and farm dogs from 10 dairy farms with history of abortion were randomly collected. Bulk milk sample was taken from each farm. All samples were subjected for detection of IgG antibody against N. caninum using ELISA technique. Of all examined animals, 24.8% of cattle and 8.65% of dogs were seropositive to N. caninum. The seroprevalence had significant differences with abortion, stillbirth, metritis, breed, close contact to dogs, wild carnivores, rodents, poultry, and pregnancy using artificial insemination method. There were no significant differences among seroprevalence and different age groups, number and stage of gestation, and herd population. In all investigated farms, bulk milk examination was positive. In examined dogs, there was significant difference between seroprevalence and sex. It was concluded that N. caninum infection may be responsible for abortion and economic losses in dairy farms of the region. This was also the first comprehensive report on associated risk factors to N. caninum infection in dairy farms in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Gharekhani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Nazlu campus, Sero road, 5756151818, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yakhchali
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Nazlu campus, Sero road, 5756151818, Urmia, Iran
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25
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Liu MT, Lv QY, Jiang WX, Li J, Gui BZ, Zheng WB, Zhu XQ, Liu GH. Molecular detection of Neospora caninum from naturally infected four passeriforme birds in China. Acta Trop 2019; 197:105044. [PMID: 31173736 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan infecting many domestic and wild animals. In the present study, the brain tissues of wild birds collected in Hunan province of China were examined by N. caninum specific nested PCR, targeting the Nc-5 gene and the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. The prevalence of N. caninum was detected in 15.5% (37/239) of wild birds, including 20.5% (9/44) of the examined olive-backed pipit Anthus hodgsoni, 18.3% (24/131) of the examined tree sparrows Passer montanus, 7.9% (3/38) of the examined chestnut bunting Emberiza rutila and 3.8% (1/26) of the examined yellow-breasted bunting E. aureola. Phylogenetic analyses showed that N. caninum from different hosts and geographical origins are genetically diverse and can be further classified into two distinct groups. Our findings indicated that wild birds are potential source of N. caninum for other animals. To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. caninum infection in wild birds in China, which provides a foundation for the prevention and control of this parasite in China and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan province, 410128, China
| | - Qiu-Yan Lv
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan province, 410128, China
| | - Wei-Xing Jiang
- Hunan Wild Animal Rescue and Reproduction Center, Changsha, Hunan province, 410116, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, 130062, China
| | - Bin-Ze Gui
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan province, 410128, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan province, 410128, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu province, 730046, China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan province, 410128, China.
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Experimental inoculation of Neospora caninum tachyzoites in eared doves (Zenaida auriculata). Exp Parasitol 2019; 202:1-6. [PMID: 31077732 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite distributed worldwide. Although a positive association between the presence of birds and abortions in cattle associated to N. caninum has been reported, the role of the birds in the epidemiologic cycle of the parasite is unknown. To the best knowledge, no experimental studies have evaluated N. caninum in the eared dove, Zenaida auriculata. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether Z. auriculat can act as intermediate host for N. caninum. Eighteen birds were divided into four groups, G1, G2, G3, and G4 (control); G1, G2 and G3 received 2 × 106 tachyzoites of NC-1 strain via different routes: subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intraperitoneal, respectively. G4 composed of three birds. Serum samples were collected weekly, and one bird each from G1, G2 and G3 was euthanized on the 7th and 14th day post-inoculation (dpi). The remaining birds were euthanized after the 28th dpi. Tissues from the doves were evaluated using histopathological analysis, PCR and dog bioassay to detect the parasite. Dogs were fed with tissues from the birds and monitored for 30 days. Serum samples were collected weekly from the dogs for serological analysis, and feces samples were collected daily until the end of the experiment for coproparasitological examinations. No dove showed clinical signs of the infection; however, all of them seroconverted after the inoculation, with stronger immunological response in the G3 birds. The lung tissue of one G3 bird showed positive PCR results; it was euthanized on the 7th dpi, and an inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the lung and kidney from this dove. The dogs did not shed oocysts or seroconverted. Our results indicate that the intraperitoneal route induced infection in the doves; however, the parasite may have been eliminated by the host, and the doves may be resistant to chronic infection.
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Li S, Gong P, Zhang N, Li X, Tai L, Wang X, Yang Z, Yang J, Zhu X, Zhang X, Li J. 14-3-3 Protein of Neospora caninum Modulates Host Cell Innate Immunity Through the Activation of MAPK and NF-κB Pathways. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:37. [PMID: 30740096 PMCID: PMC6355710 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite, the etiologic agent of neosporosis, and a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle. There is still a lack of effective prevention and treatment measures. The 14-3-3 protein is a widely expressed acidic protein that spontaneously forms dimers within apicomplexan parasites. This protein has been isolated and sequenced in many parasites; however, there are few reports about the N. caninum 14-3-3 protein. Here, we successfully expressed and purified a recombinant fusion protein of Nc14-3-3 (rNc14-3-3) and prepared a polyclonal antibody. Immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy studies of tachyzoites or N. caninum-infected cells suggested that 14-3-3 was localized in the cytosol and the membrane. Western blotting analysis indicated that rNc14-3-3 could be recognized by N. caninum-infected mouse sera, suggesting that 14-3-3 may be an infection-associated antigen that is involved in the host immune response. We demonstrated that rNc14-3-3 induced cytokine expression by activating the MAPK and AKT signaling pathways, and inhibitors of p38, ERK, JNK, and AKT could significantly decrease the production of IL-6, IL-12p40, and TNF-α. In addition, phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB/p65) was observed in wild-type peritoneal macrophages (PMs) treated with rNc14-3-3, and the protein level of NF-κB/p65 was reduced in the cytoplasm but increased correspondingly in the nucleus after 2 h of treatment. These results were also observed in deficient in TLR2-/- PMs. Taken together, our results indicated that the N. caninum 14-3-3 protein can induce effective immune responses and stimulate cytokine expression by activating the MAPK, AKT, and NF-κB signaling pathways but did not dependent TLR2, suggesting that Nc14-3-3 is a novel vaccine candidate against neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lixin Tai
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhengtao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ju Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xingquan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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28
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Amdouni Y, Amairia S, Said Y, Awadi S, Gharbi M. First molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Neospora caninum DNA from naturally infected goats in Northwest Tunisia. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:709-714. [PMID: 30367762 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan parasite from the phylum Apicomplexa, mainly associated with abortions and causing enormous economic losses. We aimed, by the present study, to estimate the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic analyses of natural infection with N. caninum in Tunisian goats. A total number of 121 meat samples were collected from slaughtered goats in the regional slaughterhouse of Béja (Northwest Tunisia) and tested from N. caninum ITS1 gene using PCR followed by sequencing of PCR products. Phylogenetic analyses were used to identify this parasite infecting goats in Nortwest Tunisia. The overall molecular prevalence was 19% (23/121). The highest molecular prevalence of N. caninum was observed in goats aged between 2 and 4 years (31.9 ± 13.27%) (P = 0.004). There was no difference in the overall molecular prevalence of N. caninum according to both localities and animal breeds. Comparison of the partial sequences of the ITS1 gene revealed 99-100% similarity with GenBank sequences. A high similarity with all the blasted genotypes was reported for N. caninum sequences. This is the first molecular study and genetic characterisation of N. caninum in North African goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosra Amdouni
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Safa Amairia
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Yousra Said
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Sofia Awadi
- Regional Slaughterhouse of Béja, 9000, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Alipour M, Rahimi E, Shakerian A. Retracted:Prevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiandNeospora caninumin different types of raw milk and traditional dairy product samples. J Food Saf 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Alipour
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineShahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University Shahrekord Iran
| | - Ebrahim Rahimi
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineShahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University Shahrekord Iran
- Research Center of Nutrition and Organic ProductsShahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University Shahrekord Iran
| | - Amir Shakerian
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineShahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University Shahrekord Iran
- Research Center of Nutrition and Organic ProductsShahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University Shahrekord Iran
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30
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Pagmadulam B, Myagmarsuren P, Fereig RM, Igarashi M, Yokoyama N, Battsetseg B, Nishikawa Y. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in cattle in Mongolia. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2018; 14:11-17. [PMID: 31014714 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are protozoan parasites that cause huge economic losses in animal industries worldwide. N. caninum can cause abortion storms and high culling rates in cattle, whereas T. gondii infection is a significant concern in both human and animals because it can induce abortion and clinical symptoms in immunocompromised hosts. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in cattle in Mongolia. Specific antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) based on recombinant antigens of dense granule protein 7 of Toxoplasma gondii and surface antigen 1 of Neospora caninum, respectively. A total of 1438 cattle sera from 20 of 21 provinces of Mongolia and the capital city of Ulaanbaatar were tested. Overall, 18.7% and 26.2% of cattle were positive for specific antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. Prevalence rates were higher (T. gondii infection: P < .0001, N. caninum infection: P = .002) in the central region of Mongolia (T. gondii infection: 27.1%, N. caninum infection: 30.8%) compared with western region, suggesting that prevalence rates might be influenced by geographical condition, particularly warmer temperatures around this area in Mongolia. The lowest prevalence rates were observed in the western region of Mongolia (T. gondii: 9%, N. caninum: 20.8%). In addition, the seroprevalence of N. caninum in female animals (27.5%) was significantly higher than that in male animals (20.4%) (P = .018), suggesting an important risk factor of abortion and stillbirth in cattle. The present results showed that T. gondii and N. caninum infections might be a risk for public health and economy of the livestock industry in Mongolia. In conclusion, this study demonstrates high seroprevalences of T. gondii and N. caninum in Mongolia and provides valuable new data for development of control measures against these infections in Mongolia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baldorj Pagmadulam
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Punsantsogvoo Myagmarsuren
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Zaisan 17024, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Ragab M Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Makoto Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Badgar Battsetseg
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Zaisan 17024, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Li S, Gong P, Tai L, Li X, Wang X, Zhao C, Zhang X, Yang Z, Yang J, Li J, Zhang X. Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Neospora caninum Are Recognized by Toll-Like Receptor 2 and Modulate Host Cell Innate Immunity Through the MAPK Signaling Pathway. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1633. [PMID: 30087675 PMCID: PMC6066505 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite, which causes significant economic losses in the cattle industry. However, the immune mechanism of the parasite–host interaction is not yet fully understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a ubiquitous mechanism by which almost all cells, especially immune and tumor cells, participate in intercellular communications. Although studies have indicated that EVs secreted by Toxoplasma gondii or Trypanosoma brucei promote exchanges of biological molecules important for the host–parasite interplay, however, EVs and their biological activities in N. caninum is not clear. Here, we used multiple methods, including electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, western blot, proteomics, and cytokine analyses, to examine the properties of N. caninum EVs. We found that N. caninum produced EVs that are similar to mammalian exosomes, which generally range from 30 to 150 nm in diameter. It was shown that N. caninum EVs could remarkably increase the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12p40, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ by wild-type (WT) mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) whereas the secretion of IL-12p40, TNF-α, and IFN-γ was very strongly downregulated in TLR2−/− mouse BMDMs. The levels of IL-6 were not affected, but the secretion of IL-10 was upregulated. We found that the phosphorylation levels of P38, ERK, and JNK were significantly reduced in the TLR2−/− cells compared with those in WT mouse BMDMs and that treatment with chemical inhibiters of P38, ERK, and JNK resulted in upregulation of IL-6, IL-12p40, and IL-10 production. Together, these results demonstrated that N. caninum EVs could be rapidly internalized to deliver proteins to the host cells and modulate the host cell immune responses through MAPK signaling pathway in a TLR2-dependent manner. Our study is the first to reveal potential roles for N. caninum EVs in host communication and immune response in parasite–host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lixin Tai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaocen Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhengtao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ju Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Wang W, Gong P, Wang P, Dong J, Wang X, Yang Z, Li J, Zhang X. A novel dense granule protein NcGRA23 in Neospora caninum. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:727-729. [PMID: 29860400 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmy054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Weirong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingquan Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaocen Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhengtao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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First Report of Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Neospora caninum Infection in Tibetan Sheep in China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:2098908. [PMID: 30003091 PMCID: PMC5996427 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2098908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan parasite which can cause abortion and stillbirth in ruminants. However, there is no information on Tibetan sheep N. caninum infection in China. A total of 2187 serum samples were collected from Tibetan sheep in the major production areas of Luqu, Maqu, and Tianzhu in Gansu province, and Nyingchi in southeast Tibet, China. All samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to N. caninum using a competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunoassay. Of the 2187 serum samples, 184 (8.4%, 95% CI 7.3-9.6) were tested N. caninum seropositive. The N. caninum seroprevalence ranged from 4.4% (95% CI 1.4–7.4) to 11.3% (95% CI 8.2–14.4) among different regions, seasons, ages, and pregnancies, and there was no statistical significance among those groups (P > 0.05). Seroprevalence in male (10.8% 69/638) (95% CI 8.4–13.2) was significantly higher than in female (7.4% 115/1549) (OR =1.51, 95% CI 6.1–8.7) (P < 0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. caninum seroprevalence in Tibetan sheep in China, which provides baseline data for the prevention and control of N. caninum infection in Tibetan sheep.
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de Barros LD, Miura AC, Minutti AF, Vidotto O, Garcia JL. Neospora caninum in birds: A review. Parasitol Int 2018; 67:397-402. [PMID: 29614327 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects domestic and wild animals. Canids are considered to be definitive hosts since they may shed oocysts into the environment through their feces. The disease is recognized as one of the major causes of bovine abortion worldwide, leading to important economic losses in the dairy and beef cattle industries. Previous studies have reported N. caninum infection in different species of birds; infection in birds has been associated with increased seroprevalence and reproductive problems in dairy cattle. Although the role of birds in the epidemiological cycle of neosporosis is unknown, birds are exposed to infection because they feed on the ground and could thus contribute to parasite dissemination. This review is focused on the current state of knowledge of neosporosis in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdades Integradas de Ourinhos, Rodovia BR 153, Km 338+420m, 19909-100 Ourinhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ana Carolina Miura
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Minutti
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Odilon Vidotto
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
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Characteristic pro-inflammatory cytokines and host defence cathelicidin peptide produced by human monocyte-derived macrophages infected withNeospora caninum. Parasitology 2017; 145:871-884. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017002104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractNeospora caninumis a coccidian intracellular protozoan capable of infecting a wide range of mammals, although severe disease is mostly reported in dogs and cattle. Innate defences triggered by monocytes/macrophages are key in the pathogenesis of neosporosis, as these cells are first-line defenders against intracellular infections. The aim of this study was to characterize infection and innate responses in macrophages infected withN. caninumusing a well-known cell model to study macrophage functions (human monocyte THP-1 cells). Intracellular invasion of live tachyzoites occurred as fast as 4 h (confirmed with immunofluorescence microscopy usingN. caninum-specific antibodies). Macrophages infected byN. caninumhad increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-8, IFNγ). Interestingly,N. caninuminduced expression of host-defence peptides (cathelicidins), a mechanism of defence never reported forN. caninuminfection in macrophages. The expression of cytokines and cathelicidins in macrophages invaded byN. caninumwas mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK 1/2). Secretion of such innate factors fromN. caninum-infected macrophages reduced parasite internalization and promoted the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in naïve macrophages. We concluded that rapid invasion of macrophages byN. caninumtriggered protective innate defence mechanisms against intracellular pathogens.
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Roiko MS, LaFavers K, Leland D, Arrizabalaga G. Toxoplasma gondii-positive human sera recognise intracellular tachyzoites and bradyzoites with diverse patterns of immunoreactivity. Int J Parasitol 2017; 48:225-232. [PMID: 29170086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antibody detection assays have long been the first line test to confirm infection with the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii. However, challenges exist with serological diagnosis, especially distinguishing between acute, latent and reactivation disease states. The sensitivity and specificity of serological tests might be improved by testing for antibodies against parasite antigens other than those typically found on the parasite surface during the acute stage. To this end, we analysed the reactivity profile of human sera, identified as positive for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG in traditional assays, by indirect immunofluorescence reactivity to acute stage intracellular tachyzoites and in vitro-induced latent stage bradyzoites. The majority of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG positive sera recognised both intracellularly replicating tachyzoites and in vitro-induced bradyzoites with varying patterns of immune-reactivity. Furthermore, anti-bradyzoite antibodies were not detected in sera that were IgM-positive/IgG-negative. These results demonstrate that anti-Toxoplasma gondii-positive sera may contain antibodies to a variety of antigens in addition to those traditionally used in serological tests, and suggest the need for further investigations into the utility of anti-bradyzoite-specific antibodies to aid in diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijo S Roiko
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 350 West 11th Street, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
| | - Kaice LaFavers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS A-519, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Diane Leland
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 350 West 11th Street, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Gustavo Arrizabalaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS A-519, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Paiz LM, da Silva RC, Menozzi BD, Langoni H. Antibodies to Neospora caninum in sheep from slaughterhouses in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 24:95-100. [PMID: 25909261 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612015009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is an emergent disease responsible for considerable economic impact due to reproductive losses. Its zoonotic potential remains unknown. This study involved a survey of antibodies to Neospora caninum in slaughtered sheep and their association with epidemiological variables. Serum samples from 596 sheep from the states of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were collected in two slaughterhouses located in São Paulo and evaluated by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), using cut-off titers of 25. Among these samples, 353/596 (59.23%; 95%CI 55.23-63.10) were positive and 263/353 (74.50%; 95%CI 69.71-78.77%) were from Rio Grande do Sul. Statistical associations were determined in the univariate analysis between the serological results and sex, breed and municipality of origin. Sheep that came from extensive breeding system showed higher chance (OR=2.09) of presenting antibodies to N. caninum in relation to those from semi-intensive system. Higher chance was also observed for the different studied breeds, except Bergamácia, in relation to Hampshire Down. The results revealed the presence of infection by N. caninum in sheep from slaughterhouses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Moraes Paiz
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Costa da Silva
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, USA
| | - Benedito Donizete Menozzi
- Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Helio Langoni
- Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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Sousa KCMD, Herrera HM, Domingos IH, Campos JBV, Santos IMCD, Neves HH, Machado RZ, André MR. Serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania infantum and Neospora caninum in cats from an area endemic for leishmaniasis in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 23:449-55. [PMID: 25517522 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612014078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
An investigation was made into the occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania infantum and Neospora caninum in 151 domestic cats, based on the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Serum samples were collected from 151 domestic cats (65 free-roaming and 86 domiciled cats; 55 males and 96 females) in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil between January and April 2013. IgG antibodies to T. gondii, L. infantum and N. caninum were found, respectively, in 49 (32.5%), 34 (22.5%) and 10 (6.6%) sampled cats. A positive correlation was found between T. gondii and N. caninum, T. gondii and L. infantum, and N. caninum and L. infantum (p <0.05) infections. Also, a significant interaction was identified between gender and area of activity on the probability of T. gondii (p = 0.0324) infection. However, no significant interaction was observed between gender and area of activity on infections by either N. caninum or L. infantum. This study showed that cats from an area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil are exposed to three different protozoans, two of which are causal agents of important zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Haroldo Henrique Neves
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Marcos Rogério André
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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Silva RC, Machado GP. Canine neosporosis: perspectives on pathogenesis and management. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2016; 7:59-70. [PMID: 30050838 PMCID: PMC6055790 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s76969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Canine neosporosis is a worldwide disease caused by the obligate intracellular parasite protozoan Neospora caninum, manifesting mainly neurological symptoms. N. caninum has a heteroxenous life cycle and affects a wide range of warm-blooded animals. The domestic and wild canids are the definitive host of the parasite. They shed oocysts after ingestion of tissue cysts from infected intermediate hosts (ovine, equine, bovine, canine, and many other species), containing bradyzoites, or oocyst-contaminated water and food. The presence of dogs in farms is considered a risk factor for production animals. A wide range of diagnostic methods are currently available, but the most used is serology, ie, indirect fluorescent antibody test specific to the antibody detection in blood serum samples. No vaccine is available, but control strategies should be focused on the vertical and horizontal transmission of the parasite, ie, avoid feeding dogs with raw or undercooked meat, and taking care with water for human and animal consumption. No medicines to control the transplacental transmission are available yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo C Silva
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA,
| | - Gustavo P Machado
- Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery of Small Animals, Dr Munhoz Veterinary Hospital, Itápolis, Brazil
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Oshiro LM, Motta-Castro ARC, Freitas SZ, Cunha RC, Dittrich RL, Meirelles ACF, Andreotti R. Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii serodiagnosis in human immunodeficiency virus carriers. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2016; 48:568-72. [PMID: 26516966 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0151-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii belong to the Sarcocystidae family, and both have one definitive and various intermediary hosts. Owing to their weak immune systems, immunocompromised persons might be prone to opportunistic infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of anti- N. caninum and anti- T. gondii antibodies in immunocompromised individuals. METHODS This cross-sectional study investigated the rates of N. caninum and T. gondii , as assessed using immunofluorescent antibody reaction (IFAT) with 1:50 and 1:16 dilution, respectively, in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). RESULTS The seropositivity for N. caninum was 26.1% (81/310) in Mato Grosso do Sul and 31.2% (10/32) in Paraná and for T. gondii was 76.8% (238/310) in Mato Grosso do Sul and 68.7% (22/32) in Paraná. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence of anti- N caninum and anti- T. gondii antibodies in patients with HIV. Other aspects of T. gondii , which is a zoonosis, and N. caninum , which might affect immunodeficient individuals, need to be evaluated and reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Marla Oshiro
- Programa de Graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Solange Zacalusni Freitas
- Curso de Farmácia Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Casquero Cunha
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | - Renato Andreotti
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Abstract
Neosporosis was diagnosed in an American Staffordshire Terrier with collapse and arrhythmia episodes by serological and cardiovascular examination. Clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment ofNeospora caninumare described. The dog did not develop any neurological abnormality, which is the most common manifestation. Furthermore, the dog was also serologically positive for antibodies toToxoplasma gondiiand negative forBartonella henselaeandBorrelia burgdorferi. Serological diagnosis was achieved by indirect immunofluorescence. The arrhythmia, cardiac markers, biochemistry, complete blood count and clinical signs gradually improved following therapy with clindamycin and antiarrhythmic therapy. After 3 months of therapyToxoplasma gondiititres persisted low butNeospora caninumtitres changed to negative values. According to the veterinary literature and to the authors’ knowledge this was one of the few cases successfully treated for this condition. These observations demonstrated that neosporosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of myocarditis in dogs and can be successfully treated by supportive therapy and clindamycin.
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Changes in neurotransmitter levels and expression of immediate early genes in brain of mice infected with Neospora caninum. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23052. [PMID: 26971577 PMCID: PMC4789785 DOI: 10.1038/srep23052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes neurological disorders in dogs and cattle. The majority of host animals are asymptomatic at the chronic stage of infection. However, it remains unclear whether cerebral function is normal in asymptomatic animals. In this study, mice were infected with N. caninum (strain Nc-1) and their brains were examined to understand changes in cerebral function at the chronic stage of infection. Mice infected with N. caninum showed impaired locomotor activity, but no differences in clinical symptoms were observed. In the brains of infected mice, parasites were distributed throughout the brain and histological lesions were observed everywhere except for the cerebellum. Expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, were highly upregulated in several brain regions of infected mice. Additionally, the level of neurotransmitters glutamate, glycine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine, were altered in infected mice compared with those of uninfected mice. Interestingly, the expression levels of immediately early genes, c-Fos and Arc, in the brain of infected mice were lower than those of in uninfected mice. Our findings may provide insight into neurological disorders associated with N. caninum infection.
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Li W, Liu J, Wang J, Fu Y, Nan H, Liu Q. Identification and characterization of a microneme protein (NcMIC6) in Neospora caninum. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2893-902. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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A review of neosporosis and pathologic findings of Neospora caninum infection in wildlife. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 4:216-38. [PMID: 25973393 PMCID: PMC4427759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that is the etiologic agent of neosporosis, a devastating infectious disease regarded as a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle and neuromuscular disease in dogs worldwide. This protozoan pathogen is maintained in the environment by a heteroxenous life cycle that involves a definitive canid host and a wide range of intermediate hosts. In recent years, a number of wildlife species have been investigated for their possible involvement in the N. caninum life cycle and many have been implicated as intermediate hosts. However, in many instances these studies have utilized serological and molecular techniques to detect infection in clinically normal animals, and investigation of possible associated morbidity, mortality, and pathology has been neglected. As such, the occurrence and importance of Neospora-associated disease in wildlife species are unknown. In order to improve our understanding of the significance of N. caninum infection in nondomestic species, the present review provides an up-to-date summary of clinical neosporosis and N. caninum-associated pathologic lesions in naturally and experimentally infected wildlife species. We provide a list of all free-ranging and captive wildlife species identified with N. caninum infection to date using currently available diagnostic tools. The advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic methods in wildlife are addressed in order to recommend optimal diagnosis of confirming N. caninum infection and neosporosis in nondomestic species. Although current data would suggest that N. caninum infection does not adversely impact wildlife populations, there is a need for greater international uniformity in the diagnosis of N. caninum infection and neosporosis in nondomestic species in order to assess the true consequences of parasite infection.
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Transcriptome and histopathological changes in mouse brain infected with Neospora caninum. Sci Rep 2015; 5:7936. [PMID: 25604996 PMCID: PMC4300462 DOI: 10.1038/srep07936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes neurological disorders in dogs and cattle. It can cause nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis and a variety of neuronal symptoms are observed, particularly in dogs. However, the pathogenic mechanism, including the relationship between the parasite distribution and the clinical signs, is unclear. In this study, to understand the pathogenic mechanism of neosporosis, parasite distribution and lesions were assessed in the brain of mice infected with N. caninum (strain Nc-1). Host gene expression was also analyzed with RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). The histopathological lesions in the frontal lobe and the medulla oblongata were significantly more severe in symptomatic mice than in asymptomatic mice, although no association between the severity of the lesions and parasite numbers was found. In infected mice, the expression of 772 mouse brain genes was upregulated. A GOstat analysis predicted that the upregulated genes were involved in the host immune response. Genes whose expression correlated positively and negatively with parasite numbers were involved in the host immune response, and neuronal morphogenesis and lipid metabolic processes, respectively. These results suggest that changes in the gene expression profile associated with neuronal functions as well as immune responses can contribute to the pathogenesis in N. caninum-infected animals.
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Liu ZK, Li JY, Pan H. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in small ruminants in China. Prev Vet Med 2015; 118:488-92. [PMID: 25591976 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Little information is available about the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in sheep and goats in China. In the present investigation, the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum infections in sheep and goats were investigated in Qinghai province, China between January 2012 and June 2013. A total of 1250 serum samples (600 sheep and 650 goats) collected from 8 administrative regions of Qinghai province, China were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of specific antibodies, and sera positive were subsequently confirmed with indirect fluorescent antibody test. Specific IgG against T. gondii were detected in 21.33% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.06-24.61%) (128/600) and 29.54% (95% CI: 26.03-33.05%) (192/650) and against N. caninum in 10.33% (95% CI: 7.9-12.77%) (62/600) and 7.23% (95% CI: 5.24-9.22%) (47/650) of the sheep and goats, respectively. The risk factors significantly associated with T. gondii and N. caninum seroprevalence were the presence of cats and dogs, the pasturing system, the herd size, the hygiene in the farms. The results of the present survey indicate that T. gondii and N. caninum infections are highly prevalent in sheep and goats in Qinghai province, China. This is the first time that antibodies to N. caninum have been detected in sheep and goats in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Kui Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410128, China; National and Provincial Union Engineering Research Center for the Veterinary Herbal medicine resources and initiative, Changsha, Hunan Province 410128, China; Hunan Agricultural University Animal Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Liuyang 410311, China.
| | - Jian-Yong Li
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of CAAS, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Hu Pan
- Lanzhou Institute of Animal Sciences and Pharmaceutics of CAAS, Lanzhou 730050, China
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Salman D, Oohashi E, Mohamed AEA, Abd El-Mottelib AER, Okada T, Igarashi M. Seroprevalences of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in pet rabbits in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2014; 76:855-62. [PMID: 24584081 PMCID: PMC4108769 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential contamination of Toxoplasma gondii and
Neospora caninum oocysts in the human environment is a concern from the
public health viewpoint. However, estimation of their seroprevalences in humans cannot be
performed in a manner that distinguishes between oocysts and tissue cysts as a source of
infection. Rabbits are considered popular pet animals in Japan that can acquire natural
infections by the aforementioned parasites only through the ingestion of oocysts.
Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalences of T.
gondii and N. caninum in pet rabbits in Japan as an indicator
of the possible oocyst contamination in the environment surrounding human beings. Serum
samples of 337 rabbits were examined by different serological methods. Enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assays were performed to measure the titer of IgG and IgM antibodies.
Samples revealed to be seropositive by ELISA were further analyzed by a latex
agglutination test, Western blotting and an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The rates
of seropositivity for T. gondii were 0.89% (3/337) and 0.29% (1/337) in
IgG and IgM ELISA, respectively. SAG1 and SAG2 were detected as major antigens by the
positive rabbit sera in Western blotting associated with strong staining observed by IFA
in T. gondii tachyzoites. Regarding N. caninum, none of
the serum samples showed a specific reaction in both Western blotting and the IFA. The
results of this study indicate low seroprevalences of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in pet
rabbits in Japan, suggesting low oocyst contamination in the human environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Salman
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Elsheikha HM, McKinlay CL, Elsaied NA, Smith PA. Effects of Neospora caninum infection on brain microvascular endothelial cells bioenergetics. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:24. [PMID: 23351811 PMCID: PMC3586355 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brain is the most commonly affected organ during Neospora caninum infection but the mechanisms utilized by this protozoan parasite for traversal of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are not yet understood. Herein, we investigate the cellular pathogenicity of N. caninum infection on bioenergetics of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), a fundamental component of the BBB. METHODS We tracked the growth kinetics of N. caninum in HBMECs. Focusing on cell bioenergetics, oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was determined using Clark electrode system and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was evaluated using DePsipher staining by fluorescence microscopy in the presence and absence of infection. RESULTS HBMECs provided a receptive environment for parasite proliferation. N. caninum tachyzoites were able to invade and replicate within HBMECs without significantly altering cell proliferation rate, as measured with the MTT assay, up to 24 hr post infection (pi). The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was significantly inhibited (p < 0.001) by 10 mM glucose [from -2.26±0.23 to -0.6±0.21 nmol 106 cell min-1 and from -0.29±0.09 to -0.16±0.1 nmol 106 cell min-1 for uninfected HBMECs and free N. Caninum tachyzoites, respectively]. After normalization for DNA content the basal OCR did not differ between two host cell types: HBMECs and K562. The OCR of HBMECs was significantly elevated 24 hr pi in the absence of substrate, in 10 mM glucose and in the presence of a tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD)/ascorbate redox shuttle. Although quantitatively similar results were observed for uninfected K562 cells, there was no effect on their OCR 24 hr pi with N. caninum under any of the above substrate conditions. 6mM azide abolished OCR in all situations. Mitochondrial staining with DePsipher indicated no change in their membrane potential (Δψm) up to 24 hr pi. CONCLUSIONS N. caninum is able to grow in HBMECs without markedly disrupting their normal proliferation or mitochondrial integrity. However, it is associated with an increase in infected cell respiration. Whether this increase reflects numeric addition of the parasites own respiration or results from an additional energy demand upon the host cell remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M Elsheikha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK.
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Cowper B, Matthews S, Tomley F. The molecular basis for the distinct host and tissue tropisms of coccidian parasites. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2012; 186:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Müller J, Hemphill A. In vitro culture systems for the study of apicomplexan parasites in farm animals. Int J Parasitol 2012; 43:115-24. [PMID: 23000674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In vitro culture systems represent powerful tools for the study of apicomplexan parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, Sarcocystis, Neospora, Toxoplasma, Besnoitia, Babesia and Theileria, all with high relevance for farm animals. Proliferative stages of these parasites have been cultured in vitro employing a large variety of cell culture and explant approaches. For some, such as Cryptosporidium and Eimeria, the sexual development has been reproduced in cell cultures, while for others, animal experimentation is required to fulfill the life cycle. In vitro cultures have paved the way to exploit the basic biology of these organisms, and had a major impact on the development of tools for diagnostic purposes. With the aid of in vitro cultivation, studies on host-parasite interactions, on factors involved in innate resistance, stage conversion and differentiation, genetics and transfection technology, vaccine candidates and drug effectiveness could be carried out. The use of transgenic parasites has facilitated high-throughput screening of anti-microbial compounds that are active against the proliferative stages. Here, we review the basic features of cell culture-based in vitro systems for apicomplexan parasites that are relevant for farm animals, and discuss their applications with a focus on drug identification and studies of stage differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
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