1
|
Fadel EF, EL-Hady HA, Ahmed AM, Tolba MEM. Molecular diagnosis of human toxoplasmosis: the state of the art. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:201-216. [PMID: 38840888 PMCID: PMC11147977 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01667-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis. Approximately one-third of the world's population is currently T. gondii-seropositive. Although most infections are symptomless, a few can produce retinal lesions and, in immunocompromised persons or when congenitally contracted, can progress to life-threatening central nervous system disseminated infections. Therefore, quick, and precise diagnosis is a must. Molecular techniques nowadays play a crucial role in toxoplasmosis diagnosis, particularly in immunocompromised patients or congenital toxoplasmosis. This review aimed to detail recent advancements in molecular diagnostics of T. gondii infections. The terms "Toxoplasmosis," "Molecular diagnostics," "PCR," "qPCR," "B1," and "rep529" were used to search the English-language literature. In developed nations, conventional PCR (PCR) and nested PCR have been supplanted by quantitative PCR (qPCR), although they are still widely employed in poor nations. The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis has been revolutionized by the emergence of molecular diagnostics. Unfortunately, there is still substantial interlaboratory variability. There is an immediate need for standardization to increase the comparability of results between laboratories and clinical trials. Graphical abstract A graphical abstract highlighting the summary of Toxoplasma molecular diagnostics, created using Biorender.com.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman Fathi Fadel
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Hanaa Ahmed EL-Hady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Amal Mostafa Ahmed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Essa Marghany Tolba
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khaled University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dellarupe A, Moré G, Unzaga JM, Pardini L, Venturini MC. Study of specific immunodominant antigens in different stages of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Hammondia spp. Exp Parasitol 2024; 262:108772. [PMID: 38723846 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- A Dellarupe
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina.
| | - G Moré
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - J M Unzaga
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - L Pardini
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aerts R, Mehra V, Groll AH, Martino R, Lagrou K, Robin C, Perruccio K, Blijlevens N, Nucci M, Slavin M, Bretagne S, Cordonnier C. Guidelines for the management of Toxoplasma gondii infection and disease in patients with haematological malignancies and after haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation: guidelines from the 9th European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia, 2022. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:e291-e306. [PMID: 38134949 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00495-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Patients with haematological malignancies might develop life-threatening toxoplasmosis, especially after allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). Reactivation of latent cysts is the primary mechanism of toxoplasmosis following HSCT; hence, patients at high risk are those who were seropositive before transplantation. The lack of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis and various immune status parameters of the patient are other associated risk factors. The mortality of toxoplasma disease-eg, with organ involvement-can be particularly high in this setting. We have developed guidelines for managing toxoplasmosis in haematology patients, through a literature review and consultation with experts. In allogeneic HSCT recipients seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii before transplant, because T gondii infection mostly precedes toxoplasma disease, we propose weekly blood screening by use of quantitative PCR (qPCR) to identify infection early as a pre-emptive strategy. As trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis might fail, prophylaxis and qPCR screening should be combined. However, PCR in blood can be negative even in toxoplasma disease. The duration of prophylaxis should be a least 6 months and extended during treatment-induced immunosuppression or severe CD4 lymphopenia. If a positive qPCR test occurs, treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine, or pyrimethamine-clindamycin should be started, and a new sample taken. If the second qPCR test is negative, clinical judgement is recommended to either continue or stop therapy and restart prophylaxis. Therapy must be continued until a minimum of two negative PCRs for infection, or for at least 6 weeks for disease. The pre-emptive approach is not indicated in seronegative HSCT recipients, after autologous transplantation, or in non-transplant haematology patients, but PCR should be performed with a high level of clinical suspicion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robina Aerts
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Varun Mehra
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andreas H Groll
- Infectious Disease Research Program, Center for Bone Marrow Transplantation and Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Martino
- Servei d'Hematologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Robin
- Department of Haematology, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - Katia Perruccio
- Pediatric Oncology Hematology, Mother and Child Health Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Nicole Blijlevens
- Department of Haematology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marcio Nucci
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Monica Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stéphane Bretagne
- Université Paris Cité, and Parasitology and Mycology laboratory, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Saint Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Cordonnier
- Department of Haematology, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France; University Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ullmann J, Kodym P, Flegr J, Berenová D, Jirsová S, Kaňková Š. Oral Sex as a Potential Route for Toxoplasma Gondii Transmission: Experiment with Human Semen and Laboratory Mice Model. Acta Parasitol 2024:10.1007/s11686-024-00848-5. [PMID: 38662074 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00848-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widespread parasites in the human population globally. Several modes of its transmission have been proposed: some are well-researched and confirmed, others remain unconfirmed. One unconfirmed hypothesis pertains to potential transmission of Toxoplasma gondii via oral sex (fellatio) in humans. A recent study found tissue cysts in the semen of men with latent toxoplasmosis. Therefore, we aimed to test the hypothesis of Toxoplasma gondii transmission through oral sex experimentally. METHODS Eighty-two laboratory mice were orally administered semen samples from 41 men with latent toxoplasmosis. These semen samples were examined for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA using PCR. RESULTS We detected Toxoplasma gondii DNA in three of the 41 semen samples from men with latent toxoplasmosis. Oral administration of semen samples to laboratory mice did not result in parasite transmission. CONCLUSION We have not demonstrated the transmission of Toxoplasma to mice by oral exposure to semen from infected men. While this does not conclusively rule out the possibility of such transmission in humans, the results suggest that, if it does occur, this mode of transmission is likely infrequent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ullmann
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Kodym
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dagmar Berenová
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Jirsová
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Kaňková
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guitard J, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Varlet-Marie E, Dalle F, Rouges C, Argy N, Bonhomme J, Capitaine A, Guégan H, Lavergne RA, Dardé ML, Pelloux H, Robert-Gangneux F, Yera H, Sterkers Y. Multicenter evaluation of the Toxoplasma gondii Real-TM (Sacace) kit performance for the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0142823. [PMID: 38470023 PMCID: PMC11005372 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01428-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA is a key tool for the diagnosis of disseminated and congenital toxoplasmosis. This multicentric study from the Molecular Biology Pole of the French National Reference Center for toxoplasmosis aimed to evaluate Toxoplasma gondii Real-TM PCR kit (Sacace). The study compared the analytical and clinical performances of this PCR assay with the reference PCRs used in proficient laboratories. PCR efficiencies varied from 90% to 112%; linearity zone extended over four log units (R2 > 0.99) and limit of detection varied from 0.01 to ≤1 Tg/mL depending on the center. Determined on 173 cryopreserved DNAs from a large range of clinical specimens, clinical sensitivity was 100% [106/106; 95 confidence interval (CI): 96.5%-100%] and specificity was 100% (67/67; 95 CI: 94.6%-100%). The study revealed two potential limitations of the Sacace PCR assay: the first was the inconsistency of the internal control (IC) when added to the PCR mixture. This point was not found under routine conditions when the IC was added during the extraction step. The second is a lack of practicality, as the mixture is distributed over several vials, requiring numerous pipetting operations. Overall, this study provides useful information for the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis; the analytical and clinical performances of the Sacace PCR kit were satisfactory, the kit having sensitivity and specificity similar to those of expert center methods and being able to detect low parasite loads, at levels where multiplicative analysis gives inconsistently positive results. Finally, the study recommends multiplicative analysis in particular for amniotic fluids, aqueous humor, and other single specimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Guitard
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Saint-Antoine Hospital Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Paris, France
- Molecular Biology group of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Brenier-Pinchart
- Molecular Biology group of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Emmanuelle Varlet-Marie
- Molecular Biology group of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, University Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, MiVEGEC, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Dalle
- Molecular Biology group of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Celia Rouges
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Argy
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Bichat Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Julie Bonhomme
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Agathe Capitaine
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Hélène Guégan
- Molecular Biology group of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Rose-Anne Lavergne
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, IICiMed, UR, Nantes, France
| | | | - Hervé Pelloux
- Molecular Biology group of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Florence Robert-Gangneux
- Molecular Biology group of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Hélène Yera
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Yvon Sterkers
- Molecular Biology group of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Galán-Puchades MT, Gosálvez C, Trelis M, Gómez-Samblás M, Solano-Parada J, Osuna A, Sáez-Durán S, Bueno-Marí R, Fuentes MV. Parasite Fauna and Coinfections in Urban Rats Naturally Infected by the Zoonotic Parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Pathogens 2023; 13:28. [PMID: 38251336 PMCID: PMC10819396 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
When the zoonotic parasite of rodents that can cause human neuroangiostrongyliasis, i.e., Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is found in its natural definitive hosts, it is usually reported in isolation, as if the rat lungworm were the only component of its parasite community. In this study, we report the coinfections found in rats naturally infected by A. cantonensis in urban populations of Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus in Valencia, Spain. In addition to the rat lungworms, which were found in 14 of the 125 rats studied (a prevalence of 11.20%), 18 other parasite species (intestinal and tissular protists, microsporidia and helminths) were found, some of them with high burdens. Fourteen of these nineteen species found are potential zoonotic parasites, namely Blastocystis, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon hellem, Toxoplasma gondii, Brachylaima spp., Hydatigera taeniaeformis s.l. larvae, Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Calodium hepaticum, Gongylonema neoplasticum and Moniliformis moniliformis. The total predominance of coinfected rats as well as their high parasite loads seem to indicate a trend towards parasite tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Carla Gosálvez
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - María Trelis
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Mercedes Gómez-Samblás
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.S.-P.); (A.O.)
| | - Jennifer Solano-Parada
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.S.-P.); (A.O.)
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.S.-P.); (A.O.)
| | - Sandra Sáez-Durán
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
- Laboratorios Lokímica, Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D), Ronda Auguste y Louis Lumière 23, Nave 10, Parque Tecnológico, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marius V. Fuentes
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Evangelista FF, de Laet Sant'Ana P, Ferreira WC, Ferreira TA, Dos Santos ML, de Souza AH, de Andrade FAL, da Silva DA, de Barros LD, Colli CM, Nogueira-Melo GA, Costa IN, Falavigna-Guilherme AL. The Brazilian Toxoplasma gondii strain BRI caused greater inflammation and impairment in anxiogenic behavior in mice, which was reverted by rosuvastatin treatment. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:64. [PMID: 38117414 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08038-4] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of rosuvastatin treatment on anxiety-related behavior and short- and long-term memory impairment in mice infected with acute RH and BRI strains of Toxoplasma gondii. Balb/C mice were infected intraperitoneally and after 2 h, oral treatment with rosuvastatin (40 mg/kg/day) was initiated for 4 days. Behaviors related to anxiety and locomotion were evaluated in the open field (OF), and short- and long-term memory through the novel object recognition test (NOR). At the end of the experiments, peritoneal fluid, brain, liver, and lung were collected for T. gondii DNA quantification and histopathological analysis. Infection with BRI strain reduced the dwell time and central locomotion in the OF (p < 0.05), indicating anxiogenic type behavior, while treatment with rosuvastatin reversed this response (p < 0.05). RH strain infection did not alter any behavior in the OF (p > 0.05) and both strains impaired short- and long-term memory (NOR test), but with no significant treatment effect (p > 0.05). The BRI strain was shown to be more damaging in relation to anxiogenic type behavior when compared to the RH strain (p < 0.05), whereas rosuvastatin reduced this damaging effect in BRI. The treatment reduced the parasite load in the peritoneal lavage, liver, and lung of animals infected with both acute strains; however, it significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the inflammatory process only in BRI-infected and treated animals, showing that non-archetypal genotypes are more damaging in rodents. This suggests that rosuvastatin may be a drug with great therapeutic potential against T. gondii mainly to reduce damage from virulent strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, State University of Londrina (UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kinsey EN, Korte C, Gouasmia S, L'Ollivier C, Dubey JP, Dumètre A, Darnault CJ. Detection, fate and transport of the biohazardous agent Toxoplasma gondii in soil water systems: Influence of soil physicochemical properties, water chemistry and surfactant. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 15:597-613. [PMID: 37740249 PMCID: PMC10667666 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to study the fate and transport of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in soils as a function of soil physicochemical properties and soil water chemistry properties. Soil columns were homogeneously packed with loamy sand soils (Lewiston and Greenson series) and sandy loam soils (Sparta and Gilford series), and subject to hydrologic conditions characterized by the absence and presence of an anionic surfactant-Aerosol 22 in the artificial rainfall. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was utilized for the detection and enumeration of oocysts in soil leachates to evaluate their breakthrough and in soil matrices to examine their spatial distribution. Differences in the rate and extent of transport of oocysts were observed as a function of physical and chemical parameters tested. The breakthrough of oocysts was observed for all the soils irrespective of the presence of surfactant. However, in the absence of surfactant, the predominant fate of oocysts in soils subject to simulated rainfall was their retention in the soil profile. The presence of surfactant induced a change in the fate of oocysts in these soils exposed to rainfall simulation as the predominant fate of oocysts was found to be in the soil leachates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin N. Kinsey
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth SciencesClemson UniversityAndersonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Caroline Korte
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth SciencesClemson UniversityAndersonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sohib Gouasmia
- Aix Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance
- IHU‐Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
| | - Coralie L'Ollivier
- Aix Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance
- IHU‐Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- AP‐HM, Parasitology LaboratoryTimone HospitalMarseilleFrance
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases LaboratoryBeltsville Agricultural Research CenterBeltsvilleMarylandUSA
| | | | - Christophe J.G. Darnault
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth SciencesClemson UniversityAndersonSouth CarolinaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ren H, Mao G, Zhang Y, Zhu N, Liang Q, Jiang Y, Yang Y. Isolation and Characterization of a Viable Toxoplasma gondii from Captive Caracal ( Caracal caracal). Pathogens 2023; 12:1412. [PMID: 38133295 PMCID: PMC10747901 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite that infects most warm-blooded animals, and felids can serve as intermediate and definitive hosts. Pathological diagnosis and serological and etiological investigations were conducted on a captive caracal (Caracal caracal) carcass collected from China in 2022. Pathological diagnosis revealed that cardiac insufficiency, pulmonary edema, hepatic failure, and renal insufficiency were the causes of the caracal's death. A modified agglutination test (cut-off: 1:25) revealed that IgG antibodies against T. gondii were present in the myocardium juice (1:1600), ascitic fluid (1:3200), and hydropericardium (1:800). A viable T. gondii (TgCaracalCHn2) strain was isolated from the tissue samples (heart, brain, spleen, and skeletal muscle) of this caracal using a mouse bioassay. The genotype of TgCaracalCHn2 was ToxoDB#5 (Type II variant), as determined via RFLP-PCR. The strain was avirulent in Swiss mice and matched the prediction of ROP18 and ROP5 gene alleles of TgCaracalCHn2 (2/2). Mild tissue cysts (203 ± 265) were observed in mice brains after inoculation with TgCaracalCHn2 tachyzoites. ToxoDB#5 is the dominant genotype in North American wildlife, and this is the first documented isolation of T. gondii ToxoDB#5 from China. This indicates that caracal plays an important role in the transmission of this T. gondii genotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Ren
- College of Animal Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Gaohui Mao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Niuping Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Qunchao Liang
- Henan Yinji Jiabao Amusement Park Management Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou 452300, China
| | - Yibao Jiang
- College of Animal Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yurong Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nabet C, Brossas JY, Poignon C, Bouzidi A, Paris L, Touafek F, Varlet-Marie E, Sterkers Y, Passebosc-Faure K, Dardé ML, Piarroux R, Denis JA. Assessment of Droplet Digital PCR for the Detection and Absolute Quantification of Toxoplasma gondii: A Comparative Retrospective Study. J Mol Diagn 2023; 25:467-476. [PMID: 37068735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2023.03.006] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate tools for Toxoplasma gondii detection and quantification can be valuable for the early and effective management of toxoplasmosis. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a next-generation end-point PCR technique with high performance. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of ddPCR for the detection and absolute quantification of T. gondii. From January 2019 to October 2020, DNA samples collected at the Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology of Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris were retrospectively analyzed by ddPCR and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). To detect T. gondii with the best sensitivity possible, the REP-529 multicopy target was used. For absolute quantification of T. gondii, a specific single-copy target of α-tubulin was designed. T. gondii detection by ddPCR and qPCR was strongly correlated (R2 = 0.93), with a total concordance of 96.7% (n = 145/150). Quantification of T. gondii using ddPCR was successful for 15 of 35 samples showing a parasite load ≥170 copies/mL of DNA eluate using the α-tubulin target. The qPCR REP-529 quantification based on a standard curve was approximate and dependent on the strain genotype, which led to an estimate of parasite copy number 14- to 160-fold superior to the ddPCR result. In total, ddPCR is an effective molecular method for T. gondii detection that shows equivalent performance to qPCR. For robust T. gondii quantification, ddPCR is clearly more accurate than semiquantitative qPCR methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Nabet
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Pierre-Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Parasitology and Mycology Department, Paris, France.
| | - Jean-Yves Brossas
- Sorbonne University, Parasitology and Mycology Department, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Corentin Poignon
- Sorbonne University, Parasitology and Mycology Department, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Amira Bouzidi
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Research Unit on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Institut of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Department of Endocrine Biochemistry and Oncology, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Luc Paris
- Sorbonne University, Parasitology and Mycology Department, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Feriel Touafek
- Sorbonne University, Parasitology and Mycology Department, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Varlet-Marie
- University of Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Rechercher pour le Développement (IRD), MiVEGEC, University Hospital of Montpellier, Molecular Biology Pole of the National Reference Centre (CNR) for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
| | - Yvon Sterkers
- University of Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Rechercher pour le Développement (IRD), MiVEGEC, University Hospital of Montpellier, Molecular Biology Pole of the National Reference Centre (CNR) for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
| | - Karine Passebosc-Faure
- National Reference Centre (CNR) for Toxoplasmosis/Toxoplasma Biological Research Centre (BRC), Dupuytren University Hospital Centre, Limoges, France
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- National Reference Centre (CNR) for Toxoplasmosis/Toxoplasma Biological Research Centre (BRC), Dupuytren University Hospital Centre, Limoges, France; Limoges University, INSERM, University Hospital Centre Limoges, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Tropical Neuroepidemiology Unit, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Limoges, France
| | - Renaud Piarroux
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Pierre-Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Parasitology and Mycology Department, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Alexandre Denis
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Endocrine Biochemistry and Oncology, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Berrouch S, Escotte-Binet S, Biary A, Nast E, Laaouidi Y, Aubert D, Maarouf A, Harrak R, Villena I, Hafid J. Investigation of the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in drinking waters in the region of Marrakech, Morocco. J Food Prot 2023:100112. [PMID: 37286083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100112] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The association between the parasitic illnesses and the consumption of contaminated water has been largely reported. However, there is still a lack of studies investigating the extent of parasitic contamination in water in Morocco. This is the first study in Morocco that aimed at assessing the presence of protozoan parasites, namely Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Toxoplasma gondii, in drinking water consumed in the region of Marrakech. Samples processing was performed by membrane filtration and qPCR detection. A total of 104 drinking water samples (tap water, well and spring waters) was collected between 2016 and 2020. The analysis revealed an overall protozoa contamination rate of 67.3% (70/104), of which 35 samples were positive for Giardia duodenalis, 18 for Toxoplasma gondii and 17 for both parasites. Whereas no sample was positive for Cryptosporidium spp. This first study showed that drinking water in the region of Marrakech contained parasites which could represent a risk for consumers. For better understanding and estimation of the risk encountered by local inhabitants, further studies concerned with (oo)cyst viability, infectivity and genotype identification need to be performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salma Berrouch
- Bioresources and Food Safety Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco; Ecole Supérieure de Technologie Kelaa des Sraghna, Cadi Ayyad University, El Kelaa des Sraghna, Morocco
| | - Sandie Escotte-Binet
- Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA 7510 ESCAPE, SFR CAP-SANTE, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne and CHU Reims, Hospital Maison Blanche, National Reference Centre of Toxoplasmosis, 51097, Reims, France
| | - Abdelkader Biary
- Bioresources and Food Safety Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Eva Nast
- Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA 7510 ESCAPE, SFR CAP-SANTE, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne and CHU Reims, Hospital Maison Blanche, National Reference Centre of Toxoplasmosis, 51097, Reims, France
| | - Younes Laaouidi
- Bioresources and Food Safety Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Dominique Aubert
- Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA 7510 ESCAPE, SFR CAP-SANTE, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne and CHU Reims, Hospital Maison Blanche, National Reference Centre of Toxoplasmosis, 51097, Reims, France
| | - Abdelmalek Maarouf
- Bioresources and Food Safety Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Rajae Harrak
- Regional Laboratory for Epidemiological Diagnosis and Environmental Health, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA 7510 ESCAPE, SFR CAP-SANTE, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne and CHU Reims, Hospital Maison Blanche, National Reference Centre of Toxoplasmosis, 51097, Reims, France
| | - Jamaleddine Hafid
- Bioresources and Food Safety Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bispo PJM, Belanger N, Li A, Liu R, Susarla G, Chan W, Chodosh J, Gilmore MS, Sobrin L. An All-in-One Highly Multiplexed Diagnostic Assay for Rapid, Sensitive, and Comprehensive Detection of Intraocular Pathogens. Am J Ophthalmol 2023; 250:82-94. [PMID: 36709019 PMCID: PMC10760444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intraocular infections are sight-threatening conditions that can lead to vision loss. Rapid identification of the etiologies plays a key role in early initiation of effective therapy to save vision. However, current diagnostic modalities are time consuming and lack sensitivity and inclusiveness. We present here a newly developed comprehensive ocular panel designed to improve diagnostic yields and provide a tool for rapid and sensitive pathogen detection. DESIGN Experimental laboratory investigation. METHODS A panel containing 46 pathogens and 2 resistance/virulence markers that are commonly detected in intraocular infections was developed. Genomic targets were scrutinized for stretches predicted to be specific for a particular species while being conserved across different strains. A set of primers for sample enrichment, and two 50mer NanoString compatible probes were then designed for each target. Probe-target hybrids were detected and quantified using the NanoString nCounter SPRINT Profiler. Diagnostic feasibility was assessed in a pilot clinical study testing samples from infectious retinitis (n = 15) and endophthalmitis (n = 12) patients, for which the etiologies were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or culture. RESULTS Analytical studies demonstrated highly sensitive detection of a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, with limits of detection being as low as 2.5 femtograms per reaction. We also found excellent target specificity, with minimal cross-reactivity detected. The custom-designed NanoString ocular panel correctly identified the causative agent from all clinical specimens positive for a variety of pathogens. CONCLUSION This highly multiplexed panel for pathogen detection offers a sensitive, comprehensive, and uniform assay run directly on ocular fluids that could significantly improve diagnostics of sight-threatening intraocular infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo J M Bispo
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.J.M.B., N.B., A.L., R.L., G.S., W.C., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Infectious Disease Institute (P.J.M.B., N.B., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Nicole Belanger
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.J.M.B., N.B., A.L., R.L., G.S., W.C., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Infectious Disease Institute (P.J.M.B., N.B., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashley Li
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.J.M.B., N.B., A.L., R.L., G.S., W.C., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Renee Liu
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.J.M.B., N.B., A.L., R.L., G.S., W.C., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gayatri Susarla
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.J.M.B., N.B., A.L., R.L., G.S., W.C., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Weilin Chan
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.J.M.B., N.B., A.L., R.L., G.S., W.C., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Chodosh
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.J.M.B., N.B., A.L., R.L., G.S., W.C., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Infectious Disease Institute (P.J.M.B., N.B., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael S Gilmore
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.J.M.B., N.B., A.L., R.L., G.S., W.C., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Infectious Disease Institute (P.J.M.B., N.B., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology (M.S.G.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lucia Sobrin
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.J.M.B., N.B., A.L., R.L., G.S., W.C., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Infectious Disease Institute (P.J.M.B., N.B., J.C., M.S.G., L.S.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yang L, Ren H, Zhu N, Mao G, Li J, Su C, Jiang Y, Yang Y. Epidemiology and isolation of viable Toxoplasma gondii strain from macropods. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13960. [PMID: 36938389 PMCID: PMC10015192 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13960] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Wallabies and other marsupials are highly susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii. In this study, 26 macropod samples were collected (8 red kangaroos, 4 Parma wallabies, 8 red-necked wallabies, 5 albino red-necked wallabies and 1 Eastern grey kangaroo), including tissue (n = 9) and serum (n = 17) samples. According to the modified agglutination test (MAT) results (cutoff 1:25), 50% (95% Cl: 32.06-67.94%) of the macropods had T. gondii antibodies. Among them, species, survival state, and sampling date were risk factors for T. gondii susceptibility (P < 0.05). T. gondii DNA was detected in two (cases #14 and #15) of the nine cases obtained from macropod tissues. One viable T. gondii strain (TgRooCHn4) was isolated from an albino red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus, case #14) via bioassay in mice. TgRooCHn4 belongs to ToxoDB genotype #3, using the 10 multilocus PCR-RFLP markers. The ROP18 and ROP5 gene allele types of TgRooCHn4 were 2/2, which was predicted to be non-lethal to mice. The virulence of TgRooCHn4 tachyzoites was avirulent in mice. Most macropods sampled from Hernan province in 2021 and 2022 were positive with T. gondii infection. A flood occurred in July 2021 in Zhengzhou from Henan province may promote the transmission of T. gondii oocysts. To our knowledge, this is the first T. gondii strain isolated from albino red-necked wallaby. However, further investigation is required to enhance our understanding of the transmission and prevention of toxoplasmosis in sensitive zoo animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liulu Yang
- Veterinary Pathology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Hongjie Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Niuping Zhu
- Veterinary Pathology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Gaohui Mao
- Veterinary Pathology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | | | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - Yibao Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, PR China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Yurong Yang
- Veterinary Pathology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, PR China
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Status of Infectious Diseases in Free-Ranging European Brown Hares ( Lepus europaeus) Found Dead between 2017 and 2020 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020239. [PMID: 36839511 PMCID: PMC9959346 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) is a quite adaptable species, but populations have been decreasing for several decades in different countries, including Germany. To investigate infectious diseases as possible influences on observed population decline in the German federal state Schleswig-Holstein, 118 deceased free-ranging European brown hares were collected between 2017 and 2020 and underwent detailed postmortem examination with extended sampling. Infectious diseases were a major cause of death (34.7%). The number of juveniles found exceeded the adult ones. The main pathomorphological findings were hepatitis (32.8%), pneumonia (22.2%), nephritis (19.1%), liver necrosis (12.9%), and enteritis (40.7%). An unusual main finding was steatitis (20.9%) of unknown origin. Animals were mainly emaciated and showed high infection rates with Eimeria spp. (91.3%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (36.2%). European Brown Hare Syndrome Virus reached an epidemic status with few fatal infections (4.2%) and high seroprevalence (64.9%), whereas the prevalence of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 was very low (0.8%) in hares in Schleswig-Holstein. Pathogens such as Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (5.9%), Pasteurella multocida (0.8%), and Staphylococcus aureus (3.4%) only caused sporadic deaths. This study illustrates the wide distribution of various infectious pathogens with high mortality and even zoonotic potential. Infectious diseases need to be considered as an important influence on population dynamics in Schleswig-Holstein.
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang L, Xin S, Zhu N, Li J, Su C, Yang Y. Two viable Toxoplasma gondii isolates from red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and red kangaroo (M. rufus). Parasitol Int 2023; 92:102687. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
16
|
Xhaard A, Villate A, Hamane S, Michonneau D, Menotti J, Robin M, Sicre de Fontbrune F, Dhédin N, Peffault de la Tour R, Socié G, Bretagne S. A 10-year retrospective analysis of Toxoplasma gondii qPCR screening in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. Bone Marrow Transplant 2023; 58:152-159. [PMID: 36335254 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-022-01861-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Weekly blood Toxoplasma gondii DNA screening using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has been implemented in all allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) recipients at our hospital. We retrospectively analyzed the consequences of a positive blood qPCR in the management of Toxoplasma infection (TI) and disease (TD).From 2011 to 2020, 52 (4.13%) of 1 257 alloHSCT recipients had at least one positive qPCR, 45 (3.5%) with TI and seven (0.56%) with TD (central nervous system involvement). Forty-four patients were qPCR-positive before day 100, 30 without and 14 with anti-Toxoplasma prophylaxis. Twenty-five of them (56.8%) started or continued prophylactic dosage treatment: all became qPCR-negative, including 20 (80%) receiving only prophylactic dosage treatment. Twenty-four of them (54.5%) received non-prophylactic dosage treatment: qPCR became negative in 22/24 (91.7%), while TI contributed to death in two cases. Six of the eight patients diagnosed after D100 had breakthrough TI or TD. No death was attributable to TI or TD. qPCR kinetics available for 24 patients increased until anti-Toxoplasma treatment began, then decreased with all treatment regimens.Clinical follow-up and qPCR monitoring with quantification of the parasitic load appears a reasonable strategy to avoid TD and to use minimal effective dosage of anti-Toxoplasma treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alienor Xhaard
- Service d'hématologie-greffe, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.
| | - Alban Villate
- Service d'hématologie et thérapie cellulaire, CHRU Tours, Tours, France
| | - Samia Hamane
- Laboratoire de mycologie-parasitologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - David Michonneau
- Service d'hématologie-greffe, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR 976 (Team Insights), Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean Menotti
- Laboratoire de mycologie-parasitologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marie Robin
- Service d'hématologie-greffe, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Flore Sicre de Fontbrune
- Service d'hématologie-greffe, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Dhédin
- Service d'hématologie adolescents jeunes adultes, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Régis Peffault de la Tour
- Service d'hématologie-greffe, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Gérard Socié
- Service d'hématologie-greffe, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR 976 (Team Insights), Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Bretagne
- Laboratoire de mycologie-parasitologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pardo Gil M, Hegglin D, Briner T, Ruetten M, Müller N, Moré G, Frey CF, Deplazes P, Basso W. High prevalence rates of Toxoplasma gondii in cat-hunted small mammals - Evidence for parasite induced behavioural manipulation in the natural environment? Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 20:108-116. [PMID: 36747510 PMCID: PMC9898578 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii causes one of the most frequent parasitic infections in vertebrates on earth. The present study aimed to assess the occurrence of T. gondii infection in cat-hunted wild small mammals, and to determine the circulating T. gondii genotypes in cat prey. There is evidence suggesting that T. gondii may manipulate rodents' behaviour enhancing transmission to their definitive feline host by facilitating predation. Given that most studies focusing on rodent behavior have been performed under laboratory conditions, we tested this hypothesis in the natural environment. We analysed 157 cat-hunted wild small mammals of six different species from Switzerland. Brain and skeletal muscle samples from each animal were tested for T. gondii DNA by PCR, and positive samples were genotyped using a multilocus sequence typing approach, including 10 genetic markers. Additionally, to evaluate exposure to cat faeces, the presence of Taenia taeniaeformis metacestodes was investigated at necropsy. The prevalence of T. gondii in cat-hunted Arvicola amphibius s.l. was 11.1% (7/63), 14.6% (7/48) in Apodemus spp., 13.6% (3/22) in Myodes glareolus, 6.7% (1/15) in Crocidura russula, and 0% in Microtus arvalis (0/8) and Sorex sp. (0/1). All completely genotyped T. gondii parasites, exhibited the ToxoDB #3 genotype, a Type II variant. We additionally analysed 48 trap-captured A. amphibius s.l., which all tested negative for T. gondii infection, contrasting with the higher prevalence in cat-hunted A. amphibius s.l. (0% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.0176). Furthermore, T. taeniaeformis was detected in both groups, indicating widespread contamination with cat faeces in the sampled areas. These results provide evidence that T. gondii infected rodents are at higher risk to be predated by cats and therewith support the behaviour manipulation hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Pardo Gil
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Corresponding author.
| | - Daniel Hegglin
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- SWILD– Urban Ecology and Wildlife Research, Wuhrstrasse 12, CH-8003, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Briner
- Naturmuseum Solothurn, Klosterplatz 2, CH-4500, Solothurn, Switzerland
| | - Maja Ruetten
- PathoVet AG, Buckstrasse 2, CH-8317, Tagelswangen, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gastón Moré
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Aguilar-Marín J, Cruz-Vázquez C, Vitela-Mendoza I, Medina-Esparza L, De Velasco-Reyes I, Ramos-Parra M. Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection and parasite DNA in free-range chickens in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Acta Vet Hung 2022; 70:269-273. [PMID: 36240048 DOI: 10.1556/004.2022.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in free-range chickens in Aguascalientes, Mexico, its association with certain risk factors, and the frequency of parasite DNA in the heart. Eighty-one small rural family farms were included, and blood and heart samples were taken from 150 clinically healthy, adult, free-range chickens. Serum samples were processed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test considering a dilution of 1:16 as a positive reaction, while the DNA detection was done by PCR. The correlation between the presence of antibodies and the potential risk factors was estimated with logistic regression. The overall seroprevalence in the examined populations was 67%, with a range from 33% to 100% among municipalities, and 78% of the farms having at least one seropositive bird. The PCR test identified the presence of parasite DNA for one case only. Among the variables, the presence of cats and the presence of other animal species on the farm were the ones that had the highest values, while the presence of feral cats and the presence of noxious fauna were also identified as potential risk factors. The results indicate high soil contamination by T. gondii oocysts, which implies the active role of cats living on the farms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Aguilar-Marín
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Carlos Cruz-Vázquez
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Irene Vitela-Mendoza
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Leticia Medina-Esparza
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Isabel De Velasco-Reyes
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ramos-Parra
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ren H, Yang L, Zhu N, Li J, Su C, Jiang Y, Yang Y. Additional evidence of tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) as intermediate hosts for Toxoplasma gondii through the isolation of viable strains. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY: PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2022; 19:330-335. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
20
|
Passive epidemiological surveillance in wildlife in Costa Rica identifies pathogens of zoonotic and conservation importance. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262063. [PMID: 36155648 PMCID: PMC9512195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological surveillance systems for pathogens in wild species have been proposed as a preventive measure for epidemic events. These systems can minimize the detrimental effects of an outbreak, but most importantly, passive surveillance systems are the best adapted to countries with limited resources. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the technical and infrastructural feasibility of establishing this type of scheme in Costa Rica by implementing a pilot program targeting the detection of pathogens of zoonotic and conservation importance in wildlife. Between 2018 and 2020, 85 carcasses of free-ranging vertebrates were admitted for post-mortem and microbiology analysis. However, we encountered obstacles mainly related to the initial identification of cases and limited local logistics capacity. Nevertheless, this epidemiological surveillance scheme allowed us to estimate the general state of health of the country’s wildlife by establishing the causes of death according to pathological findings. For instance, 60% (51/85) of the deaths were not directly associated with an infectious agent. Though in 37.6% (32/85) of these cases an infectious agent associated or not with disease was detected. In 27.1% (23/85) of the cases, death was directly related to infectious agents. Furthermore, 12.9% (11/85), the cause of death was not determined. Likewise, this wildlife health monitoring program allowed the detection of relevant pathogens such as Canine Distemper Virus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Angiostrongylus spp., Baylisascaris spp., among others. Our research demonstrated that this passive surveillance scheme is cost-effective and feasible in countries with limited resources. This passive surveillance can be adapted to the infrastructure dedicated to monitoring diseases in productive animals according to the scope and objectives of monitoring wildlife specific to each region. The information generated from the experience of the initial establishment of a WHMP is critical to meeting the challenges involved in developing this type of scheme in regions with limited resources and established as hotspots for emerging infectious diseases.
Collapse
|
21
|
Hänggeli KPA, Hemphill A, Müller N, Schimanski B, Olias P, Müller J, Boubaker G. Single- and duplex TaqMan-quantitative PCR for determining the copy numbers of integrated selection markers during site-specific mutagenesis in Toxoplasma gondii by CRISPR-Cas9. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271011. [PMID: 36112587 PMCID: PMC9481009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we developed a single and a duplex TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) for absolute quantification of copy numbers of integrated dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (mdhfr-ts) drug selectable marker for pyrimethamine resistance in Toxoplasma gondii knockouts (KOs). The single TaqMan qPCR amplifies a 174 bp DNA fragment of the inserted mdhfr-ts and of the wild-type (WT) dhfr-ts (wtdhfr-ts) which is present as single copy gene in Toxoplasma and encodes a sensitive enzyme to pyrimethamine. Thus, the copy number of the dhfr-ts fragment in a given DNA quantity from KO parasites with a single site-specific integration should be twice the number of dhfr-ts copies recorded in the same DNA quantity from WT parasites. The duplex TaqMan qPCR allows simultaneous amplification of the 174 bp dhfr-ts fragment and the T. gondii 529-bp repeat element. Accordingly, for a WT DNA sample, the determined number of tachyzoites given by dhfr-ts amplification is equal to the number of tachyzoites determined by amplification of the Toxoplasma 529-bp, resulting thus in a ratio of 1. However, for a KO clone having a single site-specific integration of mdhfr-ts, the calculated ratio is 2. We then applied both approaches to test T. gondii RH mutants in which the major surface antigen (SAG1) was disrupted through insertion of mdhfr-ts using CRISPR-Cas9. Results from both assays were in correlation showing a high accuracy in detecting KOs with multiple integrated mdhfr-ts. Southern blot analyses using BsaBI and DraIII confirmed qPCRs results. Both TaqMan qPCRs are needed for reliable diagnostic of T. gondii KOs following CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, particularly with respect to off-target effects resulting from multiple insertions of mdhfr-ts. The principle of the duplex TaqMan qPCR is applicable for other selectable markers in Toxoplasma. TaqMan qPCR tools may contribute to more frequent use of WT Toxoplasma strains during functional genomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (GB); (AH)
| | - Norbert Müller
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Schimanski
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Olias
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (GB); (AH)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Basso W, Holenweger F, Schares G, Müller N, Campero LM, Ardüser F, Moore-Jones G, Frey CF, Zanolari P. Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in sheep and goats in Switzerland: Seroprevalence and occurrence in aborted foetuses. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 28:e00176. [PMID: 36039091 PMCID: PMC9418186 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00176] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections are important causes of abortion in ruminants. Besides, meat from T. gondii infected animals represent a major infection source for humans. The occurrence of these protozoan parasites in Switzerland was investigated both, in a nationwide cross-sectional serological survey, and by molecular methods in aborted sheep and goat foetuses. A total of 653 sheep from 143 farms and 748 goats from 164 farms were tested by commercial ELISAs and inconclusive results were defined by immunoblot. Besides, a risk factor analysis for seropositivity was performed. The observed seroprevalences for T. gondii in sheep and goats were 66.3% and 50.5% at the animal level, and 90.9% and 81.1% at the farm level, respectively. For N. caninum, the detected seroprevalences in sheep and goats were 0.8% and 0.9% at the animal level, and 2.8% and 1.8% at the farm level, respectively. Older small ruminants, and sheep (vs. goats) had a higher risk of being seropositive to T. gondii. Alpine grazing in summer was identified as a protective factor for seropositivity to T. gondii in both animal species. Toxoplasma gondii and N. caninum DNA were detected in 6.1% and 2.4% (n = 82), and in 6.8% and 1.4% (n = 73) of the tested ovine and caprine foetuses, respectively. These results suggest the involvement of these parasites in abortions and reveal a high prevalence of T. gondii and lower prevalence of N. caninum infections in small ruminants in Switzerland. They also suggest that consumption of undercooked meat from T. gondii infected sheep and goats may represent a risk for public health. Toxoplasma gondii infections are very frequent in Swiss small ruminants. Meat from infected small ruminants represents a source for T. gondii human infection. Sheep have a higher risk of T. gondii seropositivity than goats. Neospora caninum seroprevalences in Swiss sheep and goats are very low. T. gondii and N. caninum were detected in ovine and caprine abortions in Switzerland. T. gondii and N. caninum should be considered in diagnosis of small ruminant abortion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Holenweger
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Norbert Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucía M Campero
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Flurin Ardüser
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gaia Moore-Jones
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Längassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrik Zanolari
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Brenier-Pinchart MP, Filisetti D, Cassaing S, Varlet-Marie E, Robert-Gangneux F, Delhaes L, Guitard J, Yéra H, Bastien P, Pelloux H, Sterkers Y. Molecular Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis: Multicenter Evaluation of the Toxoplasma RealCycler Universal PCR Assay on 168 Characterized Human Samples. J Mol Diagn 2022; 24:687-696. [PMID: 35452843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time PCR plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. In this multicenter study, the Toxoplasma RealCycler Universal assay was assessed for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by eight reference laboratories. DNAs from diverse clinical samples were included: 141 characterized samples from patients with different clinical forms of proven toxoplasmosis and 27 from patients without toxoplasmosis were tested in duplicate with the commercial assay. Final diagnosis was affirmed by each center by analysis of clinical settings and biological follow-up. Calibrated Toxoplasma gondii standards and 11 external quality control samples were also included. Discrepant results observed after the first run of commercial PCR were controlled by both reference and commercial PCR assays. Using the commercial assay, the detection threshold varied from 0.01 to 1 tachyzoites/mL, depending on the center. The relationship between crossing point and DNA concentration was linear over 4 log units (r2 > 0.99), and PCR efficiencies were satisfactory (89% to 104%). The results of the 11 external quality control samples were concordant after one retesting, but those for 3 clinical samples remained discrepant. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated at 97.8% (95% CI, 97.8%-100%) and 100% (95% CI, 87.2%-100%), respectively. Provided that PCRs are performed at least in duplicate to detect low parasitic loads, Toxoplasma RealCycler Universal PCR showed suitable performances to diagnose the different forms of toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pierre Brenier-Pinchart
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes and University of Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France.
| | - Denis Filisetti
- "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France; Parasitology-Medical Mycology Laboratory, Parasitology and Tropical Diseases Institute, University Hospitals and University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sophie Cassaing
- "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France; Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse and University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Emmanuelle Varlet-Marie
- "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France; Parasitology-Mycology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Robert-Gangneux
- "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes and Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Santé Publique, University of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Laurence Delhaes
- "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France; Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux and Cardio-Thoracic Research Center, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Juliette Guitard
- "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France; Parasitology Mycology Department, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris and Saint-Antoine Research Center, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Yéra
- "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France; Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris and University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Bastien
- "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France; Parasitology-Mycology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier and MiVEGEC, Institut de Recherche pour Le Développement, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hervé Pelloux
- "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France; Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes and University of Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Yvon Sterkers
- "Molecular Biology" Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France; Parasitology-Mycology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier and MiVEGEC, Institut de Recherche pour Le Développement, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis: Performance of Four IgG and IgM Automated Assays at Birth in a Tricentric Evaluation. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0011522. [DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00115-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
For postnatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT), the gold standard for the detection of anti-
Toxoplasma
IgM in newborns relies on the immunosorbent agglutination assay (ISAGA), which is manufactured from whole
Toxoplasma
parasites that become difficult to maintain. For IgG, only the Platelia assay provides a validated assay for cord blood according to the manufacturer, allowing its use in this context.
Collapse
|
25
|
Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis: No Benefit of IgA Antibody Detection by Platelia ELISA in a Tricentric Evaluation. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0011622. [DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00116-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnostic accuracy of a commercial
Toxoplasma gondii
IgA antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated in the context of routine practice on 289 newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) and 220 healthy controls. The performance of this assay was compared to that of the current gold-standard test for anti-
Toxoplasma
IgM detection, an immunosorbent agglutination assay (ISAGA).
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhu N, Yang L, Xin S, Huang W, Jiang Y, Yang Y. Low Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs From Central China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:885348. [PMID: 35573782 PMCID: PMC9097580 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.885348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundToxoplasma gondii can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans and dogs. Humans can become infected with T. gondii by petting dogs that have eaten or contacted infected cat feces. The aim of this study was to evaluate T. gondii infections in dogs from central China. From 2015 to 2021, a total of 536 dog samples (195 fecal, 81 hearts, and 260 serum samples) from Henan Province were collected. Heart juice or serum samples (n = 341) were tested for T. gondii antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Fresh myocardium (n = 6) and blood (n = 2) samples were bioassayed in mice.ResultsThe present study showed that 4.40% (15/341) of the dogs were seropositive for T. gondii by MAT (cut-off, 1:25) and 4.10% (8/195) of dog feces contained T. gondii DNA. No T. gondii DNA was found in any myocardium (n = 81) or blood (n = 2) samples. The viable T. gondii strain was not isolated from any myocardium or blood samples (n = 8). Compared to the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in dogs sampled from 2015 to 2018, the prevalence significantly declined from 2020 to 2021 (P < 0.05). Gender and age were not risk factors for dogs infected with T. gondii in this study. However, compared to other sources, dogs from Zhoukou City (close to the Yellow River) or from pet shops showed significantly higher prevalence for T. gondii (P < 0.05).ConclusionA total of 4.29% dogs were infected by T. gondii (23/536, 8 of 195 fecal samples, 2 of 260 serum, and 13 of 81 heart juice samples). This is the first survey of T. gondii infection in dog feces from China. Dogs were exposed to T. gondii, and they could act as mechanical transmitters of T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niuping Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- College of Animal Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liulu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shilin Xin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yibao Jiang
- College of Animal Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yibao Jiang, ; Yurong Yang,
| | - Yurong Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yibao Jiang, ; Yurong Yang,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mancusi A, Giordano A, Bosco A, Girardi S, Proroga YTR, Morena L, Pinto R, Sarnelli P, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Capuano F, Maurelli MP. Development of a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction tool for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in meat samples. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1467-1473. [PMID: 35230549 PMCID: PMC8993784 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Infection in humans has usually been related to the consumption of raw, undercooked or cured meat. The aim of this study was to develop a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR)-based assay for the detection and quantification of T. gondii in meat samples. To optimize the ddPCR, T.gondii reference DNA aliquots at five known concentrations: 8000 cg/µl, 800 cg/µl, 80 cg/µl, 8 cg/µl were used. Moreover, results obtained by ddPCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were compared using 80 known samples (40 positive and 40 negative), as well as 171 unknown diaphragm tissue samples collected at slaughterhouses. The ddPCR showed a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 100%, with a detection limit of 8 genomic copy/µl of T. gondii. A nearly perfect agreement (κ = 0.85) was found between results obtained by ddPCR and qPCR for both positive and negative known samples analysed. On the 171 diaphragm tissue samples from field, 7.6% resulted positive by ddPCR and only 1.2% by qPCR. Therefore, this innovative method could be very useful for the detection of T. gondii in meat samples, aiming to prevent human infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mancusi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | - Angela Giordano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Santa Girardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | | | - Luigi Morena
- Centro Di Riferimento Regionale Sanità Animale (CReSan), Salerno, Italy
| | - Renato Pinto
- UOD Prevenzione E Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Sarnelli
- UOD Prevenzione E Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
- Centro Di Riferimento Regionale Sanità Animale (CReSan), Salerno, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
- Centro Di Riferimento Regionale Sanità Animale (CReSan), Salerno, Italy
| | - Federico Capuano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Berrouch S, Escotte-Binet S, Madline A, Aubert D, Nast E, La Carbona S, Hoummadi L, Hafid J, Villena I. Protozoan Parasites and Leafy Greens in Marrakech: Study of Occurrence Using a Molecular Method. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:546-554. [PMID: 34800215 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the presence of T. gondii, Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, and G. duodenalis cysts, in three leafy greens (coriander, lettuce, and parsley) commonly consumed raw. Despite the recognition of the association between the parasitic illnesses and the consumption of contaminated food, there is still a lack of studies investigating the occurrence of parasitic contamination in food matrices. METHODS A total of 152 leafy green samples were collected in Marrakech from April 2018 to October 2019. Parasites were eluted and concentrated before detection of their DNA by real-time qPCR. RESULTS The analysis revealed an overall rate of contamination of 32.2% (49/152), with 29.6% (45/152) positive for T. gondii and 2.6% (4/152) for G. duodenalis, while none was positive for Cryptosporidium spp. CONCLUSION The results showed that humans can be exposed to protozoan parasites through vegetables consumption. Further investigations can be performed to acquire new epidemiological data to assess the public health impact of these protozoan diseases in Morocco.
Collapse
|
29
|
Thomas M, Aubert D, Escotte-Binet S, Durand B, Robert C, Geers R, Alliot A, Belbis G, Villena I, Blaga R. Anatomical distribution of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally and experimentally infected lambs. Parasite 2022; 29:3. [PMID: 35103589 PMCID: PMC8805606 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts is one of the main sources of infection for humans worldwide. Among the various species intended for human consumption, sheep appear to be a high risk for human infection. The present study focused on the detailed anatomical distribution of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally and experimentally infected lambs using fresh and frozen samples of various pieces of meat, from a public health perspective. The first objective was to rank the edible parts intended for human consumption according to the detectable parasite burden by real-time PCR targeting the 529-bp repeated element. The second objective was to evaluate the impact of freezing by comparing the detection efficiency of the quantitative PCR between fresh and frozen tissues, as imports of lamb carcasses/cuts may arrive frozen or chilled. The highest estimated parasite loads were observed in skeletal muscles, and more particularly in edible portions such as quadriceps femoris muscle, intercostal muscles, deltoid muscle and diaphragm, with a significant difference in detectable parasite burden between fresh and frozen samples (p < 0.0001) or natural and experimental infection (p < 0.0001). Thoracic and pelvic limbs (3278-1048 parasites/g muscle) were ranked at the top of the list. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in all the edible parts of lamb studied. These results suggest that lamb meat represents a risk for consumers. Further investigations are needed in order to confirm these differences in larger numbers of animals and in different breeds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Thomas
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), INRAE, École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie Maisons-Alfort 94700 France
| | - Dominique Aubert
- National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma Biological Reference Centre, CHU Reims and EA7510, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne USC EpiToxo Anses Reims 51095 France
| | - Sandie Escotte-Binet
- National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma Biological Reference Centre, CHU Reims and EA7510, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne USC EpiToxo Anses Reims 51095 France
| | - Benoît Durand
- Epidemiology Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), University Paris-Est 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie Maisons-Alfort 94700 France
| | - Céline Robert
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort 7 avenue du Général de Gaulle Maisons-Alfort 94700 France
| | - Régine Geers
- National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma Biological Reference Centre, CHU Reims and EA7510, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne USC EpiToxo Anses Reims 51095 France
| | - Annie Alliot
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), INRAE, École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie Maisons-Alfort 94700 France
| | - Guillaume Belbis
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort 7 avenue du Général de Gaulle Maisons-Alfort 94700 France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma Biological Reference Centre, CHU Reims and EA7510, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne USC EpiToxo Anses Reims 51095 France
| | - Radu Blaga
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), INRAE, École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie Maisons-Alfort 94700 France,Corresponding author:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kalogeropoulos D, Sakkas H, Mohammed B, Vartholomatos G, Malamos K, Sreekantam S, Kanavaros P, Kalogeropoulos C. Ocular toxoplasmosis: a review of the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Int Ophthalmol 2022; 42:295-321. [PMID: 34370174 PMCID: PMC8351587 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-01994-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aims to summarize the current knowledge concerning the clinical features, diagnostic work-up and therapeutic approach of ocular toxoplasmosis focusing mainly on the postnatally acquired form of the disease. METHODS A meticulous literature search was performed in the PubMed database. A supplementary search was made in Google Scholar to complete the collected items. RESULTS Ocular toxoplasmosis is one of the most frequent infectious etiologies of posterior uveitis. It typically presents with retinochoroiditis. Setting an accurate diagnosis depends to a considerable degree on detecting characteristic clinical characteristics. In addition to the evaluation of clinical features, the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis relies at a large degree on serologic testing. The detection of the parasite DNA in the aqueous or vitreous humor can provide evidence for a definitive diagnosis. The current mainstay for the treatment, if necessary, is the use of oral antibiotic with systemic corticosteroids. Recent evidence suggests other therapeutic approaches, such as intravitreal antibiotics can be used. CONCLUSION Recent developments in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach have contributed to preventing or limiting vision loss of patients suffering from ocular toxoplasmosis. Further studies are required to provide a better understanding of epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment with a significant impact on the management of this challenging clinical entity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Hercules Sakkas
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Vartholomatos
- Hematology Laboratory, Unit of Molecular Biology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Malamos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Panagiotis Kanavaros
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Chris Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Miura AC, Barros LDD, Minutti AF, Martins TA, Sasse JP, Nino BDSL, Garcia JL. Evaluation of quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts shed by cats. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e016621. [PMID: 34878069 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Felines are definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii and can shed oocysts in their feces, contaminating the environment. Sporulated oocysts are highly resistant to the environment and have higher infectivity, which are attributed to many toxoplasmosis outbreaks. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique for the detection of T. gondii oocysts shed by cats. Twelve cats from a previous vaccine experiment were challenged orally with 600 cysts of the TgDoveBr8 strain on day 72. Fecal samples were collected daily using the centrifugal flotation technique, with microscopic examination (Sheather technique) and qPCR for 20 days after the challenge. Cats from all groups shed oocysts in their feces. Five negative cats in the Sheather were positive according to qPCR on the 3rd day post-inoculation (dpi). Oocysts were detected on the 4th dpi using the Sheather; however, there was no statistical difference between the two methods (p=0.1116). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in oocyst shedding between the groups according to the Sheather technique (p=0.6534) and qPCR (p=0.9670). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that qPCR can be used as an alternative to the Sheather to detect and quantify T. gondii oocysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Miura
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Ana Flávia Minutti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Thais Agostinho Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - João Pedro Sasse
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Beatriz de Souza Lima Nino
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
San-Juan R, Aguado JM. Pre-emptive approach against toxoplasmosis in allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation. Still far away from experience in CMV. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 28:319-320. [PMID: 34826622 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael San-Juan
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario '12 de Octubre', Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital '12 de Octubre' (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José María Aguado
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario '12 de Octubre', Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital '12 de Octubre' (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Khanaliha K, Bokharaei-Salim F, Hedayatfar A, Esteghamati A, Alemzadeh SA, Asgari Q, Garshasbi S, Salemi B. Comparison of real-time PCR and nested PCR for toxoplasmosis diagnosis in toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis patients. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1180. [PMID: 34814840 PMCID: PMC8609853 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06873-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds PCR is a proper technique that significantly improves toxoplasmosis diagnosis. However, a more sensitive technique is required. This study compared real-time PCR with nested PCR using B1, SAG-4, and MAG-1 bradyzoite genes to diagnose toxoplasmosis in toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis patients. Methods Blood samples were collected from 10 patients with active toxoplasmic chorioretinal lesions and 10 healthy individuals. Blood samples including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), serum and whole blood samples were used for DNA extraction. Serum was also used to detect anti-toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. Nested PCR and real-time PCR were performed using B1, SAG-4, and MAG-1 target genes. Results Five (50%) out of the 10 patients were tested positive for toxoplasmosis with nested PCR using the PBMC samples. All the five patients tested positive with nested PCR were also tested positive for toxoplasmosis with real-time PCR using the PBMC samples. The real-time PCR results demonstrated that 9(90%) out of the 10 patients were positive based on B1 and the remaining one (10%) was positive only based on MAG-1. In general, of the patients, five (50%) were positive using SAG-4 and three (30%) were positive in term of MAG-1 using PBMCs with real-time PCR. Conclusion It appears that PBMC samples have the best performance as the PCR extraction method and are a good source for toxoplasmosis diagnosis. The use of B22 and B23 target genes due to their high sensitivity and specificity along with bradyzoite genes are recommended for toxoplasmosis diagnosis using PBMC samples with real-time PCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Khanaliha
- Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farah Bokharaei-Salim
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Hedayatfar
- Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Noor Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdoulreza Esteghamati
- Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Borna Salemi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Silva EMC, Sousa PDS, Carvalho SKGSD, Marques ICL, Costa FB, Costa APD, Santos LSD, Braga MDSCO, Abreu-Silva AL, Machado RZ, Carvalho Neta AVD. High level of infection by Toxoplasma gondii in pigs slaughtered in the city of São Luís, Maranhão. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e008721. [PMID: 34787174 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A serological, molecular and histopathological study was carried out in order to investigate occurrences of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs slaughtered with and without inspection service. Serum samples were collected from 60 pigs to detect anti-T. gondii antibody by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFAT). Tongue, masseter and diaphragm fragments were also collected for parasite DNA detection by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathological analysis. The serological results showed that 77% (44/60) of the pigs were positive. Regarding PCR, 66.67% (40/60) were positive for T. gondii. Among the tissues evaluated, the diaphragm was the one with the highest frequency of positivity (40%; 24/60), followed by the masseter (38.33%; 23/60) and tongue (33.3%; 20/60). Histopathological changes were only observed in the diaphragm, which presented inflammatory infiltrates of lymphohistiocytic and neutrophilic types. These results not only show the potential threat of T. gondii to human health, but also demonstrate the dynamic epidemiological situation of toxoplasmosis in pigs in the city of São Luís, providing support for food security regarding pigs and for T. gondii control programs in Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo Dos Santos Sousa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | | | | | - Francisco Borges Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Andrea Pereira da Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Larissa Sarmento Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação Profissional em Defesa Sanitária Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | | | - Ana Lúcia Abreu-Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Alcina Vieira de Carvalho Neta
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-graduação Rede de Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Berizi M, Babaie J, Fard-Esfahani P, Enshaeieh M, Noordin R, Saadatnia G, Golkar M. Development of a Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Brain Samples. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:621-630. [PMID: 35082891 PMCID: PMC8710198 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i4.7875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide-distributed infection that can cause serious diseases, mainly in congenitally infected and immunodeficient individuals. PCR assays play an indispensable role in the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in different biological samples. METHODS This study was conducted in the Parasitology Department at Pasteur Institute of Iran (Tehran) during 2016-2018. We designed a highly sensitive quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) targeted REP-529, a noncoding repetitive DNA. We cloned the amplicon in a plasmid (pTZREP-529) and used it to generate the standard curve. The Toxoplasma RT-qPCR characteristics, i.e., detection limit, specificity, linear dynamic range, linearity, intra-, and inter-assay precisions, were determined. The detection limit of the assay was one plasmid copy number (PCN) per reaction (about 0.004 T. gondii genome), and the linear dynamic range was equal to 6 logs (1× 101 to 1× 107 PCN per reaction). RESULTS The assay showed no signal when genomic DNA of Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania major, and Trichomonas vaginallis were used. The standard curve was drawn using dilutions of pTZREP-529 plasmid spiked with genomic DNA from a mouse brain, and test characteristics were shown unaffected. Applying the Toxoplasma RT-qPCR, we showed brain cysts were significantly decreased in mice vaccinated with GRA2 antigen of Toxoplasma formulated in Monophosphoryl Lipid A (MPL) adjuvant. CONCLUSION We have developed a quantitative, specific, and highly sensitive PCR for detecting T. gondii in biological samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Berizi
- Department of Parasitology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalal Babaie
- Department of Parasitology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Marjan Enshaeieh
- Department of Parasitology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahmah Noordin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Geita Saadatnia
- Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Golkar
- Department of Parasitology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Robert MG, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Garnaud C, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Pelloux H. Molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis: recent advances and a look to the future. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1529-1542. [PMID: 34112045 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1941867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed parasitic infection that can be particularly severe when opportunistic or congenital. Its diagnosis requires accurate and rapid techniques that rely mainly on serology and molecular methods. AREAS COVERED The aim of this review was to discuss the positioning of the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis according to the different clinical situations possibly resulting from infection with T. gondii, and to detail recent developments in this technique. The English and French literature were searched with the following keywords: 'Toxoplasmosis', "Molecular diagnosis" and 'PCR'. EXPERT OPINION Molecular techniques have revolutionized the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, and practices have considerably evolved over the past decades. However, there is still a high degree of inter-laboratory heterogeneity which impairs comparisons between results and studies. Efforts to standardize practices are underway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Gladys Robert
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), Grenoble, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Brenier-Pinchart
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), Grenoble, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose - Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
| | - Cécile Garnaud
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble INP, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Hervé Pelloux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), Grenoble, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose - Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Minutti AF, Gonçalves Vieira FE, Sasse JP, Martins TA, de Seixas M, Tosi Cardim S, de Barros LD, Garcia JL. Comparison of serological and molecular techniques to detect Toxoplasma gondii in free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Vet Parasitol 2021; 296:109515. [PMID: 34242913 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to compare different indirect and direct diagnostic techniques to diagnose Toxoplasma gondii in free-range chickens. Samples of 386 chickens obtained from 24 Paraná properties were used for serological analysis by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), modified agglutination test (MAT), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Animals positive by IFAT and/or MAT had their tissues submitted to the mouse bioassay, and those who were positive in this technique had their blood, tissues, and acidic pepsin tissue digestion submitted to PCR (conventional, nested, and quantitative-PCR (qPCR)). One hundred and nineteen chickens (30.8 %) were positive in at least one of the serological tests, being 102 (26.4 %) in the IFAT, 64 (16.6 %) in the MAT, and 62 (16.0 %) in the ELISA. The IFAT was used as a gold standard, and the MAT showed higher sensitivity (46.0 %) and specificity (94.0) compared to ELISA (43.5 % and 93.6 %, respectively). Ninety samples of eighteen chickens positive in the mouse bioassay were subjected to PCR, and according to molecular tests, the conventional PCR detected the T. gondii DNA in 30 % (27/90) of the samples, in 38.8 % (35/90) with nested-PCR and 40.0 % (36/90) with real-time. According to molecular analyzes, the sensitivity was higher in ITS1 nested-PCR (69.4 %) and specificity in conventional PCR-529bp (90.7 %), using the qPCR as the gold standard. MAT and ELISA had similarities in concordance analyzes. The IFAT was the serological technique with the highest agreement with the mouse bioassay, and serological tests in parallel showed to be a good screening option for the isolation of T. gondii in chick tissues. The PCR markers effectively detected the parasite DNA, and the heart was the tissue with the highest number of positives samples. The conventional PCR had sensitivity similar to nested-PCR and qPCR and could be a cheaper alternative to diagnose T. gondii infection in chicken tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | | | - João Pedro Sasse
- 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
| | - Thais Agostinho Martins
- 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
| | - Mércia de Seixas
- 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
| | - Sérgio Tosi Cardim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Norte do Paraná - UNOPAR, Arapongas, PR, Brazil
| | - 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.
| | - 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
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yang Y, Jiang N, Xin S, Zhang L. Toxoplasma gondii infection in white spoonbills ( Platalea leucorodia) from Henan Province, China. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 9:2619-2621. [PMID: 33215979 PMCID: PMC7733910 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1854057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in the environment are a threat to humans and animals. This study is aimed to evaluate the prevalence of T. gondii in white spoonbills and isolate viable T. gondii from white spoonbills. In 28.6% (2/7) of white spoonbills, T. gondii antibodies were found in heart juice by the modified agglutination test (cut-off: 1:4). T. gondii DNA was detected in tissues of 42.9% (3/7) white spoonbills. One viable T. gondii strain, named TgSpoonbillCHn1, was isolated from the myocardium of a white spoonbill by bioassay in mice. DNA extracted from TgSpoonbillCHn1 tachyzoites was characterized by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism with ten markers and the virulence genes ROP5 and ROP18. The results revealed that it was ToxoDB#2 (Type III). The ROP18/ROP5 genotype combination predicts that this strain is avirulent for mice, which is supported by the infection experiments in mice. This is the first report of the isolation of viable T. gondii strain from white spoonbil. The prevalence of T. gondii in white spoonbills may be indicative of environmental contamination of oocysts. This report provides direct evidence of white spoonbill as an intermediate host of T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shilin Xin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rüfli I, Gurtner C, Basso WU, Vidondo B, Hirsbrunner G, Zanolari P. Causes of Abortions in South American Camelids in Switzerland-Cases and Questionnaire. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1956. [PMID: 34208975 PMCID: PMC8300385 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, South American camelids (SAC) have gained increasing popularity in Switzerland. They are used for several purposes such as fiber and meat production, as companion or guard animals and for trekking activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and reasons for pregnancy loss and perinatal death in SAC herds. Within the scope of this study, early embryonic losses could not be identified, as pregnancy examinations by ultrasonography are not performed routinely. Aborted and stillborn fetuses were collected, necropsied and analyzed for infectious abortifacients. A nationwide survey among breeders was carried out. During a 1.5-year period, only eight cases of aborted or stillborn alpaca and llama (out of a population of 6550 animals) were reported by the breeders, and their causes were subsequently analyzed. In half of the cases, Coxiella burnetii was identified in the fetoplacental material. Abortions and stillbirths were reported to be rare in Swiss herds. As a conclusion, recording of embryonic losses through ultrasound training of veterinarians should be impaired and breeders motivated to have abortions and perinatal mortality examined. Special focus should be laid on C. burnetii due to its zoonotic risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Rüfli
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (I.R.); (G.H.)
| | - Corinne Gurtner
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Walter U. Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Beatriz Vidondo
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Gaby Hirsbrunner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (I.R.); (G.H.)
| | - Patrik Zanolari
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (I.R.); (G.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Nzelu IN, Kwaga JKP, Kabir J, Lawal IA, Beazley C, Evans L, Blake DP. Detection and genetic characterisation of Toxoplasma gondii circulating in free-range chickens, pigs and seropositive pregnant women in Benue state, Nigeria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009458. [PMID: 34077414 PMCID: PMC8202946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii parasites present strong but geographically varied signatures of population structure. Populations sampled from Europe and North America have commonly been defined by over-representation of a small number of clonal types, in contrast to greater diversity in South America. The occurrence and extent of genetic diversity in African T. gondii populations remains understudied, undermining assessments of risk and transmission. The present study was designed to establish the occurrence, genotype and phylogeny of T. gondii in meat samples collected from livestock produced for human consumption (free-range chickens, n = 173; pigs, n = 211), comparing with T. gondii detected in blood samples collected from seropositive pregnant women (n = 91) in Benue state, Nigeria. The presence of T. gondii DNA was determined using a published nested polymerase chain reaction, targeting the 529 bp multicopy gene element. Samples with the highest parasite load (assessed using quantitative PCR) were selected for PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) targeting the surface antigen 3 (SAG3), SAG2 (5’ and 3’), beta-tubulin (BTUB) and dense granule protein 6 (GRA6) loci, and the apicoplast genome (Apico). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in all three of the populations sampled, presenting 30.6, 31.3 and 25.3% occurrence in free-range chickens, pigs and seropositive pregnant women, respectively. Quantitative-PCR indicated low parasite occurrence in most positive samples, limiting some further molecular analyses. PCR-RFLP results suggested that T. gondii circulating in the sampled populations presented with a type II genetic background, although all included a hybrid type I/II or II/III haplotype. Concatenation of aligned RFLP amplicon sequences revealed limited diversity with nine haplotypes and little indication of host species-specific or spatially distributed sub-populations. Samples collected from humans shared haplotypes with free-range chickens and/or pigs. Africa remains under-explored for T. gondii genetic diversity and this study provides the first detailed definition of haplotypes circulating in human and animal populations in Nigeria. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that infects most warm-blooded animals and can be transmitted from animals to humans. Three dominant genetic types have been described from a larger pool of around 16, and it has been suggested that the severity of disease may be influenced by genetic type. Little is known of T. gondii in Africa. The burden of disease is unclear, while lack of knowledge around genetic diversity and population structure undermines effective risk assessment and control. We sought to determine if T. gondii was prevalent in pigs and poultry produced for human consumption in Nigeria, comparing with genetic types detected in the overlapping human population. Using meat samples from free-range chickens and pigs, and blood samples from seropositive pregnant women in Benue state, Nigeria, we found that T. gondii with a type II genetic background were most common with limited genetic diversity. Detection of comparable genetic types in the free-range chicken, pig and human populations indicate an overlapping parasite population and can be used to inform assessments of risk to human health, most notably pregnant women. The information reported here informs on the occurrence and population structure of T. gondii in Nigeria, contributing to improved understanding in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ifeoma N. Nzelu
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob K. P. Kwaga
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Junaidu Kabir
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Idris A. Lawal
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Christy Beazley
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Evans
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Damer P. Blake
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hashemi SM, Mahmoodi S, Mehravaran A, Mirahmadi H, Khabisi SA, Alijani E, Solgi R. Serological and molecular evaluation of toxoplasmosis in patient undergoing chemotherapy for malignancies in southeast of Iran. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
42
|
Multicenter Comparative Assessment of the TIB MolBiol Toxoplasma gondii Detection Kit and Four Laboratory-Developed PCR Assays for Molecular Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis. J Mol Diagn 2021; 23:1000-1006. [PMID: 34082073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis can be a life-threatening infection, particularly during pregnancy and in immunocompromised patients. The biological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is challenging and has been revolutionized by molecular detection methods. This article summarizes the data of a multicenter study involving four centers to assess the performances of a commercial PCR assay as compared with four in-house PCR assays using Toxoplasma gondii standards, 20 external quality control specimens, and 133 clinical samples. This clinical cohort includes well-characterized clinical samples corresponding to different clinical situations: confirmed congenital toxoplasmosis (44 samples), toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients (25 samples), and chorioretinitis (5 samples). Furthermore, 59 samples from patients without toxoplasmosis were included as negative controls. The analytical sensitivities of the five methods tested were very similar; and the limit of Toxoplasma DNA detection was around 0.01 T. gondii genome per reaction for all the methods. The overall concordance between the commercial PCR and the four in-house PCR assays was 97.7% (130/133). The clinical sensitivity and specificity were >98% and could be increased for the commercial kit when PCR was performed in multiplicate to detect low parasitic loads. In conclusion, the commercial PCR assay shows suitable performances to diagnose the different clinical forms of toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
|
43
|
Olsen A, Alban L, Denwood M, Houe H, Birk Jensen T, Vedel Nielsen H. A longitudinal study of Toxoplasma gondii seroconversion on four large Danish sow farms. Vet Parasitol 2021; 295:109460. [PMID: 34029851 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Serological tests are routinely used to detect Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG antibodies in serum. Serological surveys of T. gondii show a medium to high prevalence in Danish indoor sows at the time of slaughter. However, little is known about when sows acquire T. gondii, and for how long they remain seropositive. Our focus was on quantifying the incidence rates in different age-cohorts and on investigating the T. gondii IgG antibody dynamics in sows. Four large Danish sow farms were longitudinally surveyed for 1 year. A total of 320 animals from 6, 12, 18, and 24-months age-cohorts were sampled at 5-week intervals. In total, 2989 plasma samples were tested using commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The incidence rate in each of the four age-cohorts was calculated, and a time-to-event analysis was applied to the interval censored data to investigate the relationship between age and probability of T. gondii seroconversion. In the initial ELISA testing, eight sows tested positive for T. gondii at first survey, of which seven remained seropositive throughout the follow-up period. Additionally, 16 sows seroconverted, but only five of these remained seropositive. Weekly incidence rates in the 6, 12, 18, and 24-month age-cohorts were 0.0017 (95% CI = 0.0008 - 0.0037), 0.0009 (95% CI = 0.0003 - 0.0027), 0.0003 (95% CI = 0.0000 - 0.0018), and 0.0023 (95% CI = 0.0010 - 0.0051), respectively. Time-to-event analysis suggested that the incidence rate increased with age but could not conclude this definitively. The retesting of a subsample of the sows (n = 200) with the same ELISA and with modified direct agglutination test (MAT), and western blot (WB) assays suggested that 12 out of the 24 initial ELISA seropositive sows may have been false positive. These 12 sows also showed fluctuating antibody dynamics in ELISA. Hence, the unstable antibody dynamics in ELISA may pose a challenge for serological surveys of T. gondii in sows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbey Olsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Department of Food Safety, Veterinary Issues & Risk Analysis, Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lis Alban
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Department of Food Safety, Veterinary Issues & Risk Analysis, Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Matthew Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Hans Houe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | | | - Henrik Vedel Nielsen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Nourrisson C, Moniot M, Poirier P, Sterkers Y. Evaluation of Two Commercial Kits on the Automated ELITe InGenius PCR Platform for Molecular Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis. J Mol Diagn 2021; 23:865-871. [PMID: 33962054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is essential for establishing the diagnosis of congenital contaminations and for primary infection or reactivation of immunocompromised patients. An integrated extraction and real-time PCR-based system is of particular interest in this context. Commercial kits for automated extraction and amplification steps are now available. Herein, we assessed two commercial PCR assays for this diagnosis, those of Bio-Evolution and Elitech, on the ELITe InGenius platform. The Bio-Evolution assay showed a specificity and a sensitivity of 100% on clinical samples, but a lower analytical detection threshold than the Elitech assay. The latter showed a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 96%. The SP1000 cartridges, which allow DNA extraction from 1 mL of template, showed interesting performances on amniotic fluid samples. Overall, the two kits had good performances on the InGenius platform, which offers a turn-key solution suitable for the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Nourrisson
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, University Hospital Center of Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP, Clermont-Ferrand, France; University Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Maxime Moniot
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, University Hospital Center of Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Philippe Poirier
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, University Hospital Center of Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP, Clermont-Ferrand, France; University Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yvon Sterkers
- University Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, University Hospital Center of Montpellier, "MiVEGEC", Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Molecular Biology Pole of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Xia J, Venkat A, Bainbridge RE, Reese ML, Le Roch KG, Ay F, Boyle JP. Third-generation sequencing revises the molecular karyotype for Toxoplasma gondii and identifies emerging copy number variants in sexual recombinants. Genome Res 2021; 31:834-851. [PMID: 33906962 PMCID: PMC8092015 DOI: 10.1101/gr.262816.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a useful model for intracellular parasitism given its ease of culture in the laboratory and genomic resources. However, as for many other eukaryotes, the T. gondii genome contains hundreds of sequence gaps owing to repetitive and/or unclonable sequences that disrupt the assembly process. Here, we use the Oxford Nanopore Minion platform to generate near-complete de novo genome assemblies for multiple strains of T. gondii and its near relative, N. caninum. We significantly improved T. gondii genome contiguity (average N50 of ∼6.6 Mb) and added ∼2 Mb of newly assembled sequence. For all of the T. gondii strains that we sequenced (RH, ME49, CTG, II×III progeny clones CL13, S27, S21, S26, and D3X1), the largest contig ranged in size between 11.9 and 12.1 Mb in size, which is larger than any previously reported T. gondii chromosome, and found to be due to a consistent fusion of Chromosomes VIIb and VIII. These data were validated by mapping existing T. gondii ME49 Hi-C data to our assembly, providing parallel lines of evidence that the T. gondii karyotype consists of 13, rather than 14, chromosomes. By using this technology, we also resolved hundreds of tandem repeats of varying lengths, including in well-known host-targeting effector loci like rhoptry protein 5 (ROP5) and ROP38. Finally, when we compared T. gondii with N. caninum, we found that although the 13-chromosome karyotype was conserved, extensive, previously unappreciated chromosome-scale rearrangements had occurred in T. gondii and N. caninum since their most recent common ancestry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
| | - Aarthi Venkat
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.,La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Rachel E Bainbridge
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
| | | | - Karine G Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, USA
| | - Ferhat Ay
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.,School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Jon P Boyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Brenier-Pinchart MP, Varlet-Marie E, Robert-Gangneux F, Filisetti D, Guitard J, Sterkers Y, Yera H, Pelloux H, Bastien P. Impact of pre-analytic step duration on molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis for five types of biological samples. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246802. [PMID: 33596222 PMCID: PMC7888589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma-PCR is essential to diagnose ocular, cerebral, disseminated and congenital toxoplasmosis. This multicenter study evaluated the impact of sample storage duration at +4°C on PCR assay performances in order to propose guidelines for the storage of samples during shipment or/and before PCR. Materials and methods Five matrices, amniotic (AF), cerebrospinal (CSF), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF), whole blood (WB) and buffy coat (BC), were artificially spiked with different amounts of Toxoplasma gondii (20, 100, 500 tachyzoites per mL of sample) or with previously infected THP1 cells. DNA extractions were performed at day 0 and after 2, 4 and 7 days of storage at +4°C. Each extract was amplified at least twice by real-time PCR. Results A total of 252 spiked samples was studied. No increase of crossing point was observed and all samples were positive for AF, BALF, BC and infected THP1-spiked WB after up to 7 days at 4°C. For CSF spiked with 20 parasites/mL, only 50% of PCR reactions were positive at D7 (p<0.05). For WB spiked with type II parasites, all reactions remained positive at D7 but amplifications were significantly delayed from D2; and for WB spiked with RH strain, the proportion of positive reactions decreased at D7. Conclusion The storage of clinical samples at +4°C is compatible with the molecular detection of T. gondii parasites. Provided that PCR assays are performed in duplicate, storage of samples is possible up to 7 days. However, from the fifth day onwards, and for samples susceptible to contain low parasitic loads, we recommend to perform the PCR in multiplicate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pierre Brenier-Pinchart
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes et Institut pour l’Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes Grenoble, Grenoble, France
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Emmanuelle Varlet-Marie
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
- Université de Montpellier et Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Robert-Gangneux
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
- CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement Travail), UMR_S 1085, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Denis Filisetti
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg et Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Juliette Guitard
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
- Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Yvon Sterkers
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
- CNRS, IRD, CHU de Montpellier, "MiVEGEC" et Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hélène Yera
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Pelloux
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes et Institut pour l’Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes Grenoble, Grenoble, France
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
| | - Patrick Bastien
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
- CNRS, IRD, CHU de Montpellier, "MiVEGEC" et Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Poncet AF, Bosteels V, Hoffmann E, Chehade S, Rennen S, Huot L, Peucelle V, Maréchal S, Khalife J, Blanchard N, Janssens S, Marion S. The UPR sensor IRE1α promotes dendritic cell responses to control Toxoplasma gondii infection. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e49617. [PMID: 33586853 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The unfolded protein response (UPR) has emerged as a central regulator of immune cell responses in several pathologic contexts including infections. However, how intracellular residing pathogens modulate the UPR in dendritic cells (DCs) and thereby affect T cell-mediated immunity remains uncharacterized. Here, we demonstrate that infection of DCs with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) triggers a unique UPR signature hallmarked by the MyD88-dependent activation of the IRE1α pathway and the inhibition of the ATF6 pathway. Induction of XBP1s controls pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in infected DCs, while IRE1α promotes MHCI antigen presentation of secreted parasite antigens. In mice, infection leads to a specific activation of the IRE1α pathway, which is restricted to the cDC1 subset. Mice deficient for IRE1α and XBP1 in DCs display a severe susceptibility to T. gondii and succumb during the acute phase of the infection. This early mortality is correlated with increased parasite burden and a defect in splenic T-cell responses. Thus, we identify the IRE1α/XBP1s branch of the UPR as a key regulator of host defense upon T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs F Poncet
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Victor Bosteels
- Laboratory for ER stress and Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eik Hoffmann
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sylia Chehade
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sofie Rennen
- Laboratory for ER stress and Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ludovic Huot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Véronique Peucelle
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sandra Maréchal
- Laboratory for ER stress and Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jamal Khalife
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Blanchard
- Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Janssens
- Laboratory for ER stress and Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Marion
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Dard C, Swale C, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Farhat DC, Bellini V, Robert MG, Cannella D, Pelloux H, Tardieux I, Hakimi MA. A brain cyst load-associated antigen is a Toxoplasma gondii biomarker for serodetection of persistent parasites and chronic infection. BMC Biol 2021; 19:25. [PMID: 33557824 PMCID: PMC7871634 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00959-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarker discovery remains a major challenge for predictive medicine, in particular, in the context of chronic diseases. This is true for the widespread protozoan Toxoplasma gondii which establishes long-lasting parasitism in metazoans, humans included. This microbe successively unfolds distinct genetic programs that direct the transition from high to low replicative potential inside host cells. As a slow-replicating cell, the T. gondii bradyzoite developmental stage persists enclosed in a cyst compartment within tissues including the nervous system, being held by a sustained immune equilibrium which accounts for the prolonged clinically silent phase of parasitism. Serological surveys indicate that nearly one third of the human population has been exposed to T. gondii and possibly host bradyzoites. Because any disruption of the immune balance drives the reverse transition from bradyzoite to fast replicating tachyzoite and uncontrolled growth of the latter, these people are at risk for life-threatening disease. While serological tests for discriminating recent from past infection are available, there is yet no immunogenic biomarker used in the serological test to allow ascertaining the presence of persistent bradyzoites. RESULTS Capitalizing on genetically engineered parasites induced to produce mature bradyzoites in vitro, we have identified the BCLA/MAG2 protein being restricted to the bradyzoite and the cyst envelope. Using laboratory mice as relevant T. gondii host models, we demonstrated that BCLA/MAG2 drives the generation of antibodies that recognize bradyzoite and the enveloping cyst structure. We have designed an ELISA assay based on a bacterially produced BCLA recombinant polypeptide, which was validated using a large collection of sera from mice of different genetic backgrounds and infected with bcla+ or bcla-null cystogenic and non-cystogenic T. gondii strains. To refine the design of the ELISA assay, we applied high-resolution BCLA epitope mapping and identified a specific combination of peptides and accordingly set up a selective and sensitive ELISA assay which allowed the detection of anti-BCLA/MAG2 antibodies in the sera of human patients with various forms of toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS We brought proof of principle that anti-BCLA/MAG2 antibodies serve as specific and sensitive serological markers in the perspective of a combinatorial strategy for detection of persistent T. gondii parasitism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Dard
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, CS10217, 38043, Grenoble, France
| | - Christopher Swale
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Brenier-Pinchart
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, CS10217, 38043, Grenoble, France
| | - Dayana C Farhat
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Valeria Bellini
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Marie Gladys Robert
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, CS10217, 38043, Grenoble, France
| | - Dominique Cannella
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Hervé Pelloux
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, CS10217, 38043, Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Tardieux
- Team Membrane and Cell Dynamics of Host Parasite Interactions, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Schares G, Globokar Vrhovec M, Tuschy M, Joeres M, Bärwald A, Koudela B, Dubey JP, Maksimov P, Conraths FJ. A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the specific detection of Hammondia hammondi and its differentiation from Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:78. [PMID: 33494796 PMCID: PMC7830817 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04571-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hammondia hammondi and Toxoplasma gondii are closely related protozoan parasites, but only T. gondii is zoonotic. Both species use felids as definitive hosts and cannot be differentiated by oocyst morphology. In T. gondii, a 529-base pair (bp) repetitive element (TgREP-529) is of utmost diagnostic importance for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic tests. We identified a similar repetitive region in the H. hammondi genome (HhamREP-529). Methods Based on reported sequences, primers and probes were selected in silico and optimal primer probe combinations were explored, also by including previously published primers. The analytical sensitivity was tested using serial dilutions of oocyst DNA. For testing analytical specificity, DNA isolated from several related species was used as controls. The newly established TaqMan PCR (Hham-qPCR1) was applied to tissues collected from H. hammondi-infected gamma-interferon gene knockout (GKO) mice at varying time points post-infection. Results Ten forward and six reverse primers were tested in varying combinations. Four potentially suitable dual-labelled probes were selected. One set based on the primer pair (Hham275F, Hham81R) and the probe (Hham222P) yielded optimal results. In addition to excellent analytic specificity, the assay revealed an analytical sensitivity of genome equivalents of less than one oocyst. Investigation of the tissue distribution in GKO mice revealed the presence of parasite DNA in all examined organs, but to a varying extent, suggesting 100- to 10,000-fold differences in parasitic loads between tissues in the chronic state of infection, 42 days post-infection. Discussion The use of the 529-bp repeat of H. hammondi is suitable for establishing a quantitative real-time PCR assay, because this repeat probably exists about 200 times in the genome of a single organism, like its counterpart in T. gondii. Although there were enough sequence data available, only a few of the primers predicted in silico revealed sufficient amplification; the identification of a suitable probe was also difficult. This is in accord with our previous observations on considerable variability in the 529-bp repetitive element of H. hammondi. Conclusions The H. hammondi real-time PCR represents an important novel diagnostic tool for epidemiological and cell biological studies on H. hammondi and related parasites. ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gereon Schares
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | | | - Mareen Tuschy
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maike Joeres
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Andrea Bärwald
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Bretislav Koudela
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, 612 42, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, 612 42, Czech Republic
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agriculture Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Pavlo Maksimov
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J Conraths
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chi X, Fang K, Koster L, Christie J, Yao C. Prevalence of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Toxoplasma gondii in Feral Cats on St. Kitts, West Indies. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8020016. [PMID: 33494205 PMCID: PMC7909821 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded species including humans. The definitive hosts of T. gondii are felid vertebrates including the domestic cat. Domestic cats shed oocysts for approximately two weeks in their feces after the primary infection. It has been shown that feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) positive cats have a higher prevalence of and a higher titer of antibodies to T. gondii than those of FIV-negative cats. The main purposes of this study were to determine FIV prevalence and to investigate the oocysts shedding in FIV-positive and FIV-negative feral cats on St. Kitts. Fecal samples were collected from feral cats while their FIV statues were determined using a commercial SNAP kit. Total fecal DNA of each cat was tested for the presence of T. gondii DNA using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) consistently detecting one genome equivalent. A FIV-positive status was detected in 18 of 105 (17.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9%−24.3%) feral cats sampled. Furthermore, males were three times more likely to be FIV positive than females (p = 0.017) with an odds ratio of 3.93 (95% CI: 1.20–12.89). Adults were found to have at least twice the prevalence of FIV compared to cats younger than one year of age (p = 0.056) with an odds ratio of 3.07 (95% CI: 0.94–10.00). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was not detected in the feces of any of the 18 FIV-positive (95% CI: 0%−0.18%) and 87 FIV-negative cats (95% CI: 0%−0.04%). A follow-up study with a much bigger sample size is needed to prove or disprove the hypothesis that FIV-positive cats have a higher prevalence of shedding T. gondii oocysts than FIV-negative cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Chi
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (X.C.); (K.F.)
- Departments of One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (L.K.); (J.C.)
| | - Kexin Fang
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (X.C.); (K.F.)
- Departments of One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (L.K.); (J.C.)
| | - Liza Koster
- Departments of One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (L.K.); (J.C.)
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Jevan Christie
- Departments of One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (L.K.); (J.C.)
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (X.C.); (K.F.)
- Departments of One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (L.K.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-732-645-3120; Fax: +1-869-465-1203
| |
Collapse
|