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Heng Y, Hsu CD, Mathew A, Oh PY, Li WT, Xie S. MANAGEMENT OF ENTAMOEBA INVADENS IN THE HERPETOLOGICAL COLLECTION AT THE SINGAPORE ZOO. J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:272-281. [PMID: 37428689 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba invadens is an important disease in reptile collections, causing severe morbidity and mortality. Surveillance of the parasite at the Singapore Zoo was carried out over a 4-yr period by PCR testing on reptiles that presented with lethargy and enteritis for disease investigation. Asymptomatic reptiles sharing the same enclosures as positive individuals were also tested as part of outbreak investigation. Animals in the collection that tested positive for the parasite were treated with metronidazole at various doses, with the addition of paromomycin for two cases, until a negative PCR test result was obtained at the end of the treatment course. A total of 97 samples from 49 individuals across 19 species of reptiles were obtained, of which 24 samples (24.7%) from 19 animals were positive for E. invadens. Of these positive samples, 11 samples were for disease investigation, eight samples for outbreak surveillance, and five samples for treatment monitoring. Treatment was initiated for 10 animals, four of which were showing clinical signs of disease. The parasite was cleared in nine of these 10 animals (90%), with eight animals receiving metronidazole as a sole therapeutic agent. A total of nine animals died of the disease, four of which (44.4%) presented dead or died within 24 h of presentation. Necrotizing enteritis was a consistent postmortem finding resulting in gastrointestinal perforation in two cases, and coelomic adhesions and hepatic trophozoites were each seen in five animals. The results suggest that the management of Entamoeba epizootics in the collection requires prompt outbreak investigation. Diagnosis of the disease with advanced diagnostic tools like PCR, endoscopy, and ultrasonography and treatment with metronidazole in both symptomatic and asymptomatic animals may reduce mortalities during an outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirui Heng
- Mandai Wildlife Group, Singapore 729826,
| | | | | | | | - Wen-Ta Li
- Pangolin International Biomedical Consultant Ltd, Keelung City, Taiwan 20145
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2
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Entamoeba ranarum Infection in a Ball Python (Python regius). J Comp Pathol 2020; 179:74-78. [PMID: 32958152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic Entamoeba species in snakes is widely regarded to be Entamoeba invadens, which can cause severe amoebiasis with up to 100% mortality. In this case report, we describe a ball python (Python regius) that died after short-term weight loss. Necropsy revealed severe necrotizing colitis with large numbers of intralesional Entamoeba trophozoites. Molecular genetic analysis identified these trophozoites as Entamoeba ranarum, a parasite more usually found in amphibians. Furthermore, the extended history revealed that toads (Rhinella marina) had been housed together with the python. This report illustrates the danger of protozoal cross-infections in exotic animals as well as the importance of molecular genetic tools in Entamoeba diagnosis.
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Nayak S, Ghosh SK. Nucleotide sugar transporters of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba invadens involved in chitin synthesis. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 234:111224. [PMID: 31585127 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.111224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chitin, a homopolymer of β-(1,4) linked N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), is a major component of cyst wall in the protozoan parasites Entamoeba histolytica (Eh) and Entamoeba invadens (Ei). The Entamoeba chitin synthase makes chitin at the vesicular membrane rather than the plasma membrane in fungi, even though the chemistry of chitin synthesis is most likely the same. However, the role of nucleotide sugar transporter(s) (NSTs) that are involved in chitin synthesis in Entamoeba are not yet established. In this study, we have identified the putative UDP-GlcNAc transporter (EiNst5) of Ei by BLASTP analysis using the amino acid sequence of EhNst3, the UDP-GlcNAc transporter of Eh. Heterologous expression of both EhNst3 and EiNst5 was found to complement the function of Yea4p (UDP-GlcNAc transporter of S. cerevisiae) in YEA4 null mutant and increased the cell wall chitin content. Like Yea4p in S. cerevisiae, Myc-epitope tagged EhNst3 and EiNst5 were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in Δyea4 cells. The EiNST5 transcript was up-regulated during the in vitro encystation and oxidative stress in E. invadens. Similar up-regulation was also seen for EhNST3 under oxidative stress in E. histolytica. Down-regulation of EiNst5 expression using gene-specific dsRNA significantly reduced cyst formation during in vitro encystation in E. invadens. Our observations suggest for the first time the involvement of EhNst3 and EiNst5 in chitin synthesis and so in encystation of Entamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santoshi Nayak
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721 302, India.
| | - Sudip K Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721 302, India.
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4
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Cui Z, Li J, Chen Y, Zhang L. Molecular epidemiology, evolution, and phylogeny of Entamoeba spp. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 75:104018. [PMID: 31465857 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite and the causative agent of amoebiasis in humans. The estimations of the worldwide burden of amoebiasis by the WHO indicated that approximately 500 million people were infected with the parasite and 10% of these individuals had invasive amoebiasis. However, our understanding of the disease burden and epidemiology of human amebiasis has undergone dramatic changes over the last two decades based on molecular analyses. The development of Entamoeba genomics has also provided some interesting and valuable information on the evolution and population structure of this parasite. In addition, the use of a number of molecular markers has greatly expanded our understanding of Entamoeba host range and genetic diversity. In this review, we re-assessed Entamoeba prevalence and species in humans, non-human primates, other animals, and the environment in the context of molecular data. Some issues regarding the evolution and phylogeny of different Entamoeba species lineages are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Cui
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; National International Joint Research Center for Veterinary Immunology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; National International Joint Research Center for Veterinary Immunology, Zhengzhou, China; Scientific Research Experiment Center & Laboratory Animal Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yuancai Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; National International Joint Research Center for Veterinary Immunology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; National International Joint Research Center for Veterinary Immunology, Zhengzhou, China.
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5
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Wilson IW, Weedall GD, Lorenzi H, Howcroft T, Hon CC, Deloger M, Guillén N, Paterson S, Clark CG, Hall N. Genetic Diversity and Gene Family Expansions in Members of the Genus Entamoeba. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:688-705. [PMID: 30668670 PMCID: PMC6414313 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amoebiasis is the third-most common cause of mortality worldwide from a parasitic disease. Although the primary etiological agent of amoebiasis is the obligate human parasite Entamoeba histolytica, other members of the genus Entamoeba can infect humans and may be pathogenic. Here, we present the first annotated reference genome for Entamoeba moshkovskii, a species that has been associated with human infections, and compare the genomes of E. moshkovskii, E. histolytica, the human commensal Entamoeba dispar, and the nonhuman pathogen Entamoeba invadens. Gene clustering and phylogenetic analyses show differences in expansion and contraction of families of proteins associated with host or bacterial interactions. They intimate the importance to parasitic Entamoeba species of surface-bound proteins involved in adhesion to extracellular membranes, such as the Gal/GalNAc lectin and members of the BspA and Ariel1 families. Furthermore, E. dispar is the only one of the four species to lack a functional copy of the key virulence factor cysteine protease CP-A5, whereas the gene's presence in E. moshkovskii is consistent with the species' potentially pathogenic nature. Entamoeba moshkovskii was found to be more diverse than E. histolytica across all sequence classes. The former is ∼200 times more diverse than latter, with the four E. moshkovskii strains tested having a most recent common ancestor nearly 500 times more ancient than the tested E. histolytica strains. A four-haplotype test indicates that these E. moshkovskii strains are not the same species and should be regarded as a species complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian W Wilson
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth D Weedall
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.,School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom
| | | | - Timothy Howcroft
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Chung-Chau Hon
- Unité Biologie Cellulaire du Parasitisme, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Marc Deloger
- Unité Biologie Cellulaire du Parasitisme, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Nancy Guillén
- Unité Biologie Cellulaire du Parasitisme, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Steve Paterson
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - C Graham Clark
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Hall
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom.,School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ United Kingdom
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6
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Nurkanto A, Jeelani G, Yamamoto T, Hishiki T, Naito Y, Suematsu M, Hashimoto T, Nozaki T. Biochemical, Metabolomic, and Genetic Analyses of Dephospho Coenzyme A Kinase Involved in Coenzyme A Biosynthesis in the Human Enteric Parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2902. [PMID: 30555442 PMCID: PMC6284149 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coenzyme A (CoA) is an essential cofactor for numerous cellular reactions in all living organisms. In the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, CoA is synthesized in a pathway consisting of four enzymes with dephospho-CoA kinase (DPCK) catalyzing the last step. However, the metabolic and physiological roles of E. histolytica DPCK remain elusive. In this study, we took biochemical, reverse genetic, and metabolomic approaches to elucidate role of DPCK in E. histolytica. The E. histolytica genome encodes two DPCK isotypes (EhDPCK1 and EhDPCK2). Epigenetic gene silencing of Ehdpck1 and Ehdpck2 caused significant reduction of DPCK activity, intracellular CoA concentrations, and also led to growth retardation in vitro, suggesting importance of DPCK for CoA synthesis and proliferation. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis showed that suppression of Ehdpck gene expression also caused decrease in the level of acetyl-CoA, and metabolites involved in amino acid, glycogen, hexosamine, nucleic acid metabolisms, chitin, and polyamine biosynthesis. The kinetic properties of E. histolytica and human DPCK showed remarkable differences, e.g., the Km values of E. histolytica and human DPCK were 58-114 and 5.2 μM toward dephospho-CoA and 15-20 and 192 μM for ATP, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis also supported the uniqueness of the amebic enzyme compared to the human counterpart. These biochemical, evolutionary features, and physiological importance of EhDPCKs indicate that EhDPCK represents the rational target for the development of anti-amebic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Nurkanto
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Research Center for Biology, Indonesia Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takako Hishiki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Naito
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Suematsu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Nurkanto A, Jeelani G, Yamamoto T, Naito Y, Hishiki T, Mori M, Suematsu M, Shiomi K, Hashimoto T, Nozaki T. Characterization and validation of Entamoeba histolytica pantothenate kinase as a novel anti-amebic drug target. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2018; 8:125-136. [PMID: 29518650 PMCID: PMC6114107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Coenzyme A (CoA), as a cofactor involved in >100 metabolic reactions, is essential to the basic biochemistry of life. Here, we investigated the CoA biosynthetic pathway of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), an enteric protozoan parasite responsible for human amebiasis. We identified four key enzymes involved in the CoA pathway: pantothenate kinase (PanK, EC 2.7.1.33), bifunctional phosphopantothenate-cysteine ligase/decarboxylase (PPCS-PPCDC), phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase (PPAT) and dephospho-CoA kinase (DPCK). Cytosolic enzyme PanK, was selected for further biochemical, genetic, and phylogenetic characterization. Since E. histolytica PanK (EhPanK) is physiologically important and sufficiently divergent from its human orthologs, this enzyme represents an attractive target for the development of novel anti-amebic chemotherapies. Epigenetic gene silencing of PanK resulted in a significant reduction of PanK activity, intracellular CoA concentrations, and growth retardation in vitro, reinforcing the importance of this gene in E. histolytica. Furthermore, we screened the Kitasato Natural Products Library for inhibitors of recombinant EhPanK, and identified 14 such compounds. One compound demonstrated moderate inhibition of PanK activity and cell growth at a low concentration, as well as differential toxicity towards E. histolytica and human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Nurkanto
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Tokyo, Japan; Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan; Research Center for Biology, Indonesia Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Naito
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takako Hishiki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan; Clinical and Translational Research Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Mihoko Mori
- Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Suematsu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuro Shiomi
- Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
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Abstract
Amebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica infection and can produce a broad range of clinical signs, from asymptomatic cases to patients with obvious symptoms. The current epidemiological and clinical statuses of amebiasis make it a serious public health problem worldwide. The Entamoeba life cycle consists of the trophozoite, the causative agent for amebiasis, and the cyst, the form responsible for transmission. These two stages are connected by "encystation" and "excystation." Hence, developing novel strategies to control encystation and excystation will potentially lead to new measures to block the transmission of amebiasis by interrupting the life cycle of the causative agent. Here, we highlight studies investigating encystation using inhibitory chemicals and categorize them based on the molecules inhibited. We also present a perspective on new strategies to prevent the transmission of amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumika Mi-ichi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Immunoscience, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Hiroki Yoshida
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Immunoscience, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Hamano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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9
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Gardhouse S. Diagnostic Challenge. J Exot Pet Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2015.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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11
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Maas AK. Considerations and conditions involving protozoal inhabitation of the reptilian gastrointestinal tract. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2014; 17:263-97. [PMID: 24767746 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, gastrointestinal protozoal organism inhabitation has been well studied, with hundreds of species defined as parasites. While the mammalian protozoal relationships have been identified and categorized by anatomy, tropism, pathogenicity, and life cycles, relatively few species of protozoal organism relationships have been categorized in reptiles. Species of parasites are still being segregated from each other, and conflicting information needs to be clarified to completely understand the data already available. This article presents the information available to help reptile practitioners make evidence-based decisions regarding both the determination of a pathologic parasitic condition and direct appropriate treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolf K Maas
- ZooVet Consulting, PLLC, PO Box 1007, Bothell, WA 98041, USA.
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12
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García G, Ramos F, Pérez RG, Yañez J, Estrada MS, Mendoza LH, Martinez-Hernandez F, Gaytán P. Molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of Entamoeba species in a chelonian collection. J Med Microbiol 2013; 63:271-283. [PMID: 24194557 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.061820-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinary medicine has focused recently on reptiles, due to the existence of captive collections in zoos and an increase in the acquisition of reptiles as pets. The protozoan parasite, Entamoeba can cause amoebiasis in various animal species and humans. Although amoebiasis disease is remarkably rare in most species of chelonians and crocodiles, these species may serve as Entamoeba species carriers that transmit parasites to susceptible reptile species, such as snakes and lizards, which can become sick and die. In this study, we identified the Entamoeba species in a population of healthy (disease-free) chelonians, and evaluated their diversity through the amplification and sequencing of a small subunit rDNA region. Using this procedure, three Entamoeba species were identified: Entamoeba invadens in 4.76 % of chelonians, Entamoeba moshkovskii in 3.96 % and Entamoeba terrapinae in 50 %. We did not detect mixed Entamoeba infections. Comparative analysis of the amplified region allowed us to determine the intra-species variations. The E. invadens and E. moshkovskii strains isolated in this study did not exhibit marked differences with respect to the sequences reported in GenBank. The analysis of the E. terrapinae isolates revealed three different subgroups (A, B and C). Although subgroups A and C were very similar, subgroup B showed a relatively marked difference with respect to subgroups A and C (Fst = 0.984 and Fst = 1.000, respectively; 10-14 % nucleotide variation, as determined by blast) and with respect to the sequences reported in GenBank. These results suggested that E. terrapinae subgroup B may be either in a process of speciation or belong to a different lineage. However, additional research is necessary to support this statement conclusively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela García
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Delegación Coyoacan, México DF, CP 04510, México
| | - Fernando Ramos
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Delegación Coyoacan, México DF, CP 04510, México
| | - Rodrigo Gutiérrez Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Delegación Coyoacan, México DF, CP 04510, México
| | - Jorge Yañez
- Unidad de Síntesis y Secuenciación de DNA, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos, CP 62210, México
| | - Mónica Salmerón Estrada
- Herpetario de la Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Delegación Coyoacan, México DF, CP 04510, México
| | - Lilian Hernández Mendoza
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Delegación Coyoacan, México DF, CP 04510, México
| | - Fernando Martinez-Hernandez
- Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General Doctor Manuel Gea González, Calz de Tlalpan 4800, Tlalpan, México DF, CP 14000, México
| | - Paul Gaytán
- Unidad de Síntesis y Secuenciación de DNA, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos, CP 62210, México
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13
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De Cádiz AE, Jeelani G, Nakada-Tsukui K, Caler E, Nozaki T. Transcriptome analysis of encystation in Entamoeba invadens. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74840. [PMID: 24040350 PMCID: PMC3770568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Encystation is an essential differentiation process for the completion of the life cycle of a group of intestinal protozoa including Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. However, regulation of gene expression during encystation is poorly understood. To comprehensively understand the process at the molecular level, the transcriptomic profiles of E. invadens, which is a related reptilian species that causes an invasive disease similar to that of E. histolytica, was investigated during encystation. Using a custom-generated Affymetrix platform microarray, we performed time course (0.5, 2, 8, 24, 48, and 120 h) gene expression analysis of encysting E. invadens. ANOVA analysis revealed that a total of 1,528 genes showed ≥3 fold up-regulation at one or more time points, relative to the trophozoite stage. Of these modulated genes, 8% (116 genes) were up-regulated at the early time points (0.5, 2 and 8h), while 63% (962 genes) were up-regulated at the later time points (24, 48, and 120 h). Twenty nine percent (450 genes) are either up-regulated at 2 to 5 time points or constitutively up-regulated in both early and late stages. Among the up-regulated genes are the genes encoding transporters, cytoskeletal proteins, proteins involved in vesicular trafficking (small GTPases), Myb transcription factors, cysteine proteases, components of the proteasome, and enzymes for chitin biosynthesis. This study represents the first kinetic analysis of gene expression during differentiation from the invasive trophozoite to the dormant, infective cyst stage in Entamoeba. Functional analysis on individual genes and their encoded products that are modulated during encystation may lead to the discovery of targets for the development of new chemotherapeutics that interfere with stage conversion of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleyla Escueta De Cádiz
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Science and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao, Philippines
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Nakada-Tsukui
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Elisabet Caler
- J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- * E-mail:
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15
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Chia MY, Jeng CR, Hsiao SH, Lee AH, Chen CY, Pang VF. Entamoeba invadens myositis in a common water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator). Vet Pathol 2009; 46:673-6. [PMID: 19276058 DOI: 10.1354/vp.08-vp-0224-p-cr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Amoebiasis is one of the most common protozoal diseases of reptiles, but amoebic myositis has not been reported in any animal species. An 11-year-old, male common water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) was found dead with several subacute ulcerated skin wounds. Gross examination revealed multiple discrete to coalescing, white-yellow to gray, caseous foci scattered in the skeletal muscles and liver. The mucosa of small intestine was thickened, red, and contained many variably sized, dark red ulcers, with depressed and hemorrhagic centers. Histopathologic examination revealed severe necrotizing and granulomatous myositis, hepatitis, and enteritis accompanied by large numbers of intralesional, 10-20-microm diameter, periodic acid-Schiff-positive, amoeboid protozoa. Gene sequence analysis of a 136-bp region of the 18S ribosomal RNA amplified by polymerase chain reaction revealed 98-100% similarity with Entamoeba invadens. Aside from intestinal and hepatic involvement, no other internal organs were affected. The muscular infection by E. invadens likely resulted from a combination of direct invasion of trophozoites via skin wounds and hematogenous spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-Y Chia
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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16
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Detection of Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba spp. and Monocercomonas spp. in the gastrointestinal tract of snakes by in-situ hybridization. J Comp Pathol 2008; 138:63-71. [PMID: 18295780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2007.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This report describes the development of a diagnostic method for protozoal infections of the gastrointestinal tract of captive snakes, based on chromogenic in-situ hybridization with probes designed for the detection of 18S rRNA genes from Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba spp., Entamoeba invadens and Monocercomonas spp. The specificity of the probes was confirmed with the help of parasitic cultures and gene sequence analysis. The probes gave clear positive signals. Of 182 snakes examined, seven were positive with the Cryptosporidium probe, 13 with the Entamoeba probe (of which nine were also positive with the E. invadens probe), and 34 with the Monocercomonas probe.
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17
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Frederick JR, Petri WA. Roles for the galactose-/N-acetylgalactosamine-binding lectin of Entamoeba in parasite virulence and differentiation. Glycobiology 2005; 15:53R-59R. [PMID: 16037494 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwj007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica, an intestinal protozoan parasite, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The pathology of the disease is caused by the colonization of the large intestine by the amoebic trophozoites and the invasion of the intestinal epithelium. Some of the trophozoites will eventually differentiate into the infectious cyst form, allowing them to be transmitted out of the bowel and into water supplies to be passed from person to person. Both the virulence of the organism and the differentiation process relies on a galactose-/N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-binding lectin that is expressed on the surface of trophozoites. The functional activity of this lectin has been shown to be involved in host cell binding, cytotoxicity, complement resistance, induction of encystation, and generation of the cyst wall. The role of the lectin in both differentiation and virulence suggests that it may be a pivotal molecule that determines the severity of the infection from a commensal state resulting from increased encystation to an invasive state. The lectin-glycan interactions that initiate these diverse processes are discussed with emphasis on comparing the binding of host ligands and the interactions involved in encystation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse R Frederick
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia Health System, MR4 Building, Room 2115, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1340, USA
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18
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Merchant M, Thibodeaux D, Loubser K, Elsey RM. AMOEBACIDAL EFFECTS OF SERUM FROM THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR (ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS). J Parasitol 2004; 90:1480-3. [PMID: 15715248 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of axenic Naegleria gruberi cultures with alligator serum resulted in time-dependent amoebacidal activity, with measurable activity at 5 min and maximal activity occurring at 20 min. The amoebacidal activity was concentration dependent, with measurable activity at 25% serum, whereas treatment of amoebas with undiluted serum resulted in only 16% survival. The efficacy was dependent on the concentration of amoebas, with higher survival rates at high amoeba densities and lower survival rates at low amoeba densities. The amoeba-killing effects of alligator serum were broad in spectrum because the serum was effective against 3 strains of Naegleria species tested and 4 Acanthamoeba species, which have been reported to be resistant to human serum complement-mediated lysis. The amoebacidal effects of alligator serum were temperature dependent, with optimal activity at 15-30 C and a decrease in activity below 15 C and above 30 C. The amoebacidal activity of alligator serum was heat labile and protease sensitive, indicating the proteinaceous nature of the activity, and was also inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which indicated a requirement for divalent metal ions. These characteristics strongly suggest that the amoebacidal properties of alligator serum are because of complement activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Merchant
- Department of Chemistry, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70609, USA.
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19
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Wildschutte H, Wolfe DM, Tamewitz A, Lawrence JG. Protozoan predation, diversifying selection, and the evolution of antigenic diversity in Salmonella. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:10644-9. [PMID: 15247413 PMCID: PMC489988 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0404028101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive population-level genetic variability at the Salmonella rfb locus, which encodes enzymes responsible for synthesis of the O-antigen polysaccharide, is thought to have arisen through frequency-dependent selection (FDS) by means of exposure of this pathogen to host immune systems. The FDS hypothesis works well for pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitis, which alter the composition of their O-antigens during the course of bloodborne infections. In contrast, Salmonella remains resident in epithelial cells or macrophages during infection and does not have phase variability in its O-antigen. More importantly, Salmonella shows host-serovar specificity, whereby strains bearing certain O-antigens cause disease primarily in specific hosts; this behavior is inconsistent with FDS providing selection for the origin or maintenance of extensive polymorphism at the rfb locus. Alternatively, selective pressure may originate from the host intestinal environment itself, wherein diversifying selection mediated by protozoan predation allows for the continued existence of Salmonella able to avoid consumption by host-specific protozoa. This selective pressure would result in high population-level diversity at the Salmonella rfb locus without phase variation. We show here that intestinal protozoa recognize antigenically diverse Salmonella with different efficiencies and demonstrate that differences solely in the O-antigen are sufficient to allow for prey discrimination. Combined with observations of the differential distributions of both serotypes of bacterial species and their protozoan predators among environments, our data provides a framework for the evolution of high genetic diversity at the rfb locus and host-specific pathogenicity in Salmonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Wildschutte
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, USA
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