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Jaume-Ramis S, Martínez-Ortí A, Delgado-Serra S, Bargues MD, Mas-Coma S, Foronda P, Paredes-Esquivel C. Potential intermediate hosts of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the European Mediterranean region (Mallorca, Spain). One Health 2023; 17:100610. [PMID: 37638211 PMCID: PMC10448469 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100610] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the main etiological agent of eosinophilic meningitis, a disease that often leads to severe neurological manifestations in mammals and birds. In recent years, the prevalence of this zoonotic nematode has dramatically increased as it expands into new territories beyond its native range in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Basin.Its arrival to Europe, the last continent to be invaded, has raised many questions concerning the parasite's life cycle, particularly in the Mediterranean region, where it is now endemic. This study aims to collect evidence about intermediate hosts (snail and slug species) involved in the transmission of the A. cantonensis in Mallorca. We have conducted a systematic surveillance of gastropods within 2 km radius areas, surrounding the specific locations where infected hedgehogs were found. We employed a sequence-based detection approach that included a species-specific PCR amplification followed by DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer I (ITS-1). This conservative approach was essential to avoid cross reactions with the numerous metastrongylid species known to be circulating in Mallorca. Overall, we collected and identified 398 gastropods belonging to 17 species, of which 11% tested positive for A. cantonensis. These gastropods were collected from touristic settlements to agricultural lands. Five gastropod species: Theba pisana, Cornu aspersum, Deroceras reticulatum, Milax gagates and Otala lactea, had been previously incriminated as A. cantonensis intermediate hosts, while 6 species: Papillifera papillaris, Cochlicella acuta, Eobania vermiculata, Ganula lanuginosa, Milax nigricans and Rumina decollata, are newly recorded hosts. The findings of this study have important epidemiological implications, and further measures are discussed to prevent neuroangiostrongylosis cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastià Jaume-Ramis
- Mediterranean Parasitology and Ecoepidemiology Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - Alberto Martínez-Ortí
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Valencian Museum of Natural History – i\Biotaxa, Alginet, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sofía Delgado-Serra
- Mediterranean Parasitology and Ecoepidemiology Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - María Dolores Bargues
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Mas-Coma
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Claudia Paredes-Esquivel
- Mediterranean Parasitology and Ecoepidemiology Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
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Rollins RL, Medeiros MC, Cowie RH. Stressed snails release Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) larvae in their slime. One Health 2023; 17:100658. [PMID: 38116454 PMCID: PMC10728333 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of stress on release of Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae from a snail host, Parmarion martensi. We subjected 140 infected, wild-caught P. martensi to three stress-inducing treatments (heat, molluscicide, physical disturbance) and an unstressed control treatment for 24 h, after which larval presence and abundance in the slime were quantified by qPCR targeting the ITS1 region of the parasite's DNA, and compared among treatments. The significance of stress and host infection load on larval release was determined by generalized linear mixed models and permutation tests. The results indicated that stress significantly increased the probability of larval presence in slime and the number of larvae released, and highly infected snails were also more likely to release larvae. Among stressed snails, 13.3% released larvae into slime, the number of larvae present in the slime ranging from 45.5 to 4216. Unstressed controls released no larvae. This study offers a partial explanation for conflicting results from prior studies regarding A. cantonensis presence in snail slime and sheds light on the broader One Health implications. Stress-induced larval release highlights the potential role of slime as a medium for pathogen transmission to accidental, paratenic, definitive and other intermediate hosts. These findings emphasize the importance of considering stress-mediated interactions in host-parasite systems and their implications for zoonotic disease emergence. As stressors continue to escalate because of anthropogenic activities and climate change, understanding the role of stress in pathogen shedding and transmission becomes increasingly important for safeguarding human and wildlife health within the One Health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi L. Rollins
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 408, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 3190 Maile Way, St. John 101, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Matthew C.I. Medeiros
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 1800 East West Road, LSB 316, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Robert H. Cowie
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 408, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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Rivory P, Pillay K, Lee R, Taylor D, Ward MP, Šlapeta J. Fatal neural angiostrongyliasis in the Bolivian squirrel monkey ( Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) leading to defining Angiostrongylus cantonensis risk map at a zoo in Australia. One Health 2023; 17:100628. [PMID: 38024275 PMCID: PMC10665155 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100628] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural angiostrongyliasis (NA) is a parasitic disease caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm). This study presents a case of NA in a captive Bolivian squirrel monkey from a zoo in western Sydney, Australia. The objective was to identify the A. cantonensis cox1 haplotype responsible for the infection and compare its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to known Australian mtDNA. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to assess the risk of infection, focusing on the resident rat population in the zoo. Methods involved trapping rats and collecting rat faeces for Angiostrongylus detection, speciation, and cox1 haplotype confirmation. Various techniques were employed, including necropsy, morphological examination, and molecular methods such as ITS-2 qPCR, cox1 sequencing, and ITS-2 metabarcoding. Cluster analysis of rat faeces distribution and Angiostrongylus detection utilised an equal sampling effort (ESE) approach. Gastropods were collected throughout the study for Angiostrongylus surveillance using a hypersensitive qPCR assay. Results revealed significant clustering of rat faeces near exhibits with fresh food provision and absence of predators. Angiostrongylus-positive faeces were uniformly distributed across the zoo property. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the presence of the Ac13 haplotype of A. cantonensis in the monkey. Morphology, ITS-2 metabarcoding and partial cox1 sequencing detected only A. cantonensis, with the Ac13 cox1 haplotype predominating. A high prevalence of infection (64%, 9/14) was found in brown rats, with quantification of larvae indicating high shedding rates. Co-infections with both Ac13 and local SYD.1 A. cantonensis cox1 haplotypes were observed. Only three gastropods (all of which were Angiostrongylus-negative) were found in the survey. To minimise the risk of exposure for susceptible species, targeted rodent control was implemented in areas with higher exposure risk. A potential strategy (which requires further exploration) to consider for future zoo design was suggested. This study provides insights into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of A. cantonensis in Australia, emphasising the importance of control measures to prevent future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Rivory
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Kresen Pillay
- Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee, New South Wales 2767, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- NSW Health Pathology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Lab Services, Level 3 ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - David Taylor
- Vetnostics, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Li P, Hong J, Yuan Z, Huang Y, Wu M, Ding T, Wu Z, Sun X, Lin D. Gut microbiota in parasite-transmitting gastropods. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:105. [PMID: 38001502 PMCID: PMC10668521 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01159-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastropoda, the largest class within the phylum Mollusca, houses diverse gut microbiota, and some gastropods serve as intermediate hosts for parasites. Studies have revealed that gut bacteria in gastropods are associated with various biological aspects, such as growth, immunity and host-parasite interactions. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of gastropod gut microbiomes and highlight future research priorities and perspectives. METHODS A literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI for the articles on the gut microbiota of gastropods until December 31, 2022. We retrieved a total of 166 articles and identified 73 eligible articles for inclusion in this review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS Our analysis encompassed freshwater, seawater and land snails, with a specific focus on parasite-transmitting gastropods. We found that most studies on gastropod gut microbiota have primarily utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze microbial composition, rather than employing metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, or metabolomic approaches. This comprehensive review provided an overview of the parasites carried by snail species in the context of gut microbiota studies. We presented the gut microbial trends, a comprehensive summary of the diversity and composition, influencing factors, and potential functions of gastropod gut microbiota. Additionally, we discussed the potential applications, research gaps and future perspectives of gut microbiomes in parasite-transmitting gastropods. Furthermore, several strategies for enhancing our comprehension of gut microbiomes in snails were also discussed. CONCLUSIONS This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the composition, potential function, influencing factors, potential applications, limitations, and challenges of gut microbiomes in gastropods, with a specific emphasis on parasite-transmitting gastropods. These findings provide important insights for future studies aiming to understand the potential role of gastropod gut microbiota in controlling snail populations and snail-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Li
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinni Hong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhong Yuan
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingrou Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Datao Lin
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Cowie RH, Malik R, Morgan ER. Comparative biology of parasitic nematodes in the genus Angiostrongylus and related genera. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 121:65-197. [PMID: 37474239 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The rise to prominence of some Angiostrongylus species through associated emerging disease in humans and dogs has stimulated calls for a renewed focus on the biology of this genus and three related genera. Although significant research efforts have been made in recent years these have tended to focus on individual species and specific aspects such as diagnosis and treatment of disease or new records of occurrence and hosts. This comprehensive review takes a comparative approach, seeking commonalities and differences among species and asking such questions as: Which species belong to this and to closely related genera and how are they related? Why do only some species appear to be spreading geographically and what factors might underlie range expansion? Which animal species are involved in the life cycles as definitive, intermediate, paratenic and accidental hosts? How do parasite larvae find, infect and develop within these hosts? What are the consequences of infection for host health? How will climate change affect future spread and global health? Appreciating how species resemble and differ from each other shines a spotlight on knowledge gaps and provides provisional guidance on key species characteristics warranting detailed study. Similarities exist among species, including the basic life cycle and transmission processes, but important details such as host range, climatic requirements, migration patterns within hosts and disease mechanisms differ, with much more information available for A. cantonensis and A. vasorum than for other species. Nonetheless, comparison across Angiostrongylus reveals some common patterns. Historically narrow definitive host ranges are expanding with new knowledge, combining with very broad ranges of intermediate gastropod hosts and vertebrate and invertebrate paratenic and accidental hosts to provide the backdrop to complex interactions among climate, ecology and transmission that remain only partly understood, even for the species of dominant concern. Key outstanding questions concern larval dynamics and the potential for transmission outside trophic relations, relations between infection and disease severity in different hosts, and how global change is altering transmission beyond immediate impacts on development rate in gastropods. The concept of encounter and compatibility filters could help to explain differences in the relative importance of different gastropod species as intermediate hosts and determine the importance of host community composition and related environmental factors to transmission and range. Across the group, it remains unclear what, physiologically, immunologically or taxonomically, delimits definitive, accidental and paratenic hosts. Impacts of infection on definitive host fitness and consequences for population dynamics and transmission remain mostly unexplored across the genus. Continual updating and cross-referencing across species of Angiostrongylus and related genera is important to synthesise rapid advances in understanding of key traits and behaviours, especially in important Angiostrongylus species that are emerging causative agents of disease in humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Cowie
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, Maile Way, Gilmore, Honolulu, HI, United States.
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eric R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, United Kingdom; School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, United Kingdom
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Host transmission dynamics of first- and third-stage Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae in Bullastra lessoni. Parasitology 2022; 149:1034-1044. [PMID: 35445648 PMCID: PMC10090585 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Given the importance of angiostrongyliasis as an emerging infectious disease of humans, companion animals, and wildlife, the current study focused on the transmission dynamics of first- and third-stage larvae of the parasitic nematode, Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The migration of infective larvae and their subsequent distribution within the Lymnaeidae snail, Bullastra lessoni, were investigated over time using microscopic examination of histological sections and fresh tissue. Snails were divided into four anatomical regions: (i) anterior and (ii) posterior cephalopedal masses, (iii) mantle skirt and (iv) visceral mass. The viability of free-swimming third-stage larvae, after their release from snail tissues, was evaluated in vitro by propidium iodide staining and infectivity by in vivo infection of Wistar rats. Snails were sequentially dissected over time to assess the number and anatomical distribution of larvae within each snail and hence infer their migration pathway. Herein, ongoing larval migratory activity was detected over 28 days post-infection. A comparison of infection rates and the larval distribution within the four designated snail regions demonstrated a significant relationship between anatomical region and density of infective larvae, with larvae mostly distributed in the anterior cephalopedal mass (43.6 ± 10.8%) and the mantle skirt (33.0 ± 8.8%). Propidium iodide staining showed that free-swimming third-stage larvae retained viability for between 4 and 8 weeks when stored under laboratory conditions. In contrast to viability, larval infectivity in rats remained for up to 2 weeks only. Knowledge gained from the current work could provide information on the development of new approaches to controlling the transmission of this parasite.
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Chen M, Huang D, Chen J, Huang Y, Zheng H, Tang Y, Zhang Q, Chen S, Ai L, Zhou X, Zhang R. Genetic Characterization and Detection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis by Molecular Approaches. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:643-652. [PMID: 34242520 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis constitutes a major etiologic agent of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. The detection methods for angiostrongyliasis mainly depend on morphology or immunology. A firmer diagnosis could be reached by directly detecting the parasite in the cerebrospinal fluid or through laboratory assays that are specific for Angiostrongylus-induced antibodies or the parasite's DNA. A. cantonensis detection could be carried out by larva release from the tissue upon pepsin digestion. However, the procedure requires live mollusks, which might complicate the analysis of large amounts of samples. Since morphological assays are limited, multiple molecular techniques have been put forward for detecting A. cantonensis, including PCR amplification of targets followed by fragment length or DNA sequence analysis. This allows rapid and accurate identification of A. cantonensis for efficient infection management and epidemiological purposes. In this study, we reviewed the current methods, concepts, and applications of molecular approaches to better understand the genetic characterization, molecular detection methods, and practical application of molecular detection in A. cantonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muxin Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, NHC Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Dana Huang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- Health Education and Detection Center, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, NHC Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Joint Laboratory for Imported Tropical Disease Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Yalan Huang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huiwen Zheng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijun Tang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaohong Chen
- Health Education and Detection Center, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, NHC Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Ai
- Health Education and Detection Center, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, NHC Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of One Health, School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaonong Zhou
- Health Education and Detection Center, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, NHC Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Health Education and Detection Center, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Joint Laboratory for Imported Tropical Disease Control, Shanghai, China.,Department of One Health, School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Renli Zhang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
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Sepúlveda-García P, Gómez M, Moroni M, Muñoz P, Müller A. Evaluation of terrestrial gastropods as possible intermediate hosts of Gurltia paralysans in southern Chile. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e025020. [PMID: 33605389 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120201087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gurltia paralysans is the causal agent of gurltiosis in domestic cats in South America. Although the life cycle of G. paralysans is unknown, it is thought that gastropods could act as intermediate hosts (IHs), as is the case for several nematodes in the Angiostrongylidae family. The aim of this study was to search for G. paralysans larvae in terrestrial gastropods and determine their role in the life cycle of this nematode species. Terrestrial gastropod samples (n=835) were collected in Punucapa, Valdivia, southern Chile, where cases of gurltiosis had been reported before. The samples included species from the families Arionidae, Limacidae, Helicidae and Milacidae. All gastropods were subjected to enzymatic digestion to isolate G. paralysans larvae. Ten percent of the gastropod samples were analyzed using seminested PCR targeting the 28S rRNA gene, while 2.6% were analyzed by histopathological examination. The results indicated the absence of G. paralysans when using any of the three methods. In conclusion, further studies are needed to evaluate specific species of aquatic or native gastropods acting as possible IHs (in this geographic location).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Sepúlveda-García
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Marcelo Gómez
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Manuel Moroni
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Pamela Muñoz
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ananda Müller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.,Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
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Estaño LA, Bordado AMD, Paller VGV. Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection of non-native rats in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, the Philippines. Parasitology 2021; 148:143-148. [PMID: 32782032 PMCID: PMC11010066 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies had been conducted on rat species diversity in the Philippines, however, there is a dearth of information on the extent of Angiostrongylus spp. infection in various ecological niches. Collection of non-native rat samples occurred in various sampling sites categorized as residential, agricultural and agro-forest in Philippine Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) and its adjacent areas . Three species of non-native rats were captured including Rattus tanezumi, Rattus norvegicus and Rattus exulans. Of the total 90 non-native rats collected, 24.4% were found infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Statistical analysis showed significant difference among rat species with highest prevalence observed in R. exulans (42.9%) followed by R. tanezumi (29.8%) and R. norvegicus (7.7%) (P = 0.047). Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection was significantly higher in adults (29.4%) than in juvenile rats (9.1%) (P = 0.050). However, results showed no significant difference in A. cantonensis infection between male (43.3%) and female (18.3%) rats and between wet (31.6%) and dry seasons (19.2%) (P > 0.05). Moreover, this study also revealed that rats from agricultural and agro-forest areas showed significantly higher prevalence than residential areas. With urbanization and the everchanging landscape of MMFR watersheds and buffer zones, zoonotic transmission can pose health threats to the local people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo A. Estaño
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baňos (UPLB), College 4031, Laguna, Philippines
- Department of Biology, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City, Philippines
| | - Anna Monica D. Bordado
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baňos (UPLB), College 4031, Laguna, Philippines
- Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute, Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines
| | - Vachel Gay V. Paller
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baňos (UPLB), College 4031, Laguna, Philippines
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Steel A, Jacob J, Klasner I, Howe K, Jacquier SH, Pitt WC, Hollingsworth R, Jarvi SI. In vitro comparison of treatments and commercially available solutions on mortality of Angiostrongylus cantonensis third-stage larvae. Parasitology 2021; 148:212-220. [PMID: 32951629 PMCID: PMC11010055 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
On Hawai'i Island, an increase in human neuroangiostrongyliasis cases has been primarily associated with the accidental ingestion of Angiostrongylus cantonensis L3 in snails or slugs, or potentially, from larvae left behind in the slug's slime or feces. We evaluated more than 40 different treatments in vitro for their ability to kill A. cantonensis larvae with the goal of identifying a safe and effective fruit and vegetable wash in order to reduce the risk of exposure. Our evaluation of treatment lethality was carried out in two phases; initially using motility as an indicator of larval survival after treatment, followed by the development and application of a propidium iodide staining assay to document larval mortality. Treatments tested included common household products, consumer vegetable washes and agricultural crop washes. We found minimal larvicidal efficacy among consumer-grade fruit and vegetable washes, nor among botanical extracts such as those from ginger or garlic, nor acid solutions such as vinegar. Alkaline solutions, on the other hand, as well as oxidizers such as bleach and chlorine dioxide, did show larvicidal potential. Surfactants, a frequent ingredient in detergents that lowers surface tension, had variable results, but dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid as a 70% w/w solution in 2-propanol was very effective, both in terms of the speed and the thoroughness with which it killed A. cantonensis L3 nematodes. Thus, our results suggest promising directions for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argon Steel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI96720, USA
| | - John Jacob
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI96720, USA
| | - Ina Klasner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI96720, USA
| | - Kathleen Howe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI96720, USA
| | - Steven H. Jacquier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI96720, USA
| | - William C. Pitt
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, 22630, VA, USA
| | - Robert Hollingsworth
- USDA-ARS, US Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Service, PO Box 4459, Hilo, Hawai‘i96720, USA
| | - Susan I. Jarvi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI96720, USA
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11
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Angiostrongylus spp. (Nematoda; Metastrongyloidea) of global public health importance. Res Vet Sci 2020; 135:397-403. [PMID: 33160683 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Human angiostrongyliasis is an important foodborne zoonosis, caused by the infection with Angiostrongylus costaricensis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis. These two species have a significant public health impact in different areas of the world. Angiostrongyliasis is re-emerging and expanding to urban settings rising significant concerns regarding the control of these infections. This review focuses on aspects such as life cycle, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, food safety and control of illness caused especially by A. cantonensis.
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12
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The mitochondrial genome of Angiostrongylus mackerrasae is distinct from A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis. Parasitology 2020; 147:681-688. [PMID: 32052727 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The native rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus mackerrasae) and the invasive rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) occur in eastern Australia. The species identity of A. mackerrasae remained unquestioned until relatively recently, when compilation of mtDNA data indicated that A. mackerrasae sensu Aghazadeh et al. (2015b) clusters within A. cantonensis based on their mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA). To re-evaluate the species identity of A. mackerrasae, we sought material that would be morphologically conspecific with A. mackerrasae. We combined morphological and molecular approaches to confirm or refute the specific status of A. mackerrasae. Nematodes conspecific with A. mackerrasae from Rattus fuscipes and Rattus rattus were collected in Queensland, Australia. Morphologically identified A. mackerrasae voucher specimens were characterized using amplification of cox1 followed by the generation of reference complete mtDNA. The morphologically distinct A. cantonensis, A. mackerrasae and A. malaysiensis are genetically distinguishable forming a monophyletic mtDNA lineage. We conclude that A. mackerrasae sensu Aghazadeh et al. (2015b) is a misidentified specimen of A. cantonensis. The availability of the mtDNA genome of A. mackerrasae enables its unequivocal genetic identification and differentiation from other Angiostrongylus species.
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13
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Kramer KJ, Posner J, Gosnell WL. Role of Gastropod Mucus in the Transmission of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a Potentially Serious Neurological Infection. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:629-632. [PMID: 29465976 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, is endemic to Hawaii. A recent increase in the number of cases has drawn intense local and national media attention. As a result there is an increased fear of acquiring the disease from local produce, which has the potential to adversely affect the income of local farmers. The most common means of transmission is by the ingestion of an infected intermediate host. Other modes of transmission have been suggested including infectious larvae being released into the mucus trail of gastropods. This literature review indicates that mucus trails from infected gastropods poses a minimal risk to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenton J. Kramer
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, United States
| | - Jourdan Posner
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, United States
| | - William L. Gosnell
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, United States
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14
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Jarvi SI, Quarta S, Jacquier S, Howe K, Bicakci D, Dasalla C, Lovesy N, Snook K, McHugh R, Niebuhr CN. High prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) on eastern Hawai'i Island: A closer look at life cycle traits and patterns of infection in wild rats (Rattus spp.). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189458. [PMID: 29252992 PMCID: PMC5734720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic pathogen and the etiological agent of human angiostrongyliasis or rat lungworm disease. Hawai'i, particularly east Hawai'i Island, is the epicenter for angiostrongyliasis in the USA. Rats (Rattus spp.) are the definitive hosts while gastropods are intermediate hosts. The main objective of this study was to collect adult A. cantonensis from wild rats to isolate protein for the development of a blood-based diagnostic, in the process we evaluated the prevalence of infection in wild rats. A total of 545 wild rats were sampled from multiple sites in the South Hilo District of east Hawai'i Island. Adult male and female A. cantonensis (3,148) were collected from the hearts and lungs of humanely euthanized Rattus rattus, and R. exulans. Photomicrography and documentation of multiple stages of this parasitic nematode in situ were recorded. A total of 45.5% (197/433) of rats inspected had lung lobe(s) (mostly upper right) which appeared granular indicating this lobe may serve as a filter for worm passage to the rest of the lung. Across Rattus spp., 72.7% (396/545) were infected with adult worms, but 93.9% (512/545) of the rats were positive for A. cantonensis infection based on presence of live adult worms, encysted adult worms, L3 larvae and/or by PCR analysis of brain tissue. In R. rattus we observed an inverse correlation with increased body mass and infection level of adult worms, and a direct correlation between body mass and encysted adult worms in the lung tissue, indicating that larger (older) rats may have developed a means of clearing infections or regulating the worm burden upon reinfection. The exceptionally high prevalence of A. cantonensis infection in Rattus spp. in east Hawai'i Island is cause for concern and indicates the potential for human infection with this emerging zoonosis is greater than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan I. Jarvi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Stefano Quarta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Steven Jacquier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Kathleen Howe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Deniz Bicakci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Crystal Dasalla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Noelle Lovesy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Kirsten Snook
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Robert McHugh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Chris N. Niebuhr
- USDA-APHIS-WS National Wildlife Research Center, Hawai‘i Field Station, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
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15
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Angiostrongylus mackerrasae and A. cantonensis (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) belong to same genetic lineage: evidence from mitochondrial protein-coding genes. J Helminthol 2017; 92:524-529. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x1700061x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAngiostrongylus mackerrasae is a parasitic nematode of rats found in Australia. When first reported, it was referred to as A. cantonensis. Recent molecular studies, including the mitochondrial genome, indicate that it is highly similar to A. cantonensis. These studies did not include A. malaysiensis, another member of the A. cantonensis species complex, for comparison. The present study examined the genetic distance and phylogenetic relationship between the component taxa (A. cantonensis, A. mackerrasae and A. malaysiensis) of the A. cantonensis species complex, based on the 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs) of their mitochondrial genome. Both the nucleotide and amino acid sequences were analysed. Angiostrongylus mackerrasae and A. cantonensis are members of the same genetic lineage and both are genetically distinct from A. malaysiensis. The genetic distance based on concatenated nucleotide sequences of 12 mt-PCGs between A. mackerrasae and A. cantonensis from Thailand is p = 1.73%, while that between the Thai and Chinese taxa of A. cantonensis is p = 3.52%; the genetic distance between A. mackerrasae and A. cantonensis from China is p = 3.70%. The results indicate that A. mackerrasae and A. cantonensis belong to the same genetic lineage, and that A. mackerrasae may be conspecific with A. cantonensis. It remains to be resolved whether A. mackerrasae is conspecific with A. cantonensis or undergoing incipient speciation.
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16
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Yong HS, Song SL, Eamsobhana P, Lim PE. Complete mitochondrial genome of Angiostrongylus malaysiensis lungworm and molecular phylogeny of Metastrongyloid nematodes. Acta Trop 2016; 161:33-40. [PMID: 27207134 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus malaysiensis is a nematode parasite of various rat species. When first documented in Malaysia, it was referred to as A. cantonensis. Unlike A. cantonensis, the complete mitochondrial genome of A. malaysiensis has not been documented. We report here its complete mitogenome, its differentiation from A. cantonensis, and the phylogenetic relationships with its congeners and other Metastrongyloid taxa. The whole mitogenome of A. malaysiensis had a total length of 13,516bp, comprising 36 genes (12 PCGs, 2 rRNA and 22 tRNA genes) and a control region. It is longer than that of A. cantonensis (13,509bp). Its control region had a long poly T-stretch of 12bp which was not present in A. cantonensis. A. malaysiensis and A. cantonensis had identical start codon for the 12 PCGs, but four PCGs (atp6, cob, nad2, nad6) had different stop codon. The cloverleaf structure for the 22 tRNAs was similar in A. malaysiensis and A. cantonensis except the TΨC-arm was absent in trnV for A. malaysiensis but present in A. cantonensis. The Angiostrongylus genus was monophyletic, with A. malaysiensis and A. cantonensis forming a distinct lineage from that of A. costaricensis and A. vasorum. The genetic distance between A. malaysiensis and A. cantonensis was p=11.9% based on 12 PCGs, p=9.5% based on 2 rRNA genes, and p=11.6% based on 14 mt-genes. The mitogenome will prove useful for studies on phylogenetics and systematics of Angiostrongylus lungworms and other Metastrongyloid nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Sen Yong
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Chancellery High Impact Research, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sze-Looi Song
- Chancellery High Impact Research, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Praphathip Eamsobhana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Phaik-Eem Lim
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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17
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Giannelli A, Cantacessi C, Colella V, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Gastropod-Borne Helminths: A Look at the Snail-Parasite Interplay. Trends Parasitol 2015; 32:255-264. [PMID: 26740470 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
More than 300 million people suffer from a range of diseases caused by gastropod-borne helminths, predominantly flatworms and roundworms, whose life cycles are characterized by a diversified ecology and epidemiology. Despite the plethora of data on these parasites, very little is known of the fundamental biology of their gastropod intermediate hosts, or of the interactions occurring at the snail-helminth interface. In this article, we focus on schistosomes and metastrongylids of human and animal significance, and review current knowledge of snail-parasite interplay. Future efforts aimed at elucidating key elements of the biology and ecology of the snail intermediate hosts, together with an improved understanding of snail-parasite interactions, will aid to identify, plan, and develop new strategies for disease control focused on gastropod intermediate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano 70010, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano 70010, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano 70010, Italy; Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano 70010, Italy.
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18
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Aghazadeh M, Traub RJ, Mohandas N, Aland KV, Reid SA, McCarthy JS, Jones MK. The mitochondrial genome of Angiostrongylus mackerrasae as a basis for molecular, epidemiological and population genetic studies. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:473. [PMID: 26381738 PMCID: PMC4574185 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1082-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus mackerrasae is a metastrongyloid nematode endemic to Australia, where it infects the native bush rat, Rattus fuscipes. This lungworm has an identical life cycle to that of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans. The ability of A. mackerrasae to infect non-rodent hosts, specifically the black flying fox, raises concerns as to its zoonotic potential. To date, data on the taxonomy, epidemiology and population genetics of A. mackerrasae are unknown. Here, we describe the mitochondrial (mt) genome of A. mackerrasae with the aim of starting to address these knowledge gaps. Methods The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of A. mackerrasae was amplified from a single morphologically identified adult worm, by long-PCR in two overlapping amplicons (8 kb and 10 kb). The amplicons were sequenced using the MiSeq Illumina platform and annotated using an in-house pipeline. Amino acid sequences inferred from individual protein coding genes of the mt genomes were concatenated and then subjected to phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inference. Results The mt genome of A. mackerrasae is 13,640 bp in size and contains 12 protein coding genes (cox1-3, nad1-6, nad4L, atp6 and cob), and two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Conclusions The mt genome of A. mackerrasae has similar characteristics to those of other Angiostrongylus species. Sequence comparisons reveal that A. mackerrasae is closely related to A. cantonensis and the two sibling species may have recently diverged compared with all other species in the genus with a highly specific host selection. This mt genome will provide a source of genetic markers for explorations of the epidemiology, biology and population genetics of A. mackerrasae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdis Aghazadeh
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Queensland, 4343, Australia. .,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, 4006, Australia.
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Namitha Mohandas
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Kieran V Aland
- Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, Queensland, 4101, Australia
| | - Simon A Reid
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Queensland, 4006, Australia
| | - James S McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, 4006, Australia.,School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Queensland, 4006, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Queensland, 4343, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, 4006, Australia
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