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Xue NY, Qin SY, Qin Y, Wang HT, Hou QY, Yang X, Jiang J, Ni HB. Existence of Blastocystis infection in bar-headed goose (Anser indicus). Res Vet Sci 2024; 178:105380. [PMID: 39173243 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals. Currently, Blastocystis infection in bar-headed geese is unknown. To understand the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis subtypes in bar-headed geese, fecal samples were collected from 358 bar-headed geese in three regions. The total infection rate of Blastocystis in bar-headed in China was 5.9% (21/358), with 5.0% (6/120) in Aba (Ngawa) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefect, Sichuan province, 11.8% (14/119) in Maqu county, Gansu province, and 0.8% (1/119) in Caohai, Wei ning county, Guizhou province. The differences in prevalence rates by region were statistically significant. Sequences analyses showed that one known subtype (ST7, n = 16) and one potentially novel ST (n = 5) in bar-headed geese were detected in this study. This is the first report on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in bar-headed geese, which will improve our understanding of the epidemiology and public health implications of Blastocystis infection in wild migratory birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Yu Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin Province, PR China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Si-Yuan Qin
- Center of Prevention and Control Biological Disaster, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Ya Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, PR China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Hai-Tao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Qing-Yu Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan Province, PR China
| | - Jing Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin Province, PR China.
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China.
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Pyrihová E, King MS, King AC, Toleco MR, van der Giezen M, Kunji ERS. A mitochondrial carrier transports glycolytic intermediates to link cytosolic and mitochondrial glycolysis in the human gut parasite Blastocystis. eLife 2024; 13:RP94187. [PMID: 38780415 PMCID: PMC11115451 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Stramenopiles form a clade of diverse eukaryotic organisms, including multicellular algae, the fish and plant pathogenic oomycetes, such as the potato blight Phytophthora, and the human intestinal protozoan Blastocystis. In most eukaryotes, glycolysis is a strictly cytosolic metabolic pathway that converts glucose to pyruvate, resulting in the production of NADH and ATP (Adenosine triphosphate). In contrast, stramenopiles have a branched glycolysis in which the enzymes of the pay-off phase are located in both the cytosol and the mitochondrial matrix. Here, we identify a mitochondrial carrier in Blastocystis that can transport glycolytic intermediates, such as dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, across the mitochondrial inner membrane, linking the cytosolic and mitochondrial branches of glycolysis. Comparative analyses with the phylogenetically related human mitochondrial oxoglutarate carrier (SLC25A11) and dicarboxylate carrier (SLC25A10) show that the glycolytic intermediate carrier has lost its ability to transport the canonical substrates malate and oxoglutarate. Blastocystis lacks several key components of oxidative phosphorylation required for the generation of mitochondrial ATP, such as complexes III and IV, ATP synthase, and ADP/ATP carriers. The presence of the glycolytic pay-off phase in the mitochondrial matrix generates ATP, which powers energy-requiring processes, such as macromolecular synthesis, as well as NADH, used by mitochondrial complex I to generate a proton motive force to drive the import of proteins and molecules. Given its unique substrate specificity and central role in carbon and energy metabolism, the carrier for glycolytic intermediates identified here represents a specific drug and pesticide target against stramenopile pathogens, which are of great economic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pyrihová
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, The Keith Peters BuildingCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- University of Stavanger, Department of Chemistry, Bioscience, and Environmental EngineeringStavangerNorway
| | - Martin S King
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, The Keith Peters BuildingCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Alannah C King
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, The Keith Peters BuildingCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - M Rey Toleco
- University of Stavanger, Department of Chemistry, Bioscience, and Environmental EngineeringStavangerNorway
| | - Mark van der Giezen
- University of Stavanger, Department of Chemistry, Bioscience, and Environmental EngineeringStavangerNorway
- Research Department Stavanger University HospitalStavangerNorway
| | - Edmund RS Kunji
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, The Keith Peters BuildingCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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3
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Mei X, Wei L, Su C, Yang Z, Tian X, Zhang Z, Wang S. Advances in the axenic isolation methods of Blastocystis sp. and their applications. Parasitology 2024; 151:125-134. [PMID: 38087868 PMCID: PMC10941048 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a prevalent protistan parasite found globally in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and various animals. This review aims to elucidate the advancements in research on axenic isolation techniques for Blastocystis sp. and their diverse applications. Axenic isolation, involving the culture and isolation of Blastocystis sp. free from any other organisms, necessitates the application of specific media and a series of axenic treatment methods. These methods encompass antibiotic treatment, monoclonal culture, differential centrifugation, density gradient separation, micromanipulation and the combined use of culture media. Critical factors influencing axenic isolation effectiveness include medium composition, culture temperature, medium characteristics, antibiotic type and dosage and the subtype (ST) of Blastocystis sp. Applications of axenic isolation encompass exploring pathogenicity, karyotype and ST analysis, immunoassay, characterization of surface chemical structure and lipid composition and understanding drug treatment effects. This review serves as a valuable reference for clinicians and scientists in selecting appropriate axenic isolation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefang Mei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Lai Wei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Changwei Su
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Zhenke Yang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Tian
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
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Wojciech L, Png CW, Koh EY, Kioh DYQ, Deng L, Wang Z, Wu L, Hamidinia M, Tung DWH, Zhang W, Pettersson S, Chan ECY, Zhang Y, Tan KSW, Gascoigne NRJ. A tryptophan metabolite made by a gut microbiome eukaryote induces pro-inflammatory T cells. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112963. [PMID: 37743772 PMCID: PMC10620759 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The large intestine harbors microorganisms playing unique roles in host physiology. The beneficial or detrimental outcome of host-microbiome coexistence depends largely on the balance between regulators and responder intestinal CD4+ T cells. We found that ulcerative colitis-like changes in the large intestine after infection with the protist Blastocystis ST7 in a mouse model are associated with reduction of anti-inflammatory Treg cells and simultaneous expansion of pro-inflammatory Th17 responders. These alterations in CD4+ T cells depended on the tryptophan metabolite indole-3-acetaldehyde (I3AA) produced by this single-cell eukaryote. I3AA reduced the Treg subset in vivo and iTreg development in vitro by modifying their sensing of TGFβ, concomitantly affecting recognition of self-flora antigens by conventional CD4+ T cells. Parasite-derived I3AA also induces over-exuberant TCR signaling, manifested by increased CD69 expression and downregulation of co-inhibitor PD-1. We have thus identified a new mechanism dictating CD4+ fate decisions. The findings thus shine a new light on the ability of the protist microbiome and tryptophan metabolites, derived from them or other sources, to modulate the adaptive immune compartment, particularly in the context of gut inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Wojciech
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Chin Wen Png
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Eileen Y Koh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Dorinda Yan Qin Kioh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Lei Deng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Ziteng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Liang‐zhe Wu
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Maryam Hamidinia
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Desmond WH Tung
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Wei Zhang
- ASEAN Microbiome Nutrition CentreNational Neuroscience InstituteSingaporeSingapore
| | - Sven Pettersson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- ASEAN Microbiome Nutrition CentreNational Neuroscience InstituteSingaporeSingapore
- Faculty of Medical SciencesSunway UniversitySubang JayaMalaysia
- Department of OdontologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Eric Chun Yong Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Yongliang Zhang
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Kevin SW Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Nicholas RJ Gascoigne
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- ASEAN Microbiome Nutrition CentreNational Neuroscience InstituteSingaporeSingapore
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Hussein EM, Muhammad MAA, Hussein AM, Elzagawy SM, Zaki WM, Temsah AG, Badr MS, Alabbassy MM. Levels of Genetic Variants Among Symptomatic Blastocystis Subtypes and their Relationship to Mucosal Immune Surveillance in the Precancerous Colons of Experimentally Infected Rats. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:70-83. [PMID: 36380160 PMCID: PMC10011339 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00628-z] [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: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The relationship between the genetic diversity of Blastocystis and immune surveillance in precancerous colons with blastocystosis is still under investigation. This study aimed to identify the genetic Blastocystis variants among 54 symptomatic human isolates and their relationship to mucosal immune surveillance in the precancerous polyps of experimentally infected rats. METHODS Polymerase chain reaction and high-resolution melting (PCR/HRM) curves discriminated human symptomatic Blastocystis isolates into subtypes (STs)/intrasubtypes, which were orally administered to rats to induce experimental infection. Then, the mucosal immune responses of the infected colons were evaluated in relation to polyp formation through immunostaining to identify mucus MUC2 and determine mucosal immune cell (goblet, lymphocyte and mast) counts, secretory IgA levels and parasitic intestinal invasion. RESULTS ST1, ST3, and ST4 were found in 18.5% (10/54), 54.7% (29/54), and 27.8% (15/54) of the samples, respectively. Then, the HRM curve discriminated ST3 into the wild, mutant, and heterozygous [17/54 (31.5%), 5/54 (9.3%), and 7/54 (12.9%)] intrasubtypes. ST1 and ST4 had no genetic variations. Precancerous polyps were detected in the colons of 40.5% of the infected rats. ST1 constituted 14.7% of these cases, while the wild, mutant, and heterozygous intrasubtypes of ST3 showed polyps in 12.9%, 5.5%, and 5.5% of cases, respectively. Only 1.9% of the polyps were related to ST4. MUC2 showed weak immunostaining in 44.5% of the infected colons, and 38.9% were polyp inducers. Low goblet cell numbers and high interepithelial lymphocyte counts were significantly associated with polyp formation, particularly with ST1 and wild ST3. Among the polyp inducers, high numbers of mast cells were detected in wild ST3 and ST4, while a low number was found with heterozygous ST3. The level of secretory IgA was low in polyp-inducing STs. Most of the results were statistically significant. CONCLUSION Immunosurveillance showed a potential relationship between ST1 and the ST3 intrasubtypes and precancerous polyps. This relationship may provide insight into the prevention and/or development of new immunotherapeutic strategies to combat colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M Hussein
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Muhammad A A Muhammad
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal, University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Abdalla M Hussein
- Bio-Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11652, Egypt
| | - Sherine M Elzagawy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Wafaa M Zaki
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Ashraf G Temsah
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Damietta Branch, AL Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Badr
- Medical Genetic Centre, Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha M Alabbassy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
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6
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Abdelmaksoud HF, Osman EEA, Abdel-Hameed SS, Aboushousha T, Naggar HME. In vivo evaluation of anticryptosporidial effects of wheat germ extracts in immunocompromised mice. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:833-844. [PMID: 36091283 PMCID: PMC9458818 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01502-5] [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: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species is a prime cause of diarrheal disease in individuals with competent immunity. In patients with compromised immunity, infections are more severe particularly in developing countries. Wheat germ oil was described to have antiparasitic effect. This study was done to evaluate the possible role of wheat germ extracts in Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) infected immunocompromised mice. Thirty white albino mice were classified into six groups as follow: four study groups, all immunosuppressed and infected with C. parvum oocysts. These four groups received treatments as follow: Group (I): treated with nitazoxanide. Group (II): treated with wheat germ oil. Group (III): treated with wheat germ extracted by hexane. Group (IV): treated with wheat germ extracted by ethanol. The remaining two groups were immunosuppressed control groups as follow: Group (V): only infected with C. parvum oocysts (Positive control). Group (VI): non-infected (Negative control). Stool samples were collected and examined to detect oocyst and the ileocecal region was subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Wheat germ extracts showed a statistically significant effect against C. parvum specially wheat germ oil with P value: < 0.001, this effect was also confirmed by pathological and immunohistochemical examinations. C. parvum has an influence on human health by its effect in diarrheal disease. Wheat germ oil and its extracts has proved to be a reliable herb for C. parvum. treatment confirmed by different methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ezzat E. A. Osman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Theodor Bilharz Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Tarek Aboushousha
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heba M. El Naggar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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7
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Mettwally WS, Zahran HA, Khayyal AE, Ahmed MM, Allam RM, Saleh DO. Calotropis procera(Aiton) seeds fixed oil: Physicochemical analysis, GC-MS profiling and evaluation of its in-vivo anti-inflammatory and in-vitro antiparasitic activities. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Popruk S, Adao DEV, Rivera WL. Epidemiology and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in humans: A review. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 95:105085. [PMID: 34530156 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a commonly encountered gastrointestinal protozoan in humans and animals with uncertain pathogenicity. Despite its potential public health impact, epidemiological data regarding the prevalence and molecular subtype (ST) distribution of Blastocystis have been rarely reported. Among Blastocystis STs, ST1-ST4 are common in humans, including healthy and immunodeficient populations. According to the Chi-squared (χ2) association based on the data compiled for this cross-sectional study, the presence of ST1 is associated with asymptomatic infection, whereas the presence of ST4 is associated with symptomatic infection. However, cross-sectional studies cannot clarify the potential pathogenicity of Blastocystis, unlike in vivo and in vitro studies. Poor hygiene, poor sanitation and zoonotic transmission are possible factors associated with high Blastocystis prevalence, although this protozoan may be part of the normal healthy human gastrointestinal microbiota. This review covers the prevalence, STs and distribution of Blastocystis infection in humans. Thus, future epidemiological and subtyping studies could reveal new STs in humans as well as possible associations of STs with disease, drug resistance and related mechanisms such as protease activity. These associations with proper ST identification may facilitate the control of potential threats to host health, including the direct pathogenic effects of Blastocystis or alterations of the gastrointestinal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supaluk Popruk
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Davin Edric V Adao
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Windell L Rivera
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines.
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Characterisation of novel functionality within the Blastocystis tryptophanase gene. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009730. [PMID: 34492012 PMCID: PMC8448343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the human gut microbiome has been recognised to play a pivotal role in the health of the host. Intestinal homeostasis relies on this intricate and complex relationship between the gut microbiota and the human host. While much effort and attention has been placed on the characterization of the organisms that inhabit the gut microbiome, the complex molecular cross-talk between the microbiota could also exert an effect on gastrointestinal conditions. Blastocystis is a single-cell eukaryotic parasite of emerging interest, as its beneficial or pathogenic role in the microbiota has been a subject of contention even to-date. In this study, we assessed the function of the Blastocystis tryptophanase gene (BhTnaA), which was acquired by horizontal gene transfer and likely to be of bacterial origin within Blastocystis. Bioinformatic analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction revealed distinct divergence of BhTnaA versus known bacterial homologs. Despite sharing high homology with the E. coli tryptophanase gene, we show that Blastocystis does not readily convert tryptophan into indole. Instead, BhTnaA preferentially catalyzes the conversion of indole to tryptophan. We also show a direct link between E. coli and Blastocystis tryptophan metabolism: In the presence of E. coli, Blastocystis ST7 is less able to metabolise indole to tryptophan. This study examines the potential for functional variation in horizontally-acquired genes relative to their canonical counterparts, and identifies Blastocystis as a possible producer of tryptophan within the gut.
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Onder Z, Yildirim A, Pekmezci D, Duzlu O, Pekmezci GZ, Ciloglu A, Simsek E, Kokcu ND, Yetismis G, Ercan N, Inci A. Molecular identification and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in farm and pet animals in Turkey. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105939. [PMID: 33932364 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A total of 1340 fresh fecal samples from farm and pet animals in Central Anatolia and the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey were investigated using a PCR assay targeting the SSU rRNA of Blastocystis sp. An overall Blastocystis sp. prevalence of 19.4% (183/940) was found in farm animals, including cattle, sheep, water buffaloes, and chickens. Fecal samples of dogs, cats, and horses were negative. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was found in sheep (38.2%) among the farm animals. The SSU rRNA sequence analysis revealed two animal-specific subtypes, including ST10 in cattle and sheep and ST14 in water buffaloes. The zoonotic subtype ST7 was identified in chickens. Our results indicated a high prevalence of animal-specific subtypes in livestock and zoonotic subtype ST7 in chickens, highlighting the potential risk of chickens for zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis in the research area. This study is the first large-scale evaluation of Blastocystis in animal hosts in Turkey, and contributes to the molecular epidemiology and genetics of Blastocystis. Our results should be considered by authorities as an indication of the zoonotic importance of Blastocystis sp. and the need for surveillance in public health intervention programs.
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Billy V, Lhotská Z, Jirků M, Kadlecová O, Frgelecová L, Parfrey LW, Pomajbíková KJ. Blastocystis Colonization Alters the Gut Microbiome and, in Some Cases, Promotes Faster Recovery From Induced Colitis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:641483. [PMID: 33897648 PMCID: PMC8058373 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.641483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protists are a normal component of mammalian intestinal ecosystems that live alongside, and interact with, bacterial microbiota. Blastocystis, one of the most common intestinal eukaryotes, is reported as a pathogen that causes inflammation and disease, though health consequences likely vary depending on host health, the gut ecosystem, and genetic diversity. Accumulating evidence suggests that Blastocystis is by and large commensal. Blastocystis is more common in healthy individuals than those with immune mediated diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Blastocystis presence is also associated with altered composition and higher richness of the bacterial gut microbiota. It is not clear whether Blastocystis directly promotes a healthy gut and microbiome or is more likely to colonize and persist in a healthy gut environment. We test this hypothesis by measuring the effect of Blastocystis ST3 colonization on the health and microbiota in a rat experimental model of intestinal inflammation using the haptenizing agent dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). We experimentally colonized rats with Blastocystis ST3 obtained from a healthy, asymptomatic human donor and then induced colitis after 3 weeks (short term exposure experiment) or after 13 weeks (long term exposure experiment) and compared these colonized rats to a colitis-only control group. Across experiments Blastocystis ST3 colonization alters microbiome composition, but not richness, and induces only mild gut inflammation but no clinical symptoms. Our results showed no effect of short-term exposure to Blastocystis ST3 on gut inflammation following colitis induction. In contrast, long-term Blastocystis exposure appears to promote a faster recovery from colitis. There was a significant reduction in inflammatory markers, pathology 2 days after colitis induction in the colonized group, and clinical scores also improved in this group. Blastocystis colonization resulted in a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and IL-1β relative gene expression, while expression of IFNγ and IL17re/17C were elevated. We obtained similar results in a previous pilot study. We further found that bacterial richness rebounded in rats colonized by Blastocystis ST3. These results suggest that Blastocystis sp. may alter the gut ecosystem in a protective manner and promote faster recovery from disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Billy
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zuzana Lhotská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South-Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Oldřiška Kadlecová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Lucia Frgelecová
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Laura Wegener Parfrey
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South-Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
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Toychiev A, Navruzov B, Pazylova D, Davis N, Badalova N, Osipova S. Intestinal protozoa and helminths in ulcerative colitis and the influence of anti-parasitic therapy on the course of the disease. Acta Trop 2021; 213:105755. [PMID: 33188747 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths and protozoa in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and to estimate the influence of the anti-parasitic therapy on the course of the disease. METHODS The study was conducted at the Research Institute of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Coloproctology Department of the Republic Clinical Hospital №1 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. One hundred UC patients and 200 healthy individuals were examined by triple coproscopy. Additionally, 20, 25 and 22 UC patients with Blastocystis infection were treated with nitazoxanide (1.0 g/day), mesalazine (1.5-2 g/day) or a combination of nitazoxanide (1.0 g/day) and mesalazine (≥1.5-2 g/day) for 14 consecutive days, respectively. Parasitological, clinical and endoscopic examinations were conducted before therapy, immediately after and 6 and 12 weeks after therapy completion. RESULTS The overall prevalence of helminths in UC patients and control individuals was not significantly different: 14±3.4% and 8.5±1.9%, respectively (OR: 1.7524; 95% CI: 0.8258 to 3.7186; P=0.1). Giardia lamblia was the most prevalent parasite in both groups, but the difference compared to the control was insignificant (OR: 0.4565; 95% CI: 0.2020 to 1.0318; P=0.05). A significantly higher prevalence of Blastocystis sp., Chilomastix mesnili and Iodamoeba butschlii in UC patients compared to control individuals was found (P<0.0005): 65.0%, 14.0% and 22.0%, respectively. During all follow-up periods, the clinical response and clinical remission were not statistically different between the groups (P>0.05). Mucosal healing immediately and 6 weeks after therapy with a combination of nitazoxanide with mesalazine was significantly better than with a monotherapy of nitazoxanide, respectively (P<0.05). UC patients treated with a combination of nitazoxanide with mesalazine showed better mucosal healing than in patients treated with a monotherapy of mesalazine (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis of Blastocystis sp. should be introduced in the complex examination of UC patients. Further clinical studies are necessary for assessment of the efficiency of anti-Blastocystis therapy in UC patients.
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Yason JA, Liang YR, Png CW, Zhang Y, Tan KSW. Interactions between a pathogenic Blastocystis subtype and gut microbiota: in vitro and in vivo studies. MICROBIOME 2019; 7:30. [PMID: 30853028 PMCID: PMC6410515 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-019-0644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is a common gut eukaryote detected in humans and animals. It has been associated with gastrointestinal disease in the past although recent metagenomic studies also suggest that it is a member of normal microbiota. This study investigates interactions between pathogenic human isolates belonging to Blastocystis subtype 7 (ST7) and bacterial representatives of the gut microbiota. RESULTS Generally, Blastocystis ST7 exerts a positive effect on the viability of representative gut bacteria except on Bifidobacterium longum. Gene expression analysis and flow cytometry indicate that the bacterium may be undergoing oxidative stress in the presence of Blastocystis. In vitro assays demonstrate that Blastocystis-induced host responses are able to decrease Bifidobacterium counts. Mice infected with Blastocystis also reveal a decrease in beneficial bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that particular isolates of Blastocystis ST7 cause changes in microbiota populations and potentially lead to an imbalance of the gut microbiota. This study suggests that certain isolates of Blastocystis exert their pathogenic effects through disruption of the gut microbiota and provides a counterpoint to the increasing reports indicating the commensal nature of this ubiquitous parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Anthony Yason
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
- Institute of Biology and Natural Sciences Research Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
| | - Yi Ran Liang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - Chin Wen Png
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - Yongliang Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - Kevin Shyong Wei Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore.
- Microbiome Otago, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, PO Box 56 720, Cumberland St, Dunedin, 9054, Otago, New Zealand.
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14
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Defaye M, Nourrisson C, Baudu E, Warwzyniak I, Bonnin V, Bonnet M, Barnich N, Ardid D, Delbac F, Carvalho FA, Poirier P. Efficient and reproducible experimental infections of rats with Blastocystis spp. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207669. [PMID: 30452467 PMCID: PMC6242359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Blastocystis spp. infect probably more than 1 billion people worldwide, their clinical significance is still controversial and their pathophysiology remains poorly understood. In this study, we describe a protocol for an efficient and reproducible model of chronic infection in rats, laying the groundwork for future work to evaluate the pathogenic potential of this parasite. In our experimental conditions, we were unable to infect rats using vacuolar forms of an axenically cultivated ST4 isolate, but we successfully established chronic infections of 4 week-old rats after oral administration of both ST3 and ST4 purified cysts isolated from human stool samples. The infection protocol was also applied to 4 week-old C57BL/9, BALB/C and C3H mice, but any mouse was found to be infected by Blastocystis. Minimal cyst inoculum required for rat infection was higher with ST3 (105) than with ST4 (102). These results were confirmed by co-housing experiments highlighting a higher contagious potential of ST4 in rats compared to ST3. Finally, experiments mimicking fecal microbiota transfer from infected to healthy animals showed that Blastocystis spp. could easily infect a new host, even though its intestinal microbiota is not disturbed. In conclusion, our results provide a well-documented and robust rat model of Blastocystis chronic infection, reproducing "natural" infection. This model will be of great interest to study host parasite interactions and to better evaluate clinical significance of Blastocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Defaye
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1107, NeuroDol, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Nourrisson
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Elodie Baudu
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1107, NeuroDol, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1071, USC INRA 2018, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ivan Warwzyniak
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Virginie Bonnin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1071, USC INRA 2018, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mathilde Bonnet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1071, USC INRA 2018, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nicolas Barnich
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1071, USC INRA 2018, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Denis Ardid
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1107, NeuroDol, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Philippe Poirier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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15
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In vitro and ex vivo systems at the forefront of infection modeling and drug discovery. Biomaterials 2018; 198:228-249. [PMID: 30384974 PMCID: PMC7172914 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial infections and antibiotic resistant bacteria have become a growing problem over the past decade. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control predict more deaths resulting from microorganisms than all cancers combined by 2050. Currently, many traditional models used to study bacterial infections fail to precisely replicate the in vivo bacterial environment. These models often fail to incorporate fluid flow, bio-mechanical cues, intercellular interactions, host-bacteria interactions, and even the simple inclusion of relevant physiological proteins in culture media. As a result of these inadequate models, there is often a poor correlation between in vitro and in vivo assays, limiting therapeutic potential. Thus, the urgency to establish in vitro and ex vivo systems to investigate the mechanisms underlying bacterial infections and to discover new-age therapeutics against bacterial infections is dire. In this review, we present an update of current in vitro and ex vivo models that are comprehensively changing the landscape of traditional microbiology assays. Further, we provide a comparative analysis of previous research on various established organ-disease models. Lastly, we provide insight on future techniques that may more accurately test new formulations to meet the growing demand of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections.
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16
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Tsaousis AD, Hamblin KA, Elliott CR, Young L, Rosell-Hidalgo A, Gourlay CW, Moore AL, van der Giezen M. The Human Gut Colonizer Blastocystis Respires Using Complex II and Alternative Oxidase to Buffer Transient Oxygen Fluctuations in the Gut. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:371. [PMID: 30406045 PMCID: PMC6204527 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most common eukaryotic microbe in the human gut. It is linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but its role in disease has been contested considering its widespread nature. This organism is well-adapted to its anoxic niche and lacks typical eukaryotic features, such as a cytochrome-driven mitochondrial electron transport. Although generally considered a strict or obligate anaerobe, its genome encodes an alternative oxidase. Alternative oxidases are energetically wasteful enzymes as they are non-protonmotive and energy is liberated in heat, but they are considered to be involved in oxidative stress protective mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that the Blastocystis cells themselves respire oxygen via this alternative oxidase thereby casting doubt on its strict anaerobic nature. Inhibition experiments using alternative oxidase and Complex II specific inhibitors clearly demonstrate their role in cellular respiration. We postulate that the alternative oxidase in Blastocystis is used to buffer transient oxygen fluctuations in the gut and that it likely is a common colonizer of the human gut and not causally involved in IBS. Additionally the alternative oxidase could act as a protective mechanism in a dysbiotic gut and thereby explain the absence of Blastocystis in established IBS environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- RAPID Group, Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Karleigh A. Hamblin
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine R. Elliott
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Rosell-Hidalgo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Campbell W. Gourlay
- Kent Fungal Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony L. Moore
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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17
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El-Ashram S, Li C, Abouhajer F, Mehmood R, Al Nasr I, Zhang Y, Lu T, Yili D, Suo X, Haoji Z, Li Z, Huang S. An ex vivo abomasal ovine model to study the immediate immune response in the context of Haemonchus contortus larval-stage. Vet Parasitol 2018; 254:105-113. [PMID: 29656994 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We have set up an ex vivo ovine abomasal model, which can mimic the multicellular process to explore the early steps in haemonchine nematode infection using RNA-seq technology. Ovine abomasal explants were collected for histological and transcriptional analysis and supernatants collected to quantitate lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes. Atotal of 233 were substantially induced genes between L4-inoculated and uninoculated-control tissues, respectively. However, a total of 14 were considerably down-regulated genes between the 51 aforementioned tissues. Fifteen pathways were annotated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes, and Genomes pathway analysis accounted for the significant percentage in immediate response to larval-stage of H. contortus. Key genes upregulated in response to the addition of L4-inoculum of H. contortus were IL-6, IL-8, C1q, Atypical chemokine receptor-3, chemokine ligand-2, manganese superoxide dismutase, integrin alpha-7, -8, -9, integrin subunit beta-1, integrin subunit beta 6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and actin alpha-1. This study shows for the first time that galectin-1 is up-regulated in an ex vivo abomasal segment model exposed to L4-inoculum of H. contortus following 6 h of incubation. The abomasal segment model has been shown to be a suitable tool to study the haemonchine larval-stage effects on the ovine abomasal tissues prior to in vivo assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed El-Ashram
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan 528231, Guangdong Province, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Faculty of Science, Kafr ElSheikh University, Kafr ElSheikh, Egypt.
| | - Cuiping Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan 528231, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fathi Abouhajer
- Faculty of Education, Asmarya University for Islamic Sciences, Zliten, Libya
| | - Rashid Mehmood
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Kotli, AJ&K Pakistan
| | - Ibrahim Al Nasr
- College of Science and Arts in Unaizah, Qassim University, Unaizah, Saudi Arabia; College of Applied Health Sciences in Ar Rass, Qassim University, Ar Rass 51921, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yinghui Zhang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University (Northern Campus), Shishan, Naihai district of Foshan City, Guangdong Province 528231, China
| | - Tang Lu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University (Northern Campus), Shishan, Naihai district of Foshan City, Guangdong Province 528231, China
| | - Ding Yili
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan 528231, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xun Suo
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhang Haoji
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan 528231, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhili Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan 528231, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shujian Huang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan 528231, Guangdong Province, China.
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18
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Yakoob J, Abbas Z, Khan R, Tariq K, Awan S, Beg MA. Association of Helicobacter pylori and protozoal parasites in patients with chronic diarrhoea. Br J Biomed Sci 2018; 75:105-109. [PMID: 29452574 DOI: 10.1080/09674845.2017.1420129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction An association of Helicobacter pylori and common protozoal parasites in patients with abdominal discomfort and chronic diarrhoea is unclear and may be pathological. Materials and methods One hundred and sixty-one patients with diarrhoea were compared to 114 age and sex matched controls. Stool samples were examined by microscopy and DNA extracted for PCR with specific primers for H. pylori and protozoal parasites Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba sp. (Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii) and Giardia duodenalis (G. duodenalis). Results There was a marked difference in the presence of parasites between patients and controls: no parasite 42/75%, one parasite 42/15%, two or more parasites 16/10%, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients with diarrhoea were more likely to be infected with Blastocystis sp (p < 0.001), E. histolytica (p = 0.027) and E moshkovskii (p = 0.003). There was no difference in the frequency of H. pylori (p = 0.528), G duodenalis (p = 0.697) or E dispar (p = 0.425). Thirty-three patients and 27 controls had H. pylori infection. Of these, 22 patients and 6 controls were infected with Blastocystis sp (p = 0.001), 6 patients and no controls were infected with E. histolytica (p = 0.02), whilst 7 patents and 9 controls were infected with E dispar (p = 0.292). Conclusion In this population, diarrhoea is linked to infection with Blastocystis sp, E. histolytica and E moshkoviskii. In H. pylori infection, diarrhoea is linked to Blastocystis sp and E. histolytica infection. These associations may be linked pathogenically.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Yakoob
- a Department of Medicine , Aga Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan.,b Biological Biomedical Sciences , Aga Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan
| | - Z Abbas
- a Department of Medicine , Aga Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan
| | - R Khan
- a Department of Medicine , Aga Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan
| | - K Tariq
- a Department of Medicine , Aga Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan
| | - S Awan
- a Department of Medicine , Aga Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan
| | - M A Beg
- c Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , Aga Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan
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19
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Bhattaram V, Upadhyay A, Yin HB, Mooyottu S, Venkitanarayanan K. Effect of Dietary Minerals on Virulence Attributes of Vibrio cholerae. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:911. [PMID: 28579983 PMCID: PMC5437166 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae is a water-borne pathogen responsible for causing a toxin-mediated profuse diarrhea in humans, leading to severe dehydration and death in unattended patients. With increasing reports of antibiotic resistance in V. cholerae, there is a need for alternate interventional strategies for controlling cholera. A potential new strategy for treating infectious diseases involves targeting bacterial virulence rather than growth, where a pathogen’s specific mechanisms critical for causing infection in hosts are inhibited. Since bacterial motility, intestinal colonization and cholera toxin are critical components in V. cholerae pathogenesis, attenuating these virulence factors could potentially control cholera in humans. In this study, the efficacy of sub-inhibitory concentration (SIC, highest concentration not inhibiting bacterial growth) of essential minerals, zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) in reducing V. cholerae motility and adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2), cholera toxin production, and toxin binding to the ganglioside receptor (GM1) was investigated. Additionally, V. cholerae attachment and toxin production in an ex vivo mouse intestine model was determined. Further, the effect of Zn, Se and Mn on V. cholerae virulence genes, ctxAB (toxin production), fliA (motility), tcpA (intestinal colonization), and toxR (master regulon) was determined using real-time quantitative PCR. All three minerals significantly reduced V. cholerae motility, adhesion to Caco-2 cells, and cholera toxin production in vitro, and decreased adhesion and toxin production in mouse intestine ex vivo (P < 0.05). In addition, Zn, Se, and Mn down-regulated the transcription of virulence genes, ctxAB, fliA, and toxR. Results suggest that Zn, Se, and Mn could be potentially used to reduce V. cholerae virulence. However, in vivo studies in an animal model are necessary to validate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varunkumar Bhattaram
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, StorrsCT, United States
| | - Abhinav Upadhyay
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, StorrsCT, United States.,Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleAR, United States
| | - Hsin-Bai Yin
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, StorrsCT, United States
| | - Shankumar Mooyottu
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, StorrsCT, United States
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20
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Cian A, El Safadi D, Osman M, Moriniere R, Gantois N, Benamrouz-Vanneste S, Delgado-Viscogliosi P, Guyot K, Li LL, Monchy S, Noël C, Poirier P, Nourrisson C, Wawrzyniak I, Delbac F, Bosc S, Chabé M, Petit T, Certad G, Viscogliosi E. Molecular Epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. in Various Animal Groups from Two French Zoos and Evaluation of Potential Zoonotic Risk. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169659. [PMID: 28060901 PMCID: PMC5217969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal parasite infecting humans and a wide range of animals worldwide. It exhibits an extensive genetic diversity and 17 subtypes (STs) have thus far been identified in mammalian and avian hosts. Since several STs are common to humans and animals, it was proposed that a proportion of human infections may result from zoonotic transmission. However, the contribution of each animal source to human infection remains to be clarified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to expand our knowledge of the epidemiology and host specificity of this parasite by performing the largest epidemiological survey ever conducted in animal groups in terms of numbers of species screened. A total of 307 stool samples from 161 mammalian and non-mammalian species in two French zoos were screened by real-time PCR for the presence of Blastocystis sp. Overall, 32.2% of the animal samples and 37.9% of the species tested were shown to be infected with the parasite. A total of 111 animal Blastocystis sp. isolates were subtyped, and 11 of the 17 mammalian and avian STs as well as additional STs previously identified in reptiles and insects were found with a varying prevalence according to animal groups. These data were combined with those obtained from previous surveys to evaluate the potential risk of zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis sp. through the comparison of ST distribution between human and animal hosts. This suggests that non-human primates, artiodactyls and birds may serve as reservoirs for human infection, especially in animal handlers. In contrast, other mammals such as carnivores, and non-mammalian groups including reptiles and insects, do not seem to represent significant sources of Blastocystis sp. infection in humans. In further studies, more intensive sampling and screening of potential new animal hosts will reinforce these statements and expand our understanding of the circulation of Blastocystis sp. in animal and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Cian
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 –UMR 8204 –CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Dima El Safadi
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 –UMR 8204 –CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Osman
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 –UMR 8204 –CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | | | - Nausicaa Gantois
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 –UMR 8204 –CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sadia Benamrouz-Vanneste
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 –UMR 8204 –CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biodiversité, Faculté Libre des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, Université Catholique de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Pilar Delgado-Viscogliosi
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 –UMR 8204 –CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Karine Guyot
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 –UMR 8204 –CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Luen-Luen Li
- Laboratoire d’Océanologie et de Géosciences, CNRS UMR 8187, Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, Wimereux, France
| | - Sébastien Monchy
- Laboratoire d’Océanologie et de Géosciences, CNRS UMR 8187, Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, Wimereux, France
| | - Christophe Noël
- Geneius Laboratories Ltd., INEX Business Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Philippe Poirier
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne—CNRS UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Nourrisson
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne—CNRS UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ivan Wawrzyniak
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne—CNRS UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne—CNRS UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Magali Chabé
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 –UMR 8204 –CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Gabriela Certad
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 –UMR 8204 –CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
- Département de la Recherche Médicale, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille, Faculté de Médecine et Maïeutique, Université Catholique de Lille, France
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 –UMR 8204 –CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
- * E-mail:
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