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Ionică AM, Ieremia A, Kalmár Z, Lupșe M, Flonta M, Muntean M, Cismaru C, Horvat M, Rădulescu A, Topan A, Jianu C, Deak G, Briciu V. Prevalence and Genotyping of Water- and Food-Borne Parasitic Protozoans ( Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.) in Hospitalized Patients from Northwestern Romania. Microorganisms 2024; 12:762. [PMID: 38674706 PMCID: PMC11052221 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are important zoonotic protozoan pathogens that infect the gastro-intestinal tract of numerous vertebrates, including humans, and both parasites are responsible for water- or food-borne outbreaks of disease worldwide. Although, globally, both parasites are highly prevalent, particularly in developing countries, epidemiological data from Romania are scarce, and genotyping has rarely been performed. The aims of the present study were to investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in patients hospitalized in Northwestern Romania in relation to clinical and paraclinical presentation and to identify the relative frequency of non-specific symptoms and potential risk factors. Between June 2022 and January 2024, 426 fecal samples were screened for gastro-intestinal parasites by rapid tests and microscopical examination, further confirmed by PCR and sequencing. Giardia duodenalis was detected and characterized in 12 samples (2.82%), while Cryptosporidium parvum was confirmed in four samples (0.94%). A majority of positive patients were symptomatic and reported nausea and vomiting with a significantly higher frequency compared to negative ones. This study provides new insights into the epidemiological status and clinical implications of gastro-intestinal parasite species and genospecies in Romania that are necessary for an in-depth understanding of the potential zoonotic transmission and improvement of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Monica Ionică
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
| | - Anca Ieremia
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
| | - Zsuzsa Kalmár
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Epidemiology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Lupșe
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirela Flonta
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
| | - Monica Muntean
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Cismaru
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Melinda Horvat
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Amanda Rădulescu
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Topan
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Jianu
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Violeta Briciu
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.L.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (C.J.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Li M, Sun X, Chen H, Li N, Feng Y, Xiao L, Guo Y. Stable expression of mucin glycoproteins GP40 and GP15 of Cryptosporidium parvum in Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:65. [PMID: 38360646 PMCID: PMC10870685 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium spp. are common protozoa causing diarrhea in humans and animals. There are currently only one FDA-approved drug and no vaccines for cryptosporidiosis, largely due to the limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in the invasion of the pathogens. Previous studies have shown that GP60, which is cleaved into GP40 and GP15 after expression, is an immunodominant mucin protein involved in the invasion of Cryptosporidium. The protein is highly O-glycosylated, and recombinant proteins expressed in prokaryotic systems are non-functional. Therefore, few studies have investigated the function of GP40 and GP15. METHODS To obtain recombinant GP40 with correct post-translational modifications, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to insert GP40 and GP15 into the UPRT locus of Toxoplasma gondii, allowing heterologous expression of Cryptosporidium proteins. In addition, the Twin-Strep tag was inserted after GP40 for efficient purification of GP40. RESULTS Western blotting and immunofluorescent microscopic analyses both indicated that GP40 and GP15 were stably expressed in T. gondii mutants. GP40 localized not only in the cytoplasm of tachyzoites but also in the parasitophorous vacuoles, while GP15 without the GPI anchor was expressed only in the cytoplasm. In addition, a large amount of recTgGP40 was purified using Strep-TactinXT supported by a visible band of ~ 50 kDa in SDS-PAGE. CONCLUSIONS The establishment of a robust and efficient heterologous expression system of GP40 in T. gondii represents a novel approach and concept for investigating Cryptosporidium mucins, overcoming the limitations of previous studies that relied on unstable transient transfection, which involved complex steps and high costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muxiao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xiaohua Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Haoyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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Ali M, Xu C, Nawaz S, Ahmed AE, Hina Q, Li K. Anti-Cryptosporidial Drug-Discovery Challenges and Existing Therapeutic Avenues: A "One-Health" Concern. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:80. [PMID: 38255695 PMCID: PMC10820218 DOI: 10.3390/life14010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is the leading cause of life-threatening diarrheal infection, especially in infants. Oocysts contaminate the environment, and also, being a zoonotic disease, cryptosporidiosis is a threat to One Health. Nitazoxanide is the only FDA-approved drug, effective only in immunocompetent adults, and is not safe for infants. The absence of mitochondria and apicoplast, the presence of an electron-dense band (ED band), hindrances in its genetic and phenotypic manipulations, and its unique position inside the host cell are some challenges to the anti-cryptosporidial drug-discovery process. However, many compounds, including herbal products, have shown efficacy against Cryptosporidium during in vitro and in vivo trials. Still, the "drug of choice" against this protozoan parasite, especially in immunocompromised individuals and infants, has not yet been explored. The One-Health approach addresses this issue, focusing on the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health. The objective of this review is to provide knowledge about novel anti-cryptosporidial drug targets, available treatment options with associated limitations, and possible future shifts toward natural products to treat cryptosporidiosis. The current review is organized to address the treatment and prevention of cryptosporidiosis. An anti-cryptosporidial drug that is effective in immunocompromised individuals and infants is a necessity of our time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munwar Ali
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.A.); (C.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.A.); (C.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shah Nawaz
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Ahmed Ezzat Ahmed
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Qazal Hina
- Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Kun Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.A.); (C.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Coelho NMD, Coelho WMD, Gomes JF, Meireles MV, Nagata WB, de Lima VMF, Santos-Doni TR, Silva VB, da Silveira Neto L, Nakamura AA, Bresciani KDS. Evidence of the Zoonotic Transmission of Cryptosporidium among Children and Pets. Pathogens 2023; 12:1393. [PMID: 38133278 PMCID: PMC10747799 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium among the children (n = 188), dogs (n = 133), and cats (n = 55) living in 188 households. Fecal samples were examined using ELISA and confirmed via nested PCR. Coproantigens oocysts were detected in 3.7% of children, 8.3% of dogs, and 5.5% of cats. We found strong evidence of two cases of the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium canis between children and dogs. Furthermore, four children and their respective pets (one dog and three cats) were infected with Cryptosporidium parvum, but we cannot exclude the hypotheses that the oocysts were transmitted from children to animals or that both hosts were infected by a shared source, such as contaminated water or food. The presence of an infected animal elevated the risk of zoonotic transmission by 129.7-fold (95% CI: 13.92-1209.68). Furthermore, sharing a bed with pets was identified as a risk factor for infection in children (OR: 9.9, 95% CI: 1.37-71.2). In conclusion, the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium among children and pets cohabiting in the same household may be quite common, especially when infected animals lie or sleep on children's beds. These findings unequivocally highlight the public health concern surrounding C. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Marinho Dourado Coelho
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil; (N.M.D.C.); (M.V.M.); (V.M.F.d.L.); (A.A.N.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Fundação Educacional de Andradina, Andradina 16901-160, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | | | - Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas e Instituto de Computação, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo Vasconcelos Meireles
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil; (N.M.D.C.); (M.V.M.); (V.M.F.d.L.); (A.A.N.)
| | - Walter Bertequini Nagata
- Escritório de Defesa Agropecuária, Coordenadoria de Defesa Agropecuária, Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento do Estado de São Paulo, Lins 16400-050, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Valéria Marçal Felix de Lima
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil; (N.M.D.C.); (M.V.M.); (V.M.F.d.L.); (A.A.N.)
| | - Thais Rabelo Santos-Doni
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí 38610-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| | - Vitória Beatriz Silva
- Imunologia e Vacinologia, Curso de Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), Gurupi 77410-530, Tocantins, Brazil; (V.B.S.); (L.d.S.N.)
| | - Luiz da Silveira Neto
- Imunologia e Vacinologia, Curso de Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), Gurupi 77410-530, Tocantins, Brazil; (V.B.S.); (L.d.S.N.)
| | - Alex Akira Nakamura
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil; (N.M.D.C.); (M.V.M.); (V.M.F.d.L.); (A.A.N.)
| | - Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil; (N.M.D.C.); (M.V.M.); (V.M.F.d.L.); (A.A.N.)
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Chae JB, Shin SU, Kim S, Jo YM, Roh H, Chae H, Kim WG, Chae JS, Song H, Kang JW. The First Identification of Cryptosporidium parvum Virus-1 (CSpV1) in Hanwoo ( Bos taurus coreanae) Calves in Korea. Vet Sci 2023; 10:633. [PMID: 37999455 PMCID: PMC10674401 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an obligate coccidian parasite that causes enteric diseases in bovine species. A double-stranded RNA virus associated with C. parvum oocysts, Cryptosporidium parvum virus-1 (CSpV1), has been characterized. However, the relationship between the abovementioned coccidian parasite and the virus has not been studied in the context of the known clinical outcomes. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence and molecular traits of CSpV1 in diarrheal feces of Hanwoo (Korean indigenous cattle) calves. Of the 140 fecal samples previously tested for C. parvum, which were obtained from Hanwoo calves aged 60 days, 70 tested positive and 70 tested negative. These samples were included in this study. By using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis targeting the RdRp gene of CSpV1, we detected CSpV1 in 28 samples (20.0%), with infection rates of 31.4% (22/70) in C. parvum-positive and 8.6% (6/70) in C. parvum-negative samples. CSpV1 samples detected in the same farm were clustered together. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the prevalence and molecular characteristics of CSpV1 in Hanwoo calves in the Republic of Korea, providing important insights into the relationship between C. parvum and CSpV1 in bovine hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Byoung Chae
- Bio Team, Animal Industry Data Korea, Seoul 06152, Republic of Korea; (J.-B.C.); (S.-U.S.); (S.K.); (Y.-M.J.); (H.R.); (H.C.); (W.-G.K.)
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Centre, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seung-Uk Shin
- Bio Team, Animal Industry Data Korea, Seoul 06152, Republic of Korea; (J.-B.C.); (S.-U.S.); (S.K.); (Y.-M.J.); (H.R.); (H.C.); (W.-G.K.)
| | - Serim Kim
- Bio Team, Animal Industry Data Korea, Seoul 06152, Republic of Korea; (J.-B.C.); (S.-U.S.); (S.K.); (Y.-M.J.); (H.R.); (H.C.); (W.-G.K.)
| | - Young-Mi Jo
- Bio Team, Animal Industry Data Korea, Seoul 06152, Republic of Korea; (J.-B.C.); (S.-U.S.); (S.K.); (Y.-M.J.); (H.R.); (H.C.); (W.-G.K.)
| | - Hyunsoo Roh
- Bio Team, Animal Industry Data Korea, Seoul 06152, Republic of Korea; (J.-B.C.); (S.-U.S.); (S.K.); (Y.-M.J.); (H.R.); (H.C.); (W.-G.K.)
| | - Hansong Chae
- Bio Team, Animal Industry Data Korea, Seoul 06152, Republic of Korea; (J.-B.C.); (S.-U.S.); (S.K.); (Y.-M.J.); (H.R.); (H.C.); (W.-G.K.)
| | - Won-Gyeong Kim
- Bio Team, Animal Industry Data Korea, Seoul 06152, Republic of Korea; (J.-B.C.); (S.-U.S.); (S.K.); (Y.-M.J.); (H.R.); (H.C.); (W.-G.K.)
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Centre, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk Institute of Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jung-Won Kang
- Bio Team, Animal Industry Data Korea, Seoul 06152, Republic of Korea; (J.-B.C.); (S.-U.S.); (S.K.); (Y.-M.J.); (H.R.); (H.C.); (W.-G.K.)
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