1
|
Geiller B, Greigert V, Hillenbrand CA, Gommenginger C, Beal L, Brunet J, Filisetti D, Villard O, Denis J, Pfaff AW. Type I and III interferons shape the retinal cytokine network and barrier function in an in vitro model of ocular toxoplasmosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148037. [PMID: 37205102 PMCID: PMC10188120 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148037] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The particularities of the ocular immune environment and its barrier protection in the context of infection are not well elucidated. The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is one of the pathogens successfully crossing this barrier and establishing chronic infection in retinal cells. Methods As a first approach, we studied the initial cytokine network in vitro in four human cell lines: Retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE), microglial, astrocytic and Müller cells. Furthermore, we looked at the consequences of retinal infection on the integrity of the outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB). We particularly focused on the roles of type I and type III interferons, (IFN-β and IFN-λ). Especially IFN-λ is known for its significant role in barrier defense. However, its effect on the retinal barrier or T. gondii infection remains unexplored, unlike IFN-γ, which has been extensively studied in this context. Results and Discussion Here, we show that stimulation with type I and III interferons did not limit parasite proliferation in retinal cells we tested. However, IFN-β and IFN-γ strongly induced inflammatory or cell-attracting cytokine production, whereas IFN-λ1 showed less inflammatory activity. Concomitant T. gondii infection influenced these cytokine patterns, distinctly depending on the parasite strain. Interestingly, all these cells could be stimulated to produce IFN-λ1. Using an in vitro oBRB model based on RPE cells, we observed that interferon stimulation strengthened membrane localization of the tight junction protein ZO-1 and enhanced their barrier function, in a STAT1-independent manner. Conclusion Together, our model shows how T. gondii infection shapes the retinal cytokine network and barrier function, and demonstrates the role of type I and type III interferons in these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Geiller
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292 Dynamique des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène, Fédération de Médecine, Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentin Greigert
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292 Dynamique des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène, Fédération de Médecine, Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Caroline A. Hillenbrand
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292 Dynamique des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène, Fédération de Médecine, Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Chloé Gommenginger
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laetitia Beal
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292 Dynamique des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène, Fédération de Médecine, Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Denis Filisetti
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292 Dynamique des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène, Fédération de Médecine, Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Odile Villard
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292 Dynamique des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène, Fédération de Médecine, Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Denis
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292 Dynamique des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène, Fédération de Médecine, Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W. Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292 Dynamique des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène, Fédération de Médecine, Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- *Correspondence: Alexander W. Pfaff,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Denis J, Gommenginger C, Strechie T, Filisetti D, Beal L, Pfaff AW, Villard O. Dynamic immune profile in French toxoplasmosis patients. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:1834-1841. [PMID: 35978487 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac305] [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: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection is usually benign in Europe due to the strong predominance of type II strains. Few studies have been conducted to examine the immunological course of infection in humans and have yielded conflicting results, maybe influenced by heterogeneous parasite strains. METHODS We measured 23 immune mediators in 39, 40, and 29 sera of French non-infected, acutely infected, and chronically infected immunocompetent pregnant women, respectively. RESULTS Four different cytokine patterns were identified regarding their dynamics through infection phases. For eleven of the cytokines, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, CXCL9, CCL2 and CSF2, the serum levels were significantly elevated during acute infection. The inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-18, TNF-α and CSF3 remained unchanged during acute infection, while they were significantly lower in chronically infected compared to non-infected patients. As for the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and CCL5, their levels remained significantly elevated during chronic infection. We also observed a significant negative correlation of several cytokine concentrations with IgG levels, indicating a rapid decline of serum concentrations during the acute phase. DISCUSSION These results indicate an anti-inflammatory pattern in chronically infected patients in a type II dominated setting and demonstrate the highly dynamic immune situation during acute infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Denis
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Chloé Gommenginger
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Teodora Strechie
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Denis Filisetti
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laetitia Beal
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Odile Villard
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Doderer-Lang C, Filisetti D, Badin J, Delale C, Clavier V, Brunet J, Gommenginger C, Abou-Bacar A, Pfaff AW. Babesia crassa–Like Human Infection Indicating Need for Adapted PCR Diagnosis of Babesiosis, France. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:449-452. [PMID: 35076002 PMCID: PMC8798681 DOI: 10.3201/eid2802.211596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human babesiosis in Europe is caused by multiple zoonotic species. We describe a case in a splenectomized patient, in which a routine Babesia divergens PCR result was negative. A universal Babesia spp. PCR yielded a positive result and enabled classification of the parasite into the less-described Babesia crassa–like complex.
Collapse
|
4
|
Gerber V, Le Govic Y, Ramade C, Chemla C, Hamane S, Desoubeaux G, Durieux MF, Degeilh B, Abou-Bacar A, Pfaff AW, Candolfi E, Greigert V, Brunet J. Ancylostoma ceylanicum as the second most frequent hookworm species isolated in France in travellers returning from tropical areas. J Travel Med 2021; 28:6121697. [PMID: 33506263 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ancylostoma ceylanicum is the second most common hookworm species infecting humans in Southeast Asia and Oceania. We performed a 3 years multicenter study to assess its frequency in hookworm infecting patients returning from tropical areas to France and found that A. ceylanicum was the second most frequent hookworm species isolated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Gerber
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Yohann Le Govic
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université d'Angers, 49035 Angers, France
| | - Cécile Ramade
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France
| | - Cathy Chemla
- EA7510 ESCAPE, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne et Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie CHU Reims, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Samia Hamane
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, 75010 Paris, France
| | | | | | - Brigitte Degeilh
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Rennes, Rue Henri le Guillou, 35033 Rennes, France
| | - Ahmed Abou-Bacar
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicales, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicales, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicales, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentin Greigert
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicales, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67091 Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Infections with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii are frequent, but one of its main consequences, ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), remains poorly understood. While its clinical description has recently attracted more attention and publications, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are only sparsely elucidated, which is partly due to the inherent difficulties to establish relevant animal models. Furthermore, the particularities of the ocular environment explain why the abundant knowledge on systemic toxoplasmosis cannot be just transferred to the ocular situation. However, studies undertaken in mouse models have revealed a central role of interferon gamma (IFNγ) and, more surprisingly, interleukin 17 (IL17), in ocular pathology and parasite control. These studies also show the importance of the genetic background of the infective Toxoplasma strain. Indeed, infections due to exotic strains show a completely different pathophysiology, which translates in a different clinical outcome. These elements should lead to more individualized therapy. Furthermore, the recent advance in understanding the immune response during OT paved the way to new research leads, involving immune pathways poorly studied in this particular setting, such as type I and type III interferons. In any case, deeper knowledge of the mechanisms of this pathology is needed to establish new, more targeted treatment schemes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Greigert
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Faiza Bittich-Fahmi
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W. Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Greigert V, Brunet J, Ouarti B, Laroche M, Pfaff AW, Henon N, Lemoine JP, Mathieu B, Parola P, Candolfi E, Abou-Bacar A. The Trick of the Hedgehog: Case Report and Short Review About Archaeopsylla erinacei (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) in Human Health. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:318-323. [PMID: 31595296 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fleas are ectoparasites of various animals, including Homo sapiens Linnaeus, 1758 (Primates: Hominidae). Among the species relevant to the human health field, either due to their dermatopathological potential or because of their role as vectors of microorganisms responsible for infectious diseases, such as plague or murine typhus, are the human flea, oriental rat flea, closely related cat and dog fleas, and chigoe flea. However, other species can accidentally infest humans. We have herein reported two unusual cases of humans infested and bitten by Archaeopsylla erinacei, the hedgehog flea. This species has been identified using stereomicroscopy, on the base of key characteristics. Furthermore, a brief literature review has revealed that hedgehog fleas could carry human-infectious agents, such as Rickettsia felis Bouyer et al. 2001 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) or Bartonella henselae Regnery et al.1992 (Rhizobiales: Bartonellaceae). Using molecular biology, we thus tested nine A. erinacei specimens taken from these patients, for several bacteria species commonly associated with hematophagous arthropods, implicated in human pathology. However, all our samples were proven negative. The role of A. erinacei in human epidemiology has never been evaluated to date. This report sought to remind us that these fleas can be accidental parasites in humans. In addition, recent findings pertaining to bacteria of medical interest that are present in these insects should be brought to the fore, given that the question of their role as vectors in human infections remains unanswered and deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Greigert
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Basma Ouarti
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Maureen Laroche
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Henon
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Lemoine
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU d'Angers, France
| | - Bruno Mathieu
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ahmed Abou-Bacar
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sabou M, Doderer-Lang C, Leyer C, Konjic A, Kubina S, Lennon S, Rohr O, Viville S, Cianférani S, Candolfi E, Pfaff AW, Brunet J. Toxoplasma gondii ROP16 kinase silences the cyclin B1 gene promoter by hijacking host cell UHRF1-dependent epigenetic pathways. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 77:2141-2156. [PMID: 31492965 PMCID: PMC7256068 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most common infections in the world due to the lifelong persistence of this parasite in a latent stage. This parasite hijacks host signaling pathways through epigenetic mechanisms which converge on key nuclear proteins. Here, we report a new parasite persistence strategy involving T. gondii rhoptry protein ROP16 secreted early during invasion, which targets the transcription factor UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING fingers domain 1), and leads to host cell cycle arrest. This is mediated by DNMT activity and chromatin remodeling at the cyclin B1 gene promoter through recruitment of phosphorylated UHRF1 associated with a repressive multienzymatic protein complex. This leads to deacetylation and methylation of histone H3 surrounding the cyclin B1 promoter to epigenetically silence its transcriptional activity. Moreover, T. gondii infection causes DNA hypermethylation in its host cell, by upregulation of DNMTs. ROP16 is already known to activate and phosphorylate protective immunity transcription factors such as STAT 3/6/5 and modulate host signaling pathways in a strain-dependent manner. Like in the case of STAT6, the strain-dependent effects of ROP16 on UHRF1 are dependent on a single amino-acid polymorphism in ROP16. This study demonstrates that Toxoplasma hijacks a new epigenetic initiator, UHRF1, through an early event initiated by the ROP16 parasite kinase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Sabou
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, « Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions » EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Pôle Sérologie, Strasbourg, France
| | - Cécile Doderer-Lang
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, « Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions » EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Caroline Leyer
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, « Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions » EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ana Konjic
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, « Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions » EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sophie Kubina
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, « Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions » EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sarah Lennon
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique (LSMBO), Université de Strasbourg, IPHC, CNRS, UMR7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Olivier Rohr
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, « Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions » EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphane Viville
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, « Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions » EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sarah Cianférani
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique (LSMBO), Université de Strasbourg, IPHC, CNRS, UMR7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, « Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions » EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Pôle Sérologie, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, « Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions » EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. .,Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Pôle Sérologie, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, « Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions » EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Pôle Sérologie, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Greigert V, Di Foggia E, Filisetti D, Villard O, Pfaff AW, Sauer A, Candolfi E. When biology supports clinical diagnosis: review of techniques to diagnose ocular toxoplasmosis. Br J Ophthalmol 2019; 103:1008-1012. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-313884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a common infection whose worldwide prevalence is estimated at 30%, with large disparities across the world. Among infected subjects, the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is, however, limited to about 2% in Europe and 17% in South America. In France, it is estimated that about 1 000 000 patients present either active OT or subsequent chorioretinal scars. Toxoplasmagondii is the first cause of posterior uveitis worldwide, responsible for retinochoroiditis, at times associated with anterior uveitis. To date, there is no consensus yet on how to diagnose OT, which is often based only on clinical presentation. Nevertheless, OT-associated symptoms are often atypical and misleading. Over the last 20 years, tremendous progress has been made in biological tools, enabling parasitologists to confirm the diagnosis in most suspected cases of OT. Using anterior chamber puncture, a safe and fast procedure, ophthalmologists sample aqueous humour for analysis using multiple techniques in order to reach high specificity and sensitivity in OT diagnosis. In this article, we present the different techniques available for the biological diagnosis of OT, along with their characteristics, and propose a diagnostic algorithm designed to select the best of these techniques if clinical examination is not sufficient to ascertain the diagnosis.
Collapse
|
9
|
Greigert V, Brion N, Lang C, Regnard P, Pfaff AW, Abou-Bacar A, Wanert F, Dirheimer M, Candolfi E, Brunet J. Cestode infections in non-human primates suggest the existence of zoonotic cycles in the area surrounding the Strasbourg primatology center. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:25. [PMID: 31041896 PMCID: PMC6492538 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Several cases of infections due to Echinococcus multilocularis, Taenia martis and Taenia crassiceps were recently described in various species of captive non-human primates (NHPs) harbored in the Strasbourg Primate Center (SPC). Furthermore, one of the first cases of human cysticercosis due to T. martis was described in the Strasbourg region. These data suggest the existence of zoonotic cycles of tapeworm infections in the direct environment of the SPC. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of larval cestode infections among intermediate and definitive hosts in the close neighborhood of the center. We analyzed carnivore mammal fecal samples as well as rodent carcasses, collected inside or near the SPC, using PCR. Furthermore, we performed serology for Echinococcus spp. and Taenia spp. on NHP sera. Results: We found that 14.5% (95% CI [8.6; 20.4]) of 138 carnivore feces were positive for E. multilocularis-DNA, as well as 25% (95% CI [5.5; 57.2]) of 12 rodent carcasses, and 5.1% (95% CI [1.4; 8.7]) for T. martis or T. crassiceps. Of all NHPs tested, 10.1% (95% CI [3.8; 16.4]) were seropositive for Echinococcus spp. and 8.2% (95% CI [1.3; 15.1]) for Taenia spp. Conclusions: Our data support the existence of zoonotic cycles of larval cestode infections in the direct environment of the primatology center affecting NHPs harbored in the SPC, potentially threatening the human population living in this area. Since this zoonotic risk is borne by local wildlife, and given the severity of these infections, it seems necessary to put in place measures to protect captive NHPs, and further studies to better assess the risk to human populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Greigert
- Unité d'infectiologie, Service de médecine interne, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, 68000 Colmar, France - Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Brion
- École Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cécile Lang
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France - Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierrick Regnard
- Centre de Primatologie - SILABE (Simian Laboratory Europe) ADUEIS, Fort Foch, 67205 Oberhausbergen, France
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France - Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ahmed Abou-Bacar
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France - Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Fanélie Wanert
- Centre de Primatologie - SILABE (Simian Laboratory Europe) ADUEIS, Fort Foch, 67205 Oberhausbergen, France
| | - Manon Dirheimer
- Centre de Primatologie - SILABE (Simian Laboratory Europe) ADUEIS, Fort Foch, 67205 Oberhausbergen, France
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France - Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France - Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rochet E, Argy N, Greigert V, Brunet J, Sabou M, Marcellin L, de-la-Torre A, Sauer A, Candolfi E, Pfaff AW. Type I ROP16 regulates retinal inflammatory responses during ocular toxoplasmosis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214310. [PMID: 30901349 PMCID: PMC6430381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), mostly retinochorioditis, is a major feature of infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The pathophysiology of this infection is still largely elusive; especially mouse models are not yet well developed. In contrast, numerous in vitro studies showed the highly Toxoplasma strain dependent nature of the host-parasite interactions. Some distinct polymorphic virulence factors were characterized, notably the rhoptry protein ROP16. Here, we studied the strain-dependent pathophysiology in our OT mouse model. Besides of two wild type strains of the canonical I (RH, virulent) and II (PRU, avirulent) types, we used genetically engineered parasites, RHΔROP16 and PRU ROP16-I, expressing the type I allele of this virulence factor. We analyzed retinal integrity, parasite proliferation and retinal expression of cytokines. PRU parasites behaved much more virulently in the presence of a type I ROP16. In contrast, knockout of ROP16 in the RH strain led to a decrease of intraocular proliferation, but no difference in retinal pathology. Cytokine quantification in aqueous humor showed strong production of Th1 and inflammatory markers following infection with the two strains containing the ROP16-I allele. In strong contrast, immunofluorescence images showed that actual expression of most cytokines in retinal cells is rapidly suppressed by type I strain infection, with or without the involvement of its homologous ROP16 allele. This demonstrates the particular immune privileged situation of the retina, which is also revealed by the fact that parasite proliferation is nearly exclusively observed outside the retina. In summary, we further developed a promising OT mouse model and demonstrated the specific pathology in retinal tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Rochet
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Argy
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentin Greigert
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Pôle Sérologie, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marcela Sabou
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Pôle Sérologie, Strasbourg, France
| | - Luc Marcellin
- Service de Pathologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alejandra de-la-Torre
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Grupo NeURos, Unidad de Inmunología, Universidad del Rosario, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Arnaud Sauer
- Service d’Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Pôle Sérologie, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W. Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Pôle Sérologie, Strasbourg, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Greigert V, Pfaff AW, Abou-Bacar A, Candolfi E, Brunet J. Intestinal microsporidiosis in Strasbourg from 2014 to 2016: emergence of an Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype of Asian origin. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:97. [PMID: 29872051 PMCID: PMC5988701 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0099-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia cause opportunistic infections in highly immunodeficient individuals. Few studies on the epidemiology of these infections have been conducted in France. Between 2014 and 2016, we undertook a study to estimate the prevalence and circulating genotypes of this fungus-related micro-organism among the population of Strasbourg University Hospital. Samples were collected from hospitalized patients and analyzed using microscopy and molecular assays. Strains from positive subjects were sequenced for genotyping. Only 7/661 patients (1.1%) were positive for microsporidia, and the only species identified was Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Two patients presented immunodeficiency linked to AIDS, and five transplant recipients presented immunodeficiency linked to immunosuppressive therapies. Only five patients received specific antimicrosporidial treatment, but clinical outcomes were good in all cases. We identified four genotypes: A and D in patients with AIDS, and C and S9 in transplant recipients. To date, genotype S9 has been described only once. This genotype is similar to those found in farm animals in China. Because some of these animals have been introduced to Central Europe, we postulate that this genotype might be of Asian origin. Thus, genotyping microsporidial strains may be of epidemiological and clinical interest to identify potential outbreak sources depending on the infecting strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Greigert
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, 39 Avenue de la Liberté, Colmar, France. .,Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, EA 7292, University of Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, EA 7292, University of Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, Strasbourg, France.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ahmed Abou-Bacar
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, EA 7292, University of Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, Strasbourg, France.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, EA 7292, University of Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, Strasbourg, France.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, EA 7292, University of Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, Strasbourg, France.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lentini G, El Hajj H, Papoin J, Fall G, Pfaff AW, Tawil N, Braun-Breton C, Lebrun M. Characterization of Toxoplasma DegP, a rhoptry serine protease crucial for lethal infection in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189556. [PMID: 29244879 PMCID: PMC5731766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During the infection process, Apicomplexa discharge their secretory organelles called micronemes, rhoptries and dense granules to sustain host cell invasion, intracellular replication and to modulate host cell pathways and immune responses. Herein, we describe the Toxoplasma gondii Deg-like serine protein (TgDegP), a rhoptry protein homologous to High temperature requirement A (HtrA) or Deg-like family of serine proteases. TgDegP undergoes processing in both types I and II strains as most of the rhoptries proteins. We show that genetic disruption of the degP gene does not impact the parasite lytic cycle in vitro but affects virulence in mice. While in a type I strain DegPI appears dispensable for the establishment of an infection, removal of DegPII in a type II strain dramatically impairs the virulence. Finally, we show that KO-DegPII parasites kill immunodeficient mice as efficiently as the wild-type strain indicating that the protease might be involved in the complex crosstalk that the parasite engaged with the host immune response. Thus, this study unravels a novel rhoptry protein in T. gondii important for the establishment of lethal infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle Lentini
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Internal Medicine and Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Julien Papoin
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Gamou Fall
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexander W. Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nadim Tawil
- Department of Internal Medicine and Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Maryse Lebrun
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Brunet J, Pesson B, Royant M, Lemoine JP, Pfaff AW, Abou-Bacar A, Yera H, Fréalle E, Dupouy-Camet J, Merino-Espinosa G, Gómez-Mateos M, Martin-Sanchez J, Candolfi E. Molecular diagnosis of Pseudoterranova decipiens s.s in human, France. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:397. [PMID: 28583155 PMCID: PMC5460327 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2493-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anisakis and Pseudoterranova are the main genera involved in human infections caused by nematodes of the Anisakidae family. Species identification is complicated due to the lack of differential morphological characteristics at the larval stage, thus requiring molecular differentiation. Pseudoterranova larvae ingested through raw fish are spontaneously eliminated in most cases, but mechanical removal by means of endoscopy might be required. To date, only very few cases of Pseudoterranova infection have been reported in France. Case presentation A 19-year-old woman from Northeastern France detected, while brushing her teeth, a larva exiting through her mouth. The patient who presented with headache, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps reported having eaten baked cod. The worm was a fourth-stage larva with a size of 22 × 0.9 mm, and molecular biology identified it as Pseudoterranova decipiens sensu stricto (s. s.). In a second P. decipiens infection case, occurring a few months later, a worm exited through the patient’s nose after she had eaten raw sea bream. Conclusion These two cases demonstrate that Pseudoterranova infection is not uncommon among French patients. Therefore, molecular techniques should be more widely applied for a better characterization of anisakidosis epidemiology in France.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Brunet
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France. .,Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Bernard Pesson
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - Maude Royant
- Service des consultations externes, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Lemoine
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France.,Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ahmed Abou-Bacar
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France.,Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hélène Yera
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, 27 rue du Faubourg St Jacques, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Emilie Fréalle
- CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie et Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity, Lille, France
| | - Jean Dupouy-Camet
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, 27 rue du Faubourg St Jacques, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Gema Merino-Espinosa
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja s, /n 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Magdalena Gómez-Mateos
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja s, /n 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Joaquina Martin-Sanchez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja s, /n 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France.,Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Brunet J, Lemoine JP, Pesson B, Valot S, Sautour M, Dalle F, Muller C, Borni-Duval C, Caillard S, Moulin B, Pfaff AW, Razakandrainibe R, Abou-Bacar A, Favennec L, Candolfi E. Ruling out nosocomial transmission of Cryptosporidium in a renal transplantation unit: case report. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:363. [PMID: 27484187 PMCID: PMC4969980 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1661-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium spp. is a ubiquitous parasite affecting humans as well as domestic and wild vertebrates, causing diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts worldwide. Its transmission occurs primarily by the fecal-oral route. In humans, C. parvum and C. hominis are the most prevalent species, whereas immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals can also be infected by other zoonotic species. Renal transplant patients are prone to develop cryptosporidiosis, which can induce severe and life-threatening diarrhea. Case presentation We report here a series of nearly concomitant cases of acute symptomatic cryptosporidiosis in three renal transplant patients attending the Strasbourg University Hospital Nephrology Unit. The clinical presentation was persistent diarrhea and acute renal failure. The diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic stool examination using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and species identification by molecular tools. All patients were treated with nitazoxanide and recovered from diarrhea after 14 days of therapy. Conclusion Genotypic species identification was not consistent with an epidemic context, thus underlining the need for genotyping to monitor at risk patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Brunet
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France. .,Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - J P Lemoine
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - B Pesson
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - S Valot
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie, Plateau Technique de Biologie du CHU Dijon, 2 rue Angélique Ducoudray, BP 37013, F-21070, Dijon cedex, France
| | - M Sautour
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie, Plateau Technique de Biologie du CHU Dijon, 2 rue Angélique Ducoudray, BP 37013, F-21070, Dijon cedex, France.,UMR 1347, Université de Bourgogne, 17 rue de Sully, F-21000, Dijon, France
| | - F Dalle
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie, Plateau Technique de Biologie du CHU Dijon, 2 rue Angélique Ducoudray, BP 37013, F-21070, Dijon cedex, France.,UMR 1347, Université de Bourgogne, 17 rue de Sully, F-21000, Dijon, France
| | - C Muller
- Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - C Borni-Duval
- Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - S Caillard
- Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - B Moulin
- Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - A W Pfaff
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France.,Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - R Razakandrainibe
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, EA 3800, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, F-76031, Rouen, France
| | - A Abou-Bacar
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - L Favennec
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, EA 3800, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, F-76031, Rouen, France
| | - E Candolfi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, F-67091, Strasbourg cedex, France.,Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Brunet J, Lemoine JP, Lefebvre N, Denis J, Pfaff AW, Abou-Bacar A, Traub RJ, Pesson B, Candolfi E. Bloody Diarrhea Associated with Hookworm Infection in Traveler Returning to France from Myanmar. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 21:1878-9. [PMID: 26402483 PMCID: PMC4593448 DOI: 10.3201/eid2110.150695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
16
|
Brunet J, Regnard P, Pesson B, Abou-Bacar A, Sabou M, Pfaff AW, Candolfi E. Description of vertebral and liver alveolar echinococcosis cases in Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:198. [PMID: 26263896 PMCID: PMC4534023 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis, is a fox tapeworm widely distributed in Europe with an increase of endemic area in recent years. Many mammal species including humans and non-human primates can be infected by accidental ingestion of eggs. Case presentation In March 2011, a 5-year-old zoo-raised male cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) presented a paresis of the lower limbs which evolved into paralysis. Lesions in liver and vertebra were observed on tomography scan. E. multilocularis infection was diagnosed post-mortem by morphological and histological examination and detection of Em DNA by polymerase chain reaction. Serodiagnosis of other primates of the colony using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was negative. In June 2013, at necroscopy, a hepatic and a paravertebral masses were detected in a second cynomolgus macaque of the same colony. Serology and DNA isolated from hepatic and abdominal cysts confirmed E. multilocularis infection. Conclusions We described hear vertebral and liver localization of alveolar echinococcosis in non-human primates. The animals lived in an indoor/outdoor housing facility, where the probable mode of contamination is by ingestion of food foraging around the enclosure which could be contaminated with fox feces. Serological survey in the facility should allow us to estimate the risk of human contamination and the zoonotic risk of monkey infection due to environmental contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Pierrick Regnard
- Centre de Primatologie UdS - SILABE (Simian Laboratory Europe) ADUEIS, Fort Foch, 67207, Niederhausbergen, France.
| | - Bernard Pesson
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Ahmed Abou-Bacar
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Marcela Sabou
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nespola B, Betz V, Brunet J, Gagnard JC, Krummel Y, Hansmann Y, Hannedouche T, Christmann D, Pfaff AW, Filisetti D, Pesson B, Abou-Bacar A, Candolfi E. First case of amebic liver abscess 22 years after the first occurrence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:20. [PMID: 26088504 PMCID: PMC4472968 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2015020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A 72-year-old man consulted in November 2012 for abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. The patient had a history of suspected hepatic amebiasis treated in Senegal in 1985 and has not traveled to endemic areas since 1990. Abdominal CT scan revealed a liver abscess. At first, no parasitological tests were performed and the patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Only after failure of this therapy, serology and PCR performed after liver abscess puncture established the diagnosis of hepatic amebiasis. The patient was treated with metronidazole and tiliquinol-tilbroquinol. Amebic liver abscess is the most frequent extra-intestinal manifestation. Hepatic amebiasis 22 years after the last visit to an endemic area is exceptional and raises questions on the mechanisms of latency and recurrence of these intestinal protozoan parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Nespola
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Valérie Betz
- Service de Néphrologie et Hémodialyse, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France - Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Charles Gagnard
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Yves Krummel
- Service de Médecine A, Centre Hospitalier de Sélestat, 67600 Sélestat, France
| | - Yves Hansmann
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thierry Hannedouche
- Service de Néphrologie et Hémodialyse, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Daniel Christmann
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France - Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Denis Filisetti
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France - Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Bernard Pesson
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ahmed Abou-Bacar
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France - Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France - Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Brunet J, Pfaff AW, Hansmann Y, Gregorowicz G, Pesson B, Abou-Bacar A, Candolfi E. An unusual case of hematuria in a French family returning from Corsica. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 31:59-60. [PMID: 25461660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium worms is endemic to tropical regions where it is the most common cause of hematuria. However, the intermediate snail hosts, Bulinus truncatus, have been described in Portugal, Spain, Sardinia, and Corsica. S. haematobium has long remained exotic to Europe, however, an outbreak of urinary schistosomiasis in Corsica started in 2011 with B. truncatus as the primary intermediate host. We describe the case of a 12-year-old French boy presenting hematuria and dysuria who was diagnosed with urinary schistosomiasis. Urine examination confirmed the presence of viable parasitic ova. He also had a positive serology. Since there was no history of travel to a schistosomiasis endemic region, the probable area of contamination was identified as the south of Corsica where the family had spent their summer holidays 7 months earlier. Two other family members had a positive serology without ova excretion in urine. The patients were treated with praziquantel. In light of these recent locally acquired cases in France, schistosomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hematuria, especially in patients who have recently visited Corsica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yves Hansmann
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Guillaume Gregorowicz
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Bernard Pesson
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ahmed Abou-Bacar
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Brunet J, Pesson B, Chermette R, Regnard P, Grimm F, Deplazes P, Ferreira X, Sabou M, Pfaff AW, Abou-Bacar A, Candolfi E. First case of peritoneal cysticercosis in a non-human primate host (Macaca tonkeana) due to Taenia martis. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:422. [PMID: 25189669 PMCID: PMC4167275 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infections with larval stages (metacestodes) of a variety of taeniid species have been described in primates, including humans, with partial to severe clinical consequences. Taenia martis is a tapeworm of mustelids, and martens are mainly their definitive hosts in Central Europe. In the rodent intermediate host cysticerci develop in the pleural and peritoneal cavities. The present report describes a case of T. martis peritoneal cysticercosis in a Tonkean macaque. Findings An abdominal mass was detected in a 3-year-old male Tonkean macaque (Macaca tonkeana) born and raised in a primate colony in France. Examination of the mass after laparotomy showed numerous vesicles identified as cysticerci of T. martis, based on the morphology of scolex and hooks, with confirmation by PCR amplification and sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes. Exeresis of the lesion was not possible and praziquantel (5.7 mg/kg) was given twice at an interval of 3 days. The abdominal mass was greatly diminished upon examination 2 months later and no signs of recurrence were noticed during the following 4 years. Conclusions This is the first report of T. martis cysticercosis in a monkey. This record and the recent first description of an ocular T. martis cysticercosis in a human show the susceptibility of primates to T. martis and its zoonotic potential. This taeniid species must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cysticercosis in primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine, Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Doderer-Lang C, Atchade PS, Meckert L, Haar E, Perrotey S, Filisetti D, Aboubacar A, Pfaff AW, Brunet J, Chabi NW, Akpovi CD, Anani L, Bigot A, Sanni A, Candolfi E. The ears of the African elephant: unexpected high seroprevalence of Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae in healthy populations in Western Africa. Malar J 2014; 13:240. [PMID: 24946685 PMCID: PMC4071337 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria Is A Life-Threatening Pathology In Africa. Plasmodium Falciparum And Plasmodium Vivax Attract The Most Focus Because Of Their High Prevalence And Mortality. Knowledge About The Prevalence Of The Cryptic Pathogens Plasmodium Ovale And Plasmodium Malariae Is Limited. Thanks To Recombinant Tools, Their Seroprevalence Was Measured For The First Time, As Well As The Prevalence Of Mixed Infections In A Malaria-Asymptomatic Population In Benin, A Malaria-Endemic Country. Methods A Panel Of 1,235 Blood Donations Collected Over Ten Months In Benin Was Used For Validation Of The Recombinant Tools. Recombinant P. Falciparum, P. Malariae, P. Ovale MSP1, And P. Falciparum AMA1 Were Engineered And Validated On A Biobank With Malaria-Infected Patients (N = 144) Using A Species-Speific ELISA Test (Recelisa). Results Were Compared To An ELISA Using A Native P. Falciparum Antigen (NatELISA). Results Among Microscopically Negative African Blood Donors, 85% (1,050/1,235) Present Antibodies Directed To Native P. Falciparum, 94.4% (1,166/1,235) To rPfMSP1 And rPfAMA1, 56.8% (702/1,235) To rPoMSP1, 67.5% (834/1235) To rPmMSP1 And 45.3% Of The Malaria Seropositive Population Had Antibodies Recognizing The Three Species. Conclusion A High Rate Of Antibodies Against P. Ovale And P. Malariae Was Found In Asymptomatic Blood Donors. The Proportion Of Mixed Infections Involving Three Species Was Also Unexpected. These Data Suggest That Determining Seroprevalence For These Cryptic Species Is An Appropriate Tool To Estimate Their Incidence, At The Eve Of Upcoming Anti-P. Falciparum Vaccination Campaigns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Doderer-Lang
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale Université de Strasbourg, 3, Rue Koeberlé, F67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lahmar I, Pfaff AW, Marcellin L, Sauer A, Moussa A, Babba H, Candolfi E. Müller cell activation and photoreceptor depletion in a mice model of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis. Exp Parasitol 2014; 144:22-6. [PMID: 24929147 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 12/01/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Müller glial cells are critically involved in retinal inflammatory processes. Here, we investigate the activation of Müller cells in a model of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). Four weeks after infection, retinal sections were studied immunohistochemically using the markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin. Müller cells showed strong up-regulation of both markers, as well as a deteriorated morphology in all infected retinas. Moreover, cell density and color intensity of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) of photoreceptors were decreased. Our results indicate that the severe retinal damage and loss of vision observed in human OT may be not only directly caused by infection but rather mediated by infection induced reactive gliosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibtissem Lahmar
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, France; Laboratoire de Parasitologie - Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Département de Biologie Clinique B, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Luc Marcellin
- Département de Pathologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France
| | - Arnaud Sauer
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Adnane Moussa
- Laboratoire d'Anatomie Pathologique, Hôpital Universitaire Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hamouda Babba
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie - Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Département de Biologie Clinique B, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
de-la-Torre A, Pfaff AW, Grigg ME, Villard O, Candolfi E, Gomez-Marin JE. Ocular cytokinome is linked to clinical characteristics in ocular toxoplasmosis. Cytokine 2014; 68:23-31. [PMID: 24787053 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 11/24/2013] [Revised: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the cytokine levels in aqueous humor (AH) of Colombian patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), and to correlate them with their clinical characteristics. METHODS 27 Cytokines/chemokines were assayed in 15 AH samples (nine patients with diagnosis of OT biologically-confirmed and six controls that underwent cataract surgery). Correlations were assessed between cytokine/chemokine levels, type of inflammatory response (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg), and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Th2 predominant response was related to more severe clinical features. The presence of VEGF and IL-5 was related to higher number of recurrences. Growth factors (VEGF, FGF, PDGF-β), were related to higher number of lesions. Patients infected by type-I/III strains had a particular intraocular cytokine-pattern. CONCLUSIONS Th2 response was related to more severe clinical characteristics in patients infected by Type I/III strains. IL-5 and VEGF were associated with recurrences. We correlate for the first time, specific cytokine-patterns with clinical characteristics and with the infecting Toxoplasma strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra de-la-Torre
- Universidad del Rosario, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Inmunología, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Odile Villard
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Jorge E Gomez-Marin
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Avenida Bolivar 12N, Armenia, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
de-la-Torre A, Sauer A, Pfaff AW, Bourcier T, Brunet J, Speeg-Schatz C, Ballonzoli L, Villard O, Ajzenberg D, Sundar N, Grigg ME, Gomez-Marin JE, Candolfi E. Severe South American ocular toxoplasmosis is associated with decreased Ifn-γ/Il-17a and increased Il-6/Il-13 intraocular levels. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2541. [PMID: 24278490 PMCID: PMC3837637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In a cross sectional study, 19 French and 23 Colombian cases of confirmed active ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) were evaluated. The objective was to compare clinical, parasitological and immunological responses and relate them to the infecting strains. A complete ocular examination was performed in each patient. The infecting strain was characterized by genotyping when intraocular Toxoplasma DNA was detectable, as well as by peptide-specific serotyping for each patient. To characterize the immune response, we assessed Toxoplasma protein recognition patterns by intraocular antibodies and the intraocular profile of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Significant differences were found for size of active lesions, unilateral macular involvement, unilateral visual impairment, vitreous inflammation, synechiae, and vasculitis, with higher values observed throughout for Colombian patients. Multilocus PCR-DNA sequence genotyping was only successful in three Colombian patients revealing one type I and two atypical strains. The Colombian OT patients possessed heterogeneous atypical serotypes whereas the French were uniformly reactive to type II strain peptides. The protein patterns recognized by intraocular antibodies and the cytokine patterns were strikingly different between the two populations. Intraocular IFN-γ and IL-17 expression was lower, while higher levels of IL-13 and IL-6 were detected in aqueous humor of Colombian patients. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that South American strains may cause more severe OT due to an inhibition of the protective effect of IFN-γ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra de-la-Torre
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Universidad del Rosario, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Inmunología, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Arnaud Sauer
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W. Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tristan Bourcier
- Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Claude Speeg-Schatz
- Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Ballonzoli
- Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Odile Villard
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Daniel Ajzenberg
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France and INSERM UMR 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Natarajan Sundar
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jorge E. Gomez-Marin
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pesson B, Hersant C, Biehler JF, Abou-Bacar A, Brunet J, Pfaff AW, Ferté H, Candolfi E. First case of human gongylonemosis in France. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:5. [PMID: 23425508 PMCID: PMC3718519 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2013007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Gongylonema spp. are cosmopolitan spirurid nematodes that are common parasites of wild and domesticated mammals and birds. Gongylonema pulchrum Molin, 1857 is most common in ruminants, where it invades mucosa and submucosa of the mouth, tongue, oesophagus and forestomachs. It extremely rarely occurs in man, and fewer than 60 cases have been reported worldwide. We report a case from the Alsace region, which appears to be the first case of human gongylonemosis described in France.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Pesson
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lamarque MH, Papoin J, Finizio AL, Lentini G, Pfaff AW, Candolfi E, Dubremetz JF, Lebrun M. Identification of a new rhoptry neck complex RON9/RON10 in the Apicomplexa parasite Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32457. [PMID: 22427839 PMCID: PMC3299665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites secrete and inject into the host cell the content of specialized secretory organelles called rhoptries, which take part into critical processes such as host cell invasion and modulation of the host cell immune response. The rhoptries are structurally and functionally divided into two compartments. The apical duct contains rhoptry neck (RON) proteins that are conserved in Apicomplexa and are involved in formation of the moving junction (MJ) driving parasite invasion. The posterior bulb contains rhoptry proteins (ROPs) unique to an individual genus and, once injected in the host cell act as effector proteins to co-opt host processes and modulate parasite growth and virulence. We describe here two new RON proteins of Toxoplasma gondii, RON9 and RON10, which form a high molecular mass complex. In contrast to the other RONs described to date, this complex was not detected at the MJ during invasion and therefore was not associated to the MJ complex RON2/4/5/8. Disruptions of either RON9 or RON10 gene leads to the retention of the partner in the ER followed by subsequent degradation, suggesting that the RON9/RON10 complex formation is required for proper sorting to the rhoptries. Finally, we show that the absence of RON9/RON10 has no significant impact on the morphology of rhoptry, on the invasion and growth in fibroblasts in vitro or on virulence in vivo. The conservation of RON9 and RON10 in Coccidia and Cryptosporidia suggests a specific relation with development in intestinal epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauld H. Lamarque
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Julien Papoin
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Gaelle Lentini
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Alexander W. Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 4438, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 4438, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Maryse Lebrun
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lahmar I, Guinard M, Sauer A, Marcellin L, Abdelrahman T, Roux M, Mousli M, Moussa A, Babba H, Pfaff AW, Candolfi E. Murine neonatal infection provides an efficient model for congenital ocular toxoplasmosis. Exp Parasitol 2010; 124:190-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
27
|
Lahmar I, Abou-Bacar A, Abdelrahman T, Guinard M, Babba H, Ben Yahia S, Kairallah M, Speeg-Schatz C, Bourcier T, Sauer A, Villard O, Pfaff AW, Mousli M, Garweg JG, Candolfi E. Cytokine profiles in toxoplasmic and viral uveitis. J Infect Dis 2009; 199:1239-49. [PMID: 19302012 DOI: 10.1086/597478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveitis is a major cause of visual impairment throughout the world. Analysis of cytokine profiles in aqueous humor specimens may provide insight into the physiopathological processes that underly retinal damage in this context. METHODS Using a multiplex assay, we determined the concentrations of 17 cytokines and chemokines in aqueous humor specimens obtained from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis or viral uveitis and compared these concentrations with those in specimens obtained from patients with noninfectious intermediate uveitis or cataract. RESULTS Five mediators (interleukin [IL]-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-4, and IL-10) were detected in >50% of patients in all groups. In contrast, IL-5 and IL-12 were specific for ocular toxoplasmosis, and granulocyte monocyte colony-stimulating factor and IL-1 were specific for viral uveitis; these mediators could present specific markers for diagnostic purposes. Interferon-gamma, IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta were common markers of ocular toxoplasmosis and viral uveitis. IL-17 was a common marker of ocular toxoplasmosis and intermediate uveitis. CONCLUSIONS We found specific cytokine profiles for each type of uveitis, with large interindividual variations and no etiological or clinical correlations. Ocular cytokine mapping contributes to a better understanding of the physiopathology of specific forms of uveitis and provides guidance for new targeted treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibtissem Lahmar
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Senegas A, Villard O, Neuville A, Marcellin L, Pfaff AW, Steinmetz T, Mousli M, Klein JP, Candolfi E. Toxoplasma gondii-induced foetal resorption in mice involves interferon-gamma-induced apoptosis and spiral artery dilation at the maternofoetal interface. Int J Parasitol 2009; 39:481-7. [PMID: 18838076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Revised: 08/07/2008] [Accepted: 08/18/2008] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The severity of congenital toxoplasmosis depends on the stage of the pregnancy at which infection takes place. Infection during the first trimester generally leads to miscarriage, through an unknown mechanism. Toxoplasma gondii infection is normally controlled by a strong Th1-type response with IFN-gamma production. To investigate the mechanisms of foetal resorption induced by T. gondii, pregnant Swiss-Webster mice were infected 1 day post coïtum with the avirulent Me49 strain. Mated recipients were examined at mid-gestation. Few parasites and no cytolytic effects were detected 10 days post coïtum in implantation sites undergoing resorption. Resorption was accompanied by haemorrhage, spiral artery dilation, hypocellularity of the decidua basalis, apoptosis of placental cells, a decline in uterine mature natural killer cell numbers, increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase mRNA levels and reduced IL-15 mRNA levels. Given the role of IFN-gammaR(-/-) in non-infectious abortive processes, IFN-gammaR(-/-) mice were used to investigate its local role in T. gondii-induced foetal resorption. IFN-gammaR(-/-) mice showed 50% less foetal resorption than their wild-type counterparts, and spiral artery dilation and placental cell apoptosis were both abolished. These results strongly suggest that, at least in mice, T. gondii-induced abortion in early gestation is not due to a direct action of the parasite at the maternofoetal interface but rather to massive IFN-gamma release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Senegas
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UPRES-EA 3950, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Pfaff AW, Candolfi E. New insights in toxoplasmosis immunology during pregnancy. Perspective for vaccine prevention. Parassitologia 2008; 50:55-58. [PMID: 18693558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the few pathogens that can cross the placenta. Frequency and severity of transmission vary with gestational age. While acquired toxoplasmosis is already well explored, the control of maternal-foetal transmission of the parasite remains almost unknown. This is partly due to inherent inadequacies of animal models. This review summarises the studies which have been undertaken and shows that the mouse is a valuable model despite obvious differences to the human case. The paramount role of the cellular immune response during primary infection has been consistently shown. Surprisingly, IFN-g has a dual role in this process. While its beneficial effects in the control of toxoplasmosis are well known, it also seems to have transmission-enhancing effects within the placenta and can also directly harm the developing foetus. This shows the importance of designing vaccines which protects both mother and foetus. Therefore, it is useful to study the mechanisms of natural resistance against transmission during a secondary infection. In this setting, the process is more complicated, involving cellular, but also humoral components of the immune system. In summary, even if the whole process is far from being elucidated, important insights have been gained so far which will help us to undertake rational vaccine research.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Female
- Humans
- Immunity, Cellular
- Immunity, Innate
- Infant, Newborn
- Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control
- Maternal-Fetal Exchange/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/blood
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/parasitology
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control
- Prenatal Care
- Protozoan Vaccines
- Toxoplasma/immunology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/prevention & control
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/transmission
- Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/prevention & control
- Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/transmission
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 3950, Université Louis Pasteur, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Pfaff AW, Mousli M, Sénégas A, Marcellin L, Takikawa O, Klein JP, Candolfi E. Impact of foetus and mother on IFN-gamma-induced indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in murine placenta following Toxoplasma gondii infection. Int J Parasitol 2008; 38:249-58. [PMID: 17822706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2007.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2007] [Revised: 07/06/2007] [Accepted: 07/13/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
IFN-gamma production is a hallmark of acute infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The tryptophan-catabolising enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) are induced by IFN-gamma and can play extremely diverse roles in immune regulation, defence against pathogens and physiological homeostasis. We investigated the regulation of these two central enzymes in the placenta during acute infection of pregnant female mice. Using IFN-gamma receptor knockout (IFNgammaR-/-) mice, we showed that IDO is not constitutively expressed in term placentas. In contrast, NOS2 expression was observed, largely dependent on IFN-gamma signalling. Upon infection with the avirulent PRU strain of T. gondii, IDO mRNA expression was induced in an IFNgammaR-dependent manner. Surprisingly, NOS2 mRNA was severely suppressed. Importantly, we showed in crossing experiments of heterozygote (IFNgammaR+/-) mothers with IFNgammaR-/- males and vice versa that IDO expression largely depends on the presence of IFN-gamma receptors on foetal cells, and to a lesser extent on maternal cells. Immunohistochemical analysis localised foetal IDO production to invasive trophoblasts within the maternal part of the placenta. The placental vascular endothelium only stained positive when the mothers possessed functional IFN-gamma receptors. In contrast, placental NOS2 expression, but also its suppression following infection, seems to be largely dependent on IFN-gamma signalling in maternal cells. Neither factor appears to regulate placental T. gondii growth, as we observed no difference in parasite numbers between (+/-) and (-/-) foetuses. Taken together, our results demonstrate the crucial role of the foetus in placental IDO, but not NOS2, production following T. gondii infection.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Fetus/immunology
- Fetus/metabolism
- Fetus/parasitology
- Genes, Protozoan
- Immunohistochemistry
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/analysis
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/genetics
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/genetics
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice, Knockout
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/analysis
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolism
- Parasitemia
- Placenta/enzymology
- Placenta/immunology
- Placenta/parasitology
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/enzymology
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/immunology
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- Receptors, Interferon/analysis
- Receptors, Interferon/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Toxoplasma/genetics
- Toxoplasma/physiology
- Toxoplasmosis/enzymology
- Toxoplasmosis/immunology
- Interferon gamma Receptor
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, E.A. 3950, Interaction Cellulaire et Moléculaire Hôte-Parasite, Faculté de Médecine, 3, rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Brunet J, Pfaff AW, Abidi A, Unoki M, Nakamura Y, Guinard M, Klein JP, Candolfi E, Mousli M. Toxoplasma gondii exploits UHRF1 and induces host cell cycle arrest at G2 to enable its proliferation. Cell Microbiol 2007; 10:908-20. [PMID: 18005238 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2007.01093.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes severe disease in humans. It is able to infect all nucleated mammalian cells leading to lifelong persistence of the parasite in the host. Here, we studied the effect of T. gondii infection on host cell proliferation and explored the molecular mechanisms involved in host cell cycle progression. We found that T. gondii induced G1/S transition in host cells in the presence of UHRF1, followed by G2 arrest after cyclin B1 downregulation which is probably the major cause of the arrest. Other molecules at the G2/M checkpoint including p53, p21 and Cdk1 were normally regulated. Interestingly, while parasite proliferation was normal in cells that were in the G2 phase, it was suppressed in G1-arrested cells induced by UHRF1-siRNA, indicating the importance of the G2 phase via UHRF1-induced G1/S transition for T. gondii growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, UPRES E.A. 3950 Interactions Cellulaires et Moléculaires Hôte-Parasite, Faculté de Médecine, Université Louis Pasteur, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pfaff AW, Georges S, Abou-Bacar A, Letscher-Bru V, Klein JP, Mousli M, Candolfi E. Toxoplasma gondiiregulates ICAM‐1 mediated monocyte adhesion to trophoblasts. Immunol Cell Biol 2005; 83:483-9. [PMID: 16174097 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1711.2005.01356.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Materno-foetal transmission causes one of the most serious forms of infection with the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In the placenta, trophoblast cells constitute the barrier between maternal circulation and foetal tissue. We looked at the factors that determine the extent of cell adhesion to human BeWo trophoblast cells during T. gondii infection. BeWo monolayers stimulated with the supernatant of T. gondii-infected PBMC showed a large increase in THP-1 cell adhesion and upregulation of the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. Neutralization of cytokines by corresponding antibodies demonstrated that anti-IFN-gamma, but not anti-TNF-alpha or anti-IL-1beta, led to a significant reduction of THP-1 adhesion to a BeWo monolayer. Treatment of BeWo cells with single cytokines failed to induce upregulation of adhesion. In contrast, simultaneous treatment with IFN-gamma and either TNF-alpha or IL-1beta mimicked strongly the effect of infected cell supernatant. The results suggest that IFN-gamma plays a pivotal role in the cell adhesion process through upregulation of ICAM-1 and in the process of congenital transmission of T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Pfaff
- Cellular and Molecular Physiopathology and Infection Laboratory, Inserm UMR-S 392, Parasitology and Tropical Pathology Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pfaff AW, Villard O, Klein JP, Mousli M, Candolfi E. Regulation of Toxoplasma gondii multiplication in BeWo trophoblast cells: cross-regulation of nitric oxide production and polyamine biosynthesis. Int J Parasitol 2005; 35:1569-76. [PMID: 16185692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2005.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2005] [Revised: 08/02/2005] [Accepted: 08/03/2005] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Materno-foetal transmission causes one of the most severe forms of infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Several studies have shown T. gondii in placental trophoblast cells, which form the barrier between maternal blood circulation and foetal tissue. Parasite multiplication in trophoblast cells is thus a critical step leading to infection of the foetus. Here, we show that multiplication of T. gondii tachyzoites was slow in BeWo trophoblast cells, compared with MRC-5 fibroblast cells. However, unlike MRC-5 cells, even combined stimulation with interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha did not reduce T. gondii replication in BeWo cells. This was associated with a lack of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase induction by these cytokines. Neither low availability of iron salts, nor an immunosuppressive action of cyclooxygenase-2 could be attributed to the low T. gondii multiplication rate in BeWo cells. However, treatment with the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor N(G)-methyl-l-arginine and addition of ornithine enhanced the proliferation rate of the intracellular pathogen. Despite detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase-II mRNA in BeWo cells, nitric oxide production could not be detected during cell culture. Thus, inhibition of arginase activity by nitric oxide synthesis may be partially responsible for the lower multiplication rate in BeWo cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, EA 1330 de la Faculté de Médecine: Interaction Cellulaire et Moléculaire Hôte-Parasite, Université Louis Pasteur, 3 rue Koeberlé, France.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rajapakse R, Mousli M, Pfaff AW, Uring-Lambert B, Marcellin L, Bronner C, Jeanblanc M, Villard O, Letscher-Bru V, Klein JP, Candolfi E. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 induces splenocyte apoptosis and enhances BALB/c mice sensitivity to toxoplasmosis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2005; 96:179-85. [PMID: 15939587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2005.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2004] [Accepted: 03/10/2005] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The hormonal form of Vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, is well known for its immunosuppressive, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities. In the present work, we studied the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on Toxoplasma gondii-infected mice. We observed that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 reduces the survival rate of infected mice by up to 37% at day 10 post-infection compared to untreated infected mice (P < 0.0001). IFN-gamma and IL-12p40 levels were significantly reduced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in infected mice sera indicating an inhibition of Th-1-type cytokines. CD4+ T lymphocyte and splenocyte counts were also reduced following 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment and a marked induction of apoptosis, accompanied with down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L), was observed. The above results indicate that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 induces splenocyte apoptosis and enhances host susceptibility to toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Rajapakse
- Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale UMR-S 392, Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Faculté de Médicine, 3 rue de Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abou-Bacar A, Pfaff AW, Letscher-Bru V, Filisetti D, Rajapakse R, Antoni E, Villard O, Klein JP, Candolfi E. Role of gamma interferon and T cells in congenital Toxoplasma transmission. Parasite Immunol 2005; 26:315-8. [PMID: 15679627 DOI: 10.1111/j.0141-9838.2004.00713.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the BALB/c mouse model, primary infection with Toxoplasma gondii during the second third of gestation leads to a high percentage of infected foetuses. However, immunity induced by infection contracted before pregnancy prevents parasites from crossing the placenta and completely protects the foetuses, as well as the pregnant women. In order to clarify the roles of CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes and IFN-gamma in this protection, pregnant BALB/c mice were treated with depleting monoclonal antibodies against CD4, CD8, IFN-gamma, or control antibody. Only the foetuses of the groups treated with anti-CD8 and anti-IFN-gamma antibodies developed congenital toxoplasmosis. The maternal production of IFN-gamma was depressed in the mice depleted of CD4 and CD8 cells (P < 0.001). Determination of the blood parasite load demonstrated that materno-foetal transmission of T. gondii correlates with maternal parasitaemia. Together, these results show that CD8+ T lymphocytes and IFN-gamma play an important role in protection against congenital toxoplasmosis during reinfection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Abou-Bacar
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, INSERM U392, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abou-Bacar A, Pfaff AW, Georges S, Letscher-Bru V, Filisetti D, Villard O, Antoni E, Klein JP, Candolfi E. Role of NK cells and gamma interferon in transplacental passage of Toxoplasma gondii in a mouse model of primary infection. Infect Immun 2004; 72:1397-401. [PMID: 14977944 PMCID: PMC356035 DOI: 10.1128/iai.72.3.1397-1401.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Protective immunity in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii is mainly mediated by NK cells, CD4 and CD8 T cells, and type 1 cytokines, such as gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). To clarify the roles of NK cells and IFN-gamma in protection against primary congenital toxoplasmosis, we used recombination activating gene 2 knockout (RAG-2(-/-)) mice, which lack T and B lymphocytes, in comparison with the wild-type BALB/c model. RAG-2(-/-) mice had a significantly lower risk of fetal toxoplasmosis than BALB/c mice (25 versus 63.9%; P = 0.003). This protection was associated with an increased number of maternal NK cells, IFN-gamma secretion by spleen cells, and decreased parasitemia. In the RAG-2(-/-) mice, NK cell depletion increased both the rate of fetal infection, to 56.5% (P = 0.02), and the blood parasite burden. Conversely, in the BALB/c mice, this treatment did not modify maternofetal transmission or the blood parasite burden. Neutralization of IFN-gamma in both infected RAG-2(-/-) and BALB/c mice decreased congenital Toxoplasma transmission, contrasting with an exacerbation of maternal infection. These data suggest that a partially protective immunity against congenital toxoplasmosis is achieved due to the increased number of NK cells in RAG-2(-/-) mice. However, it seems that IFN-gamma enhances, directly or indirectly, the transplacental transmission.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Count
- DNA-Binding Proteins/deficiency
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Female
- Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Knockout
- Neutralization Tests
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/immunology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/complications
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/immunology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/transmission
- Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/etiology
- Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abou-Bacar
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, INSERM U392, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pfaff AW, Kirch AK, Hoffmann WH, Banla M, Schulz-Key H, Geiger SM, Soboslay PT. Regulatory effects of IL-12 and IL-18 on Onchocerca volvulus- and Entamoeba histolytica-specific cellular reactivity and cytokine profiles. Parasite Immunol 2003; 25:325-32. [PMID: 14507330 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3024.2003.00638.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 were evaluated for their capacity to modulate and to re-direct in vitro parasite antigen-specific cellular responsiveness in patients exposed to Onchocerca volvulus and Entamoeba histolytica infection. We found that IL-18 was highly capable of reducing parasite antigen-induced IL-10 production by PBMC. In contrast, addition or neutralization of IL-12, also in combination with IL-18 and the interferon-gamma-inducible chemokine IP-10 did not affect IL-10 production. Interestingly, the highest IL-10 levels were measured when IL-18 and IP-10 were both neutralized. Although having no effect on IL-10, IL-12 strongly promoted spontaneous and parasite antigen-driven IFN-gamma production by PBMC, whereas IL-18 was only moderately affecting IFN-gamma release by PBMC re-stimulated with E. histolytica- or O. volvulus-specific antigens. Both IL-12 and IL-18 diminished the cellular production of IL-13, and a synergistic effect was observed when the cytokines were combined. Likewise, neutralization of IL-12 enhanced Entamoeba and Onchocerca antigen-driven IL-13 production, but no further increase of IL-13 was observed, when anti-IL-12 and anti-IL-18 were used together. This study disclosed that IL-18 will significantly down-regulate parasite-specific IL-10 production, whereas IL-12 induced IFN-gamma and inhibited IL-13 production by PBMC from humans exposed to O. volvulus and E. histolytica. Such selective immune-regulatory capacity of IL-12 and IL-18 may comprise an important tool to re-direct polarized cytokine responses towards a balanced Th1/Th2 cytokine profile, which may prevent pathology and promote immunity against helminth and protozoan parasite infections.
Collapse
|
38
|
Letscher-Bru V, Pfaff AW, Abou-Bacar A, Filisetti D, Antoni E, Villard O, Klein JP, Candolfi E. Vaccination with Toxoplasma gondii SAG-1 protein is protective against congenital toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice but not in CBA/J mice. Infect Immun 2003; 71:6615-9. [PMID: 14573684 PMCID: PMC219566 DOI: 10.1128/iai.71.11.6615-6619.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the effect of vaccination with the SAG1 protein of Toxoplasma gondii against congenital toxoplasmosis in mice with different genetic backgrounds. In BALB/c mice (H-2(d)), vaccination reduced the number of infected fetuses by 50% and was associated with a mixed type 1 and type 2 immunity. In CBA/J mice (H-2(k)), vaccination increased the number of infected fetuses by 50% and was associated with a predominant type 2 response. Our results indicate that the effect of vaccination with SAG1 is controlled by the genetic background of the mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Letscher-Bru
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, INSERM U 392, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Geiger SM, Hoffmann WH, Soboslay PT, Pfaff AW, Graeff-Teixeira C, Schulz-Key H. Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection in C57BL/6 mice: MHC-II deficiency results in increased larval elimination but unaltered mortality. Parasitol Res 2003; 90:415-20. [PMID: 12750994 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-003-0853-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2002] [Accepted: 02/05/2003] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
During experimental Angiostrongylus costaricensis infections in several inbred mouse strains, genetic factors as well as different cytokine secretion patterns have recently been shown to play a role in the outcome of infection in terms of morbidity and mortality, e.g. BALB/c mice show a high and C57BL/6 mice a low mortality during the acute phase of infection. In this study, C57BL/6 MHC-II knockout mice infected with A. costaricensis did not show increased mortality during the acute phase of infection when compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, MHC-II knockout mice showed a strongly diminished parasite-specific humoral and cellular immune response, which can be explained by the nearly complete lack of CD4+ T cells in the periphery. This defect in MHC-II genes, the lack of CD4+ T cells, and the resulting cellular and humoral unresponsiveness resulted in a three times higher output of first-stage larvae in feces compared with wild-type animals. The results indicate that during experimental A. costaricensis infection a parasite-specific immune response, directed via MHC-II molecules and CD4+ T cells, is not essential for the survival of C57BL/6 mice during the acute phase of infection, whereas the elimination of first-stage larvae seems to be regulated by a MHC-II- and CD4+ T-cell-dependent mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Geiger
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
|
41
|
Pfaff AW, Schulz-Key H, Soboslay PT, Taylor DW, MacLennan K, Hoffmann WH. Litomosoides sigmodontis cystatin acts as an immunomodulator during experimental filariasis. Int J Parasitol 2002; 32:171-8. [PMID: 11812494 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(01)00350-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During chronic filariasis, parasite-specific cellular responsiveness is profoundly down-regulated. Cystatins, a group of cysteine protease inhibitors, have been implicated in this suppressive activity. In an attempt to investigate the effects of cystatins in vivo, we isolated and expressed a 14 kDa protein of the rodent filaria Litomosoides sigmodontis with substantial homologies to cystatins from human pathogenic filariae. Cystatin was detected in antigen preparations of several developmental stages of L. sigmodontis, as well as in the supernatants of in vitro cultured adult worms. On closer examination, L. sigmodontis cystatin (Ls-Cystatin) migrated as two separate bands at 14 and 15 kDa. When cystatin was introduced into the peritoneal cavity of C57BL/6 mice via micro-osmotic pumps, the production of nitric oxide was profoundly reduced upon microfilarial challenge and, at the same time, synthesis of TNF-alpha mRNA became up-regulated. Furthermore, antigen-specific proliferative response of spleen cells to circulating L. sigmodontis microfilariae was significantly diminished in the presence of cystatin, whereas the antibody production was not suppressed. In vaccination trials, using the L. sigmodontis/BALB/c mouse model of filariasis, L. sigmodontis cystatin did not generate protective effects in terms of adult worm recovery, however, lower numbers of patent infections, i.e. less infections with microfilaraemia were observed in vaccinated animals. These results suggested that cystatin acts as an immunomodulatory molecule during the course of a filarial infection, and its neutralisation might contribute to generate protective immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Pfaff
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tubingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tubingen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Geiger SM, Abrahams-Sandi E, Soboslay PT, Hoffmann WH, Pfaff AW, Graeff-Teixeira C, Schulz-Key H. Cellular immune responses and cytokine production in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice during the acute phase of Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection. Acta Trop 2001; 80:59-68. [PMID: 11495645 DOI: 10.1016/s0001-706x(01)00153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In our experimental study we were able to show that the contrasting outcome of Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, in respect of morbidity and mortality, can be explained by divergent cellular immune responses and a different cytokine pattern in each strain. In BALB/c mice (i.e. those with high mortality), the initial high proliferation of ConA or LPS stimulated spleen cells dropped to very low levels after 2 weeks post-infection (p.i.), whereas in C57BL/6 mice (i.e. those with low mortality), only a minor reduction in lymphoproliferative responses after mitogenic stimulation was observed. The specific proliferation of spleen cells after stimulation with A. costaricensis adult worm antigen remained low in BALB/c mice throughout the experiment, but showed an augmented proliferation in C57BL/6 mice, especially from 2 weeks p.i. onwards. The mitogen-induced production of Th2-type cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10) in spleen cell cultures remained low in BALB/c mice until 4 weeks p.i., but production of Th1-type cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma) was highly elevated at 14 and 28 days p.i. In C57BL/6 mice, an upregulated and balanced production of both Th1- and Th2-type cytokines was measured during the course of infection. In summary, a polarization of the immune response towards cellular hyporesponsiveness and a predominantly Th1 cytokine profile was observed in A. costaricensis infected BALB/c mice, which may contribute to pathogenesis and increased morbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Geiger
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, D-72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hoffmann WH, Pfaff AW, Schulz-Key H, Soboslay PT, Soboslav PT. Determinants for resistance and susceptibility to microfilaraemia in Litomosoides sigmodontis filariasis. Parasitology 2001; 122:641-9. [PMID: 11444617 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182001007892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Filarial infections of humans are chronic diseases. Despite an ongoing immune response, adult filariae continuously produce their offspring, the microfilariae (Mf), which are able to persist in sufficient numbers to ensure transmission. In this study, host- and parasite-derived factors, which contribute to persistence of Mf, were investigated using the filariasis model of Litomosoides sigmodontis in mice. Different strains of mice were found to differ widely in their capability to eliminate circulating Mf. Studies of congenic mouse strains showed that early and rapid clearance of Mf was mediated by activation pathways relevant to innate immunity, whereas late or delayed clearance of Mf was pre-determined by MHC-related factors. Genetic knock-out of genes for the MHC class-II molecules totally abrogated resistance. Most interestingly, the presence of only I adult female, but not male worms, renders all mice susceptible, irrespective of the genetic background, enabling Mf to circulate for extended periods of time. Such prolonged microfilaraemia was also observed in L. sigmodontis-infected animals challenged with heterologous Mf of Acanthocheilonema viteae. The use of cytokine gene knock-out mice showed that persistence of L. sigmodontis Mf was facilitated by IL-10, but not by IL-4 or IFN-gamma. In conclusion, irrespective of a resistant or susceptible host genetic background, survival of Mf of L. sigmodontis in mice is decisively regulated by the presence of adult female L. sigmodontis which will skew and exploit immune responses to facilitate the survival and persistence of their offspring in the infected host.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Helminth/analysis
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Female
- Filariasis/immunology
- Filariasis/parasitology
- Filarioidea/growth & development
- Filarioidea/immunology
- Genes, MHC Class II/immunology
- Host-Parasite Interactions/immunology
- Immunity, Innate/genetics
- Immunity, Innate/immunology
- Interleukin-10/biosynthesis
- Interleukin-10/immunology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- Mice, Knockout/genetics
- Mice, Knockout/parasitology
- Microfilariae/growth & development
- Microfilariae/immunology
- Parasitemia/immunology
- Parasitemia/parasitology
- Spleen/parasitology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W H Hoffmann
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Pfaff AW, Schulz-Key H, Soboslay PT, Geiger SM, Hoffmann WH. The role of nitric oxide in the innate resistance to microfilariae of Litomosoides sigmodontis in mice. Parasite Immunol 2000; 22:397-405. [PMID: 10972846 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3024.2000.00317.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to be an important effector mechanism in the defence against various pathogens, including filariae. The production of NO, as well as H2O2, is induced by the Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma. Therefore, the microfilariae (mf) of filarial nematodes, which are known to elicit the release of IFN-gamma, may be a target of NO release. In this study, we found that mf of the filarial species Litomosoides sigmodontis were resistant to the attack of H2O2, but vulnerable to NO exposure in vitro by a chemical NO donor, as well as activated macrophages. Adult worms were considerably less affected by exposure to NO. In-vivo production of NO following injection of mf, in this and previous studies, suggested a central role in the defence to filariae. However, neither pharmaceutical inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis, nor genetic knockout of the gene for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), abrogated resistance to circulating mf in mice. Interestingly, however, iNOS-KO mice showed higher interleukin (IL)-2 responses and lower IL-10 production, compared to their wild-type counterparts. In conclusion, despite its effectiveness in vitro and the observed production of NO by ex vivo cells following infection, nitric oxide seems not to be an important factor in elimination of mf of L. sigmodontis in vivo. However, it may have a regulatory role in the immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A W Pfaff
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Pfaff AW, Schulz-Key H, Soboslay PT, Geiger SM, Hoffmann WH. Litomosoides sigmodontis: dynamics of the survival of microfilariae in resistant and susceptible strains of mice. Exp Parasitol 2000; 94:67-74. [PMID: 10673342 DOI: 10.1006/expr.1999.4475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Litomosoides sigmodontis in the BALB/c mouse is the only model of filariasis which allows the observation of the complete development in an immunocompetent mouse. In this study, we injected microfilariae (mf) intravenously, as well as into the pleural cavity, the site of natural release of mf from adult female worms, and followed the kinetics of elimination within the host. In susceptible BALB/c mice, mf circulated at high levels in the blood. In contrast, in C57BL/6 mice, which are refractory to full development, mf were eliminated rapidly from the peripheral blood. However, 6 days after intrapleural injection, viable larvae could be found in the pleural cavity and lung capillaries of both susceptible and resistant strains. The numbers of mf in the pleural cavity and lung capillaries in individual mice were significantly correlated, but not dependent on strain or peripheral microfilaraemia. Thus, although C57BL/6 mice showed enhanced production of nitric oxide by pleural exudate cells and a faster change in the numbers of circulating leukocytes after injection, rapid killing of mf by cell or nitric oxide-mediated mechanisms were not the reason for the different outcome. Furthermore, 3 h after iv injection, only a small percentage of mf could be recovered from the peripheral circulation, indicating the presence of a reservoir for mf containment. In conclusion, injected mf showed disparate dynamics of persistence within susceptible and resistant hosts, which is similar to the disparate outcome of natural infections with L. sigmodontis. This difference became obvious within 1 day after injection. The lung capillary system plays obviously a crucial part in regulation of microfilaremia. Our model also provides a possible means to explain frequent cases of occult infections in human filariasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A W Pfaff
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, Tübingen, 72074, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|