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Ramakrishnan G, Young MK, Nayak U, Rigo I, Marrs AS, Gilchrist CA, Behm BW, Madden GR, Petri WA. Systemic neutrophil degranulation and emergency granulopoiesis in patients with Clostridioides difficile infection. Anaerobe 2024; 87:102840. [PMID: 38514010 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2024.102840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is characterized by neutrophilia in blood, with a high leukocyte count accompanying severe infection. In this study, we characterized peripheral blood neutrophil activation and maturity in CDI by (i) developing a method to phenotype stored neutrophils for disease-related developmental alterations and (ii) assessing neutrophil-associated biomarkers. METHODS We stored fixed leukocytes from blood collected within 24 h of diagnosis from a cohort of hospitalized patients with acute CDI. Additional study cohorts included recurrent CDI patients at time of and two months after FMT therapy and a control healthy cohort. We assessed levels of neutrophil surface markers CD66b, CD11b, CD16 and CD10 by flow cytometry. Plasma neutrophil elastase and lipocalin-2 were measured using ELISA, while G-CSF, GM-CSF and cytokines were measured using O-link Proteomic technology. RESULTS CD66b+ neutrophil abundance assessed by flow cytometry correlated well with complete blood counts, establishing that neutrophils in stored blood are sufficiently well-preserved for phenotyping by flow cytometry. Neutrophil abundance was significantly increased in CDI patients compared to healthy controls. Emergency granulopoiesis in acute CDI patients was evidenced by lower neutrophil surface expression of CD10, CD11b and CD16. CD10+ staining of neutrophils started to recover within 3-7 days of CDI treatment. Neutrophil activation and degranulation were higher in acute CDI as assessed by plasma neutrophil elastase and lipocalin-2. Biomarker levels in immunocompetent subjects were associated with recurrence and fatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Neutrophil activation and emergency granulopoiesis characterize the early immune response in acute CDI, with plasma degranulation biomarkers predictive of disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girija Ramakrishnan
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Mary K Young
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Uma Nayak
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Isaura Rigo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | | | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Brian W Behm
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Gregory R Madden
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | - William A Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA.
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Carey M, Arju T, Cotton JA, Alam M, Kabir M, Faruque ASG, Haque R, Petri WA, Gilchrist CA. Genomic Heterogeneity of Cryptosporidium parvum Isolates From Children in Bangladesh: Implications for Parasite Biology and Human Infection. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1292-1298. [PMID: 37832036 PMCID: PMC10629705 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species are a major cause of diarrhea and associated with growth failure. There is currently only limited knowledge of the parasite's genomic variability. We report a genomic analysis of Cryptosporidium parvum isolated from Bangladeshi infants and reanalysis of sequences from the United Kingdom. Human isolates from both locations shared 154 variants not present in the cattle-derived reference genome, suggesting host-specific adaptation of the parasite. Remarkably 34.6% of single-nucleotide polymorphisms unique to human isolates were nonsynonymous and 8.2% of these were in secreted proteins. Linkage disequilibrium decay indicated frequent recombination. The genetic diversity of C. parvum has potential implications for vaccine and therapeutic design. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02764918.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Carey
- Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Tuhinur Arju
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Masud Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abu S G Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Departments of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Gilchrist CA, Campo JJ, Pablo JV, Ma JZ, Teng A, Oberai A, Shandling AD, Alam M, Kabir M, Faruque A, Haque R, Petri WA. Specific Cryptosporidium antigens associate with reinfection immunity and protection from cryptosporidiosis. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e166814. [PMID: 37347553 PMCID: PMC10425216 DOI: 10.1172/jci166814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no vaccine to protect from cryptosporidiosis, a leading cause of diarrhea in infants in low- and middle-income countries. Here, we comprehensively identified parasite antigens associated with protection from reinfection. A Cryptosporidium protein microarray was constructed by in vitro transcription and translation of 1,761 C. parvum, C. hominis, or C. meleagridis antigens, including proteins with a signal peptide and/or a transmembrane domain. Plasma IgG and/or IgA from Bangladeshi children longitudinally followed for cryptosporidiosis from birth to 3 years of age allowed for identification of 233 seroreactive proteins. Seven of these were associated with protection from reinfection. These included Cp23, Cp17, Gp900, and 4 additional antigens - CpSMP1, CpMuc8, CpCorA and CpCCDC1. Infection in the first year of life, however, often resulted in no detectable antigen-specific antibody response, and antibody responses, when detected, were specific to the infecting parasite genotype and decayed in the months after infection. In conclusion, humoral immune responses against specific parasite antigens were associated with acquired immunity. While antibody decay over time and parasite genotype-specificity may limit natural immunity, this work serves as a foundation for antigen selection for vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A. Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Jennie Z. Ma
- Public Health Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Andy Teng
- Antigen Discovery Inc, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Amit Oberai
- Antigen Discovery Inc, Irvine, California, USA
| | | | - Masud Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A.S.G. Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - William A. Petri
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, and
- Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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4
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Petri WAO, Hossain B, Kabir M, So HH, Moreau GB, Nayak U, Ma JZ, Noor Z, Faruque ASG, Alum M, Haque R, Petri WA, Gilchrist CA. Children develop Immunity to cryptosporidiosis in a high transmission intensity area. medRxiv 2023:2023.06.28.23292000. [PMID: 37425942 PMCID: PMC10327267 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.23292000] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium is one of the top causes of diarrhea in Bangladesh infants. Cryptosporidium infections lead to the production of antibody immune responses, which were associated with a decrease in parasite burden and decreased disease severity in subsequent infections. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study of cryptosporidiosis from birth to five years of age in an urban slum of Dhaka Bangladesh. We then retrospectively tested the concentration of anti-Cryptosporidium Cp17 or Cp23 IgA in surveillance stool samples collected from 54 children during their first 3 years of life by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also assessed the concentration of both IgA and IgG antibodies specific to Cryptosporidium Cp17 and Cp23 in the concentration of anti-Cryptosporidium Cp17 or Cp23 IgA and IgG antibodies in the children's plasma (1- 5 years). Results The seroprevalence of both anti- Cp23 and Cp17 antibodies was high at ≤ one year of age and reflected the exposure of these children in this community to cryptosporidiosis. In Bangladesh, the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis is high during the rainy season (June to October) but decreases during the dry season. In younger infants' plasma anti-Cp17 and Cp23 IgG and anti-Cp17 IgA levels were markedly increased during the rainy season in line with the higher initial exposure to the parasite at this time. Both anti-Cp17, anti-Cp23 fecal IgA and the parasite burden declined during repeat infections. Conclusions We found that anti-Cryptosporidium plasma and fecal antibody levels in children could contribute to the decrease in new infections in this study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A. O. Petri
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Biplop Hossain
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - Hannah H So
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - G. Brett Moreau
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Uma Nayak
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jennie Z Ma
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Zannthan Noor
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - ASG Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - Masud Alum
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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Saito-Nakano Y, Makiuchi T, Tochikura M, Gilchrist CA, Petri WA, Nozaki T. Corrigendum: ArfX2 GTPase Regulates Trafficking From the Trans-Golgi to Lysosomes and Is Necessary for Liver Abscess Formation in the Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:856477. [PMID: 35372096 PMCID: PMC8973076 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.856477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Saito-Nakano
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Makiuchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mami Tochikura
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Carol A. Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - William A. Petri
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tomoyoshi Nozaki,
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Saito-Nakano Y, Makiuchi T, Tochikura M, Gilchrist CA, Petri WA, Nozaki T. ArfX2 GTPase Regulates Trafficking From the Trans-Golgi to Lysosomes and Is Necessary for Liver Abscess Formation in the Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:794152. [PMID: 34976870 PMCID: PMC8719317 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.794152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebic dysentery and liver abscess in humans. The parasitic lifestyle and the virulence of the protist require elaborate biological processes, including vesicular traffic and stress management against a variety of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced by the host immune response. Although the mechanisms for intracellular traffic of representative virulence factors have been investigated at molecular levels, it remains poorly understood whether and how intracellular traffic is involved in the defense against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Here, we demonstrate that EhArfX2, one of the Arf family of GTPases known to be involved in the regulation of vesicular traffic, was identified by comparative transcriptomic analysis of two isogenic strains: an animal-passaged highly virulent HM-1:IMSS Cl6 and in vitro maintained attenuated avirulent strain. EhArfX2 was identified as one of the most highly upregulated genes in the highly virulent strain. EhArfX2 was localized to small vesicle-like structures and largely colocalized with the marker for the trans-Golgi network SNARE, EhYkt6, but neither with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident chaperon, EhBip, nor the cis-Golgi SNARE, EhSed5, and Golgi-luminal galactosyl transferase, EhGalT. Expression of the dominant-active mutant form of EhArfX2 caused an increase in the number of lysosomes, while expression of the dominant-negative mutant led to a defect in lysosome formation and cysteine protease transport to lysosomes. Expression of the dominant-negative mutant in the virulent E. histolytica strain caused a reduction of the size of liver abscesses in a hamster model. This defect in liver abscess formation was likely at least partially attributed to reduced resistance to nitrosative, but not oxidative stress in vitro. These results showed that the EhArfX2-mediated traffic is necessary for the nitrosative stress response and virulence in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Saito-Nakano
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Makiuchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mami Tochikura
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Kabir M, Alam M, Nayak U, Arju T, Hossain B, Tarannum R, Khatun A, White JA, Ma JZ, Haque R, Petri WA, Gilchrist CA. Nonsterile immunity to cryptosporidiosis in infants is associated with mucosal IgA against the sporozoite and protection from malnutrition. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009445. [PMID: 34181697 PMCID: PMC8270466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted a longitudinal study of cryptosporidiosis from birth to three years of age in an urban slum of Dhaka Bangladesh. Fecal DNA was extracted from monthly surveillance samples and diarrheal stool samples collected from 392 infants from birth to three years. A pan-Cryptosporidium qPCR assay was used to identify sub-clinical and symptomatic cryptosporidiosis. Anthropometric measurements were collected quarterly to assess child nutritional status. 31% (121/392) of children experienced a single and 57% (222/392) multiple infections with Cryptosporidium. Repeat infections had a lower burden of parasites in the stool (Cq slope = -1.85; p<0.0001) and were more likely to be sub-clinical (Chi square test for trend; p = 0.01). Repeat infections were associated with the development of growth faltering (Pearson correlation = -0.18; p = 0.0004). High levels of fecal IgA antibodies against the Cryptosporidium Cp23 sporozoite protein at one year of life were associated with a delay in reinfection and amelioration of growth faltering through three years of life (HAZ IgA high responders -1.323 ± 0.932 versus HAZ -1.731 ± 0.984 p = 0.0001). We concluded that nonsterile immunity to cryptosporidiosis in young children was associated with high levels of mucosal IgA anti-Cp23 and protection from diarrhea and growth faltering. Trial Registration: NCT02764918.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamun Kabir
- Emerging Infections and Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Mohakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Masud Alam
- Emerging Infections and Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Mohakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Uma Nayak
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Tuhinur Arju
- Emerging Infections and Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Mohakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Biplob Hossain
- Emerging Infections and Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Mohakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Rubaiya Tarannum
- Emerging Infections and Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Mohakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Amena Khatun
- Emerging Infections and Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Mohakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Jennifer A. White
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jennie Z. Ma
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rashidul Haque
- Emerging Infections and Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Mohakhali, Bangladesh
| | - William A. Petri
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carol A. Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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Carey MA, Medlock GL, Alam M, Kabir M, Uddin MJ, Nayak U, Papin J, Faruque ASG, Haque R, Petri WA, Gilchrist CA. Megasphaera in the stool microbiota is negatively associated with diarrheal cryptosporidiosis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e1242-e1251. [PMID: 33684930 PMCID: PMC8442784 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [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: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protozoan parasites in the Cryptosporidium genus cause both acute diarrheal disease and subclinical (i.e. non-diarrheal) disease. It is unclear if the microbiota can influence the manifestation of diarrhea during a Cryptosporidium infection. METHODS To characterize the role of the gut microbiota in diarrheal cryptosporidiosis, the microbiome composition of both diarrheal and surveillance Cryptosporidium-positive fecal samples from 72 infants was evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, the microbiome composition prior to infection was examined to test whether a preexisting microbiome profile could influence the Cryptosporidium infection phenotype. RESULTS Fecal microbiome composition was associated with diarrheal symptoms at two timepoints. Megasphaera was significantly less abundant in diarrheal samples when compared to subclinical samples at the time of Cryptosporidium detection (log2(fold change) = -4.3, p=10 -10) and prior to infection (log2(fold change) = -2.0, p=10 -4); this assigned sequence variant was detected in 8 children who had diarrhea and 30 children without diarrhea. Random forest classification also identified Megasphaera abundance in the pre- and post-exposure microbiota as predictive of a subclinical infection. CONCLUSIONS Microbiome composition broadly, and specifically low Megasphaera abundance, was associated with diarrheal symptoms prior to and at the time of Cryptosporidium detection. This observation suggests that the gut microenvironment may play a role in determining the severity of a Cryptosporidium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen A Carey
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Gregory L Medlock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.,Current affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Masud Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jashim Uddin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Uma Nayak
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Jason Papin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - A S G Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
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Steiner KL, Kabir M, Hossain B, Gilchrist CA, Ma JZ, Ahmed T, Faruque ASG, Haque R, Petri WA. Delayed Time to Cryptosporidiosis in Bangladeshi Children is Associated with Greater Fecal IgA against Two Sporozoite-Expressed Antigens. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:229-232. [PMID: 33078702 PMCID: PMC7790099 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is common in early childhood, and both diarrheal and subclinical infections are associated with adverse developmental outcomes. Improved therapeutic medications may help reduce the burden of cryptosporidial diarrhea; however, an effective vaccine would be better able to prevent the detrimental impact of both diarrheal and subclinical disease. A more complete understanding of naturally occurring immunity may further inform strategies to develop an effective vaccine. In this prospective cohort study of Bangladeshi children, greater fecal IgA at 12 months, but not plasma IgG, directed against two sporozoite-expressed, immunodominant and vaccine candidate antigens was associated with delayed time to subsequent cryptosporidiosis to 3 years of life. These findings extend prior work and further support the role of mucosal antibody responses in naturally developing protective immunity to Cryptosporidium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L. Steiner
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Biplob Hossain
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Carol A. Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jennie Z. Ma
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abu S. G. Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - William A. Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia;,Address correspondence to William A. Petri, Jr., Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, PO Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1340. E-mail:
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10
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Deichsel EL, Hillesland HK, Gilchrist CA, Naulikha JM, McGrath CJ, Van Voorhis WC, Rwigi D, Singa BO, Walson JL, Pavlinac PB. Prevalence and Correlates of Cryptosporidium Infections in Kenyan Children With Diarrhea and Their Primary Caregivers. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa533. [PMID: 33335937 PMCID: PMC7731525 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of diarrhea in Sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in young children. METHODS We analyzed data from children aged 6-71 months presenting to 2 public hospitals in Western Kenya with acute diarrhea and their primary caregivers, including detection of Cryptosporidium by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoassay analysis in stool samples from both children and their caregivers. Associations between potential transmission sources and child/caregiver Cryptosporidium infection were evaluated using prevalence ratios (PRs). Secondary analyses evaluated host and clinical risk factors of child/caregiver Cryptosporidium infection. RESULTS Among 243 child-caregiver pairs enrolled, 77 children (32%) and 57 caregivers (23%) had Cryptosporidium identified by either immunoassay or PCR. Twenty-six of the 243 child-caregiver pairs (11%) had concordant detection of Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium infection in children was associated with detection of Cryptosporidium in caregivers (adjusted PR [aPR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.6; P = .002) and unprotected water source (aPR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.2; P = .003). Risk factors for Cryptosporidium detection in caregivers included child Cryptosporidium infection (aPR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.0; P = .002) as well as cow (aPR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.4 to 7.0; P = .02) and other livestock ownership (aPR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 6.3; P = .03) vs no livestock ownership. Recent diarrhea in caregivers and children was independently associated with child and caregiver Cryptosporidium infections, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that Cryptosporidium transmission can occur directly between child-caregiver dyads as well as through other pathways involving water and livestock. Additional research into caregivers as a source of childhood Cryptosporidium infection is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Doreen Rwigi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Judd L Walson
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Child Acute Illness and Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, Nairobi, Kenya
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11
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Steiner KL, Kabir M, Priest JW, Hossain B, Gilchrist CA, Cook H, Ma JZ, Korpe PS, Ahmed T, Faruque ASG, Haque R, Petri WA. Fecal Immunoglobulin A Against a Sporozoite Antigen at 12 Months Is Associated With Delayed Time to Subsequent Cryptosporidiosis in Urban Bangladesh: A Prospective Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:323-326. [PMID: 31131855 PMCID: PMC6938969 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this prospective cohort study of Bangladeshi children, greater fecal immunoglobulin A, but not plasma immunoglobulin G, directed against the Cryptosporidium sporozoite-expressed antigen Cp23 at 12 months of age was associated with delayed time to subsequent cryptosporidiosis. This finding suggests a protective role for mucosal antibody-mediated immunity in naturally exposed children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Steiner
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | | | - Jeffrey W Priest
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Heather Cook
- Department of Statistics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Jennie Z Ma
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Poonum S Korpe
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - William A Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville,Correspondence: W. A. Petri, Jr, University of Virginia, Department of Medicine, PO Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1340 ()
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12
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Kabir M, Ahmed E, Hossain B, Alam M, Ahmed S, Taniuchi M, Gilchrist CA, Houpt ER, Faruque ASG, Petri WA, Haque R. Giardia/Cryptosporidium QUIK CHEK Assay Is More Specific Than Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction for Rapid Point-of-care Diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis in Infants in Bangladesh. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 67:1897-1903. [PMID: 29718129 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium is a major cause of childhood diarrhea. Current modes of cryptosporidiosis diagnosis involve procedures that are costly and require both a well-equipped laboratory and technical expertise. Therefore, a cost-effective, user-friendly, and rapid method for point-of-care detection of Cryptosporidium is desirable. Methods A total of 832 diarrheal stool specimens collected from 200 children aged <2 years were tested by Giardia/Cryptosporidium QUIK CHEK, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to compare the performance of the individual techniques. We also tested for the presence of other diarrheal pathogens in qPCR-positive samples with a TaqMan Array Card (TAC) to assess whether Cryptosporidium was the sole causative agent for the diarrheal episodes. Results Of 832 samples, 4.4% were found positive for Cryptosporidium by QUIK CHEK, 3.6% by ELISA, and 8.8% by qPCR. Using TAC-attributed Cryptosporidium diarrhea as the gold standard, the sensitivities of QUIK CHEK, ELISA, and qPCR were 92.3%, 71.8%, and 100%, respectively; the specificities were 97.1%, 94.3%, and 0%, respectively. Analysis of the qPCR-positive and QUIK CHEK-negative samples by TAC identified other enteropathogens as more likely than Cryptosporidium to be the causative agents of diarrhea. Conclusions QUIK CHEK was more sensitive and specific than ELISA. While qPCR detected Cryptosporidium in more samples than QUIK CHEK, most of these were instances of qPCR detecting small quantities of Cryptosporidium DNA in a diarrheal episode caused by another enteropathogen. We concluded that QUIK CHEK was comparable in sensitivity and superior in specificity to qPCR for the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Emtiaz Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Biplob Hossain
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Masud Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahnawaz Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mami Taniuchi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Eric R Houpt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - A S G Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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13
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Gilchrist CA, Cotton JA, Burkey C, Arju T, Gilmartin A, Lin Y, Ahmed E, Steiner K, Alam M, Ahmed S, Robinson G, Zaman SU, Kabir M, Sanders M, Chalmers RM, Ahmed T, Ma JZ, Haque R, Faruque ASG, Berriman M, Petri WA. Genetic Diversity of Cryptosporidium hominis in a Bangladeshi Community as Revealed by Whole-Genome Sequencing. J Infect Dis 2019. [PMID: 29514308 PMCID: PMC6009673 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [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] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium hominis infections in slum-dwelling infants from Dhaka over a 2-year period. Cryptosporidium hominis infections were common during the monsoon, and were genetically diverse as measured by gp60 genotyping and whole-genome resequencing. Recombination in the parasite was evidenced by the decay of linkage disequilibrium in the genome over <300 bp. Regions of the genome with high levels of polymorphism were also identified. Yet to be determined is if genomic diversity is responsible in part for the high rate of reinfection, seasonality, and varied clinical presentations of cryptosporidiosis in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James A Cotton
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Cecelia Burkey
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Tuhinur Arju
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | | | - Ye Lin
- Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Emtiaz Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Kevin Steiner
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Masud Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Shahnawaz Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Guy Robinson
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Singleton Hospital.,Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Sultan Uz Zaman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Mandy Sanders
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M Chalmers
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Singleton Hospital.,Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Jennie Z Ma
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Abu S G Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
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14
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Donowitz JR, Parikh HI, Taniuchi M, Gilchrist CA, Haque R, Kirkpatrick BD, Alam M, Kakon SH, Islam BZ, Afreen S, Kabir M, Nayak U, Colgate ER, Carmolli MP, Petri WA. Increased Fecal Lactobacillus Is Associated With a Positive Glucose Hydrogen Breath Test in Bangladeshi Children. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz266. [PMID: 31281862 PMCID: PMC6602902 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glucose hydrogen breath testing is a noninvasive test for small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). A positive glucose hydrogen breath test is common in children from low-income countries and has been found to be associated with malnutrition as measured by stunted growth. The microbiome associated with positive breath testing is relatively unstudied. Methods We performed 16 S V4 rDNA microbiome analysis on the stool of 90 Bangladeshi children aged 2 years from an impoverished neighborhood who were tested at the same time for SIBO by glucose hydrogen breath testing. Data were analyzed by linear discriminant analysis effect size with SIBO as the outcome. Any selected genera were tested individually by Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test to ensure that linear discriminant analysis effect size results were not outlier-skewed. Results Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis identified Lactobacillus (linear discriminate analysis score, 4.59; P = .03) as over-represented in 15 out of the 90 children who were SIBO positive. Conclusions These results suggest that glucose hydrogen breath test positivity in children from low-income settings may be due to an upper intestinal Lactobacillus bloom, potentially explaining the association of SIBO with the gut damage and inflammation that leads to malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Donowitz
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.,Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Hardik I Parikh
- School of Medicine Research Computing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mami Taniuchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Rashidul Haque
- Division of Parasitology, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Beth D Kirkpatrick
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and Vaccine Testing Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Masud Alam
- Division of Parasitology, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahria Hafiz Kakon
- Division of Parasitology, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Bushra Zarin Islam
- James P. Grant School of Public Health, Brac University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sajia Afreen
- Division of Parasitology, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Kabir
- Division of Parasitology, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Uma Nayak
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - E Ross Colgate
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and Vaccine Testing Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Marya P Carmolli
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and Vaccine Testing Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - William A Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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15
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Gazi MA, Das S, Mahfuz M, Hasan MM, Hossain MS, Fahim SM, Alam MA, Noor Z, Gilchrist CA, Petri WA, Rahman MM, Mazumder RN, Haque R, Sarker SA, Ahmed T. Screening for coeliac disease in children and adults living in a slum of Dhaka, Bangladesh. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2019; 6:e000294. [PMID: 31139429 PMCID: PMC6506126 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2019-000294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Serological screening with a confirmation through biopsy has improved the understanding of coeliac disease (CD) epidemiology worldwide. Prevalence of CD in Bangladesh is not yet explored and therefore, we aimed to assess the seroprevalence of CD in slum-dwelling malnourished children and adults in Dhaka. Methods Serum samples were collected from three different cohorts: stunted (length-for-age Z-scores (LAZ) <−2) and at risk of stunting children (LAZ <−1 to −2) and malnourished adults (body mass index <18.5 kg/m2). Samples from all the participants were assessed for anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG-IgA) and total serum IgA by ELISA. Positive tTG-IgA and randomly selected low IgA values were reconfirmed using anti-tTG-IgG and gliadin IgG ELISA. CD was diagnosed when second screening tests were found positive and the participants were further investigated by small bowel biopsy. Results A total of 818 participants (240 stunted, 272 at risk of stunting children and 306 malnourished adults) were enrolled in the study. Overall, anti-tTG-IgA was positive in 5/818 (0.6%; 95% CI 0.25% to 1.46%). Of the five positive cases, anti-tTG-IgG and gliadin IgG were found positive in only one participant. Duodenal biopsy of positive participant revealed characteristic lesions of CD. Randomly selected low IgA values were found negative in tTG-IgG and gliadin IgG for all the participants. No participant was found total IgA deficient. Conclusion The incidence of coeliac autoimmunity is low in malnourished slum dwellers regardless of age in Bangladesh. It is important to investigate the nationwide prevalence to reveal the definite picture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Amran Gazi
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Subhasish Das
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mustafa Mahfuz
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mehedi Hasan
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shabab Hossain
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Ashraful Alam
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Zannatun Noor
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - M Masudur Rahman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Rashidul Haque
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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16
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Steiner KL, Ahmed S, Gilchrist CA, Burkey C, Cook H, Ma JZ, Korpe PS, Ahmed E, Alam M, Kabir M, Tofail F, Ahmed T, Haque R, Petri WA, Faruque ASG. Species of Cryptosporidia Causing Subclinical Infection Associated With Growth Faltering in Rural and Urban Bangladesh: A Birth Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 67:1347-1355. [PMID: 29897482 PMCID: PMC6186860 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [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: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of childhood diarrhea in low- and middle-income countries and has been linked to impairment of child growth. This study investigated the burden of cryptosporidiosis and its impact on child growth in both a rural and an urban site in Bangladesh. Methods Pregnant women in the second trimester were identified at 2 sites in Bangladesh, 1 urban and 1 rural. Their offspring were enrolled at birth into the study (urban, n = 250; rural, n = 258). For 2 years, the children were actively monitored for diarrhea and anthropometric measurements were obtained every 3 months. Stool samples were collected monthly and during diarrheal episodes with Cryptosporidium infection and causative species determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. Results Cryptosporidium infections were common at both sites and mostly subclinical. In the urban site, 161 (64%) children were infected and 65 (26%) had ≥2 infections. In the rural site, 114 (44%) were infected and 24 (9%) had multiple infections. Adjusted for potential confounders, cryptosporidiosis was associated with a significantly greater drop in the length-for-age z score (LAZ) at 24 months from LAZ at enrollment (Δ-LAZ), an effect greatest in the children with multiple episodes of cryptosporidiosis. The most common species in Mirpur was Cryptosporidium hominis, whereas Cryptosporidium meleagridis predominated in Mirzapur. Conclusions Cryptosporidiosis is common in early childhood and associated with early growth faltering in Bangladeshi children. Predominant Cryptosporidium species differed between the 2 sites, suggesting different exposures or modes of transmission but similar consequences for child growth. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02764918.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Steiner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Shahnawaz Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Cecelia Burkey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | | | - Jennie Z Ma
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Poonum S Korpe
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emtiaz Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Masud Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Tofail
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville,Correspondence: W. A. Petri Jr, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, PO Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1340 ()
| | - Abu S G Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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17
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Abstract
Parasitic protozoan infections represent a major health burden in the developing world and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. These infections are often associated with considerable variability in clinical presentation. An emerging body of work suggests that the intestinal microbiota may help to explain some of these differences in disease expression. The objective of this minireview is to synthesize recent progress in this rapidly advancing field. Studies of humans and animals and in vitro studies of the contribution of the intestinal microbiota to infectious disease are discussed. We hope to provide an understanding of the human-protozoal pathogen-microbiome interaction and to speculate on how that might be leveraged for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L Burgess
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Tucker C Lynn
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - William A Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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18
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Ramakrishnan G, Wright M, Alam M, Naylor C, Kabir M, Zerin A, Ferdous T, Pedersen K, Hennig BJ, Donowitz JR, Wegmuller R, Haque R, Petri WA, Herbein J, Gilchrist CA. Rapid assessment of tetanus vaccine-induced immunity in Bangladesh and the Gambia. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 87:272-274. [PMID: 27916543 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We have developed recombinant fragment C based rapid point of care dipstick devices to assess tetanus immunization status using plasma or whole blood. The devices demonstrated specificity of 0.90 and sensitivity of 0.90 (whole blood)/0.94 (plasma) at field sites in Bangladesh and The Gambia when compared to a commercial ELISA with the immune cut-off titer set as ≥0.1IU/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girija Ramakrishnan
- Department of Medicine/Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Masud Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (icddr,b)
| | - Caitlin Naylor
- Nutrition Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia (MRCG), Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (icddr,b)
| | - Ayesha Zerin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (icddr,b)
| | - Tahsin Ferdous
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (icddr,b)
| | | | - Branwen J Hennig
- Nutrition Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia (MRCG), Banjul, The Gambia; MRC International Nutrition Group, London, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jeffrey R Donowitz
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| | - Rita Wegmuller
- Nutrition Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia (MRCG), Banjul, The Gambia; MRC International Nutrition Group, London, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (icddr,b)
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine/Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine/Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Abstract
The outcome of an Entamoeba histolytica infection is variable and the contribution of genetic diversity within E. histolytica to human disease is not fully understood. The information provided by the whole genome sequence of the E. histolytica reference laboratory strain (HM-1:IMSS) and thirteen additional laboratory strains have been made publically available. In this review theories on the source of the unexpected level of structural diversity found in E. histolytica will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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20
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Spadafora LJ, Kearney MR, Siddique A, Ali IK, Gilchrist CA, Arju T, Hoffstrom B, Nguyen FK, Petri WA, Haque R, Cangelosi GA. Species-Specific Immunodetection of an Entamoeba histolytica Cyst Wall Protein. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004697. [PMID: 27152855 PMCID: PMC4859568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica causes intestinal disease in endemic settings throughout the world. Diagnosis of E. histolytica infection would be improved by the identification of biomarkers that are expressed by cysts of E. histolytica, but not by cysts of closely related commensal species of Entamoeba. Herein, we describe two novel monoclonal antibodies (1A4 and 1D3) produced against a spacer region of the E. histolytica Jacob2 lectin, an outer cyst wall protein. These reagents demonstrated no cross-reaction to E. dispar recombinant antigen and low picomolar molecular detection limits when paired in ELISA sandwich assays. In an immunofluorescence microscopy assay, the α-Jacob2 murine antibodies labeled cysts of three xenically cultured E. histolytica isolates but did not label cysts of three E. bangladeshi isolates. Monoclonal antibody 1A4 did not cross-react with xenic cultures of three E. dispar isolates, demonstrating specificity to E. histolytica, while monoclonal antibody 1D3 cross-reacted with two out of three E. dispar isolates. Both antibodies labeled cysts in formalin-fixed slides, a potential logistical advantage in some settings. The monoclonal antibody 1A4 was also used in an immunofluorescence microscopy assay with formalin-fixed stool specimens. Seven out of ten ELISA-positive stool specimens exhibited 1A4-labeled cyst-like objects, compared to one out of seven ELISA-negative specimens. These results demonstrate that antibodies generated against the flexible spacer of E. histolytica Jacob2 lectin recognize and bind to Jacob2 protein in whole cysts and are capable of differentiating Entamoeba species in fixed specimens. Thus, Jacob2 is a promising biomarker for use in diagnosing E. histolytica infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J. Spadafora
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Moira R. Kearney
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Abdullah Siddique
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ibne K. Ali
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carol A. Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Tuhinur Arju
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Benjamin Hoffstrom
- Antibody Technology Core, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Felicia K. Nguyen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - William A. Petri
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gerard A. Cangelosi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Gilchrist CA, Petri SE, Schneider BN, Reichman DJ, Jiang N, Begum S, Watanabe K, Jansen CS, Elliott KP, Burgess SL, Ma JZ, Alam M, Kabir M, Haque R, Petri WA. Role of the Gut Microbiota of Children in Diarrhea Due to the Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba histolytica. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:1579-85. [PMID: 26712950 PMCID: PMC4837909 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. An estimated 1 million children die each year before their fifth birthday from diarrhea. Previous population-based surveys of pediatric diarrheal diseases have identified the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, the etiological agent of amebiasis, as one of the causes of moderate-to-severe diarrhea in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Methods. We prospectively studied the natural history of E. histolytica colonization and diarrhea among infants in an urban slum of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results. Approximately 80% of children were infected with E. histolytica by the age of 2 years. Fecal anti-galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine lectin immunoglobulin A was associated with protection from reinfection, while a high parasite burden and expansion of the Prevotella copri level was associated with diarrhea. Conclusions. E. histolytica infection was prevalent in this population, with most infections asymptomatic and diarrhea associated with both the amount of parasite and the composition of the microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sharmin Begum
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennie Z Ma
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Masud Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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22
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Abstract
In addition to the ever-present concern of medical professionals about epidemics of infectious diseases, the relative ease of access and low cost of obtaining, producing, and disseminating pathogenic organisms or biological toxins mean that bioterrorism activity should also be considered when facing a disease outbreak. Utilization of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in outbreak analysis facilitates the rapid and accurate identification of virulence factors of the pathogen and can be used to identify the path of disease transmission within a population and provide information on the probable source. Molecular tools such as WGS are being refined and advanced at a rapid pace to provide robust and higher-resolution methods for identifying, comparing, and classifying pathogenic organisms. If these methods of pathogen characterization are properly applied, they will enable an improved public health response whether a disease outbreak was initiated by natural events or by accidental or deliberate human activity. The current application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to microbial WGS and microbial forensics is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Stephen D Turner
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Margaret F Riley
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA School of Law, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Erik L Hewlett
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Ramakrishnan G, Pedersen K, Guenette D, Sink J, Haque R, Petri WA, Herbein J, Gilchrist CA. Utility of recombinant fragment C for assessment of anti-tetanus antibodies in plasma. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 82:11-3. [PMID: 25749462 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Anti-tetanus antibodies in biological samples are typically detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on toxoided tetanus neurotoxin as antigen. We demonstrate that recombinantly produced fragment C of the toxin heavy chain is an effective alternative antigen for assessment of tetanus-immune status in plasma samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girija Ramakrishnan
- Department of Medicine/Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine/Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA, USA
| | | | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine/Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA, USA.
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24
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Abstract
Molecular tools have the potential to differentiate microscopically similar gut micro-eukaryotes that may have significantly different relationships with the human host. Using broad range Entamoeba primers to amplify a section of the eukaryotic 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene a novel member of the Entamoeba family (Entamoeba bangladeshi) has recently been identified. The goal of this review is to place this species in the context of what is already known about this genus and to discuss the tools and data needed to elucidate the host-microbe relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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25
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Kato K, Takegawa Y, Ralston KS, Gilchrist CA, Hamano S, Petri WA, Shinohara Y. Sialic acid-dependent attachment of mucins from three mouse strains to Entamoeba histolytica. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 436:252-8. [PMID: 23726913 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.05.085] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mouse strain-specific differences in the carbohydrate composition of intestinal mucins were hypothesized to account for strain-dependent susceptibility to Entamoeba histolytica. To test this hypothesis, intestinal mucins from susceptible and resistant inbred strains of mice were analyzed for their O-glycan content and for their ability to inhibit amoebic adherence to (GalNAc)12-27-HSA neo-glycoproteins. The results showed that the colorectal mucin O-glycan of susceptible CBA mice was lower in sialic acid content than that of resistant C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. Mucins from CBA mice were more potent inhibitors of E. histolytica adherence to neo-glycoproteins than were mucins from C57BL/6 or BALB/c mice. Consistent with the role of terminal Gal/GalNAc as a receptor for amoebic adherence, sialidase treatment of C57BL/6 and BALB/c colorectal mucins increased their ability to inhibit E. histolytica adherence to the neo-glycoproteins. These results provide evidence of mouse strain-specific differences in the sialic acids content of mucin O-glycans. These dissimilarities likely contribute to the differential susceptibility of the three mouse strains to E. histolytica infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Kato
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan.
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26
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Abhyankar MM, Shrimal S, Gilchrist CA, Bhattacharya A, Petri WA. The Entamoeba histolytica serum-inducible transmembrane kinase EhTMKB1-9 is involved in intestinal amebiasis. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2012; 2:243-248. [PMID: 23267432 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica possesses a family of approximately 100 putative transmembrane kinases (TMKs), indicating that the parasite has an extensive means of environmental sensing. The TMKs have been divided into nine sub-groups based on the sequence composition of their intracellular kinase as well as extracellular cysteine-rich domains. EhTMKB1-9 has been recently shown to be expressed in proliferating trophozoites and induced by serum. Interference with EhTMKB1-9 by antisense RNA knockdown or expression of a truncated protein diminished proliferation, adhesion and cytotoxicity. Here we report the involvement of EhTMKB1-9 in phagocytosis and its virulence function in the formation of amebic colitis. Trophozoites induced to express higher levels of wild type EhTMKB1-9 showed increased capacity for endocytosis. In contrast, cells compromised for the EhTMKB1-9 expression through antisense inhibition showed significantly lower levels of phagocytosis and endocytosis under the experimental conditions. The role of EhTMKB1-9 as a virulence factor was studied using animal models of amebiasis. Trophozoites expressing high levels of mutant protein lacking the kinase domain showed a competitive disadvantage with regard to survival as well as invasive phenotype in the murine model of amebic colitis. The same parasites however, were not compromised in their ability to generate abscess in the gerbil model of invasive liver amebiasis. EhTMKB1-9 is the second member from the "B" group of EhTMKs which seems to be deployed by the parasite during intestinal infection. TMKs are attractive targets for drug development because of their requirement in virulence and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuresh M Abhyankar
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, School of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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27
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Gilchrist CA, Ali IKM, Kabir M, Alam F, Scherbakova S, Ferlanti E, Weedall GD, Hall N, Haque R, Petri WA, Caler E. A Multilocus Sequence Typing System (MLST) reveals a high level of diversity and a genetic component to Entamoeba histolytica virulence. BMC Microbiol 2012; 12:151. [PMID: 22839995 PMCID: PMC3438053 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-12-151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The outcome of an Entamoeba histolytica infection is variable and can result in either asymptomatic carriage, immediate or latent disease (diarrhea/dysentery/amebic liver abscess). An E. histolytica multilocus genotyping system based on tRNA gene-linked arrays has shown that genetic differences exist among parasites isolated from patients with different symptoms however, the tRNA gene-linked arrays cannot be located in the current assembly of the E. histolytica Reference genome (strain HM-1:IMSS) and are highly variable. Results To probe the population structure of E. histolytica and identify genetic markers associated with clinical outcome we identified in E. histolytica positive samples selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by multiplexed massive parallel sequencing. Profile SNPs were selected which, compared to the reference strain HM-1:IMSS sequence, changed an encoded amino acid at the SNP position, and were present in independent E. histolytica isolates from different geographical origins. The samples used in this study contained DNA isolated from either xenic strains of E. histolytica trophozoites established in culture or E. histolytica positive clinical specimens (stool and amebic liver abscess aspirates). A record of the SNPs present at 16 loci out of the original 21 candidate targets was obtained for 63 of the initial 84 samples (63% of asymptomatically colonized stool samples, 80% of diarrheal stool, 73% of xenic cultures and 84% of amebic liver aspirates). The sequences in all the 63 samples both passed sequence quality control metrics and also had the required greater than 8X sequence coverage for all 16 SNPs in order to confidently identify variants. Conclusions Our work is in agreement with previous findings of extensive diversity among E. histolytica isolates from the same geographic origin. In phylogenetic trees, only four of the 63 samples were able to group in two sets of two with greater than 50% confidence. Two SNPs in the cylicin-2 gene (EHI_080100/XM_001914351) were associated with disease (asymptomatic/diarrhea p = 0.0162 or dysentery/amebic liver abscess p = 0.0003). This study demonstrated that there are genetic differences between virulent and avirulent E. histolytica strains and that this approach has the potential to define genetic changes that influence infection outcomes.
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28
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Duggal P, Guo X, Haque R, Peterson KM, Ricklefs S, Mondal D, Alam F, Noor Z, Verkerke HP, Marie C, Leduc CA, Chua SC, Myers MG, Leibel RL, Houpt E, Gilchrist CA, Sher A, Porcella SF, Petri WA. A mutation in the leptin receptor is associated with Entamoeba histolytica infection in children. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:1191-8. [PMID: 21393862 DOI: 10.1172/jci45294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malnutrition substantially increases susceptibility to Entamoeba histolytica in children. Leptin is a hormone produced by adipocytes that inhibits food intake, influences the immune system, and is suppressed in malnourished children. Therefore we hypothesized that diminished leptin function may increase susceptibility to E. histolytica infection. We prospectively observed a cohort of children, beginning at preschool age, for infection by the parasite E. histolytica every other day over 9 years and evaluated them for genetic variants in leptin (LEP) and the leptin receptor (LEPR). We found increased susceptibility to intestinal infection by this parasite associated with an amino acid substitution in the cytokine receptor homology domain 1 of LEPR. Children carrying the allele for arginine (223R) were nearly 4 times more likely to have an infection compared with those homozygous for the ancestral glutamine allele (223Q). An association of this allele with amebic liver abscess was also determined in an independent cohort of adult patients. In addition, mice carrying at least 1 copy of the R allele of Lepr were more susceptible to infection and exhibited greater levels of mucosal destruction and intestinal epithelial apoptosis after amebic infection. These findings suggest that leptin signaling is important in mucosal defense against amebiasis and that polymorphisms in the leptin receptor explain differences in susceptibility of children in the Bangladesh cohort to amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Duggal
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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29
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Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amebiasis and infects up to 10% of the world's population. The molecular techniques that have enabled the up- and down-regulation of gene expression rely on the transfection of stably maintained plasmids. While these have increased our understanding of Entamoeba virulence factors, the capacity to integrate exogenous DNA into genome, which would allow reverse genetics experiments, would be a significant advantage in the study of this parasite. The challenges presented by this organism include inability to select for homologous recombination events and difficulty to cure episomal plasmid DNA from transfected trophozoites. The later results in a high background of exogenous DNA, a major problem in the identification of trophozoites in which a bona fide genomic integration event has occurred. We report the development of a negative selection system based upon transgenic expression of a yeast cytosine deaminase and uracil phosphoribosyl transferase chimera (FCU1) and selection with prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). The FCU1 enzyme converts non-toxic 5-FC into toxic 5-fluorouracil and 5-fluorouridine-5'-monophosphate. E. histolytica lines expressing FCU1 were found to be 30 fold more sensitive to the prodrug compared to the control strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuresh M Abhyankar
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, USA
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30
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Buss SN, Hamano S, Vidrich A, Evans C, Zhang Y, Crasta OR, Sobral BW, Gilchrist CA, Petri WA. Members of the Entamoeba histolytica transmembrane kinase family play non-redundant roles in growth and phagocytosis. Int J Parasitol 2010; 40:833-43. [PMID: 20083116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Revised: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica contains a large and novel family of transmembrane kinases (TMKs). The expression patterns of the E. histolytica TMKs in individual trophozoites and the roles of the TMKs for sensing and responding to extracellular cues were incompletely characterised. Here we provide evidence that single cells express multiple TMKs and that TMK39 and TMK54 likely serve non-redundant cellular functions. Laser-capture microdissection was used in conjunction with microarray analysis to demonstrate that single trophozoites express more than one TMK gene. Anti-peptide antibodies were raised against unique regions in the extracellular domains of TMK39, TMK54 and PaTMK, and TMK expression was analysed at the protein level. Flow cytometric assays revealed that populations of trophozoites homogeneously expressed TMK39, TMK54 and PaTMK, while confocal microscopy identified different patterns of cell surface expression for TMK39 and TMK54. The functions of TMK39 and TMK54 were probed by the inducible expression of dominant-negative mutants. While TMK39 co-localised with ingested beads and expression of truncated TMK39 interfered with trophozoite phagocytosis of apoptotic lymphocytes, expression of a truncated TMK54 inhibited growth of amoebae and altered the surface expression of the heavy subunit of the E. histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin. Overall, our data indicates that multiple members of the novel E. histolytica TMK family are utilised for non-redundant functions by the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Buss
- Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1340, USA.
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31
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Gilchrist CA, Petri WA. Using differential gene expression to study Entamoeba histolytica pathogenesis. Trends Parasitol 2009; 25:124-31. [PMID: 19217826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2008.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2008] [Revised: 11/26/2008] [Accepted: 12/04/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The release of the Entamoeba histolytica genome has facilitated the development of techniques to survey rapidly and to relate gene expression with biology. The association and potential contribution of differential gene expression to the life cycle and the virulence of this protozoan parasite of humans are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Pathology, University of Virginia, PO Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1340, USA
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32
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Clark CG, Alsmark UCM, Tazreiter M, Saito-Nakano Y, Ali V, Marion S, Weber C, Mukherjee C, Bruchhaus I, Tannich E, Leippe M, Sicheritz-Ponten T, Foster PG, Samuelson J, Noël CJ, Hirt RP, Embley TM, Gilchrist CA, Mann BJ, Singh U, Ackers JP, Bhattacharya S, Bhattacharya A, Lohia A, Guillén N, Duchêne M, Nozaki T, Hall N. Structure and content of the Entamoeba histolytica genome. Adv Parasitol 2008; 65:51-190. [PMID: 18063096 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(07)65002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica is one of the first protists for which a draft genome sequence has been published. Although the genome is still incomplete, it is unlikely that many genes are missing from the list of those already identified. In this chapter we summarise the features of the genome as they are currently understood and provide previously unpublished analyses of many of the genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Clark
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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33
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Gilchrist CA, Houpt E, Trapaidze N, Fei Z, Crasta O, Asgharpour A, Evans C, Martino-Catt S, Baba DJ, Stroup S, Hamano S, Ehrenkaufer G, Okada M, Singh U, Nozaki T, Mann BJ, Petri WA. Impact of intestinal colonization and invasion on the Entamoeba histolytica transcriptome. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 147:163-76. [PMID: 16569449 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2006.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2005] [Revised: 02/07/2006] [Accepted: 02/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A genome-wide transcriptional analysis of Entamoeba histolytica was performed on trophozoites isolated from the colon of six infected mice and from in vitro culture. An Affymetrix platform gene expression array was designed for this analysis that included probe sets for 9435 open reading frames (ORFs) and 9066 5' and 3' flanking regions. Transcripts were detected for > 80% of all ORFs. A total of 523 transcripts (5.2% of all E. histolytica genes) were significantly changed in amebae isolated from the intestine on Days 1 and 29 after infection: 326 and 109 solely on Days 1 and 29, and 88 on both days. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR confirmed these changes in 11/12 genes tested using mRNA isolated from an additional six mice. Adaptation to the intestinal environment was accompanied by increases in a subset of cell signaling genes including transmembrane kinases, ras and rho family GTPases, and calcium binding proteins. Significant decreases in mRNA abundance for genes involved in glycolysis and concomitant increases in lipases were consistent with a change in energy metabolism. Defense against bacteria present in the intestine (but lacking from in vitro culture) was suggested by alterations in mRNA levels of genes similar to the AIG1 plant antibacterial proteins. Decreases in oxygen detoxification pathways were observed as expected in the anaerobic colonic lumen. Of the known virulence factors the most remarkable changes were a 20-35-fold increase in a cysteine proteinase four-like gene, and a 2-3-fold decrease in two members of the Gal/GalNAc lectin light subunit family. Control of the observed changes in mRNA abundance in the intestine might potentially rest with four related proteins with DNA binding domains that were down-regulated 6-16-fold in the intestinal environment. In conclusion, the first genome-wide analysis of the transcriptome of E. histolytica demonstrated that the vast majority of genes are transcribed in trophozoites, and that in the host intestine trophozoites altered the expression of mRNAs for genes implicated in metabolism, oxygen defense, cell signaling, virulence, antibacterial activity, and DNA binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1340, USA.
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34
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Ramakrishnan G, Gilchrist CA, Musa H, Torok MS, Grant PA, Mann BJ, Petri WA. Histone acetyltransferases and deacetylase in Entamoeba histolytica. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2005; 138:205-16. [PMID: 15555732 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2004.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2004] [Accepted: 09/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In our efforts to understand how transcription may be regulated in Entamoeba histolytica, we have examined if this parasite has conserved enzymatic mechanisms for targeted acetylation and deacetylation of histones. Western blotting indicated that basic nuclear proteins in the size range of 16-23 kDa were acetylated in amebic trophozoites, suggesting histone acetylation. Single representatives of the GNAT and MYST family of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) were identified in the E. histolytica genome and their expression in amebic trophozoites was detected by reverse transcription of RNA followed by the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Full-length recombinant EhMYST protein demonstrated HAT activity with calf thymus histones and showed a preference for histone H4, similar to the yeast MYST protein, Esa1. However, ehMYST did not complement a yeast esa1 mutation. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity was detected in nuclear extracts from E. histolytica, and characteristically, was inhibited by trichostatin A (TSA). Consistent with the observation of HDAC activity, RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that an amebic hdac1 homolog (ehHDAC) is expressed and appropriately spliced in E. histolytica trophozoites. Our results suggest that mechanisms for histone acetylation and deacetylation are operational in E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girija Ramakrishnan
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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35
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Ng CT, Gilchrist CA, Lane A, Roy S, Haque R, Houpt ER. Multiplex real-time PCR assay using Scorpion probes and DNA capture for genotype-specific detection of Giardia lamblia on fecal samples. J Clin Microbiol 2005; 43:1256-60. [PMID: 15750093 PMCID: PMC1081263 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.43.3.1256-1260.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2004] [Revised: 10/14/2004] [Accepted: 11/09/2004] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Two major genotypic assemblages of Giardia lamblia infect humans; the epidemiologic significance of this phenomenon is poorly understood. We developed a single-vessel multiplex real-time PCR (qPCR) assay that genotypes Giardia infections into assemblages A and/or B directly from fecal samples. The assay utilized Scorpion probes that combined genotype-specific primers and probes for the 18S rRNA gene into the same molecule. The protocol was capable of detecting as few as 20 trophozoites per PCR on fecal DNA isolated using a commercial method or 1.25 trophozoites per PCR on fecal DNA isolated using a G. lamblia-specific oligonucleotide capture technique. The assay was specific for fecal specimens, with no amplification of the discordant genotype with the opposite Scorpion probe. When 97 clinical specimens from Bangladesh were used, the multiplex PCR assay detected 95% (21 of 22) of Giardia microscopy-positive specimens and 18% (13 of 74) of microscopy-negative specimens. Microscopy-negative and qPCR-positive specimens had higher average cycle threshold values than microscopy-positive and qPCR-positive specimens, suggesting that they represented true low-burden infections. Most (32 of 35) infections were assemblage B infections. This single-reaction multiplex qPCR assay distinguishes assemblage A Giardia infections from assemblage B infections directly on fecal samples and may aid epidemiologic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie T Ng
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, MR4 Building, Room 2144, P.O. Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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36
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Gilchrist CA, Gray DA, Stieber A, Gonatas NK, Kopito RR. Effect of ubiquitin expression on neuropathogenesis in a mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2005; 31:20-33. [PMID: 15634228 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2004.00604.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a central component in the cellular defence against potentially toxic protein aggregates. UPS dysfunction is linked to the pathogenesis of both sporadic and inherited neurodegenerative diseases, including dominantly inherited familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). To investigate the role of the UPS in fALS pathogenesis, transgenic mice expressing mutant G9 3A Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) were crossed with transgenic mice expressing epitope tagged, wild-type or dominant-negative mutant ubiquitin (Ub(K48R)). RNase protection assays were used to confirm expression of the Ub transgenes in spinal cord and ubiquitin transgene levels were estimated to account for 9-12% of total ubiquitin. Mice expressing the G9 3A transgene exhibited neurological symptoms and histopathological changes typical of this model irrespective of ubiquitin transgene status. Impaired rotarod performance was observed in all G9 3A transgenics by 7 weeks of age irrespective of ubiquitin genotype. The presence of wild-type or mutant ubiquitin transgenes resulted in a small but significant delay in the onset of clinical symptoms and mild acceleration of disease progression, without influencing overall survival. These data suggest that relatively small changes in ubiquitin expression can influence the development of neurodegenerative disease and are consistent with a neuroprotective role for the UPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Gilchrist
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Gilchrist CA, Leo M, Line CG, Mann BJ, Petri WA. Calcium modulates promoter occupancy by the Entamoeba histolytica Ca2+-binding transcription factor URE3-BP. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:4646-53. [PMID: 12466263 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m211271200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Entamoeba histolytica upstream regulatory element 3-binding protein (URE3-BP) binds to the URE3 sequence of the Gal/GalNAc-inhibitable lectin hgl5 and ferredoxin 1 (fdx) gene promoters. This binding can be inhibited in vitro by addition of calcium. Two EF-hand motifs, which are associated with the ability to bind calcium, are present in the amino acid sequence of URE3-BP. Mutation of the second EF-hand motif in URE3-BP resulted in the loss of calcium inhibition of DNA binding as monitored by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that URE3-BP was physically bound to the hgl5 and fdx promoters in vivo. Parasite intracellular calcium concentrations were altered by changes in extracellular calcium. Promoter occupancy was lost when intracellular calcium levels were increased by coordinate increases in extracellular calcium. Increased intracellular calcium also resulted in decreased levels of URE3-BP mRNA. Together these results demonstrate that changes in extracellular calcium result in changes in URE3-BP mRNA and in the ability of URE3-BP to bind to URE3-containing promoters. Modulation of URE3-BP by calcium may represent an important mechanism of control of gene expression in E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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Singh U, Gilchrist CA, Schaenman JM, Rogers JB, Hockensmith JW, Mann BJ, Petri WA. Context-dependent roles of the Entamoeba histolytica core promoter element GAAC in transcriptional activation and protein complex assembly. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2002; 120:107-16. [PMID: 11849710 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-6851(01)00441-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional control of the hgl5 gene of Entamoeba histolytica is mediated through an unusual core promoter composed of TATA, GAAC and Initiator elements. In the hgl5 promoter the GAAC element (AATGAACT) determines the site and rate of transcription initiation. Here we tested the role of the GAAC element in transcription activation from upstream regulatory elements (UREs) in the hgl5 promoter. We also examined the function of the GAAC element in the ferredoxin (fdx) promoter and characterized the protein binding to the GAAC element. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) demonstrated that the GAAC region is necessary for higher-order nuclear protein complex assembly. The function of the GAAC element in transcription activation mediated by UREs revealed that mutation of the GAAC element did not affect transcription activation mediated by the hgl5 URE4 but abrogated activation by the hgl5 URE3. We compared the role of the GAAC elements in the hgl5 and fdx promoters. Competitive gel shift assays were consistent with the same nuclear protein binding to the GAAC elements in both genes. Mutation of the GAAC element in the fdx gene decreased reporter gene expression, however, in contrast to hgl5 gene, had no effect on the site of transcription initiation. These results support a role for the GAAC element in assembly of nuclear proteins at the core promoter and in transcription activation mediated by URE3. The differing effect on transcription initiation in the hgl5 and fdx genes upon mutation of the GAAC element suggests a context-dependence of the GAAC-binding protein in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upinder Singh
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Ayeh-Kumi PF, Ali IM, Lockhart LA, Gilchrist CA, Petri WA, Haque R. Entamoeba histolytica: genetic diversity of clinical isolates from Bangladesh as demonstrated by polymorphisms in the serine-rich gene. Exp Parasitol 2001; 99:80-8. [PMID: 11748961 DOI: 10.1006/expr.2001.4652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The varied organ tropisms and clinical presentations of infection by Entamoeba histolytica have stimulated interest in the role of parasite genetic diversity in virulence. We investigated genetic diversity among 54 E. histolytica isolates from Bangladesh by analyzing polymorphism in the serine-rich gene by nested PCR on DNA extracted from stool and liver aspirate pus. We detected both size and restriction site polymorphisms among the isolates within this endemic area. A combination of the nested PCR results and the AluI digestion of the PCR products examined yielded 25 distinct DNA banding patterns among the 42 stool isolates and an additional 9 distinct patterns among the 12 liver abscess isolates. Approximately half of the isolates had unique polymorphisms. Interestingly, the majority of E. histolytica from the liver had polymorphisms which were not present in intestinal isolates from the same geographic area. These data are consistent with the existence of genetic differences between E. histolytica which cause intestinal and those which cause hepatic disease. We conclude that there is genetic diversity within E. histolytica isolates from an endemic population as reflected in serine-rich E. histolytica protein gene polymorphism. The correlation of genetic differences with the pathogenic potential of E. histolytica strains and the implications of genetic diversity for the immunoprophylaxis of amebiasis require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- P F Ayeh-Kumi
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-1340, USA
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Blanchette P, Gilchrist CA, Baker RT, Gray DA. Association of UNP, a ubiquitin-specific protease, with the pocket proteins pRb, p107 and p130. Oncogene 2001; 20:5533-7. [PMID: 11571651 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1204823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [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: 01/24/2001] [Revised: 06/01/2001] [Accepted: 07/11/2001] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The murine Unp gene encodes a widely expressed ubiquitin-specific protease. The predicted sequence of the UNP protein features motifs common to viral oncoproteins through which these proteins interact with the retinoblastoma gene product pRb, as well as the related 'pocket proteins' p107 and p130. We have explored the possibility that UNP interacts with pocket proteins, and report here that such associations can be detected in vitro and in cells. Associations of UNP and pocket proteins are sensitive to site-directed mutations in a manner directly analogous to those documented in viral oncoproteins. We conclude that within cells UNP does physically associate with pRb, and can also associate with p107 and p130.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blanchette
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, 503 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Canada K1H 1C4
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Cheng XJ, Hughes MA, Huston CD, Loftus B, Gilchrist CA, Lockhart LA, Ghosh S, Miller-Sims V, Mann BJ, Petri WA, Tachibana H. Intermediate subunit of the Gal/GalNAc lectin of Entamoeba histolytica is a member of a gene family containing multiple CXXC sequence motifs. Infect Immun 2001; 69:5892-8. [PMID: 11500468 PMCID: PMC98708 DOI: 10.1128/iai.69.9.5892-5898.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Killing by Entamoeba histolytica requires parasite adherence to host galactose- and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (Gal/GalNAc)-containing cell surface receptors. A 260-kDa heterodimeric E. histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin composed of heavy (Hgl) and light (Lgl) subunits has been previously described. Here we present the cloning and characterization of Igl, a 150-kDa intermediate subunit of the Gal/GalNAc lectin. Igl, Hgl, and Lgl colocalized on the surface membrane of trophozoites. Two unlinked copies of genes encoding Igl shared 81% amino acid sequence identity (GenBank accession no. AF337950 and AF337951). They encoded cysteine-rich proteins with amino- and carboxy-terminal hydrophobic signal sequences characteristic of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane proteins. The igl genes lacked carbohydrate recognition domains but were members of a large family of amebic genes containing CXXC and CXC motifs. These data indicate that Igl is part of the parasite's multimolecular Gal/GalNAc adhesin required for host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- X J Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
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Gilchrist CA, Holm CF, Hughes MA, Schaenman JM, Mann BJ, Petri WA. Identification and characterization of an Entamoeba histolytica upstream regulatory element 3 sequence-specific DNA-binding protein containing EF-hand motifs. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:11838-43. [PMID: 11278344 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m007375200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The hgl5 gene of Entamoeba histolytica is negatively regulated through the upstream regulatory element 3 (URE3) DNA motif TATTCTATT. This motif is also present and significant in the function of the E. histolytica fdx gene promoter. A yeast one-hybrid screen was used to identify an E. histolytica cDNA encoding a protein (URE3-BP) that recognized this DNA motif. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence demonstrated the presence of two EF-hand motifs but identified no canonical DNA binding motifs. URE3-BP, expressed in bacteria, demonstrated Ca(2+)-dependent and sequence-specific recognition of the URE3 DNA sequence as assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Antibodies raised against URE3-BP blocked the formation of the URE3 DNA-protein complex by native nuclear extracts. The URE3-BP protein was present in the E. histolytica nucleus and cytoplasm with an apparent molecular mass of 22.6 kDa. Our results represent the first use of a yeast genetic screen to identify, on the basis of function, a DNA-binding protein of an early branching eukaryote. Since the URE3 DNA can modulate gene expression in both a positive and negative manner, this protein may have more than one mechanism of interaction with transcriptional machinery. Characterization of URE3-BP should provide insight into transcription regulation and virulence control in this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Gilchrist
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Microbiology, and Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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Gilchrist CA, Purdy J, Mann BJ, Petri WA. Control of gene expression in Entamoeba histolytica by a cis-acting upstream regulatory element. Arch Med Res 2001; 28 Spec No:39-40. [PMID: 9033005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C A Gilchrist
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, USA.
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Schaenman JM, Gilchrist CA, Mann BJ, Petri WA. Identification of two Entamoeba histolytica sequence-specific URE4 enhancer-binding proteins with homology to the RNA-binding motif RRM. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:1602-9. [PMID: 11038357 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m006866200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To study transcriptional regulation in the lower branching eukaryote Entamoeba histolytica, we have identified two sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that recognize the upstream regulatory element URE4, an enhancer that regulates expression of the Gal/GalNAc lectin heavy subunit gene hgl5. A chromatographic purification of E. histolytica nuclear extracts by gel filtration, cation exchange, and sequence-specific DNA affinity chromatography led to a 700-fold increase in URE4 binding activity and the appearance of two dominant protein species with molecular masses of 28 and 18 kDa. These proteins, termed E. histolytica enhancer-binding proteins 1 and 2 (EhEBP1 and EhEBP2), were sequenced by tandem mass spectroscopy and their corresponding cDNA clones identified. Recombinant EhEBP1 and EhEBP2 were able to bind double-stranded oligonucleotides bearing the URE4 motif in a sequence-specific manner, and antibodies raised against EhEBP1 were able to interfere with the formation of URE4-protein complexes in crude nuclear extracts. Overexpression of EhEBP1 in E. histolytica trophozoites resulted in a 7-fold drop in promoter activity in transiently transfected reporter gene constructs when the URE4 motif was present, confirming its ability to specifically recognize the URE4 motif and suggesting that additional cofactors may be required for transcriptional activation by URE4. Further characterization and identification of binding partners for EhEBP1 and EhEBP2, the first proteins with demonstrated sequence-specific DNA binding activity to be identified in E. histolytica, should provide new insights into transcriptional regulation in this protozoan parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Schaenman
- Departments of Microbiology, Internal Medicine, and Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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Abstract
The ubiquitin-specific proteases (Ubps) are a family of largely dissimilar enzymes with two major conserved sequence regions, containing either a conserved cysteine residue or two conserved histidine residues, respectively. The murine Unp oncoprotein and its human homologue, Unph, both contain regions similar to the conserved Cys and His boxes common to all the Ubps. In this study we show that Unp and Unph are active deubiquitinating enzymes, being able to cleave ubiquitin from both natural and engineered linear ubiquitin-protein fusions, including the polyubiquitin precursor. Mutation of the conserved Unp Cys and His residues abolishes this activity, and identifies the likely His residue in the catalytic triad. Unp is tumorigenic when overexpressed in mice, leading to the suggestion that Unp may play a role in the regulation of ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation. We have demonstrated here that the high-level expression of Unp in yeast does not disrupt the degradation of the N-end rule substrate Tyr-beta-galactosidase (betagal), the non-N-end rule substrate ubiquitin-Pro-betagal, or the degradation of abnormal, canavanine-containing proteins. These data suggest that Unp is not a general modulator of ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. However, Unp may have a role in the regulation of the degradation of a specific, as yet undescribed, substrate(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Gilchrist
- Molecular Genetics Group, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, GPO Box 334, ACT 2601, Canberra, Australia
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Abstract
Recent studies have increased our knowledge of Entamoeba histolytica cell biology and gene regulation. In the ameba, dominant-negative mutations in the Gal/GalNAc lectin affect adhesion and cytolysis, whereas mutations in meromyosin affect cytoskeletal function. Studying these mutant proteins has improved our understanding of the role of these proteins in E. histolytica virulence. The characterization of the CP5 cysteine protease and the induction of apoptosis in host target cells has led to a better comprehension of the mechanisms by which trophozoites can lyse target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia HSC, MR4 Building, Room 2115, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Bosilevac JM, Gilchrist CA, Jankowski PE, Paul S, Rees AR, Hinrichs SH. Inhibition of activating transcription factor 1- and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein-activated transcription by an intracellular single chain Fv fragment. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:16874-9. [PMID: 9642248 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.27.16874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating transcription factor 1 (ATF1) and cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) activate transcription through CREs located in the promoters of cellular and viral genes. We previously described a monoclonal antibody (mAb41.4) that prevents ATF1 binding to DNA and reduces CRE-driven promoter activity in vitro (Orten, D. J., Strawhecker, J. M., Sanderson, S. D., Huang, D., Prytowsky, M. B. , and Hinrichs, S. H. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 32254-32263). A single chain Fv (scFv) fragment from the mAb41.4-expressing hybridoma was generated to provide a means to investigate transcription factor function via intracellular expression of the scFv fragment. The affinity of scFv4 (subgroup: VL kappa-III, VH miscellaneous) for ATF1 was similar to that of the parental mAb and the Fab fragment, but it demonstrated greater inhibitory activity and reacted with CREB. scFv4 disrupted the binding of both ATF1 and CREB in electrophoretic mobility shift assays and reduced expression of CRE-driven expression in vitro. Transient expression of scFv had no effect on the non-CRE-containing adenovirus major late promoter. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen promoter, containing two CREs, was significantly more sensitive to inhibition by scFv than the cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter, containing five CREs. Cotransfection of either ATF1 or CREB in the presence of scFv restored basal levels of expression. The intracellular expression of scFv provides a unique means to investigate the roles of the transcription factors ATF1 and CREB.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Bosilevac
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-6495, USA
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Abstract
The murine Unp gene encodes a ubiquitin-specific protease, a member of a family of enzymes that includes the product of the human tre-2 oncogene. The Unp gene has previously been mapped to chromosome 9. We have cloned in bacteriophage a 50 kilobase region of chromosome 9 containing the Unp gene, and have determined the nucleotide sequence of the gene. The gene has 22 exons, distributed over 47.4 kb. A processed ribosomal S2 pseudogene was identified in the third intron of the Unp gene. Expression of Unp is driven by a GC-rich, 'housekeeping' type promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Di Fruscio
- Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
The ferredoxin (fdx) and lectin (hgl5) promoters of Entamoeba histolytica contain the DNA sequence motif TATTCTATT (URE3). Previously we showed that mutation of the URE3 motif in the hgl5 lectin promoter results in an increase in promoter reporter activity. Mutation of this motif in the fdx promoter led to a 40-to-50% decrease in fdx promoter activity as measured by reporter gene activity and abundance of mRNA. E. histolytica nuclear proteins exhibited sequence-specific binding to the URE3 motif in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. These results support the regulation of both ferredoxin and lectin promoters by a nuclear protein(s) which recognizes the URE3 motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Gilchrist
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, USA
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Abstract
Ubiquitin is a small eukaryotic protein that is synthesized naturally as one of several fusion proteins, which are processed by ubiquitin-specific proteases to release free ubiquitin. The expression of heterologous proteins as fusions to ubiquitin in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic hosts often dramatically enhances their yield, and allows the exposure of any amino acid following cleavage of ubiquitin. The single exception is when proline is the amino acid immediately following ubiquitin; the ubiquitin-proline bond is poorly cleaved by presently studied ubiquitin-specific proteases. We show that the mouse ubiquitin-specific protease Unp, and its human homolog Unph, can efficiently cleave the ubiquitin-proline bond in ubiquitin fusion proteins of different sizes. N-terminal sequencing of the cleavage products reveals that cleavage occurs precisely at the ubiquitin-proline junction. The biological significance of this cleavage activity is unclear, as ubiquitin-proline fusions do not occur naturally. However, it may indicate a different catalytic mechanism for these ubiquitin-specific proteases and/or that they can cleave ubiquitin-like proteins. Unp and Unph thus represent versatile ubiquitin-specific proteases for cleaving ubiquitin-fusion proteins in biotechnology and basic research, regardless of both the amino acid immediately following ubiquitin, and the size of the fusion partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Gilchrist
- Molecular Genetics Group, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, GPO Box 334, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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